This is a very rare 5 paragraph IELTS essay from me – the only one on my site!
I did this because there were 3 areas to deal with in the question prompt so it made sense to have one paragraph for each.
The drawback is that each idea has less development than most of my other essays.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Fast Food, Families, Nutrition & the Environment
Many claim that the fast food industry had a negative effect on the environment, eating habits, and families.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
Some would argue that the prevalence of fast food in society negatively impacts families, nutrition, and the environment. I am in complete agreement with this sentiment.
Firstly, fast food has destabilized traditional family meals. In the past, it was common for individuals to spend time eating a family meal so that parents and children could share quality time together. Fast food does not make this impossible, however, consumers are more likely to eat fast food while driving, watching television, or outside the home. The impact on families is marginal since fast food meals may be the exception though it is also decidedly negative.
Secondly, few would claim that fast food is healthy. The products at most fast food establishments are extremely high in sugar, fat, calories, and chemical preservatives. For instance, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s contains red meat that has been treated with steroids, salty cheese, and various other ingredients with, at best, doubtful dietary implications. This applies for the majority of fast food and is the main reason many today strive to eat at home or at healthier restaurants.
Finally, the production of fast food has significant environmental repercussions. Firstly, this involves factory farming. In order to supply beef, chicken, and pork there are massive farms that not only occupy land but also produce methane and other gases harmful to the ozone layer. Secondly, the transportation of goods that ensures consistency across franchises requires fossil fuel consumption. The chief culprits here are cars, trucks, and airplanes.
In conclusion, though there may be limited benefits related to convenience, fast food is an overwhelming negative in terms of families, eating habits, and the natural world. Whenever possible, consumers should not opt for fast food.
Analysis
1. Some would argue that the prevalence of fast food in society negatively impacts families, nutrition, and the environment. 2. I am in complete agreement with this sentiment.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Firstly, fast food has destabilized traditional family meals. 2. In the past, it was common for individuals to spend time eating a family meal so that parents and children could share quality time together. 3. Fast food does not make this impossible, however, consumers are more likely to eat fast food while driving, watching television, or outside the home. 4. The impact on families is marginal since fast food meals may be the exception though it is also decidedly negative.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
1. Secondly, few would claim that fast food is healthy. 2. The products at most fast food establishments are extremely high in sugar, fat, calories, and chemical preservatives. 3. For instance, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s contains red meat that has been treated with steroids, salty cheese, and various other ingredients with, at best, doubtful dietary implications. 4. This applies for the majority of fast food and is the main reason many today strive to eat at home or at healthier restaurants.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
1. Finally, the production of fast food has significant environmental repercussions. 2. Firstly, this involves factory farming. 3. In order to supply beef, chicken, and pork there are massive farms that not only occupy land but also produce methane and other gases harmful to the ozone layer. 4. Secondly, the transportation of goods that ensures consistency across franchises requires fossil fuel consumption. 5. The chief culprits here are cars, trucks, and airplanes.
In this odd essay with 5 paragraphs, add the last main idea here.
Begin developing the first part.
Add more detail.
In this I have another main idea to develop.
Make sure there is at least one more sentence of development.
1. In conclusion, though there may be limited benefits related to convenience, fast food is an overwhelming negative in terms of families, eating habits, and the natural world. 2. Whenever possible, consumers should not opt for fast food.
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 would argue that the prevalence of fast food in society negatively impacts families, nutrition, and the environment. I am in complete agreement with this sentiment.
Firstly, fast food has destabilizedtraditional family meals. In the past, it was common for individuals to spend time eating a family meal so that parents and children could share quality time together. Fast food does not make this impossible, however, consumers are more likely to eat fast food while driving, watching television, or outside the home. The impact on families is marginal since fast food meals may be the exception though it is also decidedly negative.
Secondly, few would claim that fast food is healthy. The products at most fast food establishments are extremely high insugar, fat, calories, and chemical preservatives. For instance, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s contains red meat that has been treated with steroids, salty cheese, and various other ingredients with, at best, doubtful dietary implications. This applies for the majority of fast food and is the main reason many today strive to eat at home or at healthier restaurants.
