This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of offices and whether or not offices should have open-space designs or separate rooms.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Offices
Nowadays, a lot of offices employ open-space designs instead of separate rooms for work.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Many offices these days are opting for open designs over more traditional, compartmentalized floor plans. In my opinion, despite the limited advantages for efficiency, this is a positive change due to its social and work-related benefits.
On the one hand, an open layout can reduce efficiency. When individuals work in private offices or cubicles, they are less likely to be disturbed and can therefore work more effectively. Each time a person is interrupted, this not only requires them to stop working but it may also take an indeterminate amount of time to focus again. Over the course of a day, various interruptions in the aggregate can massively reduce the amount of work completed. Recent research has in fact shown that communication around the office, though beneficial in other ways, does lead to declines in total work output. An office trying to achieve optimal output thus should emphasize private working spaces.
On the other hand, increased communication is a boon both socially and creatively. A standout example of this would be the offices designed by Apple founder Steve Jobs for both Pixar and Apple. He intentionally created offices that directed individuals to meet in common areas and that would facilitate interactions between different divisions in the company. The impact of this on morale is massive as individuals can make friends and enjoy each other’s company throughout the workday. Moreover, the true intention of this design was to facilitate creativity. By meeting others on a regular basis, employees are more likely to combine diverse perspectives and be more imaginative in their work.
In conclusion, although there may be minor tradeoffs in terms of productivity, this is a progressive change as it allows employees to converse and be more creative. Such offices should become the rule, rather than the exception.
Analysis
1. Many offices these days are opting for open designs over more traditional, compartmentalized floor plans. 2. In my opinion, despite the limited advantages for efficiency, this is a positive change due to its social and work-related benefits.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, an open layout can reduce efficiency. 2. When individuals work in private offices or cubicles, they are less likely to be disturbed and can therefore work more effectively. 3. Each time a person is interrupted, this not only requires them to stop working but it may also take an indeterminate amount of time to focus again. 4. Over the course of a day, various interruptions in the aggregate can massively reduce the amount of work completed. 5. Recent research has in fact shown that communication around the office, though beneficial in other ways, does lead to declines in total work output. 6. An office trying to achieve optimal output thus should emphasize private working spaces.
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 development.
1. On the other hand, increased communication is a boon both socially and creatively. 2. A standout example of this would be the offices designed by Apple founder Steve Jobs for both Pixar and Apple. 3. He intentionally created offices that directed individuals to meet in common areas and that would facilitate interactions between different divisions in the company. 4. The impact of this on morale is massive as individuals can make friends and enjoy each other’s company throughout the workday. 5. Moreover, the true intention of this design was to facilitate creativity. 6. By meeting others on a regular basis, employees are more likely to combine diverse perspectives and be more imaginative in their work.
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, although there may be minor tradeoffs in terms of productivity, this is a progressive change as it allows employees to converse and be more creative. 2. Such offices should become the rule, rather than the exception.
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 offices these days are opting for open designs over more traditional, compartmentalized floor plans. In my opinion, despite the limited advantages for efficiency, this is a positive change due to its social and work-related benefits.
On the one hand, an open layout can reduce efficiency. When individuals work in private offices or cubicles, they are less likely to be disturbed and can therefore work more effectively. Each time a person is interrupted, this not only requires them to stop working but it may also take an indeterminate amount of time to focus again. Over the course of a day, various interruptions in the aggregate can massively reduce the amount of work completed. Recent research has in fact shown that communication around the office, though beneficial in other ways, does lead to declines in total work output. An office trying to achieve optimal output thus should emphasize private working spaces.
On the other hand, increased communication is a boon both socially and creatively. A standout example of this would be the offices designed by Apple founder Steve Jobs for both Pixar and Apple. He intentionally created offices that directed individuals to meet in common areas and that would facilitate interactions between different divisions in the company. The impact of this on morale is massive as individuals can make friends and enjoy each other’s company throughout the workday. Moreover, the true intention of this design was to facilitate creativity. By meeting others on a regular basis, employees are more likely to combine diverse perspectives and be more imaginative in their work.
