IELTS Essay: Moving

IELTS Essay: Moving

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of moving to a new place 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! My subscription online courses are also available here.

Dave

IELTS Essay: Moving

Some people are happy to stay in the same area for their whole life, while others prefer living in many different places.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.

The benefits gained from moving relate to lifestyle. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact with diverse points of view. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.

Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. For instance, they might decide to invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.

In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.

Analysis

1. Some individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. 2. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. The benefits gained from moving relate to lifestyle. 2. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact with diverse points of view. 3. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. 4. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.

1. Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. 2. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. 3. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. 4. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. 5. For instance, they might decide to invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. Develop the example fully.

1. In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. 2. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.

The benefits gained from moving relate to lifestyle. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact with diverse points of view. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.

Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. For instance, they might decide to invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.

In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

frequently move to new places to live often change houses/apartment to go to a new place

would rather remain prefer to stay

general area overall vicinity, near

value importance

on the whole overall

advantageous beneficial

integrate become one with

community people around you

benefits gained from advantages you get from

relate to lifestyle have to do with how you live

entire life whole lifespan

similar circle of friends same network

hobbies pastimes

limited variation not much difference

come in contact with diverse points of view meet different people and ideas

however but

travels abroad for an extended period goes to another country for a long time

broaden their horizons learn more about other places and people

spends a year living lives 1 year somewhere else

basic competency decent at it

develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine likes the local food

form meaningful bonds with locals gets to know people who live there

nonetheless regardless

best impact greatest effect

from community to community in each place

deep connections strong relationships

acclimating getting used to

wide circle of friends many different friends

directed towards pointed at

pursuits activities

neighborhood community around you

decide to invest time choose to put time into

renovating fixing up

organizing local litter collection campaigns picking up trash

sacrifice give up

broadening advantages benefits related to learning

substantial effect big impact

disguise hide

inability can’t do it

surroundings place where you live

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈfriːkwəntli muːv tuː njuː ˈpleɪsɪz tuː lɪv 
wʊd ˈrɑːðə rɪˈmeɪn 
ˈʤɛnərəl ˈeərɪə
ˈvæljuː
ɒn ðə həʊl 
ˌædvənˈteɪʤəs 
ˈɪntɪgreɪt 
kəˈmjuːnɪti
ˈbɛnɪfɪts geɪnd frɒm 
rɪˈleɪt tuː ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl
ɪnˈtaɪə laɪf 
ˈsɪmɪlə ˈsɜːkl ɒv frɛndz
ˈhɒbiz 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˌveərɪˈeɪʃən
kʌm ɪn ˈkɒntækt wɪð daɪˈvɜːs pɔɪnts ɒv vjuː
haʊˈɛvə
ˈtrævlz əˈbrɔːd fɔːr ən ɪksˈtɛndɪd ˈpɪərɪəd 
ˈbrɔːdn ðeə həˈraɪznz
spɛndz ə jɪə ˈlɪvɪŋ 
ˈbeɪsɪk ˈkɒmpɪtənsi 
dɪˈvɛləp ən əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n fɔːr ən ɔːˈθɛntɪk kwi(ː)ˈziːn
fɔːm ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl bɒndz wɪð ˈləʊkəlz
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
bɛst ˈɪmpækt 
frɒm kəˈmjuːnɪti tuː kəˈmjuːnɪti 
diːp kəˈnɛkʃənz 
əˈklaɪmeɪtɪŋ 
waɪd ˈsɜːkl ɒv frɛndz 
dɪˈrɛktɪd təˈwɔːdz 
pəˈsjuːts 
ˈneɪbəhʊd
dɪˈsaɪd tuː ɪnˈvɛst taɪm 
ˈrɛnəʊveɪtɪŋ 
ˈɔːgənaɪzɪŋ ˈləʊkəl ˈlɪtə kəˈlɛkʃən kæmˈpeɪnz
ˈsækrɪfaɪs 
ˈbrɔːdnɪŋ ədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz 
səbˈstænʃəl ɪˈfɛkt 
dɪsˈgaɪz 
ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti 
səˈraʊndɪŋz

Vocabulary Practice

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 individuals f________________________________e and others w______________________n in one g_____________a. In my opinion, there can be v______e in moving, however, it is o_____________e more a________________s to i_____________e with a single c_____________y.