Finally, the production of fast food has significant environmental repercussions. Firstly, this involves factory farming. In order to supply beef, chicken, and pork there are massive farms that not only occupy land but also produce methane and other gases harmful to the ozone layer. Secondly, the transportation of goods that ensures consistency across franchises requires fossil fuel consumption. The chief culprits here are cars, trucks, and airplanes.
In conclusion, though there may be limited benefits related to convenience, fast food is an overwhelming negative in terms of families, eating habits, and the natural world. Whenever possible, consumers should not opt for fast food.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
argue claim
prevalence how common it is
fast food McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s, etc.
negatively impacts hurts
nutrition healthy foods
complete agreement 100% on the same side
sentiment belief
destabilized weakened
traditional family meals normal dinners with family
common pervasive
share quality time together have a nice time together as a family
impossible can’t happen
consumers people who buy
outside not indoors
marginal slight
exception not normal
decidedly negative definitely bad
claim argue
establishments places
extremely high in a lot of in it
sugar sweetness
fat from butter, cheese, etc.
calories measurement for how much is in a food
chemical preservatives artificial additives
contains red meat has beef, pork, lamb in it
treated with steroids had a chemical injected into it
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 would a____e that the p___________e of f___________d in society n_________________s families, n_____________n, and the environment. I am in c_____________________t with this s_____________t.
Firstly, fast food has d________________dt_________________________s. In the past, it was c__________n for individuals to spend time eating a family meal so that parents and children could s___________________________r. Fast food does not make this i______________e, however, c____________s are more likely to eat fast food while driving, watching television, or o___________e the home. The impact on families is m_________l since fast food meals may be the e____________n though it is also d_________________e.
Secondly, few would c_____m that fast food is healthy. The products at most fast food e________________s are e_____________________ns________r, f___t, c_________s, and c_________________________s. For instance, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s c_________________________t that has been t____________________________s, s________y cheese, and v__________s other i________________s with, a_________t, d________________________________s. This a_________s for the m___________y of fast food and is the main reason many today s________e to eat at home or at healthier restaurants.
Finally, the p____________n of fast food has s_____________t environmental r_________________s. Firstly, this i____________________g. I________________________y beef, chicken, and pork there are m__________e farms that not only o________________d but also p_________________e and other g___________________o the o_____________r. Secondly, the t________________n of goods that e____________________________________s r_________________________________________n. The c________________s here are cars, trucks, and airplanes.
In conclusion, though there may be l_______________________s r__________________________e, fast food is an o______________g negative in terms of families, eating habits, and the natural world. W___________________e, consumers should n______________r fast food.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Film stars and celebrities often share their views on public matters that have little to do with their profession.
Is this a positive or negative development?
It is common for famous figures with large platforms to share their viewpoints on various topics. In my opinion, though there is potential for abuse, it is a positive overall as they can contribute diverse perspectives.
Critics of the publicity celebrities receive for their comments argue they are not always well informed. There are experts in every field, ranging from politics and science to sports and the arts and yet stars in the entertainment world possess outsized platforms. For instance, many actors, athletes, and singers have become part of the anti-vaccination movement. The views of health experts and epidemiologists are often subordinated to celebrity comments more likely to generate online traffic and ratings. However, this argument is undermined by research showing that professionals are notoriously poor at making predictions concerning their own area of expertise.
Moreover, celebrities in film and music engender diversity. The entertainment world, relative to other professional spheres, is made up of a wide variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Most actors move to Hollywood from a different part of the world and then later become stars. In the music industry, listeners actively seek out new voices, styles, nationalities, and personalities. These individuals can then provide the average person an insightful glimpse into another part of society. The most recent example of this would be the awareness raised related to environmental issues by various singers and actors when they accept awards.
In conclusion, although there is risk that celebrities will be uninformed on a topic, their opinions are still important as they are typically candid, authentic, and diverse. In this era of inclusivity, it is important to value all viewpoints.