In conclusion, although there may be minor tradeoffs in terms of productivity, this is a progressive change as it allows employees to converse and be more creative. Such offices should become the rule, rather than the exception.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
opting for choosing
open designs lots of space in the floor plan
traditional normal
compartmentalized floor plans offices with lots of cubicles and individual offices
limited advantages small benefits
efficiency productivity
due to because of
social interacting with people
work-related benefits good for your job
open layout office with lots of space
reduce decrease
private offices individual rooms
cubicles spaces sectioned off with walls but not a separate room for work
disturbed interrupted
therefore thus
effectively does it well
interrupted disturbed
requires needs
indeterminate amount of time some period of time
focus concentrate
over the course of a day throughout the day
various different kinds of
in the aggregate all together
massively reduce cut down on a lot
completed finished
recent research has in fact shown new studies indicate
beneficial in other ways good in different ways
lead to causes
total work output amount of work done
achieve optimal output accomplish as much as they can
emphasize private working spaces focus on individual offices
boon benefit
socially talking to others
creatively imaginatively
a standout example of this would be a good instance is
intentionally on purpose
directed pointed at
common areas places to congregate
facilitate interactions make people talk more
different divisions other parts of the company
morale how people in the company feel
massive really big
enjoy each other’s company throughout the workday have fun talking all day
true intention actual reason
facilitate help, enable
on a regular basis normally
combine diverse perspectives learn from others
imaginative creative
minor tradeoffs small disadvantages
in terms of when it comes to
productivity efficiency
progressive change good reform
converse talk
the rule, rather than the exception normal, not rare
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 offices these days are o_______________r o_____________s over more t_____________l, c_________________________s. In my opinion, despite the l____________________s for e______________y, this is a positive change d______o its s______l and w_______________________s.
On the one hand, an o______________t can r__________e efficiency. When individuals work in p______________s or c_________s, they are less likely to be d_________d and can t__________e work more e____________y. Each time a person is i_______________d, this not only r_________s them to stop working but it may also take an i____________________________e to f______s again. O_____________________y, v_________s interruptions i_______________e can m_____________e the amount of work c_________d. R______________________________n that communication around the office, though b__________________s, does l_________o declines in t__________________t. An office trying to a___________________t thus should e______________________s.
On the other hand, increased communication is a b_____n both s_________y and c_________y. A_________________________________e the offices designed by Apple founder Steve Jobs for both Pixar and Apple. He i________________y created offices that d___________d individuals to meet in c_____________s and that would f__________________s between d___________________s in the company. The impact of this on m_________e is m_________e as individuals can make friends and e_____________________________________________y. Moreover, the t______________n of this design was to f__________e creativity. By meeting others o_________________s, employees are more likely to c__________________________s and be more i_______________e in their work.
In conclusion, although there may be m_________________________________y, this is a p_________________e as it allows employees to c_______________e and be more creative. Such offices should become t__________________________________n.
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 governments and private companies and which ones should carry out scientific research.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Governments and Private Companies
Scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the governments rather than private companies.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that scientific research should be conducted by governments instead of private entities. I am largely in disagreement with this sentiment since the risks for public health entailed do not outweigh the competencies of corporations.
Those in favor of state control over research argue governments are not motivated to generate revenue. Companies are inherently concerned with amassing capital and maximizing returns for shareholders and equity partners. An illustrative example of the threat here would be the opioid crisis currently ravaging the United States. Purdue, a privately-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer, produced a pill with knowledge of its extremely addictive properties and intentionally misled the public. The results have been millions of deaths and rising addiction rates to opioids such as heroin. In contrast, the government is able to prioritize public health since they do not have to earn a profit.
However, the example above is an extreme exception as most companies are motivated to innovate and contribute to the public good. The examples of this behavior abound though they are less likely to receive excessive media attention. Such breakthroughs include medicines such as the vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Pfizer and the technologies that companies such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have pioneered in recent decades. These private companies are able to hire and pay the best employees and are often led by visionary leaders who are driven to excel and overcome competition from other firms. The corporate environment creates the catalyst for scientists and researchers to develop transformative devices and make discoveries that benefit the general citizenry.
In conclusion, although companies are likely to pursue profits at all costs, they are also more motivated to innovate. The role of government is therefore to contain the worst excesses of the corporate world.