The b__________________m moving r____________________e. A person who lives in the same town their e_____________e is likely to have a s___________________s, take part in h____________s with l________________n, and not c_____________________h d____________________________w. H______________r, the person who moves to another part of their country or t__________________________________d, will b_________________s. For instance, a worker from the United States who s____________________g in an Asian nation is likely to learn b_____________________y in a new language, d___________________________________________e, and f___________________________________s.

N_________________s, by remaining in one place, an individual can b________________t their community. A person who moves f___________________________y will not be able to form as many d___________________s and much of their energy will be spent moving and a__________________g to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a w______________________s and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be d______________________s a number of p___________s that benefit their n________________d. For instance, they might d________________________e in r_____________g their house or o_______________________________s, without having to s_______________e much time for friends, family, and work.

In conclusion, despite the b_____________________s of moving often, there is more value in having a s___________________t on one’s local area. Travel and moving often d___________e an i____________y to focus on one’s own life and s________________s.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/03/world/asia/bali-sisters-plastic-climate-change.html

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Moving

  1. Is it common in your country for people to move a lot?
  2. Do most people in your country live in cities?
  3. Why do some people live to live in the same place their whole lives?
  4. Is it important to travel a lot?
  5. How can less privileged groups be encouraged to move more often?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries travelled to.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-essay-travelling-for-pleasure/

IELTS Essay: Pictures

IELTS Essay: Pictures

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to media and pictures that is only available on my Patreon based on a real question from the exam.

Here is the questions itself:

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.

Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sign up for that Ebook as well as lots of other ones and the opportunity to chat with me personally!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Animals

IELTS Essay: Animals

Here is my newest IELTS essay on the topic of animals! Specifically, if humans should protect all wild animals or just some specific ones.

Be sure to check out my Ebooks here.

Check out a related video here too: https://youtube.com/shorts/R-7vLPqjfis?si=li058QWVhLHUJEfG

Dave

IELTS Essay: Animals

Many believe that it is important to protect all wild animals, while others think that it is important to protect some, not all of them.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some have suggested that protection of wild animals should be selective. In my opinion, humanity has responsibility for all wild animals, though it is occasionally justified to divert resources towards more valuable species.

Those in favor of safeguarding certain wild animals argue the circumstantial factors. These factors can range from the threat the specific animals face to the value of the animal itself. For instance, tigers are an endangered wild animal and require intensive conservation efforts compared with animals such as rats and pigeons, which have adapted skillfully to urban environments. Most would admit that there is little logic in providing equal support to species in different circumstances. A more extreme critic could add that some animals are more deserving of preservation. The tiger, to continue the previous example, is greatly valued for its elegance. Other animals, such as bees, are valuable not for their beauty but their usefulness to humanity.

However, all animals should be protected as humanity has been the catalyst for their endangerment. Before the rapid industrialization and surging populations of the last several hundred years, humans and animals lived on relatively equal terms and shared the Earth. Since human development has outpaced nature and now threatens the habitats of countless species, it is a duty for mankind to enact safeguards for all animals. Without such forward-looking protections, there is likely to be a “domino effect” as species die out and impair fragile ecosystems globally. Therefore even if an animal is not on the verge of extinction, it might be important to maintain their population levels so as to not start a cycle of irreversible harms.

In conclusion, humans should endeavor to protect as many animals as possible although there are exceptional cases where some species may be prioritized. Governments and individuals should collaborate to ensure wild animals are not unduly threatened by human progress.