Analysis
1. It is common for famous figures with large platforms to share their viewpoints on various topics. 2. In my opinion, though there is potential for abuse, it is a positive overall as they can contribute diverse perspectives.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics of the publicity celebrities receive for their comments argue they are not always well informed. 2. There are experts in every field, ranging from politics and science to sports and the arts and yet stars in the entertainment world possess outsized platforms. 3. For instance, many actors, athletes, and singers have become part of the anti-vaccination movement. 4. The views of health experts and epidemiologists are often subordinated to celebrity comments more likely to generate online traffic and ratings. 5. However, this argument is undermined by research showing that professionals are notoriously poor at making predictions concerning their own area of expertise.
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.
I end here by switching to the other side – the side I agree with.
1. Moreover, celebrities in film and music engender diversity. 2. The entertainment world, relative to other professional spheres, is made up of a wide variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. 3. Most actors move to Hollywood from a different part of the world and then later become stars. 4. In the music industry, listeners actively seek out new voices, styles, nationalities, and personalities. 5. These individuals can then provide the average person an insightful glimpse into another part of society. 6. The most recent example of this would be the awareness raised related to environmental issues by various singers and actors when they accept awards.
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.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. In conclusion, although there is risk that celebrities will be uninformed on a topic, their opinions are still important as they are typically candid, authentic, and diverse. 2. In this era of inclusivity, it is important to value all viewpoints.
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.
It is common for famous figures with large platforms to share their viewpoints on various topics. In my opinion, though there is potential for abuse, it is a positive overall as they can contribute diverse perspectives.
Critics of the publicity celebrities receive for their comments argue they are not always well informed. There are experts in every field, ranging from politics and science to sports and the arts and yet stars in the entertainment world possess outsized platforms. For instance, many actors, athletes, and singers have become part of the anti-vaccination movement. The views of health experts and epidemiologists are often subordinated to celebrity comments more likely to generate online traffic and ratings. However, this argument is undermined by research showing that professionals are notoriously poor at making predictions concerning their own area of expertise.
Moreover, celebrities in film and music engender diversity. The entertainment world, relative to other professional spheres, is made up of a wide variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Most actors move to Hollywood from a different part of the world and then later become stars. In the music industry, listeners actively seek out new voices, styles, nationalities, and personalities. These individuals can then provide the average person an insightful glimpse into another part of society. The most recent example of this would be the awareness raised related to environmental issues by various singers and actors when they accept awards.
In conclusion, although there is risk that celebrities will be uninformed on a topic, their opinions are still important as they are typically candid, authentic, and diverse. In this era of inclusivity, it is important to value all viewpoints.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
common pervasive
famous figures celebrities
large platforms big audiences
share tell others
viewpoints opinions
various topics different areas
potential possible
abuse being hurt
positive overall good generally
contribute diverse perspectives add in more opinions
critics people who are against
publicity celebrities coverage famous people get
comments what they say
argue point out
not always well informed not usually knowledgeable
experts professionals
field area
ranging from … and … to … and including
stars famous people
entertainment world movies, music, etc.
outsized platforms too large audiences
anti-vaccination movement people against getting vaccinations
epidemiologists people who study infectious diseases
subordinated lower than
generate online traffic get more people to come to a website
ratings how many people are watching
undermined weakened
notoriously poor famously bad
predictions projections for the future
concerning relating to
area of expertise where they work
engender diversity create difference
relative to concerning
professional spheres jobs
wide variety of ethnicities many different groups of people from various countries
socioeconomic backgrounds rich and poor
actively seek out look for
nationalities country you are from
provide give
average person normal citizen
insightful glimpse meaningful look into
recent happened not that long ago
awareness raised help people know about
environmental issues problems related to climate change
various different kinds
accept awards get prizes
risk threat
uninformed don’t know much about
typically candid usually honest
authentic real
diverse varied
in this era of inclusivity today’s more open and accepting world
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:
It is c________n for f________________s with l_________________s to s______e their v______________s on v______________s. In my opinion, though there is p____________l for a_____e, it is a p________________l as they can c___________________________s.