Analysis
1. Some feel that scientific research should be conducted by governments instead of private entities. 2. I am largely in disagreement with this sentiment since the risks for public health entailed do not outweigh the competencies of corporations.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those in favor of state control over research argue governments are not motivated to generate revenue. 2. Companies are inherently concerned with amassing capital and maximizing returns for shareholders and equity partners. 3. An illustrative example of the threat here would be the opioid crisis currently ravaging the United States. 4. Purdue, a privately-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer, produced a pill with knowledge of its extremely addictive properties and intentionally misled the public. 5. The results have been millions of deaths and rising addiction rates to opioids such as heroin. 6. In contrast, the government is able to prioritize public health since they do not have to earn a profit.
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 development.
1. However, the example above is an extreme exception as most companies are motivated to innovate and contribute to the public good. 2. The examples of this behavior abound though they are less likely to receive excessive media attention. 3. Such breakthroughs include medicines such as the vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Pfizer and the technologies that companies such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have pioneered in recent decades. 4. These private companies are able to hire and pay the best employees and are often led by visionary leaders who are driven to excel and overcome competition from other firms. 5. The corporate environment creates the catalyst for scientists and researchers to develop transformative devices and make discoveries that benefit the general citizenry.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, although companies are likely to pursue profits at all costs, they are also more motivated to innovate. 2. The role of government is therefore to contain the worst excesses of the corporate world.
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 scientific research should be conducted by governments instead of private entities. I am largely in disagreement with this sentiment since the risks for public healthentailed do not outweigh the competencies of corporations.
Those in favor of state control over research argue governments are not motivated to generate revenue. Companies are inherently concerned with amassing capital and maximizing returns for shareholders and equity partners. An illustrative example of the threat here would be the opioid crisis currently ravaging the United States. Purdue, a privately-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer, produced a pill with knowledge of its extremely addictive properties and intentionally misled the public. The results have been millions of deaths and rising addiction rates to opioids such as heroin. In contrast, the government is able to prioritize public health since they do not have to earn a profit.
However, the example above is an extreme exception as most companies are motivated to innovate and contribute to the public good. The examples of this behavior abound though they are less likely to receive excessive media attention. Such breakthroughs include medicines such as the vaccine for Covid-19 developed by Pfizer and the technologies that companies such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have pioneered in recent decades. These private companies are able to hire and pay the best employees and are often led by visionary leaders who are driven to excel and overcome competition from other firms. The corporate environment creates the catalyst for scientists and researchers to develop transformative devices and make discoveries that benefit the general citizenry.
In conclusion, although companies are likely to pursue profits at all costs, they are also more motivated to innovate. The role of government is therefore to contain the worst excesses of the corporate world.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
scientific research studying topics such as medicine and technology
conducted by done by
governments nations, countries, federal governments
instead of rather than
private entities companies
largely in disagreement mostly don’t agree
sentiment opinion
risks threats
public healthentailed how healthy people are included
outweigh stronger than
competencies abilities
corporations companies
those in favor of people who support
state control governments in charge
argue point out
motivated encouraged to
generate revenue make money
inherently concerned naturally care about
amassing capital making more money
maximizing returns making the most possible money
shareholders investors
equity partners people who own part of the company
threat risk
opioid crisis using drugs derived from the poppy flower
currently ravaging now destroying
privately-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer drug company
pill tablet, medicine
extremely addictive properties makes people very dependent
intentionally misled deliberately lied to
results effects
rising addiction rates more people using the drugs
heroin an opioid drug
prioritize public health care more about the health of people
earn make
profit money
extreme exception rare outlier case
innovate come up with new ideas
contribute to add to
the public good the welfare of all
abound are common
receive excessive media attention are on the news a lot
breakthroughs new discoveries, advances
vaccine shot that prevents a disease
pioneered first made
hire give a job
led by visionary leaders created by smart founders
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 s_________________h should be c_____________y g______________s i___________f p____________s. I am l____________________t with this s___________t since the r_____s for p___________he___________d do not o__________h the c______________s of c_____________s.
