This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of local environmental responsibility 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: Local Environmenal Responsibility
Governments should make people responsible for looking after their own local environment.
Do you agree or disagree?
Some would argue that climate change is such a pressing threat that governments should issue mandates to make individuals responsible for protecting the local environment. In my opinion, this might raise environmental awareness, however it is not advisable as other steps are more likely to produce results.
Those who suggest individuals should be compelled to accept responsibility are hoping for a united effort from the general public. The entire reason the Earth faces potential catastrophe is because of over-population and consumer habits. There would be a noticeable improvement if individuals were forced to recycle, clean up litter in their neighborhoods and reduce their carbon footprint by not using private vehicles, single-use plastics, and airplanes. There is the added argument that it is important to instill public duty in the mind of the average person. The government could fix these problems but that would only enable bad behavior from citizens in the same way that an overly permissive parent engenders a spoiled child.
However, the impact from the steps mentioned above would be marginal compared to the regulations governments can enact on various industries. Individuals might not follow the mandates from governments and they would be extremely difficult to enforce in populous nations that value individual liberty such as India, the United States, and Brazil. If governments instead passed laws related to both small and large businesses they could combat global and local issues. Companies that contribute to air and water pollution could be severely fined and the businesses that profit the most from mass consumerism could be forced to institute more environmentally friendly policies. These simple reforms would have tremendous impact.
In conclusion, although this policy would help individuals become more active in their communities, it is more important for governments to enact sweeping regulations on corporations. In this way, the most progress will be made.
Analysis
1. Some would argue that climate change is such a pressing threat that governments should issue mandates to make individuals responsible for protecting the local environment. 2. In my opinion, this might raise environmental awareness, however it is not advisable as other steps are more likely to produce results.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who suggest individuals should be compelled to accept responsibility are hoping for a united effort from the general public. 2. The entire reason the Earth faces potential catastrophe is because of over-population and consumer habits. 3. There would be a noticeable improvement if individuals were forced to recycle, clean up litter in their neighborhoods and reduce their carbon footprint by not using private vehicles, single-use plastics, and airplanes. 4. There is the added argument that it is important to instill public duty in the mind of the average person. 5. The government could fix these problems but that would only enable bad behavior from citizens in the same way that an overly permissive parent engenders a spoiled child.
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, the impact from the steps mentioned above would be marginal compared to the regulations governments can enact on various industries. 2. Individuals might not follow the mandates from governments and they would be extremely difficult to enforce in populous nations that value individual liberty such as India, the United States, and Brazil. 3. If governments instead passed laws related to both small and large businesses they could combat global and local issues. 4. Companies that contribute to air and water pollution could be severely fined and the businesses that profit the most from mass consumerism could be forced to institute more environmentally friendly policies. 5. These simple reforms would have tremendous impact.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
I don’t usually use personal examples, but I did in this essay.
Develop the example fully.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, although this policy would help individuals become more active in their communities, it is more important for governments to enact sweeping regulations on corporations. 2. In this way, the most progress will be made.
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 climate change is such a pressing threat that governments should issue mandates to make individuals responsible for protecting the local environment. In my opinion, this might raise environmental awareness, however it is not advisable as other steps are more likely to produce results.
Those who suggest individuals should be compelled to accept responsibility are hoping for a united effort from the general public. The entire reason the Earth faces potential catastrophe is because of over-population and consumer habits. There would be a noticeable improvement if individuals were forced to recycle, clean up litter in their neighborhoods and reduce their carbon footprint by not using private vehicles, single-use plastics, and airplanes. There is the added argument that it is important to instill public duty in the mind of the average person. The government could fix these problems but that would only enable bad behavior from citizens in the same way that an overly permissive parent engenders a spoiled child.
However, the impact from the steps mentioned above would be marginal compared to the regulations governments can enact on various industries. Individuals might not follow the mandates from governments and they would be extremely difficult to enforce in populous nations that value individual liberty such as India, the United States, and Brazil. If governments instead passed laws related to both small and large businesses they could combat global and local issues. Companies that contribute to air and water pollution could be severely fined and the businesses that profit the most from mass consumerism could be forced to institute more environmentally friendly policies. These simple reforms would have tremendous impact.