C______s of the p___________________s receive for their c___________s a______e they are n______________________d. There are e_______s in every f______d, r__________________m politics a__d science t__ sports a___d the arts and yet s____s in the e_______________d possess o_____________________s. For instance, many actors, athletes, and singers have become part of the a______________________________t. The views of health experts and e________________s are often s_______________d to celebrity comments more likely to g_________________________c and r___________s. However, this argument is u____________d by research showing that professionals are n__________________r at making p____________s c_________________g their own a________________e.
Moreover, celebrities in film and music e___________________y. The entertainment world, r___________o other p_____________________s, is made up of a w_______________________________s and s___________________________s. Most actors move to Hollywood from a different part of the world and then later become stars. In the music industry, listeners a___________________t new voices, styles, n_______________s, and personalities. These individuals can then p_________e the a________________n an i__________________________e into another part of society. The most r________t example of this would be the a__________________d related to e__________________________s by v_________s singers and actors when they a_______________s.
In conclusion, although there is r____k that celebrities will be u______________d on a topic, their opinions are still important as they are t____________y c_________d, a___________c, and d_________e. I_______________________y, it is important to v_____e all viewpoints.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Are there any celebrities you would want to interview?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of retirements homes/communities from the real IELTS general training exam.
This was a tricky one so it is a little on the long side – about 320 words – aim for about 275 in your own writing.
It’s easier to write longer and harder to write shorter!
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: Retirement Homes/Communities
Nowadays some older people choose to live in retirement communities and centers with other people, rather than living with their adult children.
Is this a positive or negative development?
It is becoming increasingly common for senior citizens to retire to assisted care facilities instead of remaining at home with their children. In my opinion, though these institutions often have a reputation for abuse, it is a positive trend as it liberates younger generations.
Detractors of such communities highlight notable instances of abuse. These are detailed in frequent, highly publicized, exposes from reputable news organizations on a regular basis. Many of these incidents become criminal or civil cases and the instances of mistreatment are memorably cruel. Elderly people have been known to be beaten, demeaned and neglected in terms of their basic sanitary needs. These vulnerable individuals often lack the ability to defend themselves or voice the abuse to visiting family. However, considering the total number of seniors in assisted care facilities, abuse is rare and likely to decrease in the future as technology allows for closer monitoring of employees.
Overall, I believe retirement communities to be a positive as they are liberating for families. This applies to the seniors themselves as, though they may be restricted from leaving the premises, they can interact with their peers and form meaningful, new bonds. The greatest benefits, however, are for the family unit as a whole. Families are rarely equipped with the medical training or financial resources to support aging individuals. For instance, it is a nearly impossible task for a family where both mother and father work to look after an ailing parent as well as their own young children. They are likely to lack some combination of energy, will, means, and time. By placing their parents in an elderly home, they will have more time to invest in raising their own children and advancing at work, which will itself increase the standard of living for all family members.
In conclusion, the risk of possible abuse at retirement homes does not overshadow the benefits generally for families. This is a sensitive topic but each individual must decide what is in their own best interests.
Analysis
1. It is becoming increasingly common for senior citizens to retire to assisted care facilities instead of remaining at home with their children. 2. In my opinion, though these institutions often have a reputation for abuse, it is a positive trend as it liberates younger generations.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Detractors of such communities highlight notable instances of abuse. 2. These are detailed in frequent, highly publicized, exposés from reputable news organizations on a regular basis. 3. Many of these incidents become criminal or civil cases and the instances of mistreatment are memorably cruel. 4. Elderly people have been known to be beaten, demeaned and neglected in terms of their basic sanitary needs. 5. These vulnerable individuals often lack the ability to defend themselves or voice the abuse to visiting family. 6. However, considering the total number of seniors in assisted care facilities, abuse is rare and likely to decrease in the future as technology allows for closer monitoring of employees.
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.
Add more deatil.
I end here by switching to the other side – the side I agree with.