T___________________f s____________l over research a_____e governments are not m___________d to g____________________e. Companies are i______________________d with a____________________l and m______________________s for s______________rs and e____________________s. An illustrative example of the t___________t here would be the o________________________g the United States. Purdue, a p_______________________________________________r, produced a p____l with knowledge of its e____________________________s and i______________________d the public. The r________s have been millions of deaths and r__________________s to opioids such as h________n. In contrast, the government is able to p_____________________h since they do not have to e____n a p______t.
However, the example above is an e_________________n as most companies are motivated to i______________e and c__________________o t______________________d. The examples of this behavior a________d though they are less likely to r________________________________n. Such b________________s include medicines such as the v_________e for Covid-19 developed by Pfizer and the technologies that companies such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have p___________d in recent decades. These private companies are able to h____e and pay the best employees and are often l_________y v______________________s who are d_______n to e_______l and o____________e competition from other f_______s. The corporate e______________t creates the c___________t for scientists and researchers to d________________________________s and m_______________s that b_________t the g__________________y.
In conclusion, although companies are likely to p______________s a_______________s, they are also more motivated to i____________e. The r_____e of government is therefore to c________n the w____________________s of the c_______________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of employment for men and women in 1970 and 2000 in Belgium, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia in a bar chart from the real IELTS exam.
The bar charts detail men and women between the ages of 60 and 64 working in Belgium, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia in 1970 and 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that men had higher employment figures for all countries in both years with the largest disparity being the difference between men and women in Belgium and the USA in 2000. Proportions of males and females employed decreased across all nations, especially in Belgium.
In the United States in 1970, 88% of men between 60 and 64 were employed compared to just under 80% of women. These proportions were broadly similar to Belgium (79% and 62%) and Indonesia (83% and 63%). The disparity in Japan was slightly larger with 78% of men working and 55% of women.
By 2000, figures for the United States had declined to 79% of men and 41% of women, the second largest drop recorded. Belgium had the largest fall for female employment (down to fewer than 10% working) with a more moderate fall for men to 51%. In Indonesia, employed males fell to 72% as their counterparts slipped by 12% to 50%. Finally, Japan displayed the narrowest gap between genders with 51% of men working and 48% of women.
Analysis
1. The bar charts detail men and women between the ages of 60 and 64 working in Belgium, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia in 1970 and 2000. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that men had higher employment figures for all countries in both years with the largest disparity being the difference between men and women in Belgium and the USA in 2000. 3. Proportions of males and females employed decreased across all nations, especially in Belgium.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. In the United States in 1970, 88% of men between 60 and 64 were employed compared to just under 80% of women. 2. These proportions were broadly similar to Belgium (79% and 62%) and Indonesia (83% and 63%). 3. The disparity in Japan was slightly larger with 78% of men working and 55% of women.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. By 2000, figures for the United States had declined to 79% of men and 41% of women, the second largest drop recorded. 2. Belgium had the largest fall for female employment (down to fewer than 10% working) with a more moderate fall for men to 51%. 3. In Indonesia, employed males fell to 72% as their counterparts slipped by 12% to 50%. Finally, Japan displayed the narrowest gap between genders with 51% of men working and 48% of women.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Finish with the rest of the data.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The bar charts detail men and women between the ages of 60 and 64 working in Belgium, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia in 1970 and 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that men had higher employment figures for all countries in both years with the largest disparity being the difference between men and women in Belgium and the USA in 2000. Proportions of males and females employed decreased across all nations, especially in Belgium.
In the United States in 1970, 88% of men between 60 and 64 were employed compared to just under 80% of women. These proportions were broadly similar to Belgium (79% and 62%) and Indonesia (83% and 63%). The disparity in Japan was slightly larger with 78% of men working and 55% of women.
By 2000, figures for the United States had declined to 79% of men and 41% of women, the second largest drop recorded. Belgium had the largest fall for female employment (down to fewer than 10% working) with a more moderate fall for men to 51%. In Indonesia, employed males fell to 72% as their counterparts slipped by 12% to 50%. Finally, Japan displayed the narrowest gap between genders with 51% of men working and 48% of women.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail show
between from … to ….