Analysis

1. Some have suggested that protection of wild animals should be selective. 2. In my opinion, humanity has responsibility for all wild animals, though it is occasionally justified to divert resources towards more valuable species.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Those in favor of safeguarding certain wild animals argue the circumstantial factors. 2. These factors can range from the threat the specific animals face to the value of the animal itself. 3. For instance, tigers are an endangered wild animal and require intensive conservation efforts compared with animals such as rats and pigeons, which have adapted skillfully to urban environments. 4. Most would admit that there is little logic in providing equal support to species in different circumstances. 5. A more extreme critic could add that some animals are more deserving of preservation. 6. The tiger, to continue the previous example, is greatly valued for its elegance. 7. Other animals, such as bees, are valuable not for their beauty but their usefulness to humanity.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Add more deatil.
  6. Include some long and complex sentences.
  7. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. However, all animals should be protected as humanity has been the catalyst for their endangerment. 2. Before the rapid industrialization and surging populations of the last several hundred years, humans and animals lived on relatively equal terms and shared the Earth. 3. Since human development has outpaced nature and now threatens the habitats of countless species, it is a duty for mankind to enact safeguards for all animals. 4. Without such forward-looking protections, there is likely to be a “domino effect” as species die out and impair fragile ecosystems globally. 5. Therefore even if an animal is not on the verge of extinction, it might be important to maintain their population levels so as to not start a cycle of irreversible harms.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. Develop the example fully.

1. In conclusion, humans should endeavor to protect as many animals as possible although there are exceptional cases where some species may be prioritized. 2. Governments and individuals should collaborate to ensure wild animals are not unduly threatened by human progress.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 have suggested that protection of wild animals should be selective. In my opinion, humanity has responsibility for all wild animals, though it is occasionally justified to divert resources towards more valuable species.

Those in favor of safeguarding certain wild animals argue the circumstantial factors. These factors can range from the threat the specific animals face to the value of the animal itself. For instance, tigers are an endangered wild animal and require intensive conservation efforts compared with animals such as rats and pigeons, which have adapted skillfully to urban environments. Most would admit that there is little logic in providing equal support to species in different circumstances. A more extreme critic could add that some animals are more deserving of preservation. The tiger, to continue the previous example, is greatly valued for its elegance. Other animals, such as bees, are valuable not for their beauty but their usefulness to humanity.

However, all animals should be protected as humanity has been the catalyst for their endangerment. Before the rapid industrialization and surging populations of the last several hundred years, humans and animals lived on relatively equal terms and shared the Earth. Since human development has outpaced nature and now threatens the habitats of countless species, it is a duty for mankind to enact safeguards for all animals. Without such forward-looking protections, there is likely to be a “domino effect” as species die out and impair fragile ecosystems globally. Therefore even if an animal is not on the verge of extinction, it might be important to maintain their population levels so as to not start a cycle of irreversible harms.

In conclusion, humans should endeavor to protect as many animals as possible although there are exceptional cases where some species may be prioritized. Governments and individuals should collaborate to ensure wild animals are not unduly threatened by human progress.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