1. Overall, I believe retirement communities to be a positive as they are liberating for families. 2. This applies to the seniors themselves as, though they may be restricted from leaving the premises, they can interact with their peers and form meaningful, new bonds. 3. The greatest benefits, however, are for the family unit as a whole. 4. Families are rarely equipped with the medical training or financial resources to support aging individuals. 5. For instance, it is a nearly impossible task for a family where both mother and father work to look after an ailing parent as well as their own young children. 6. They are likely to lack some combination of energy, will, means, and time. 7. By placing their parents in an elderly home, they will have more time to invest in raising their own children and advancing at work, which will itself increase the standard of living for all family members.
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.
Vary long and short sentences.
Try not to write this many sentences…
1. In conclusion, the risk of possible abuse at retirement homes does not overshadow the benefits generally for families. 2. This is a sensitive topic but each individual must decide what is in their own best interests.
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.
It is becoming increasingly common for senior citizens to retire to assisted care facilities instead of remaining at home with their children. In my opinion, though these institutions often have a reputation for abuse, it is a positive trend as it liberates younger generations.
Detractors of such communities highlight notable instances of abuse. These are detailed in frequent, highly publicized, exposés from reputable news organizationson a regular basis. Many of these incidents become criminal or civil cases and the instances of mistreatment are memorably cruel. Elderly people have been known to be beaten, demeaned and neglectedin terms of their basic sanitary needs. These vulnerable individuals often lack the ability to defend themselves or voice the abuse to visiting family. However, considering the total number of seniors in assisted care facilities, abuse is rare and likely to decrease in the future as technology allows for closer monitoring of employees.
Overall, I believe retirement communities to be a positive as they are liberating for families. This applies to the seniors themselves as, though they may be restricted from leaving the premises, they can interact with their peers and form meaningful, new bonds. The greatest benefits, however, are for the family unit as a whole. Families are rarely equipped with the medical training or financial resources to support aging individuals. For instance, it is a nearly impossible task for a family where both mother and father work to look after an ailing parentas well as their own young children. They are likely to lack some combination of energy, will, means, and time. By placing their parents in an elderly home, they will have more time to invest in raising their own children and advancing at work, which will itself increase the standard of living for all family members.
In conclusion, the risk of possible abuse at retirement homes does not overshadow the benefits generally for families. This is a sensitive topic but each individual must decide what is in their own best interests.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
increasingly common happens more and more
senior citizens older people
retire to stop working and go live
assisted care facilities places where they look after old people
instead of rather than
remaining left over
institutions places
reputation what is heard about these places
abuse being hurt
trend pattern
liberates younger generations frees the children
detractors critics
highlight notable instances focus on big examples
exposés reports
reputable news organizations well-known media companies
on a regular basis often
incidents examples
criminal or civil cases people put on trial or sued for money
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:
It is becoming i__________________n for s_________________s to r____________o a_____________________s i_____________f r___________g at home with their children. In my opinion, though these i_______________s often have a r___________n for a_______e, it is a positive t______d as it l_____________________s.
D____________s of such communities h_______________________s of abuse. These are detailed in frequent, highly publicized, e_________s from r___________________________s o_________________s. Many of these i____________s become c___________________s and the i___________s of m_____________t are m_______________l. E________________e h________________________e b_________n, d__________________d and n_____________di_________________f t_______________________s. These v____________e individuals often l_____k the ability to d___________d themselves or v_______e the abuse to v_____________y. However, c______________g the t_____________r of seniors in assisted care facilities, abuse is r____e and likely to decrease i________________e as t______________y allows for c_______________g of employees.
Overall, I believe retirement communities to be a positive as they are liberating for families. This a________s to the seniors themselves as, though they may be r___________d from leaving the p___________s, they can i__________t with their p________s and f____________________l, n__________s. The greatest b___________s, however, are for the f_______________________e. Families are r_________________d with the m_________________g or f___________________s to support a______g individuals. For instance, it is a n_________________e task for a family where both mother and father work to look after an a________________ta__________s their own young children. They are likely to lack s_____________________f e_______y, w____l, m_______s, and t_____e. By p_________g their parents in an elderly home, they will have more time to i_______t in r_______g their own children and a______________g at work, which will itself increase the s_______________g for all family members.