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent overall
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar charts d_________l men and women b_________n the ages of 60 and 64 working in Belgium, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia in 1970 and 2000. L__________________________________________t that men had higher e___________________s for all countries in both years with the l____________________y being the difference between men and women in Belgium and the USA in 2000. P________________s of males and females employed decreased a___________________s, e_______________n Belgium.
In the United States in 1970, 88% of men between 60 and 64 were employed c______________o j______________r 80% of women. These p_______________s were b_______________r to Belgium (79% and 62%) and Indonesia (83% and 63%). The disparity in Japan was s_________________r with 78% of men working and 55% of women.
By 2000, figures for the United States had d__________d to 79% of men and 41% of women, the s____________________________d. Belgium had the largest fall for female employment (down to fewer than 10% working) with a more m_____________l for men to 51%. In Indonesia, employed males fell to 72% as their c___________________d by 12% to 50%. Finally, Japan d___________d the n________________p between g_________s with 51% of men working and 48% of women.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of fuel costs from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Fuel Costs
The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other private vehicles.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that the optimal solution to the current environmental crisis is to raise fuel costs for various private vehicles. In my opinion, though this would have a tangible impact, a more holistic approach is advisable.
On the one hand, increasing the price of fuel would have a clearly identifiable impact. In both developing and developed countries, private vehicles are becoming more common. More expensive fuel costs would discourage individuals from taking long trips and encourage them to seek alternative modes of transport such as walking, riding a bicycle, sharing transportation, and using public transportation. The average family that struggles to pay their bills every month might then decide to stay home rather than take a short trip on weekends if the cost of travel outweighs the potential enjoyment. Governments would be able to clearly chart the effects produced by these taxes and adjust them accordingly.
On the other hand, a wide variety of measures that do not target less affluent segments of society would have a greater effect. A single remedy is unlikely to produce the desired result as the majority of middle and upper class citizens would not be deterred by minor taxes. Instead, governments should consider all the relevant environment issues ranging from deforestation and single-use plastics to fossil fuel consumption in industry and the methane released in factory farming. To truly and sustainably counter these issues, governments will need to employ a variety of tactics that will likely include not only taxes but also regulations and various educational initiatives. The tackling of a single cause, such as the fuel used in private vehicles, will have marginal impact at best.
In conclusion, despite tangible results that a tax might engender, governments should opt for a more comprehensive environmental policy. This is a pressing issue and requires a nuanced, long-term approach.
Analysis
1. Some feel that the optimal solution to the current environmental crisis is to raise fuel costs for various private vehicles. 2. In my opinion, though this would have a tangible impact, a more holistic approach is advisable.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, increasing the price of fuel would have a clearly identifiable impact. 2. In both developing and developed countries, private vehicles are becoming more common. 3. More expensive fuel costs would discourage individuals from taking long trips and encourage them to seek alternative modes of transport such as walking, riding a bicycle, sharing transportation, and using public transportation. 4. The average family that struggles to pay their bills every month might then decide to stay home rather than take a short trip on weekends if the cost of travel outweighs the potential enjoyment. 5. Governments would be able to clearly chart the effects produced by these taxes and adjust them accordingly.
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.
Finish strong.
1. On the other hand, a wide variety of measures that do not target less affluent segments of society would have a greater effect. 2. A single remedy is unlikely to produce the desired result as the majority of middle and upper class citizens would not be deterred by minor taxes. 3. Instead, governments should consider all the relevant environment issues ranging from deforestation and single-use plastics to fossil fuel consumption in industry and the methane released in factory farming. 4. To truly and sustainably counter these issues, governments will need to employ a variety of tactics that will likely include not only taxes but also regulations and various educational initiatives. 5. The tackling of a single cause, such as the fuel used in private vehicles, will have marginal impact at best.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, despite tangible results that a tax might engender, governments should opt for a more comprehensive environmental policy. 2. This is a pressing issue and requires a nuanced, long-term approach.
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 the optimal solution to the current environmental crisis is to raise fuel costs for various privatevehicles. In my opinion, though this would have a tangible impact, a more holistic approach is advisable.