suggested advised

protection keeping safe

selective chosen

humanity mankind

responsibility duty

occasionally justified sometimes supported

divert resources towards sent in another direction at

valuable species important kind of animal

those in favor of people who support

safeguarding keeping safe

certain definite

argue point out

circumstantial factors contextual elements

range from include

threat risk

For instance for example

endangered near extinction

require intensive conservation efforts need lots of help

compared with relative to

adapted skillfully changed masterfully

urban environments cities

Most would admit that many would concede

little logic not much reason

providing equal support giving the same amount of help

different circumstances changing situations

extreme critic people strongly against

deserving should get

preservation staying alive and protected

previous example instance mentioned before

greatly valued considered important

usefulness utility

catalyst spark, cause

endangerment putting in danger

rapid industrialization becoming more and more developed

surging populations more and more people

last several hundred years since the 1800s or so

lived on continue to be alive

relatively equal terms almost living like equals

shared both using it

outpaced got a lot faster than

habitats places where animals live

countless limitless

duty responsibility

enact safeguards create protection

forward-looking protections progressive safeguards

“domino effect” will cause ramifications

die out go extinct

impair fragile ecosystems hurt a chain of animals

globally all around the world

not on the verge of extinction not about to die out completely

maintain keep the same

population levels how many are alive

cycle chain

irreversible harms can’t be fixed

endeavor try hard

exceptional cases extreme examples

prioritized considered most important

collaborate work together

ensure make sure

unduly unjustifiably

human progress mankind advancing

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

səˈʤɛstɪd 
prəˈtɛkʃən 
sɪˈlɛktɪv
hju(ː)ˈmænɪti 
rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti 
əˈkeɪʒnəli ˈʤʌstɪfaɪd 
daɪˈvɜːt rɪˈsɔːsɪz təˈwɔːdz 
ˈvæljʊəbl ˈspiːʃiːz
ðəʊz ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
ˈseɪfgɑːdɪŋ 
ˈsɜːtn 
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˌsɜːkəmˈstænʃəl ˈfæktəz
reɪnʤ frɒm 
θrɛt 
fɔːr ˈɪnstəns
ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd 
rɪˈkwaɪər ɪnˈtɛnsɪv ˌkɒnsə(ː)ˈveɪʃən ˈɛfəts 
kəmˈpeəd wɪð 
əˈdæptɪd ˈskɪlf(ə)li 
ˈɜːbən ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts
məʊst wʊd ədˈmɪt ðæt 
ˈlɪtl ˈlɒʤɪk 
prəˈvaɪdɪŋ ˈiːkwəl səˈpɔːt 
ˈdɪfrənt ˈsɜːkəmstənsɪz
ɪksˈtriːm ˈkrɪtɪk 
dɪˈzɜːvɪŋ 
ˌprɛzə(ː)ˈveɪʃən
ˈpriːviəs ɪgˈzɑːmpl,
ˈgreɪtli ˈvæljuːd 
ˈjuːsfʊlnəs 
ˈkætəlɪst 
ɪnˈdeɪnʤəmənt
ˈræpɪd ɪnˌdʌstrɪəlaɪˈzeɪʃən 
ˈsɜːʤɪŋ ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz 
lɑːst ˈsɛvrəl ˈhʌndrəd jɪəz
lɪvd ɒn 
ˈrɛlətɪvli ˈiːkwəl tɜːmz 
ʃeəd 
aʊtˈpeɪst 
ˈhæbɪtæts 
ˈkaʊntlɪs 
ˈdjuːti 
ɪˈnækt ˈseɪfgɑːdz 
ˈfɔːwədˈlʊkɪŋ prəˈtɛkʃənz
ˈdɒmɪnəʊ ɪˈfɛkt
daɪ aʊt 
ɪmˈpeə ˈfræʤaɪl ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz 
ˈgləʊbəli 
nɒt ɒn ðə vɜːʤ ɒv ɪksˈtɪŋkʃən
meɪnˈteɪn 
ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən ˈlɛvlz 
ˈsaɪkl 
ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl hɑːmz
ɪnˈdɛvə 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənl ˈkeɪsɪz 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzd
kəˈlæbəreɪt 
ɪnˈʃʊə 
ʌnˈdjuːli 
ˈhjuːmən ˈprəʊgrəs

Vocabulary Practice

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 have s____________d that p______________n of wild animals should be s_______________e. In my opinion, h_______________y has r__________________y for all wild animals, though it is o______________________d to d______________________s more v___________________s.

T________________________________________________n wild animals a_______e the c___________________________s. These factors can r_____________m the t_________t the specific animals face to the value of the animal itself. F______________e, tigers are an e______________d wild animal and r_________________________________s c_____________________h animals such as rats and pigeons, which have a_____________________y to u____________________s. M_____________________t there is l_________________c in p_______________________t to species in d___________________________s. A more e__________________c could add that some animals are more d______________g of p_______________n. The tiger, to continue the p___________________e, is g__________________d for its elegance. Other animals, such as bees, are valuable not for their beauty but their u______________s to humanity.

However, all animals should be protected as humanity has been the c_________t for their e________________t. Before the r_______________________________n and s______________________s of the l________________________________s, humans and animals l______________________________s and s_______d the Earth. Since human development has o___________d nature and now threatens the h_________s of c__________s species, it is a d____y for mankind to e______________s for all animals. Without such f_______________________s, there is likely to be a “d_______________t” as species die out and i___________________________y. Therefore even if an animal is n____________________________n, it might be important to m__________n their p___________________s so as to not start a c________e of i__________________s.

In conclusion, humans should e______________r to protect as many animals as possible although there are e_______________s where some species may be p________________d. Governments and individuals should c________________e to e________e wild animals are not u__________y threatened by h________________s.

