This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of shopping habits and age from the real IELTS exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Shopping Habits & Age
Shopping habits depend more on your age group than anything else.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many would argue that an individual’s shopping habits depend more on age demographics than other factors. In my opinion, age is relevant in terms of a person’s tastes, however social class is a greater determiner.
Those who would argue in favor of age point out how a person’s preferences are largely fixed. The past several decades have witnessed seismic changes in culture, particularly related to technology. A person who grew up before the digital age is more inclined to spend money on books, holidays, furniture, and other non-digital items. The style of these items is also likely to be more traditional and less modern. However, someone under the age of 40, is more likely to spend on a new phone, electronic vehicle such as a Tesla, or clothing and furniture that is more modern and minimalist. These disparities widen when considering the youngest generations who are even more inclined to value the virtual world through purchases such as NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
However, for the majority of major purchases, wealth determines what a person can afford and therefore buy. This is evident for a variety of products ranging from food and wellness items to technology and fashion. For instance, most individuals would love to buy the newest smartphone when it is released, drive in a luxury car and shop for expensive and healthy organic products at the supermarket. However, one’s financial status will either allow a person to express these desires or force them to live frugally. The best evidence for this is the lack of discretion children show when it comes to shopping. They are uninhibited by financial concerns and therefore attempt to buy whatever they like.
In conclusion, despite the clear differences in taste present in individuals or different generations, financial flexibility is the clearest factor influencing a person’s shopping habits. This has been true for most of history and still remains the case today.
Analysis
1. Many would argue that an individual’s shopping habits depend more on age demographics than other factors. 2. In my opinion, age is relevant in terms of a person’s tastes, however social class is a greater determiner.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who would argue in favor of age point out how a person’s preferences are largely fixed. 2. The past several decades have witnessed seismic changes in culture, particularly related to technology. 3. A person who grew up before the digital age is more inclined to spend money on books, holidays, furniture, and other non-digital items. 4. The style of these items is also likely to be more traditional and less modern. 5. However, someone under the age of 40, is more likely to spend on a new phone, electronic vehicle such as a Tesla, or clothing and furniture that is more modern and minimalist. 6. These disparities widen when considering the youngest generations who are even more inclined to value the virtual world through purchases such as NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
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. However, for the majority of major purchases, wealth determines what a person can afford and therefore buy. 2. This is evident for a variety of products ranging from food and wellness items to technology and fashion. 3. For instance, most individuals would love to buy the newest smartphone when it is released, drive in a luxury car and shop for expensive and healthy organic products at the supermarket. 4. However, one’s financial status will either allow a person to express these desires or force them to live frugally. 5. The best evidence for this is the lack of discretion children show when it comes to shopping. 6. They are uninhibited by financial concerns and therefore attempt to buy whatever they like.
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, despite the clear differences in taste present in individuals or different generations, financial flexibility is the clearest factor influencing a person’s shopping habits. 2. This has been true for most of history and still remains the case today.
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 would argue that an individual’s shopping habitsdepend more on age demographics than other factors. In my opinion, age is relevant in terms of a person’s tastes, however social class is a greater determiner.
Those who would argue in favor of age point out how a person’s preferences are largely fixed. The past several decades have witnessed seismic changes in culture, particularly related to technology. A person who grew up before the digital age is more inclined to spend money on books, holidays, furniture, and other non-digital items. The style of these items is also likely to be more traditional and less modern. However, someone under the age of 40, is more likely to spend on a new phone, electronic vehicle such as a Tesla, or clothing and furniture that is more modern and minimalist. These disparities widen when considering the youngest generations who are even more inclined to value the virtual world through purchases such as NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
However, for the majority of major purchases, wealth determines what a person can afford and therefore buy. This is evident for a variety of products ranging from food and wellness items to technology and fashion. For instance, most individuals would love to buy the newest smartphone when it is released, drive in a luxury car and shop for expensive and healthy organic products at the supermarket. However, one’s financial status will either allow a person to express these desires or force them to live frugally. The best evidence for this is the lack of discretion children show when it comes to shopping. They are uninhibited by financial concerns and therefore attempt to buy whatever they like.