In conclusion, the r____k of possible abuse at r__________________s does not o______________w the benefits generally for families. This is a s__________________c but each individual must d_____e what is in their o____________________s.
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 clothes, culture, and character from the real IELTS 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: Clothes, Culture, & Character
Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.
Do you agree or disagree?
Many believe that fashion choices communicate information about an individual’s personality and culture. I am largely in agreement though I would concede globalization has partly obscured these distinctions.
Those who argue that a person’s culture and character cannot be determined from their clothing point to the impact of globalization. There are now international companies like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Louis Vuitton that manufacture and ship identical clothes all around the world for consumers. These consumers are influenced by the same media and admire the same public figures. This modern convergence of production and culture means that disparate nations are more similar than at any point in human history. It is not unusual to see an individual living in South America, for instance, wearing the same shoes and clothing as someone in Asia or Europe.
Nonetheless, fashion preferences still reveal what a person values and what they wish to project to the outside world. A person who wears a suit and tie appears professional and this likely matches their personality. If they dress very formally when at work it might also indicate the office culture in their country. For example, it is common in East Asian countries for workers to dress very formally for work while in Southeast Asia the clothing is more casual due to the tropical climate. There are also individual differences that are, on average, greater than the disparity between cultures. A person who is into sports is more likely to wear sporty clothes regardless of where they live. Social media and globalization can even contribute to this trend as a consumer can follow their favorite artist and emulate both their personality and fashion choices.
In conclusion, though globalization theoretically makes it more difficult to distinguish a person’s culture and character from their clothes, in fact, these choices continue to be revealing. This self-expression is one of the benefits of modern fashion.
Analysis
1. Many believe that fashion choices communicate information about an individual’s personality and culture. 2. I am largely in agreement though I would concede globalization has partly obscured these distinctions.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue that a person’s culture and character cannot be determined from their clothing point to the impact of globalization. 2. There are now international companies like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Louis Vuitton that manufacture and ship identical clothes all around the world for consumers. 3. These consumers are influenced by the same media and admire the same public figures. 4. This modern convergence of production and culture means that disparate nations are more similar than at any point in human history. 5. It is not unusual to see an individual living in South America, for instance, wearing the same shoes and clothing as someone in Asia or Europe.
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.
You can have a second main idea.
1. Nonetheless, fashion preferences still reveal what a person values and what they wish to project to the outside world. 2. A person who wears a suit and tie appears professional and this likely matches their personality. 3. If they dress very formally when at work it might also indicate the office culture in their country. 4. For example, it is common in East Asian countries for workers to dress very formally for work while in Southeast Asia the clothing is more casual due to the tropical climate. 5. There are also individual differences that are, on average, greater than the disparity between cultures. 6. A person who is into sports is more likely to wear sporty clothes regardless of where they live. 7. Social media and globalization can even contribute to this trend as a consumer can follow their favorite artist and emulate both their personality and fashion choices.
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.
For this one I have a second related idea to develop.
And another example to extend fully.
1. In conclusion, though globalization theoretically makes it more difficult to distinguish a person’s culture and character from their clothes, in fact, these choices continue to be revealing. 2. This self-expression is one of the benefits of modern fashion.
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 believe that fashion choices communicate information about an individual’s personality and culture. I am largely in agreement though I would concede globalization has partly obscured these distinctions.
Those who argue that a person’s culture and character cannot be determined from their clothing point to the impact of globalization. There are now international companies like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Louis Vuitton that manufacture and ship identical clothes all around the world for consumers. These consumers are influenced by the same media and admire the same public figures. This modern convergence of production and culture means that disparate nations are more similar than at any point in human history. It is not unusual to see an individual living in South America, for instance, wearing the same shoes and clothing as someone in Asia or Europe.
Nonetheless, fashion preferences still reveal what a person values and what they wish to project to theoutside world. A person who wears a suit and tieappears professional and this likely matches their personality. If they dress very formally when at work it might also indicate the office culture in their country. For example, it is common in East Asian countries for workers to dress very formally for work while in Southeast Asia the clothing is more casual due to the tropical climate. There are also individual differences that are, on average, greater than the disparity between cultures. A person who is into sports is more likely to wear sporty clothesregardless of where they live. Social media and globalization can even contribute to this trend as a consumer can follow their favorite artist and emulate both their personality and fashion choices.
