This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of sales 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: Sales
There are different methods businesses use to increase their sales.
What are the different ways companies use to increase sales?
Which one is the most effective?
There are a variety of methods employed by businesses to grow their sales revenue. In my opinion, these typically relate to marketing and innovation, with the latter being the most effective.
Most companies choose to target increased sales through advertising campaigns and new products. Marketing and advertising are self-evidently important. Nearly every major company reserves a substantial portion of the budget for television advertisements, online marketing, billboards, and so on. Companies that excel with viral marketing, such as Starbucks, are able to dominate the competition through brand awareness and grow sales consistently. Furthermore, the introduction of new products is also a key catalyst. This can include new menu items, such as the recent popularity of Popeye’s new chicken sandwich or technological advances like the electric vehicles produced by Tesla.
Though advertising can be extremely persuasive, there is no substitute for a truly revolutionary and unique product. The best example of this would be the most successful consumer electronics product in history, the iPhone. When it launched there was no comparable product, with Blackberry phones being the closest analogue. The iPhone allowed users to make phone calls, send message, take photos, check email, and use the internet. These are routine features now but at the time these innovations drove rapid revenue growth and countless other companies raced to replicate their success. This model applies to a range of industries as a novel product can drive demand while a company need only focus on maintaining their supply chain.
In conclusion, sales figures rise as a result of marketing strategies and successful innovation, with the latter the single greatest method for generating more revenue. Companies must balance both techniques yet prioritize new ideas whenever possible.
Analysis
1. There are a variety of methods employed by businesses to grow their sales revenue. 2. In my opinion, these typically relate to marketing and innovation, with the latter being the most effective.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Most companies choose to target increased sales through advertising campaigns and new products. 2. Marketing and advertising are self-evidently important. 3. Nearly every major company reserves a substantial portion of the budget for television advertisements, online marketing, billboards, and so on. 4. Companies that excel with viral marketing, such as Starbucks, are able to dominate the competition through brand awareness and grow sales consistently. 5. Furthermore, the introduction of new products is also a key catalyst. 6. This can include new menu items, such as the recent popularity of Popeye’s new chicken sandwich or technological advances like the electric vehicles produced by Tesla.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Start a second method.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish with another example if you have another idea.
1. Though advertising can be extremely persuasive, there is no substitute for a truly revolutionary and unique product. 2. The best example of this would be the most successful consumer electronics product in history, the iPhone. 3. When it launched there was no comparable product, with Blackberry phones being the closest analogue. 4. The iPhone allowed users to make phone calls, send message, take photos, check email, and use the internet. 5. These are routine features now but at the time these innovations drove rapid revenue growth and countless other companies raced to replicate their success. 6. This model applies to a range of industries as a novel product can drive demand while a company need only focus on maintaining their supply chain.
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.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, sales figures rise as a result of marketing strategies and successful innovation, with the latter the single greatest method for generating more revenue. 2. Companies must balance both techniques yet prioritize new ideas whenever possible.
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.
There are a variety of methods employed by businesses to grow their sales revenue. In my opinion, these typically relate to marketing and innovation, with the latter being the most effective.
Most companies choose to target increased sales through advertising campaigns and new products. Marketing and advertising are self-evidently important. Nearly every major company reserves a substantial portion of the budget for television advertisements, online marketing, billboards, and so on. Companies that excel with viral marketing, such as Starbucks, are able to dominate the competition through brand awareness and grow sales consistently. Furthermore, the introduction of new products is also a key catalyst. This can include new menu items, such as the recent popularity of Popeye’s new chicken sandwich or technological advances like the electric vehicles produced by Tesla.
Though advertising can be extremely persuasive, there is no substitute for a truly revolutionary and unique product. The best example of this would be the most successful consumer electronics product in history, the iPhone. When it launched there was no comparable product, with Blackberry phones being the closest analogue. The iPhone allowed users to make phone calls, send message, take photos, check email, and use the internet. These are routine features now but at the time these innovations drove rapid revenue growth and countless other companies raced to replicate their success. This model applies to a range of industries as a novel product can drive demand while a company need only focus on maintaining their supply chain.
In conclusion, sales figures rise as a result of marketing strategies and successful innovation, with the latter the single greatest method for generating more revenue. Companies must balance both techniques yet prioritize new ideas whenever possible.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
variety different kinds of
methods ways
employed by used by
grow make bigger
sales revenue money made from selling stuff
typically relate to usually have to do with
marketing advertising
innovation new ideas
latter mentioned second
most effective more impactful
target focus on
advertising campaigns marketing plans
self-evidently important obviously crucial
nearly almost
reserves sets aside
substantial portion a lot of
budget money that can be spent
television advertisements commercials on TV
online marketing ads online
billboards big signs up outside
excel do well
viral marketing popular posts
dominate the competition through brand awareness be stronger than other businesses because people know about your company
grow sales consistently increase revenue a lot
furthermore moreover
key catalyst crucial grower
recent popularity now common
technological advances new technology
electric vehicles produced by cars without gas made by
extremely persuasive very compelling
substitute replacement
truly revolutionary totally new
unique special
most successful consumer electronics product in history biggest selling product ever
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:
There are a v__________y of m__________s e_____________y businesses to g______w their s_______________e. In my opinion, these t_____________________o m____________g and i____________n, with the l_______r being the m____________e.