In conclusion, despite the clear differences in taste present in individuals or different generations, financial flexibility is the clearest factorinfluencing a person’s shopping habits. This has been true for most of history and still remains the case today.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
shopping habits what people usually buy
depend more on has more to do with
age demographics age groups, generations
factors elements
relevant important here
in terms of concerning
tastes what people like and dislike
social class how wealthy you are
greater determiner has more importance for
argue in favor of make the point to support
point out argue
preferences likes
largely fixed mostly don’t change
witnessed seismic changes undergone big alterations
particularly related to technology especially concerning science and tech
digital age computer age
inclined like to
non-digital not related to electronics
style your taste and preferences
traditional older style
modern more recent style
electronic vehicle cars like a Tesla that don’t run on gasoline
minimalist simple and refined
disparities widen differences get bigger
considering taking into account
youngest generations younger people
even more inclined moreso want to
value importance
virtual world online life
NFTs a form of online product (non-fungible tokens)
cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.
majority most of
major purchases main things being bought
afford be able to buy
evident clear
variety lots of different kinds
ranging from … to including
wellness items products for your health
released published
luxury car nice automobiles
healthy organic products natural items
financial status how much money you have
express show yourself
desires what you want
frugally inexpensively
lack of discretion not inhibitions, concerns, holding back
uninhibited feeling free, not self-conscious
financial concerns money worries
attempt try to
despite nonetheless
clear differences basic divergences
present in living in
financial flexibility ability to buy things
clearest factorinfluencing main elements impacting
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 would argue that an individual’s s___________________________________________________s than other f_____________s. In my opinion, age is r_______________________f a person’s t_______s, however s__________________s is a g____________________r.
Those who would a_______________f age p_____________t how a person’s p_____________s are l____________d. The past several decades have w_________________________s in culture, p__________________________y. A person who grew up before the d____________e is more i_____________d to spend money on books, holidays, furniture, and other n______________l items. The s________e of these items is also likely to be more t________________l and less m_________n. However, someone under the age of 40, is more likely to spend on a new phone, e_____________e such as a Tesla, or clothing and furniture that is more modern and m_________t. These d_____________________n when c__________________g the y______________________s who are e___________________d to v_______e the v________________d through purchases such as N_____s and c_____________________s.
However, for the m___________y of m_______________s, wealth determines what a person can a________d and therefore buy. This is e__________t for a v_________y of products r_______________m food and w______________s __o technology and fashion. For instance, most individuals would love to buy the newest smartphone when it is r_________d, drive in a l_________r and shop for expensive and h________________________s at the supermarket. However, one’s f_____________s will either allow a person to e_______s these d_________s or force them to live f__________y. The best evidence for this is the l_______________n children show when it comes to shopping. They are u_____________d by f___________________s and therefore a___________t to buy whatever they like.
In conclusion, d_________e the c________________s in taste p______________n individuals or different generations, f________________y is the c_______________________g a person’s shopping habits. This has been t______________________y and still r____________________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 concerts and plays from the real IELTS exam
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Cigarettes
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today are calling for a complete ban on tobacco related products due to their health effects. In my opinion, since tobacco offers few tangible benefits, such a prohibition would be justified.
Opponents of such a policy argue that it conflicts with individual and economic freedom. Firstly, individuals should have the right to live their life as they wish as long as they are not harming others. This is the basic tenet that underlies most democratic societies and smoking cigarettes falls firmly within this sphere of an individual’s rights. Secondly, there is an economic factor. Tobacco companies produce billions of cigarettes a year, providing employment and paying significant taxes throughout the process. If these companies were suddenly forced to declare bankruptcy and shut down, it would have catastrophic short-term effects on the economies of both developed and developing nations. The economic downsides alone could, temporarily, do more harm than good.
However, tobacco is an almost entirely harmful product in its effects. In contrast to other narcotics, such as caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis, there is no discernible sensation produced by smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive and engenders a chemical dependency, and that is the reason it has become such a common habit. Moreover, there are meaningful health problems that for smokers as well as unintended parties through second-hand smoke. It is common for long-time smokers to suffer from a weakened immune system, conditions like emphysema, and increased risk for lung cancer. These maladies place an added burden on the health system and hospitals.
The limited benefits of cigarettes compared with the massive potential health costs for individuals and society justify the ban. Individuals have always had to sacrifice elements of freedom in order to ensure greater security and this issue is only viewed differently for historical reasons.