In conclusion, though globalization theoretically makes it more difficult to distinguish a person’s culture and character from their clothes, in fact, these choices continue to be revealing. This self-expression is one of the benefits of modern fashion.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
fashion choices decisions about clothes
communicate information reveal yourself
personality temperament, character
culture society, art, your country as a whole
largely in agreement mostly on the same page
concede globalization give up the idea of spreading ideas
partly obscured somewhat hidden
distinctions differences
argue point out
character personality
determined decided by
point to argue
international companies multinationals
manufacture made
identical the same
all around the world everywhere
consumers buyers
influenced impacted by
media entertainment
admire look up to
public figures famous people
modern convergence coming together these days
production making of
disparate nations different countries
at any point in human history at any time before
unusual not normal
for instance for example
preferences tastes
reveal show
values what you consider important
project to theoutside world show to everyone else
suit and tie fancy work clothes
appears seems
professional formal
matches fits
formally professionally
indicate mean
office culture workplace
casual not formal
tropical climate hot weather
on average generally
greater than more than
disparity between cultures differences between countries
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 believe that f_______________s c____________________________n about an individual’s p_____________y and c_____________e. I am l______________________t though I would c___________e g_________________n has p_________________d these d___________________s.
Those who a_______e that a person’s culture and c__________r cannot be d__________d from their clothing p____________o the impact of globalization. There are now i_________________s like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Louis Vuitton that m_____________e and ship i_____________l clothes a___________________d for consumers. These c__________s are i______________d by the same m_______a and a_______e the same p_______________s. This m_____________________e of p______________n and culture means that d_____________________s are more similar than a_____________________________y. It is not u__________l to see an individual living in South America, f____________e, wearing the same shoes and clothing as someone in Asia or Europe.
Nonetheless, fashion p___________s still r___________l what a person v_______s and what they wish to p__________________________d. A person who wears a s____________ea_________s p______________l and this likely m________s their personality. If they dress very f____________y when at work it might also i___________e the o________________e in their country. For example, it is common in East Asian countries for workers to dress very formally for work while in Southeast Asia the clothing is more c_________l due to the t__________________e. There are also individual differences that are, o___________________e, g___________n the d_________________________s. A person who is into sports is more likely to wear s_____________sr_____________f where they live. S_______________a and globalization can even c_____________e to this t______d as a consumer can follow their favorite artist and e_________e both their personality and fashion choices.
In conclusion, though globalization t_____________________y makes it more difficult to d_________________h a person’s culture and character from their clothes, in fact, these choices c_________________e revealing. This s________________n is one of the benefits of modern fashion.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
The bar chart below shows the popularity of well-known Instagram accounts in 2011 and 2021.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart details the follower statistics for 5 popular personalities on Instagram in 2018 and 2021. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that figures rose for all influencers with Christiano Ronaldo becoming the most followed and Selena Gomez going from most to least popular over the period surveyed.
In 2018, Selena Gomez had by far the most followers at 125 million, more than 10 million above Ariana Grande (112 million) and Ronaldo (110 million). By 2021, Selena’s follower count had nearly doubled to 245 million, while Ronaldo’s surged to lead all celebrities at 315 million and Ariana Grande increased more than twofold to 251 million.