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 speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Animals

  1. What was your favorite animal as a child?
  2. Do people in your country keep pets?
  3. What kind of pet would you not like to have?
  4. Is environmental protection important?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

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.

Do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map West Park Secondary School

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map West Park Secondary School

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of west park secondary school from the real IELTS exam.

Find my full IELTS Ebooks here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map West Park Secondary School

The map describes changes to West Park Secondary School over a period from 1950 to 2010. Overall, West Park Secondary School contained fewer buildings in 1950 and was located nearer residential and agricultural land. By 2010, several facilities had been added for students and there was the notable addition of a large car park.

In 1950, 3 rows of houses were located to the left of the school, just above a large section of farmland and a playground attached to the school. By 1980, there were significant alterations related to housing. The former houses were replaced by a car park and science block and the farmland was removed in favor of a sports field. The playground remained unchanged.

By 2010, the playground had been reduced in size in order to make room for a small sports field. The most significant change by this time was the expansion of the car park overtaking the area previously occupied entirely by the sports field. Other structures were unaltered from 1980.

Analysis

1. The map describes changes to West Park Secondary School over a period from 1950 to 2010. 2. Overall, West Park Secondary School contained fewer buildings in 1950 and was located nearer residential and agricultural land. 3. By 2010, several facilities had been added for students and there was the notable addition of a large car park.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.
  3. Include a second sentence to be safe.

1. In 1950, 3 rows of houses were located to the left of the school, just above a large section of farmland and a playground attached to the school. 2. By 1980, there were significant alterations related to housing. 3. The former houses were replaced by a car park and science block and the farmland was removed in favor of a sports field. 4. The playground remained unchanged.

  1. Begin to describe the changes.
  2. Be sure to compare as much as possible.
  3. In this one I separated inside and outside the town itself.

1. By 2010, the playground had been reduced in size in order to make room for a small sports field. 2. The most significant change by this time was the expansion of the car park overtaking the area previously occupied entirely by the sports field. 3. Other structures were unaltered from 1980.

  1. Switch to another part of the map.
  2. Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.
  3. Nothing should be left out!

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The map describes changes to West Park Secondary School over a period from 1950 to 2010. Overall, West Park Secondary School contained fewer buildings in 1950 and was located nearer residential and agricultural land. By 2010, several facilities had been added for students and there was the notable addition of a large car park.

In 1950, 3 rows of houses were located to the left of the school, just above a large section of farmland and a playground attached to the school. By 1980, there were significant alterations related to housing. The former houses were replaced by a car park and science block and the farmland was removed in favor of a sports field. The playground remained unchanged.

By 2010, the playground had been reduced in size in order to make room for a small sports field. The most significant change by this time was the expansion of the car park overtaking the area previously occupied entirely by the sports field. Other structures were unaltered from 1980.

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

describes changes shows alterations

over a period fromto … including

overall in general

contained fewer buildings didn’t have as many facilities

located nearer residential closer to homes

agricultural land farms

several facilities different buildings

added put there as well

notable addition significant extra

large car park big place for parking cars

to the left of on the left side of

just above slightly over

section area

attached to connected to

significant alterations big changes

related to concerning

former before

replaced takes the place of

removed in favor of taken away so that

remained unchanged no changes

reduced in size smaller now

in order to so that

make room for to allow for

by this time at this period

expansion getting bigger

overtaking taking the place of

previously occupied where something was before

entirely completely

structures buildings

unaltered no changes made

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation:

dɪsˈkraɪbz ˈʧeɪnʤɪz 
ˈəʊvər ə ˈpɪərɪəd frɒm … tuː …
ˈəʊvərɔːl
kənˈteɪnd ˈfjuːə ˈbɪldɪŋz 
ləʊˈkeɪtɪd ˈnɪərə ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl 
ˌægrɪˈkʌlʧərəl lænd
ˈsɛvrəl fəˈsɪlɪtiz 
ˈædɪd 
ˈnəʊtəbl əˈdɪʃ(ə)n 
lɑːʤ kɑː pɑːk
tuː ðə lɛft ɒv 
ʤʌst əˈbʌv 
ˈsɛkʃən 
əˈtæʧt tuː 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃ(ə)nz 
rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː 
ˈfɔːmə 
rɪˈpleɪst 
rɪˈmuːvd ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
rɪˈmeɪnd ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd
rɪˈdjuːst ɪn saɪz 
ɪn ˈɔːdə tuː 
meɪk ruːm fɔː 
baɪ ðɪs taɪm 
ɪksˈpænʃən 
ˌəʊvəˈteɪkɪŋ 
ˈpriːviəsli ˈɒkjʊpaɪd 
ɪnˈtaɪəli 
ˈstrʌkʧəz 
ʌnˈɔːltəd 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:

The map d______________s to West Park Secondary School o____________________m 1950 t____ 2010. O_________l, West Park Secondary School c_________________________s in 1950 and was l__________________________l and a__________________d. By 2010, s______________________s had been a________d for students and there was the n__________________n of a l__________________k.

In 1950, 3 rows of houses were located t_________________f the school, j_________e a large s_________n of farmland and a playground a______________o the school. By 1980, there were s____________________s r____________o housing. The f_______r houses were r__________d by a car park and science block and the farmland was r___________________________f a sports field. The playground r_______________d.

By 2010, the playground had been r____________________e i__________________o m____________________r a small sports field. The most significant change b______________e was the e_____________n of the car park o_____________g the area p_________________________________y by the sports field. Other s_____________s were u________d from 1980.

Listening Practice

Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtPniT0p9K4

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.pinnaclearchitecture.com/30-most-amazing-high-school-campuses-in-the-world/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following related questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Where you Live

My sample speaking for these questions is here.

  1. Where are you living at the moment?
  2. What do you like most about your neighborhood?
  3. Are there any shops where you live?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related map below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Essay: Criminals Reoffending

IELTS Essay: Criminals Reoffending

I tried some interesting ideas in this essay – in fact, they aren’t my ideas but they were reported by one of my students.

It’s a good challenge to try writing an essay with someone else’s idea – keeps things interesting!

Check out my EBooks here.

Dave

IELTS Essay: Criminals Reoffending

Recent research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to prison commit crimes after they are released.

Why is this the case?

What can be done to solve this problem?

Historically, most people who were incarcerated commit crimes again after being released from prison. In my opinion, this is related to economics and psychology and the chief solutions are governmental.

The causes of high recidivism rates are identical to the original explanations for the crimes in question. The vast majority of criminal activity can be traced back to poverty. Individuals who are wealthy enough to afford a good standard of living rarely have a motive for crime. However, those who lack financial means to live a decent life are more likely to commit crimes and this is exacerbated for past criminals who struggle to apply successfully for work with a past offense on their permanent record. Moreover, there are psychological reasons that may also persist. Many criminals had difficult upbringings and do not have access to trained therapists who can help them work through their issues. These causes combined are the reason that prison often fails to rehabilitate inmates.

The ideal solutions should be enacted by the authorities. Firstly, governments must make consistent efforts to ensure released convicts can support themselves financially. This might involve small stipends to help prisoners adjust but the focus should be on education. An individual who has earned a high school or university degree or learned a skilled trade has little reason to commit crime after being set free. Secondly, governments could overhaul rehabilitation methodologies. Though society is becoming increasingly secular, there is research that suggests recidivism rates are considerably lower if a prisoner has faith in a religion. Concern for one’s immortal soul is a powerful incentive for ethical behavior.

In conclusion, many criminals reoffend due to economic and psychological reasons and governments must take decisive action to counter this pattern. Looking at successful models in other countries is also advisable.