In conclusion, although this policy would help individuals become more active in their communities, it is more important for governments to enact sweeping regulations on corporations. In this way, the most progress will be made.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
argue claim
such a pressing threat that a major risk
issue mandates send out orders
responsible for protecting duty for taking care of
local environment what’s around you
raise environmental awareness know more about the environment
not advisable should not be done
other steps different actions
produce results get things done
suggest say
compelled have to
accept responsibility take on the duty
hoping for ideally
united effort working together
general public people
entire reason whole justification
faces potential catastrophe combats possible harm
over-population too many people
consumer habits what people buy
noticeable improvement clear progress
recycle re-use
clean up litter pick up trash
neighborhoods communities
reduce cut down on
carbon footprint what you produce personally that impacts the environment
private vehicles cars, bikes, etc.
single-use plastics bottles, bags, etc.
added argument additional point
instill public duty engender care for all society
the average person normal resident
problems issues
enable allow for
in the same way that the same as
overly permissive letting them get away with too much
engenders creates
spoiled child kid who is not disciplined
mentioned above detailed before
marginal small
regulations laws
enact pass
various industries different sectors
mandates orders
extremely difficult very hard
enforce make sure it is followed
populous nations countries with many people
value individual liberty care about freedom
instead rather than
related to concerning
combat global fight international
local issues problems from near you
contribute add ot
severely fined have to pay a lot
profit the most get more out of
mass consumerism people buying things
institute put in place
environmentally friendly policies reforms good for nature
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 climate change is s________________________t governments should i________________s to make individuals r________________________g the l__________________t. In my opinion, this might r___________________________s, however it is n_______________e as o_______________s are more likely to p_____________s.
Those who s__________t individuals should be c_______________d to a_____________________y are h______________r a u____________t from the g_______________c. The e____________n the Earth f_________________________e is because of o_____________________n and c__________________s. There would be a n__________________t if individuals were forced to r__________e, c_______________r in their n_________________s and r________e their c_________________t by not using p_________________s, s____________________s, and airplanes. There is the a_________________t that it is important to i______________________y in the mind of t_________________n. The government could fix these p___________s but that would only e_________e bad behavior from citizens i_____________________t an o___________________e parent e____________s a s_____________d.
However, the impact from the steps m__________________e would be m________l compared to the re___________s governments can e______t on v_________________s. Individuals might not follow the m__________s from governments and they would be e__________________t to e__________e in p_______________s that v___________________y such as India, the United States, and Brazil. If governments i_________d passed laws r_________o both small and large businesses they could c________________l and l_____________s. Companies that c____________e to air and water pollution could be s____________d and the businesses that p_________________t from m_______________m could be forced to i__________e more e__________________________________s. These s_______________s would have t__________________t.
In conclusion, although this p_____y would help individuals become more a_____e in their communities, it is more important for governments to enact s___________________s on corporations. In this way, the most p________s will be made.
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 learning facts and practical skills at school 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!
This essay is a bit different from all the other hundreds I have written.
This one includes a personal example – that is fine on IELTS though I wouldn’t recommend it to be on the safe side.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Learning Facts & Practical Skills at School
Some people say that at all levels of education, from primary school to university, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
Do you agree or disagree?
Many concerned parties believe that schools currently place too much emphasis on theory and do not properly cover practical skills. I am in agreement that schools should be focusing less on rote learning of facts.
Proponents of more traditional education limited to accumulating facts argue this forms the basis of shared knowledge in society. An illustrative example of this would be the teaching of national history. Although information such as dates and names is not necessarily important in itself, the fact that the majority of the population shares the same knowledge allows them to connect and communicate more easily. A person who makes a reference to a certain year, event, or figure can communicate instantly and deeply with anyone who recognizes the same information. This extends beyond national boundaries and can also unite disparate cultures.
However, it is more important for students to learn skills with practical import. This can include but does not have to be limited to learning skills like cooking and woodworking, which are not traditional academic subjects. The curriculum could also be broadened to critical thinking skills. For example, when I studied at Bard College, a liberal arts institution in upstate New York, I was initially surprised at the emphasis placed on learning the skill of thinking itself. My past courses in high school were more about memorizing information but my university teachers were wary of simple memorization, facts, and terminology. Instead they sought to break down key concepts related to thinking and instruct students on how to read text closely and think for themselves.
In conclusion, though teaching facts can be useful for social cohesiveness, I believe the value of more useful skills is greater. There must always be a degree of balance but schools should prioritize the latter methodology.