Analysis
1. Many today are calling for a complete ban on tobacco related products due to their health effects. 2. In my opinion, since tobacco offers few tangible benefits, such a prohibition would be justified.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Opponents of such a policy argue that it conflicts with individual and economic freedom. 2. Firstly, individuals should have the right to live their life as they wish as long as they are not harming others. 3. This is the basic tenet that underlies most democratic societies and smoking cigarettes falls firmly within this sphere of an individual’s rights. 4. Secondly, there is an economic factor. 5. Tobacco companies produce billions of cigarettes a year, providing employment and paying significant taxes throughout the process. 6. If these companies were suddenly forced to declare bankruptcy and shut down, it would have catastrophic short-term effects on the economies of both developed and developing nations. 7. The economic downsides alone could, temporarily, do more harm than good.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Move on to a related factor if you want.
Develop that idea.
Use complex grammar to help you development.
Conclude the paragraph.
1. However, tobacco is an almost entirely harmful product in its effects. 2. In contrast to other narcotics, such as caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis, there is no discernible sensation produced by smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. 3. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive and engenders a chemical dependency, and that is the reason it has become such a common habit. 4. Moreover, there are meaningful health problems that for smokers as well as unintended parties through second-hand smoke. 5. It is common for long-time smokers to suffer from a weakened immune system, conditions like emphysema, and increased risk for lung cancer. 6. These maladies place an added burden on the health system and hospitals.
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!
Conclude a strong statement.
1. The limited benefits of cigarettes compared with the massive potential health costs for individuals and society justify the ban. 2. Individuals have always had to sacrifice elements of freedom in order to ensure greater security and this issue is only viewed differently for historical reasons.
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 today are calling for a complete ban on tobacco related products due to their health effects. In my opinion, since tobacco offers few tangible benefits, such a prohibition would be justified.
Opponents of such a policy argue that it conflicts with individual and economic freedom. Firstly, individuals should have the right to live their life as they wish as long as they are not harming others. This is the basic tenet that underlies most democratic societies and smoking cigarettes falls firmly within this sphere of an individual’s rights. Secondly, there is an economic factor. Tobacco companies produce billions of cigarettes a year, providing employment and paying significant taxes throughout the process. If these companies were suddenly forced to declare bankruptcy and shut down, it would have catastrophic short-term effects on the economies of both developed and developing nations. The economic downsides alone could, temporarily, do more harm than good.
However, tobacco is an almost entirely harmful product in its effects. In contrast to other narcotics, such as caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis, there is no discernible sensation produced by smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive and engenders a chemical dependency, and that is the reason it has become such a common habit. Moreover, there are meaningful health problems that for smokers as well asunintended parties through second-hand smoke. It is common for long-time smokers to suffer from a weakened immune system, conditions like emphysema, and increased risk for lung cancer. These maladies place an added burden on the health system and hospitals.
The limited benefits of cigarettes compared with the massive potential health costs for individuals and society justify the ban. Individuals have always had to sacrifice elements of freedom in order to ensure greater security and this issue is only viewed differently for historical reasons.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
calling for asking about
complete ban total prohibition against
tobacco related products cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.
tobacco what is inside cigarettes
few tangible benefits concrete advantages
prohibition ban
justified good reason for it
opponents people against it
policy reform
conflicts fights
right a basic ability people should have
as long as so far as
harming hurting
basic tenet essential part
underlies is the foundation of
democratic societies countries where you can vote
falls firmly within this sphere is definitely part of
factor element
produce make
employment jobs
paying significant taxes throughout the process giving money to the government all the time
suddenly forced right now must
declare bankruptcy go out of business
shut down close down, go out of business
catastrophic short-term effects huge impact right away
developed and developing nations rich and poor countries
downsides disadvantages
temporarily for a short time
almost entirely nearly completely
in contrast to however
narcotics drugs
caffeine coffee
alcohol beer, wine, etc.
cannabis marijuana
discernible sensation real feeling
chewing tobacco another kind of tobacco product
contains nicotine has an addictive chemical in it
highly addictive makes you want to keep using it
engenders creates
chemical dependency need to have it
common habit pervasive action
meaningful significant
as well as and
unintended parties people not meant to be involved
second-hand smoke people inhaling smoke who are not smoking, passive smokers
common pervasive
suffer from have the condition
weakened immune system get sick easily
conditions diseases
emphysema a lung disease
increased risk more chance of it
lung cancer cancer of your lungs
maladies illnesses
added burden more pressure
health system and hospitals doctors, medical care, etc.
limited benefits fewer advantages
compared with in comparison to
massive potential health costs huge expense in hospitals
sacrifice give up
in order to do that
ensure make sure
greater security increased safety
viewed differently seen in another way
historical reasons causes from the past, traditions
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 today are c_______________r a c________________n on t_________________________s due to their health effects. In my opinion, since t__________o offers f_______________________s, such a p______________n would be j___________d.