Analysis

1. Historically, most people who were incarcerated commit crimes again after being released from prison. 2. In my opinion, this is related to economics and psychology and the chief solutions are governmental.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. The causes of high recidivism rates are identical to the original explanations for the crimes in question. 2. The vast majority of criminal activity can be traced back to poverty. 3. Individuals who are wealthy enough to afford a good standard of living rarely have a motive for crime. 4. However, those who lack financial means to live a decent life are more likely to commit crimes and this is exacerbated for past criminals who struggle to apply successfully for work with a past offense on their permanent record. 5. Moreover, there are psychological reasons that may also persist. 6. Many criminals had difficult upbringings and do not have access to trained therapists who can help them work through their issues. 7. These causes combined are the reason that prison often fails to rehabilitate inmates.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Add more deatil.
  6. Include some long and complex sentences.
  7. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. The ideal solutions should be enacted by the authorities. 2. Firstly, governments must make consistent efforts to ensure released convicts can support themselves financially. 3. This might involve small stipends to help prisoners adjust but the focus should be on education. 4. An individual who has earned a high school or university degree or learned a skilled trade has little reason to commit crime after being set free. 5. Secondly, governments could overhaul rehabilitation methodologies. 6. Though society is becoming increasingly secular, there is research that suggests recidivism rates are considerably lower if a prisoner has faith in a religion. 7. Concern for one’s immortal soul is a powerful incentive for ethical behavior.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. Develop the example fully.
  6. If you have a second idea, be sure it is also developed.
  7. And the ending is powerful.

1. In conclusion, many criminals reoffend due to economic and psychological reasons and governments must take decisive action to counter this pattern. 2. Looking at successful models in other countries is also advisable.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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.

Historically, most people who were incarcerated commit crimes again after being released from prison. In my opinion, this is related to economics and psychology and the chief solutions are governmental.

The causes of high recidivism rates are identical to the original explanations for the crimes in question. The vast majority of criminal activity can be traced back to poverty. Individuals who are wealthy enough to afford a good standard of living rarely have a motive for crime. However, those who lack financial means to live a decent life are more likely to commit crimes and this is exacerbated for past criminals who struggle to apply successfully for work with a past offense on their permanent record. Moreover, there are psychological reasons that may also persist. Many criminals had difficult upbringings and do not have access to trained therapists who can help them work through their issues. These causes combined are the reason that prison often fails to rehabilitate inmates.

The ideal solutions should be enacted by the authorities. Firstly, governments must make consistent efforts to ensure released convicts can support themselves financially. This might involve small stipends to help prisoners adjust but the focus should be on education. An individual who has earned a high school or university degree or learned a skilled trade has little reason to commit crime after being set free. Secondly, governments could overhaul rehabilitation methodologies. Though society is becoming increasingly secular, there is research that suggests recidivism rates are considerably lower if a prisoner has faith in a religion. Concern for one’s immortal soul is a powerful incentive for ethical behavior.

In conclusion, many criminals reoffend due to economic and psychological reasons and governments must take decisive action to counter this pattern. Looking at successful models in other countries is also advisable.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

historically in the past

incarcerated in prison

commit crimes do a crime

released let out

prison jail

related concerning

economics finance

psychology study of the mind

chief solutions main remedies

governmental authorities

causes sources

high recidivism rates going back to prison a lot

identical the same

original explanations first causes

in question written about here

vast majority most of

criminal activity committing crimes

traced back goes back to

poverty being poor

wealthy enough having money

afford can buy

good standard of living nice living standards

rarely not often

motive incentive

lack financial means not enough money

live a decent life have a good life

exacerbated made worse

struggle fighting

apply successfully get the job

past offense crime committed before

permanent record always on your official documents

moreover furthermore

psychological reasons mental reasons

persist continue

difficult upbringings bad childhood

access get into

trained therapists psychologists

work through figure out

issues problems

combined put together

rehabilitate inmates make prisoners reform

ideal perfect

enacted by made into law

authorities people in charge

consistent efforts keep trying

ensure released convicts make sure people who get out of prison

support themselves financially be able to live on their own

small stipends a little bit of money

adjust adapt

focus concentrate

education schooling

earned made

skilled trade professional job

little reason not much cause

set free allowed out of jail

overhaul rehabilitation methodologies completely change the way prisoners are fixed

increasingly secular less religious

suggests shows

considerably lower much less

faith believing in god

religion Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.