Analysis
1. Many concerned parties believe that schools currently place too much emphasis on theory and do not properly cover practical skills. 2. I am in agreement that schools should be focusing less on rote learning of facts.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents of more traditional education limited to accumulating facts argue this forms the basis of shared knowledge in society. 2. An illustrative example of this would be the teaching of national history. 3. Although information such as dates and names is not necessarily important in itself, the fact that the majority of the population shares the same knowledge allows them to connect and communicate more easily. 4. A person who makes a reference to a certain year, event, or figure can communicate instantly and deeply with anyone who recognizes the same information. 5. This extends beyond national boundaries and can also unite disparate cultures.
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, it is more important for students to learn skills with practical import. 2. This can include but does not have to be limited to learning skills like cooking and woodworking, which are not traditional academic subjects. 3. The curriculum could also be broadened to critical thinking skills. 4. For example, when I studied at Bard College, a liberal arts institution in upstate New York, I was initially surprised at the emphasis placed on learning the skill of thinking itself. 5. My past courses in high school were more about memorizing information but my university teachers were wary of simple memorization, facts, and terminology. 6. Instead they sought to break down key concepts related to thinking and instruct students on how to read text closely and think for themselves.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
I don’t usually use personal examples, but I did in this essay.
Develop the example fully.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, though teaching facts can be useful for social cohesiveness, I believe the value of more useful skills is greater. 2. There must always be a degree of balance but schools should prioritize the latter methodology.
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 concerned parties believe that schools currently place too much emphasis on theory and do not properly cover practical skills. I am in agreement that schools should be focusing less on rote learning of facts.
Proponents of more traditional education limited to accumulating facts argue this forms the basis of shared knowledge in society. An illustrative example of this would be the teaching of national history. Although information such as dates and names is not necessarily important in itself, the fact that the majority of the population shares the same knowledge allows them to connect and communicate more easily. A person who makes a reference to a certain year, event, or figure can communicate instantly and deeply with anyone who recognizes the same information. This extends beyond nationalboundaries and can also unite disparate cultures.
However, it is more important for students to learn skills with practical import. This can include but does not have to be limited to learning skills like cooking and woodworking, which are not traditional academic subjects. The curriculum could also be broadened to critical thinking skills. For example, when I studied at Bard College, a liberal arts institution in upstate New York, I was initially surprised at the emphasis placed on learning the skill of thinking itself. My past courses in high school were more about memorizing information but my university teachers were wary of simple memorization, facts, and terminology. Instead they sought to break down key concepts related to thinking and instruct students on how to read text closely and think for themselves.
In conclusion, though teaching facts can be useful for social cohesiveness, I believe the value of more useful skills is greater. There must always be a degree of balance but schools should prioritize the latter methodology.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
concerned parties people interested
currently place too much emphasis now focus too much on
theory ideas, concepts, facts
properly cover practical skills do a good job going over real world skills
focusing less not paying as much attention
rote learning memorizing
proponents supporters
traditional education schools, older ways of learning
accumulating facts learning names, dates, etc.
forms makes up
basis foundation
shared knowledge what everyone knows together
an illustrative example of this would be the best instance of this is
national history past of a country
necessarily important in itself
majority most of
connect make contact with
reference mention
event happening
figure person
instantly right away
deeply not superficially
recognizes knows about
extends beyond nationalboundaries internationally
unite disparate cultures bring together different people
practical import useful in life
include have
limited to just about
woodworking making things out of wood
traditional academic subjects science, math, literature, etc.
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 c_____________________s believe that schools c_______________________________________s on t___________y and do not p____________________________s. I am in agreement that schools should be f_______________s on r________________g of facts.
P____________s of more t__________________n limited to a_____________________s argue this f______s the b______s of s____________________________e in society. A_____________________________________________e the teaching of n_________________y. Although information such as dates and names is not n_____________________________f, the fact that the m___________y of the population shares the same knowledge allows them to c__________t and communicate more easily. A person who makes a r__________e to a certain year, e______t, or f________e can communicate i__________y and d________y with anyone who r____________s the same information. This e_____________________________s and can also u___________________________s.
However, it is more important for students to learn skills with p__________________t. This can i_________e but does not have to be l______________o learning skills like cooking and w_____________g, which are not t____________________________s. The c__________m could also be b__________d to c_______________________s. For example, when I studied at Bard College, a l_____________________________n in u_____________________k, I was i____________________d at the emphasis placed on learning the skill of thinking itself. My p______________s in high school were more about m_______________________n but my university teachers were w____y of simple m_____________________n, f_______s, and t___________________y. Instead they s_________t to b_______________________________s related to thinking and i___________t students on how to r_____________________y and think for themselves.