Most companies choose to t________t increased sales through a_______________________s and new products. Marketing and advertising are s_______________________t. N_______y every major company r_________s a s_________________n of the b_______t for t________________________s, o_______________g, b______________s, and so on. Companies that e_____l with v_____________________g, such as S____________s, are able to d______________________n t________________s and g_________________________y. F______________e, the i______________n of new products is also a k_______________t. This can include new menu items, such as the r___________________y of Popeye’s new chicken sandwich or t_________________________s like the e______________________s p______________y Tesla.
Though advertising can be e_____________________e, there is no s______________e for a t___________________y and u_________e product. The best example of this would be the m____________________________________________________y, the iPhone. When it l__________d there was no c____________e product, with B__________________s being the c________________e. The iPhone allowed users to make phone calls, send message, take photos, check email, and use the internet. These are r________________s now but at the time these innovations d__________________________h and c_____________s other companies r________________________________s. This m_____________s to a r_________e of i________________s as a n________l product can d_____________________d while a company need only focus on m_______________________________n.
In conclusion, sales figures rise a_____________f marketing s_______________s and successful innovation, with the latter the single greatest method for g_____________g more revenue. Companies must b___________e both t___________s yet p____________e new ideas w________________e.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
I have let her talk a little longer (so that I have more to correct) and I am taking notes while she talks (the examiner will not do this on the real exam).
But otherwise, it is basically what you can expect on your speaking exam and this student is a really strong candidate – a band 8 or maybe band 8.5. In a few years, she’ll be band 9 for sure!
The video is here and the correction notes are also below.
Here are the notes that I am typing in the video as well:
This is a really impressive test for a lot of reasons.
Not only can the candidate speak fluently, with very natural pronunciation, but her level of detail is amazing!
Notice how specific her ideas are, especially in part 2.
You should try to copy that same attention to detail.
Don’t speak generally on your IELTS exam – add in as much specific detail as possible.
Notice how much that separates her speaking from other candidates – it will have the same effect for you and really distinguish you from other test-takers on IELTS!
The maps below shows university sports courts in 1990 and now.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The map describes how a university sports courts area has changed from 1990 to the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of total courts for tennis and basketball has increased at the expense of parking and a park, while a formal building with a gym now houses various exercise facilities. These changes allow for more varied activity.
In 1990, on the left side of the map was a park with trees and grass as well as a car park. Today, the park has been replaced by a large basketball court and the car park by 4 tennis courts.
On the right side of the map, a structure to contain the various athletic facilities has been erected with only the indoor pool and reception area in the same position in the new building. The changing room beneath the reception area and pool has been lengthened and moved slightly to the right so as to line up directly above a new, large fitness centre. The fitness centre has replaced two tennis courts, now outside the main building.
Analysis
1. The map describes how a university sports courts area has changed from 1990 to the present day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of total courts for tennis and basketball has increased at the expense of parking and a park, while a formal building with a gym now houses various exercise facilities. 3. These changes allow for more varied activity.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a general over for the map.
Include the major changes and group them generally.
1. In 1990, on the left side of the map was a park with trees and grass as well as a car park. 2. Today, the park has been replaced by a large basketball court and the car park by 4 tennis courts.
Begin to describe the changes.
Be sure to compare as much as possible.
1. On the right side of the map, a structure to contain the various athletic facilities has been erected with only the indoor pool and reception area in the same position in the new building. 2. The changing room beneath the reception area and pool has been lengthened and moved slightly to the right so as to line up directly above a new, large fitness centre. 3. The fitness centre has replaced two tennis courts, now outside the main building.
Switch to another part of the map.
Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.
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 how a university sports courts area has changed from 1990 to the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of total courts for tennis and basketball has increased at the expense of parking and a park, while a formal building with a gym now houses various exercise facilities. These changes allow for more varied activity.
In 1990, on the left side of the map was a park with trees and grass as well as a car park. Today, the park has been replaced by a large basketball court and the car park by 4 tennis courts.