The final two influencers, Kylie Jenner and The Rock, experienced similarly dramatic rising trends. Kylie’s followers were just under 100 million in 2018 and The Rock was slightly lower at around 95 million. Both influencers added approximately 150 million followers with the former finishing at 250 million and the latter modestly higher at 252 million.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details the follower statistics for 5 popular personalities on Instagram in 2018 and 2021. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that figures rose for all influencers with Christiano Ronaldo becoming the most followed and Selena Gomez going from most to least popular over the period surveyed.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
1. In 2018, Selena Gomez had by far the most followers at 125 million, more than 10 million above Ariana Grande (112 million) and Ronaldo (110 million). 2. By 2021, Selena’s follower count had nearly doubled to 245 million, while Ronaldo’s surged to lead all celebrities at 315 million and Ariana Grande increased more than twofold to 251 million.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
1. The final two influencers, Kylie Jenner and The Rock, experienced similarly dramatic rising trends. 2. Kylie’s followers were just under 100 million in 2018 and The Rock was slightly lower at around 95 million. 3. Both influencers added approximately 150 million followers with the former finishing at 250 million and the latter modestly higher at 252 million.
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 chart details the follower statistics for 5 popular personalities on Instagram in 2018 and 2021. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent thatfigures rose for all influencers with Christiano Ronaldo becoming the most followed and Selena Gomez going from most to least popular over the period surveyed.
In 2018, Selena Gomez had by far the most followers at 125 million, more than 10 million above Ariana Grande (112 million) and Ronaldo (110 million). By 2021, Selena’s follower count had nearly doubled to 245 million, while Ronaldo’s surged to lead all celebrities at 315 million and Ariana Grande increased more than twofold to 251 million.
The final two influencers, Kylie Jenner and The Rock, experienced similarly dramatic rising trends. Kylie’s followers were just under 100 million in 2018 and The Rock was slightly lower at around 95 million. Both influencers added approximately 150 million followers with the former finishing at 250 million and the latter modestly higher at 252 million.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
follower statistics number of people who follow them on Instagram
popular personalities famous people
Instagram social media application
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
figures statistics
rose increased
over the period surveyed over the time detailed
by far much more
count numer
nearly doubled almost twice as much
surged to lead increased a lot to be first
celebrities famous people
twofold double
final last
experienced similarly dramatic underwent about the same extreme
trends patterns
slightly lower a little less
around approximately
added approximately increased about
the former the one mentioned first
the latter modestly higher the one mentioned second a bit above
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar chart d________s the f__________________s for 5 p___________________s on I____________m in 2018 and 2021. L_____________________________________________________________tf_________s r______e for all influencers with Christiano Ronaldo becoming the most followed and Selena Gomez going from most to least popular o______________________d.
In 2018, Selena Gomez had b______r the most followers at 125 million, more than 10 million above Ariana Grande (112 million) and Ronaldo (110 million). By 2021, Selena’s follower c______t had n____________d to 245 million, while Ronaldo’s s_________d to l_____d all c__________s at 315 million and Ariana Grande increased more than t_______d to 251 million.
The f______l two influencers, Kylie Jenner and The Rock, e_______________________________c rising t________s. Kylie’s followers were just under 100 million in 2018 and The Rock was s_______________r at a________d 95 million. Both influencers a___________________y 150 million followers with t____________r finishing at 250 million and t_______________________r at 252 million.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
My voice has always bothered me actually. I think that it is a little too high-pitched and I wish that it was deeper. When I catch a movie, I get a bit jealous of the actors with their strong, gravely voices. But I’m over that now. I’m old enough now to accept the things about myself that I can’t change.
2. Has your voice changed much since you were younger?
Yeah, naturally, I don’t have a childish voice anymore. Like most people, my voice changed a lot when I went through puberty. That’s when I first became conscious of the way that my voice sounds. I doubt I ever gave it a second thought before it started to break and get a little deeper.
3. Does anyone in your family have a similar voice?
That’s not something I’ve really paid much attention to but, yeah, I guess my brother has more or less the same voice as me. My dad’s voice is quite different, deeper. My mom, of course, has a very different voice. Hers is much softer and gentler, like most women. My grandfather had a really unique voice, very kind and deep.
4. Have you ever listened to a recording of your voice?
Yeah, all the time. I do a lot of online work that involves recording video and audio and I do all the editing myself so I listen to my own voice on recording everyday. At first, it drove me crazy to listen to it and I just had to get used to it but now I’m accustomed to it and it doesn’t bother me at all. I’d still rather listen to someone else’s voice!
Writing Practice
Practice with the related chart below and then check with my sample answer:
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