In conclusion, though teaching facts can be u____________l for s____________________s, I believe the value of more useful skills is greater. There must always be a_____________________e but schools should p_____________e the l____________________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of pictures being used in newspapers and the media from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
Competitiveness for Men & Women
Some claim that men are naturally more competitive than women.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Men are stereotypically considered to be more competitive than women. In my opinion, though this is ostensibly true, in fact, competitiveness just finds different expression in females.
The traditional argument in favor of this claim is that men are predisposed genetically to aggressive traits. Men have elevated levels of the hormone testosterone. This is supposedly an evolved adaptation as males in human pre-history had to battle one another for dominance and required a surplus of strength to hunt and provide for the whole family. In the modern world, this translates to a heightened aggressiveness often reflected in the number of ambitious men, driven to excel in their chosen field. Numerous studies and tests have confirmed the surface-level validity of this argument.
However, this ignores the fact that women simply have different outlets for their competitive qualities. In the past, societal prejudices often discouraged women from expressing an interest in competitive sports and ambitious career paths. It is now more common for females to embrace their competitive drive and strive for goals similar to men. However, this is merely a redirection of innate desires that were already present. Instead of competing in traditionally competitive fields, women in past generations focused their energies towards more domestic matters. These might not have been as seemingly competitive but women nonetheless had to compete against each other to gain the highest possible position in society available to them at the time.
In conclusion, despite the evolutionary evidence to support the natural competitiveness of males, I feel that the sexes are generally equal in this area though women express this desire more subtly. Such narrow stereotyping of both genders is often overly simplistic.
Analysis
1. Men are stereotypically considered to be more competitive than women. 2. In my opinion, though this is ostensibly true, in fact, competitiveness just finds different expression in females.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The traditional argument in favor of this claim is that men are predisposed genetically to aggressive traits. 2. Men have elevated levels of the hormone testosterone. 3. This is supposedly an evolved adaptation as males in human pre-history had to battle one another for dominance and required a surplus of strength to hunt and provide for the whole family. 4. In the modern world, this translates to a heightened aggressiveness often reflected in the number of ambitious men, driven to excel in their chosen field. 5. Numerous studies and tests have confirmed the surface-level validity of this argument.
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 use research as support.
1. However, this ignores the fact that women simply have different outlets for their competitive qualities. 2. In the past, societal prejudices often discouraged women from expressing an interest in competitive sports and ambitious career paths. 3. It is now more common for females to embrace their competitive drive and strive for goals similar to men. 4. However, this is merely a redirection of innate desires that were already present. 5. Instead of competing in traditionally competitive fields, women in past generations focused their energies towards more domestic matters.65. These might not have been as seemingly competitive but women nonetheless had to compete against each other to gain the highest possible position in society available to them at the time.
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…
as fully as possible!
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, despite the evolutionary evidence to support the natural competitiveness of males, I feel that the sexes are generally equal in this area though women express this desire more subtly. 2. Such narrow stereotyping of both genders is often overly simplistic.
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.
Men are stereotypically considered to be more competitive than women. In my opinion, though this is ostensibly true, in fact, competitiveness just finds different expression in females.
The traditional argument in favor of this claim is that men are predisposed genetically to aggressive traits. Men have elevated levels of the hormone testosterone. This is supposedly an evolved adaptation as males in human pre-history had to battle one another for dominance and required a surplus of strength to hunt and provide for the whole family. In the modern world, this translates to a heightened aggressiveness often reflected in the number of ambitious men, driven to excel in their chosen field. Numerous studies and tests have confirmed the surface-level validity of this argument.
However, this ignores the fact that women simply have different outlets for their competitive qualities. In the past, societal prejudices often discouraged women from expressing an interest in competitive sports and ambitious career paths. It is now more common for females to embrace their competitive drive and strive for goals similar to men. However, this is merely a redirection of innate desires that were already present. Instead of competing in traditionally competitive fields, women in past generationsfocused their energies towards more domestic matters. These might not have been as seemingly competitive but women nonetheless had to compete against each other to gain the highest possible position in societyavailable to them at the time.