On the right side of the map, a structure to contain the various athletic facilities has been erected with only the indoor pool and reception area in the same position in the new building. The changing roombeneath the reception area and pool has been lengthened and moved slightly to the rightso as to line up directly above a new, large fitness centre. The fitness centre has replaced two tennis courts, now outside the main building.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
describes shows
university sports courts places to play at college
present day right now
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
total courts complete number of fields/courts
at the expense of instead of
while although
formal building actual construction
houses various exercise facilities keeps different places inside it
allow for enable
varied activity different hobbies
on the left side of to the left of
as well as and
replaced by in favor of
on the right side of to the right of
structure building
contain kept inside
erected built
indoor inside
reception area place you first walk in
same position unchanged
changing roombeneath place to change your clothes under
lengthened made longer
moved slightly to the right pushed a little to the right
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The map d______________s how a u_______________________s area has changed from 1990 to the p___________y. L________________________________________________t the number of t____________s for tennis and basketball has increased a_______________________f parking and a park, w_______e a f_____________g with a gym now h_________________________________s. These changes a___________r more v_____________y.
In 1990, o_________________f the map was a park with trees and grass a_____________s a car park. Today, the park has been r_____________y a large basketball court and the car park by 4 tennis courts.
O___________________f the map, a s_____________e to c__________n the various athletic facilities has been e_______d with only the i_______r pool and r________________a in the s___________n in the new building. The c______________________h the reception area and pool has been l______________d and m______________________________ts____________o l_______________y above a new, large fitness centre. The f____________________e has replaced two tennis courts, now o___________e the main building.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of children learning languages and the challenge/difficulty 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! My subscription online courses are also available here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Children Learning Languages
Because many children are not able to learn foreign languages, schools should not force them to learn foreign languages.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that since it is challenging for children to learn a foreign language, schools should not emphasize this subject area. In my opinion, the challenge is the entire justification for supporting second language education.
Critics argue that the majority of children are simply incapable of learning an additional language. The best evidence for this is anecdotal and relates to the increasingly large burden of work placed on young children. Schools in many parts of the world, particularly in high-achieving nations such as South Korea and Japan, are in session for many hours and students learn an array of subjects. They are usually taught English, the world’s lingua franca, and this is especially difficult for speakers of Asian languages, where there is little shared linguistic history. The end result is often that students waste time and may feel discouraged and lack self-esteem.
However, children can learn languages better than adults and the challenge presented is itself an important lesson. If the schools have invested in proper training and use engaging materials then the lessons will not be boring and there is a stronger likelihood of success. Research has shown that language learning is most effective before the age of 7, with pronunciation becoming a stumbling block for older learners who already have fixed vocal formations. Moreover, the difficulty of learning a language encourages children to work harder and expand their ability to learn in creative ways. This applies to all subjects but languages stand out as students must seek novel memorization techniques and view the world from a completely different perspective.
In conclusion, despite the low rates of success in many cases, the impact of attempting to learn a language is itself tremendously beneficial. Schools should therefore continue funding this part of the curriculum.
Analysis
1. Some feel that since it is challenging for children to learn a foreign language, schools should not emphasize this subject area. 2. In my opinion, the challenge is the entire justification for supporting second language education.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics argue that the majority of children are simply incapable of learning an additional language. 2. The best evidence for this is anecdotal and relates to the increasingly large burden of work placed on young children. 3. Schools in many parts of the world, particularly in high-achieving nations such as South Korea and Japan, are in session for many hours and students learn an array of subjects. 4. They are usually taught English, the world’s lingua franca, and this is especially difficult for speakers of Asian languages, where there is little shared linguistic history. 5. The end result is often that students waste time and may feel discouraged and lack self-esteem.
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. However, children can learn languages better than adults and the challenge presented is itself an important lesson. 2. If the schools have invested in proper training and use engaging materials then the lessons will not be boring and there is a stronger likelihood of success. 3. Research has shown that language learning is most effective before the age of 7, with pronunciation becoming a stumbling block for older learners who already have fixed vocal formations. 4. Moreover, the difficulty of learning a language encourages children to work harder and expand their ability to learn in creative ways. 5. This applies to all subjects but languages stand out as students must seek novel memorization techniques and view the world from a completely different perspective.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, despite the low rates of success in many cases, the impact of attempting to learn a language is itself tremendously beneficial. 2. Schools should therefore continue funding this part of the curriculum.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that since it is challenging for children to learn a foreign language, schools should not emphasize this subject area. In my opinion, the challenge is the entire justification for supporting second language education.
Critics argue that the majority of children are simply incapable of learning an additional language. The best evidence for this is anecdotal and relates to the increasingly large burden of workplaced on young children. Schools in many parts of the world, particularly in high-achieving nations such as South Korea and Japan, are in session for many hours and students learn an array of subjects. They are usually taught English, the world’s lingua franca, and this is especially difficult for speakers of Asian languages, where there is little shared linguistic history. The end result is often that students waste time and may feel discouraged and lack self-esteem.