On the one hand, increasing the price of fuel would have a clearly identifiable impact. In both developing and developed countries, private vehicles are becoming more common. More expensive fuel costs would discourage individuals from taking long trips and encourage them to seek alternative modes of transport such as walking, riding a bicycle, sharing transportation, and using public transportation. The average family that struggles to pay their bills every month might then decide to stay home rather than take a short trip on weekends if the cost of travel outweighs the potential enjoyment. Governments would be able to clearly chart the effects produced by these taxes and adjust them accordingly.
On the other hand, a wide variety of measures that do not target less affluent segments of society would have a greater effect. A single remedy is unlikely to produce the desired result as the majority of middle and upper class citizens would not be deterred by minor taxes. Instead, governments should consider all the relevant environment issues ranging from deforestation and single-use plastics to fossil fuel consumption in industry and the methane released in factory farming. To truly and sustainably counter these issues, governments will need to employ a variety of tactics that will likely include not only taxes but also regulations and various educational initiatives. The tackling of a single cause, such as the fuel used in private vehicles, will have marginal impact at best.
In conclusion, despite tangible results that a tax might engender, governments should opt for a more comprehensive environmental policy. This is a pressing issue and requires a nuanced, long-term approach.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
optimal solution best method
current environmental crisis problems related to nature happening now
raise fuel costs make gas more expensive
various privatevehicles different kinds of cars, etc.
tangible impact real effect
holistic approach comprehensive method
advisable recommended
clearly identifiable impact definite effect
developing and developed countries poor and rich nations
expensive costs a lot
discourage not make someone want to do it
taking long trips traveling far
encourage make people want to do it
alternative modes different ways
transport ways of getting around
sharing transportation travelling together such as in the same car
public transportation buses, subways, etc.
average family normal family
struggles have difficulty
pay their bills afford the cost of
decide choose
rather than instead of
outweighs stronger than
potential enjoyment possible jobs
clearly chart easily record
produced by created by
taxes money paid to governments
adjust change
accordingly based on what they learn
a wide variety of measures different kinds of actions
target less affluent segments focus on poorer areas
remedy fix
produce the desired result create what is meant to be done
majority most of
middle and upper class citizens medium rich and very rich people
deterred not encouraged to
minor small
instead rather than
consider think about
relevant environment issues problems related to nature and climate change
deforestation cutting down trees
single-use plastics bottles, bags, etc.
fossil fuel consumption burning oil
industry business
methane released gas sent into the air
factory farming giant farms
truly definitely
sustainably counter good long-term solution
employ use
tactics strategies
regulations rules, laws
various educational initiatives different kinds of policies
tackling fighting
single cause main source
marginal impact at best small effect in the best case scenario
despite tangible regardless of the real effect
engender create
opt for choose to
comprehensive total
policy laws, regulations
pressing issue important problem
requires needs
nuanced complex
long-term approach thinking of the future, not short-term
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 the o_________________n to the c____________________________s is to r_______________________s for v___________________________s. In my opinion, though this would have a t________________t, a more h________________h is a_____________e.
On the one hand, increasing the price of fuel would have a c___________________________t. In both d__________________________________s, private vehicles are becoming more common. More e___________e fuel costs would d__________e individuals from t________________s and e_________e them to seek a___________________s of t_____________t such as walking, riding a bicycle, s______________________n, and using p________________________n. The a_________________y that s________________s to p_______________s every month might then d_____e to stay home r___________n take a short trip on weekends if the cost of travel o____________s the p___________________________t. Governments would be able to c_____________t the effects p______________y these t_______s and a_______t them a_____________y.
On the other hand, a_________________________s that do not t_________________________________s of society would have a greater effect. A single r___________y is unlikely to p_________________________t as the m_________y of m______________________________s would not be d___________d by m_____r taxes. I_________d, governments should consider all the r____________________________s ranging from d________________n and s____________________s to f___________________________n in i____________y and the m_________________d in f____________________g. To t_____y and s____________________r these issues, governments will need to e__________y a variety of t__________s that will likely include not only taxes but also r_______________s and v____________________________s. The t___________g of a s______________e, such as the fuel used in private vehicles, will have m__________________________t.
In conclusion, d_________________e results that a tax might e_________r, governments should opt for a more comprehensive environmental p_______y. This is a p___________e and r__________s a n__________d, l________________________h.
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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