In conclusion, despite the evolutionary evidence to support the natural competitiveness of males, I feel that the sexes are generally equal in this area though women express this desire more subtly. Such narrow stereotyping of both genders is often overly simplistic.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
stereotypically considered thought about in a prejudiced way
competitive wanting to beat other people, aggressive
ostensibly true seems to be the case
in fact actually
different expression varied ways
females woman
traditional argument old claim
claim argument
predisposed genetically innately built
aggressive traits competitive qualities
elevated levels increased amounts
hormone testosterone chemical that makes you aggressive
supposedly apparently
evolved adaptation learned over time
in human pre-history before people started writing down histories
battle one another for dominance fight for supremacy
required needed
surplus more than needed
strength power
hunt catch animals
provide for the whole family support everyone
in the modern world in today’s world
translates means
heightened aggressiveness more competitiveness
reflected in mirrored in
ambitious competitive, wanting to excel over others
driven to excel pushed to do well
chosen field where they work
numerous studies many reports
surface-level validity superficially true
ignores the fact that doesn’t pay attention to
different outlets varied ways
competitive qualities aggressive traits
in the past formerly
societal prejudices discrimination in public perception
discouraged not encouraged, dissuaded
expressing showing
interest in care about
ambitious career paths trying to excel in a career
embrace cherish, enjoy
competitive drive trying hard to excel
strive for try hard
merely only
redirection change the way
innate desires basic inclinations
already present there right now
instead of rather than
past generationsfocused people a long time ago cared about
towards to/at
domestic matters household things
seemingly apparently
nonetheless regardless
against each other fighting one another
gain get
highest possible position in society pinnacle of their place in life
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Men are s__________________________d to be more c_______________e than women. In my opinion, though this is o___________________e, i_________t, competitiveness just finds d_________________n in f__________s.
The t____________________t in favor of this c____m is that men are p_____________________y to a____________________s. Men have e__________________s of the h_____________________e. This is s______________________y an e_____________________n as males i___________________y had to b_____________________________e and r____________d a s__________s of s_________h to h______t and p________________________y. I_____________________d, this t_____________s to a h_________________________s often r_____________n the number of a_______________s men, d_________________l in their c_______________d. N_________________s and tests have confirmed the s_____________________y of this argument.
However, this i__________________________t women simply have d____________________s for their c_____________________s. I_______________t, s________________s often d____________d women from e___________g an i_____________n competitive sports and a_________________s. It is now more common for females to e___________e their c________________e and s____________r goals similar to men. However, this is m_______y a r_______________n of i_______________s that were a________________t. I____________f competing in traditionally competitive fields, women in p_____________________d their energies t__________s more d__________________s. These might not have been as s____________y competitive but women n_____________s had to compete a____________________r to g_____n the h________________________________ya__________________________e.
In conclusion, d__________e the evolutionary e__________e to support the n______l competitiveness of males, I feel that the sexes are g________________l in this a_____a though women express this d_____e more s_______y. Such n______w stereotyping of both genders is often overly s_____________c.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
How are the attitudes of professionals and amateurs different?
How are children awarded competition prizes in your country?
What are the adverse effects of competition on children?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of pictures being used in newspapers and the media from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Newspapers & Learning
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyze reactions from the general public, journalists, experts, and the politician. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
Analysis
1. Many are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. 2. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. 2. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. 3. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. 4. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. 5. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. 6. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
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.
And develop it as well.
1. On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. 2. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. 3. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. 4. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyze reactions from the general public, journalists, experts, and the politician. 5. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
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…
as fully as possible!
1. In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. 2. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
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 are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyzereactions from the general public, journalists, experts,and the politician. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
best received better to get this way
traditional newspapers normal papers like The New York Times
modern media online forms of news (and TV)
preferable better
despite regardless of
better habits improved actions
engendered by created by
impossible can’t happen
argue convincingly against make a good contrary point
convenience comfort and ease
mediums modes of delivery
on the one hand on the one side
allows for enables one
distraction-free environment able to focus
relates to concerning
content what’s inside
presentation how it is shown
undergo rigorous go through meticulous
necessarily must be
allowing for enabling
fewer sensationalist headlines not so many big headline stories
compared to relative to
similarly a lot like
vulnerable to at risk of
wide array many types
potential distractions possible ways to lose focus
digital devices phones, computers, etc.
distracted not focused
social media Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc.
personal communications chatting and emailing
on the other hand however
wide variety many different types
functions features
provided by presented by
primarily based on text mostly written
images pictures
slight variety small amount of different stuff
in contrast however
enables allows for
cross-reference sources check articles
consult primary sources look at where it first came from
generally take full advantage of the digital world overall use the internet
remarks what a person said
in context in the full situation
analyzereactions look at what people are saying
general public society
journalists reporters
experts people who know a lot about it
easily shared can be sent out quickly
through online messaging services Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.