However, children can learn languages better than adults and the challenge presented is itself an important lesson. If the schools have invested in proper training and use engaging materials then the lessons will not be boring and there is a stronger likelihood of success. Research has shown that language learning is most effective before the age of 7, with pronunciation becoming a stumbling block for older learners who already have fixed vocal formations. Moreover, the difficulty of learning a language encourages children to work harder and expand their ability to learn in creative ways. This applies to all subjects but languages stand out as students must seek novel memorization techniques and view the world from a completely different perspective.
In conclusion, despite the low rates of successin many cases, the impact of attempting to learn a language is itself tremendously beneficial. Schools should therefore continue funding this part of the curriculum.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
since because of
challenging difficulty
foreign language a language from another country
emphasize focus on
subject area what you study at school
entire justification whole reason
supporting second language education giving resources to classes for foreign languages
critics those against it
majority most of
incapable aren’t able to
additional language another tongue
best evidence for this clearest support in this area
anecdotal stories
relates to concerning
increasingly large getting bigger
burden of work pressure from homework
placed on put on
in many parts of the world in numerous countries
particularly in especially in
high-achieving nations countries with good scores
in session operating
array variety
lingua franca common language among non-native speakers
little shared linguistic history not much the same in the past of the languages
end result final outcome
waste time not use time well
discouraged not encouraged
lack self-esteem don’t think highly of yourself
presented shown
invested put money into
proper training good preparation
engaging interesting
stronger likelihood of success better chance of working out
research has shown that studies indicate that
effective useful
pronunciation how well you say words
stumbling block difficulty
fixed vocal formations muscles in your mouth can’t change
encourages engenders
expand move beyond
creative ways new methods
applies relates to
stand out especially
novel memorization techniques new ways of remembering
completely different perspective totally new way of seeing things
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some feel that s______e it is c____________g for children to learn a f________________e, schools should not e_____________e this s________________a. In my opinion, the challenge is the e_______________n for s____________________________n.
C________s argue that the m_________y of children are simply i_____________e of learning an a___________________e. The b__________________s is a____________l and r__________o the i________________________________kp_____________n young children. Schools i____________________d, p_________________n h____________________________s such as South Korea and Japan, are i_____________n for many hours and students learn an a_____y of subjects. They are usually taught English, the world’s l____________________a, and this is especially difficult for speakers of Asian languages, where there is l___________________________y. The e____________t is often that students w__________e and may feel d________________d and l_____________m.
However, children can learn languages better than adults and the challenge p___________d is itself an important lesson. If the schools have i__________d in p____________________g and use e__________g materials then the lessons will not be boring and there is a s____________________________s. R_________________________t language learning is most e_________e before the age of 7, with p_____________n becoming a s_______________k for older learners who already have f_________________________s. Moreover, the difficulty of learning a language e_____________s children to work harder and e___________d their ability to learn in c______________s. This a________s to all subjects but languages s_________t as students must seek n________________________s and view the world from a c_________________________e.
In conclusion, despite the l__________________si_________________s, the i______t of attempting to learn a language is itself t___________________________l. Schools should t______________e continue f_______g this part of the c_____________m.
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 grades and testing from the real IELTS exam.
The full post along with vocabulary, pronunciation, and practice is only available on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts but you can read the essay here as a bonus first!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Grades and Testing
Some people think that schools should not test and grade students. Others think that grades are important.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Many believe that schools should test and grade students, while others feel these stressful evaluations can be counter-productive. In my opinion, although testing can be useful, schools could be improved if there were no grades and students could learn with less pressure.
On the one hand, standardized testing allows students to measure their progress. Students and teachers are both able to utilize grades to understand if a student is excelling or struggling in any given subject. For example, in most high schools, students take a test before being placed into a mathematics course. If they excel at math, they will be placed in an advanced class and if their math skills are weaker, they will receive the support they need at a lower level. Over time and through repeated testing, students can move up or down levels and receive relevant practice and individualized learning. This is the basis of most educational systems and facilitates the practical organization of levels.
On the other hand, schools with reduced focus on grades encourage healthier growth. This approach is common in certain progressive European nations like Finland and Norway, which are famous for their de-emphasis on grades. Schools in Finland attempt to foster a positive learning environment where students feel free to make mistakes, play, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. With less anxiety and less of a burden to excel, students can focus on what they care about most and not become overly obsessed with gaining the esteem of their teachers and parents. The result is that Finland has consistently ranked as one of the strongest school systems internationally.
In conclusion, although grades are important for categorization, their elimination would allow students to learn better and flourish. Where possible, schools should seek to focus more on learning and less on testing.
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