concern care

immortal soul what lives after you die

incentive reasons

ethical behavior moral actions

take decisive action take steps

counter work against

pattern trend

successful models good examples

advisable recommended

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

hɪsˈtɒrɪkəli
ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪd 
kəˈmɪt kraɪmz 
rɪˈliːst 
ˈprɪzn
rɪˈleɪtɪd 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks 
saɪˈkɒləʤi 
ʧiːf səˈluːʃənz 
ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl
ˈkɔːzɪz 
haɪ rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzm reɪts 
aɪˈdɛntɪkəl 
əˈrɪʤənl ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃənz 
ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈkrɪmɪnl ækˈtɪvɪti 
treɪst bæk 
ˈpɒvəti
ˈwɛlθi ɪˈnʌf 
əˈfɔːd 
gʊd ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ 
ˈreəli 
ˈməʊtɪv 
læk faɪˈnænʃəl miːnz 
lɪv ə ˈdiːsnt laɪf 
ɛksˈæsə(ː)beɪtɪd 
ˈstrʌgl 
əˈplaɪ səkˈsɛsfʊli 
pɑːst əˈfɛns 
ˈpɜːmənənt ˈrɛkɔːd
mɔːˈrəʊvə
ˌsaɪkəˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈriːznz 
pəˈsɪst
ˈdɪfɪkəlt ˈʌpˌbrɪŋɪŋz 
ˈæksɛs 
treɪnd ˈθɛrəpɪsts 
wɜːk θruː 
ˈɪʃuːz
kəmˈbaɪnd 
ˌriːəˈbɪlɪteɪt ˈɪnmeɪts
aɪˈdɪəl 
ɪˈnæktɪd baɪ 
ɔːˈθɒrɪtiz
kənˈsɪstənt ˈɛfəts 
ɪnˈʃʊə rɪˈliːst ˈkɒnvɪkts 
səˈpɔːt ðəmˈsɛlvz faɪˈnænʃəli
smɔːl ˈstaɪpɛndz 
əˈʤʌst 
ˈfəʊkəs 
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
ɜːnd 
skɪld treɪd 
ˈlɪtl ˈriːzn 
sɛt friː
ˈəʊvəhɔːl ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən ˌmɛθəˈdɒləʤiz
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈsɛkjʊlə
səˈʤɛsts 
kənˈsɪdərəbli ˈləʊə 
feɪθ 
rɪˈlɪʤən
kənˈsɜːn 
ɪˈmɔːtl səʊl 
ɪnˈsɛntɪv 
ˈɛθɪkəl bɪˈheɪvjə
teɪk dɪˈsaɪsɪv ˈækʃ(ə)n 
ˈkaʊntə 
ˈpætən
səkˈsɛsfʊl ˈmɒdlz 
ədˈvaɪzəbl

Vocabulary Practice

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:

H______________y, most people who were i________________d c____________________s again after being r____________d from p________n. In my opinion, this is r_________d to e_____________s and p_____________y and the c_________________s are g_________________l.

The c__________s of h_____________________s are i_____________l to the o_________________s for the crimes i________________n. The v______________y of c__________________y can be t____________k to p___________y. Individuals who are w______________h to a__________d a g_____________________________g r__________y have a m________e for crime. However, those who l_________________________s to l________________e are more likely to commit crimes and this is e______________d for past criminals who s___________e to a___________________y for work with a p________________e on their p__________________d. M____________r, there are p_______________________s that may also p__________t. Many criminals had d__________________________s and do not have a________s to t___________________s who can help them w_____________________h their i__________s. These causes c_____________d are the reason that prison often fails to r______________________s.

The i________l solutions should be e_______________y the a_____________s. Firstly, governments must make c_________________s to e________________________s can s________________________________y. This might involve s_________________s to help prisoners a__________t but the f________s should be on e____________n. An individual who has e_________d a high school or university degree or learned a s_____________e has l________________n to commit crime after being s__________e. Secondly, governments could o_____________________________________s. Though society is becoming i______________________r, there is research that s_____________s recidivism rates are c____________________r if a prisoner has f_______h in a r__________n. C_______n for one’s i___________________l is a powerful i______________e for e__________________r.

In conclusion, many criminals reoffend due to economic and psychological reasons and governments must t______________________n to c_________r this p________n. Looking at s_______________________s in other countries is also a____________e.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-past-criminals-reoffend-humans-are-terrible-at-guessing-and-computers-arent-much-better/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Crime

  1. Why do people commit crimes?
  2. How can criminals be rehabilitated?
  3. What is the purpose of punishment?
  4. Are punishment and revenge the same?
  5. Will crime become less common in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Watching TV shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular.

Why is this?

What effect does that have on society?