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 are of the view that news is b_______________d through t_____________________s while others feel that more m________________a is p_______________e. In my opinion, d_______e the b________________________________y reading the newspaper, it is i______________e to a_________________________t the c________________e of newer m___________s.
O___________________d, reading the newspaper a______________r a healthy, d___________________________t. This r_________o both the c__________t and the p____________n of newspapers. Newspapers u_________________s editing and articles are n___________y published more slowly, a_________________r better writing and f______________________________s. An individual reading the newspaper can be c_______________o someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. S_____________y, newspapers are not v_______________o the w___________y of p__________________s on d______________s. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be d__________d by s_________________a or their p________________________s.
O________________d, there are a w____________y of f_____________s only p______________y more recent forms of media. Newspapers are p_______________________t, with i__________s adding s____________y. I__________t, online media e________s an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, c______________________s, c__________________s, and g_____________________________________________d. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s r_________s can then check for the video in order to hear their words i____________t and later visit a site such as Twitter to a_____________s from the g___________c, j___________s, e__________s,and the politician. This information can then be e_______________d t________________________________________s or social media.
In conclusion, there are d_________e advantages to n_________________________s, however, these are o__________________d by the v___________y of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to e______e they enjoy the p________s without the d___________s of spending too much time online.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Is it more convenient nowadays to read the news online?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion
IELTS Essay Task 1: Transport Preferences Among Young People
The bar chart below shows transport preferences among young people in four countries in a single year.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart details transport preferences for young people in terms of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Italy. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that cars are more popular in the UK, the US and especially Italy while the French prefer to ride bicycles. In all countries except the United States, motorcycles are the least common option.
Considering the statistics for cars first of all, the United States and the United Kingdom have identical figures at 60% each. Italy is noticeably higher at 75% while just 40% of younger individuals in France drive cars. In most nations, bicycles are also pervasive, with the highest number in France at 47%, followed by 30% in the UK, slightly over 10% in Italy, and precisely 10% in the US.
Motorcycles are only a significant choice for younger people in the United States (30% ride motorcycles there), and in contrast the figures for France, the UK, and Italy merely reach 11%, 10%, and 9%, respectively.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details transport preferences for young people in terms of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Italy. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that cars are more popular in the UK, the US and especially Italy while the French prefer to ride bicycles. 3. In all countries except the United States, motorcycles are the least common option.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need a second sentence for your overview.
1. Considering the statistics for cars first of all, the United States and the United Kingdom have identical figures at 60% each. 2. Italy is noticeably higher at 75% while just 40% of younger individuals in France drive cars. 3. In most nations, bicycles are also pervasive, with the highest number in France at 47%, followed by 30% in the UK, slightly over 10% in Italy, and precisely 10% in the US.
Begin writing about the data for the first category.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
Finish with the rest of the data.
1. Motorcycles are only a significant choice for younger people in the United States (30% ride motorcycles there), and in contrast the figures for France, the UK, and Italy merely reach 11%, 10%, and 9%, respectively.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
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 transport preferences for young people in terms of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Italy. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that cars are more popular in the UK, the US and especially Italy while the French prefer to ride bicycles. In all countries except the United States, motorcycles are the least common option.
Considering the statistics for cars first of all, the United States and the United Kingdom have identical figures at 60% each. Italy is noticeably higher at 75% while just 40% of younger individuals in France drive cars. In most nations, bicycles are also pervasive, with the highest number in France at 47%, followed by 30% in the UK, slightly over 10% in Italy, and precisely 10% in the US.
Motorcycles are only a significant choice for younger people in the United States (30% ride motorcycles there), and in contrast the figures for France, the UK, and Italy merely reach 11%, 10%, and 9%, respectively.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
transport preferences what vehicles you like to use
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar chart d_________s t_________________________s for young people in terms of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Italy. L_________________________________________________________t cars are more popular in the UK, the US and e______________y Italy while the French prefer to ride bicycles. In all countries e_______t the United States, motorcycles are the l_________________________n.
C________________g the s__________s for cars f_____________l, the United States and the United Kingdom have i_________________s at 60% e______h. Italy is n_____________________r at 75% w______e just 40% of younger individuals in France drive cars. I_______________s, bicycles are also p_____________e, with the highest number in France at 47%, f________________y 30% in the UK, s______________r 10% in Italy, and p___________y 10% in the US.
Motorcycles are only a s________________e for younger people in the United States (30% ride motorcycles there), and i_________________t the figures for France, the UK, and Italy m_______________h 11%, 10%, and 9%, r___________y.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
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