O_____________s of such a p_______y argue that it c__________s with individual and economic freedom. Firstly, individuals should have the r_______t to live their life as they wish a____________s they are not h_______g others. This is the b_____________t that u___________s most d__________________s and smoking cigarettes f_________________________e of an individual’s rights. Secondly, there is an economic f______r. Tobacco companies p_______e billions of cigarettes a year, providing e______________t and p________________________________________s. If these companies were s_______________d to d_____________________y and s___________n, it would have c________________________s on the economies of both d____________________________________s. The economic d______________s alone could, t_____________y, do more harm than good.
However, tobacco is an a_________________y harmful product in its effects. I________________o other n_____________s, such as c__________e, a_____________l, and c__________s, there is no d________________________n produced by smoking cigarettes or c_________________o. Tobacco c____________________e, which is h___________________e and e_____________s a c______________________y, and that is the reason it has become such a c______________t. Moreover, there are meaningful health problems that for smokers a____________su__________________s through s__________________e. It is c_________n for long-time smokers to s______________m a w_________________________m, c______________s like e____________a, and i________________k for l_______________r. These m____________s place an a_______________n on the h______________________________s.
The l________________s of cigarettes c________________h the m__________________________s for individuals and society justify the ban. Individuals have always had to s____________e elements of freedom i____________o e_______________________y and this issue is only v_____________________y for h____________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of concerts and plays from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Concerts and Plays
Not many young people in countries around the world go to and enjoy concerts and plays.
Why is this the case?
How should they be encouraged to attend?
There are fewer and fewer young people today who enjoy going out for concerts and plays. In my opinion, this is a result of increased isolation due to newer media and this demographic could be motivated to attend by increased funding for these events.
The main reason that plays and concerts are declining in popularity for younger generations is the wealth of other entertainment options. In the past, individuals could watch television, read books, and listen to music at home but would often opt to go out for live performances. Now, it is possible to isolate yourself virtually from the real world because of the satisfactions available from social media, streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube, online music platforms, and the internet generally. Therefore, spending money on an expensive experience no longer holds the same appeal.
This trend can be best curbed by funding the performing arts. Such funding would have to begin at very basic levels of education and continue throughout several layers of society. For instance, governments could ensure there is adequate space and financial backing in the curriculum for classes related to music and acting. They could also fund community outreach programs for children, teenagers, and adults in the hopes of encouraging greater interest in the performing arts and then couple these reforms with subsidized tickets for admission. A good example of the efficacy of this approach would be the emphasis on classical music in past decades in many developing Asian nations and the subsequent popularity of concert halls.
In conclusion, though young people today are more likely to spend time at home, alone on their devices, there remains a desire to go out and funding more performances would help encourage active participation. Governments must naturally balance this against other, potentially more pressing, needs.
Analysis
1. There are fewer and fewer young people today who enjoy going out for concerts and plays. 2. In my opinion, this is a result of increased isolation due to newer media and this demographic could be motivated to attend by increased funding for these events.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The main reason that plays and concerts are declining in popularity for younger generations is the wealth of other entertainment options. 2. In the past, individuals could watch television, read books, and listen to music at home but would often opt to go out for live performances. 3. Now, it is possible to isolate yourself virtually from the real world because of the satisfactions available from social media, streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube, online music platforms, and the internet generally. 4. Therefore, spending money on an expensive experience no longer holds the same appeal.
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. This trend can be best curbed by funding the performing arts. 2. Such funding would have to begin at very basic levels of education and continue throughout several layers of society. 3. For instance, governments could ensure there is adequate space and financial backing in the curriculum for classes related to music and acting. 4. They could also fund community outreach programs for children, teenagers, and adults in the hopes of encouraging greater interest in the performing arts and then couple these reforms with subsidized tickets for admission. 5. A good example of the efficacy of this approach would be the emphasis on classical music in past decades in many developing Asian nations and the subsequent popularity of concert halls.
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, though young people today are more likely to spend time at home, alone on their devices, there remains a desire to go out and funding more performances would help encourage active participation. 2. Governments must naturally balance this against other, potentially more pressing, needs.
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 fewer and fewer young people today who enjoy going out for concerts and plays. In my opinion, this is a result of increased isolation due to newer media and this demographic could be motivated to attend by increased funding for these events.
The main reason that plays and concerts are declining in popularity for younger generations is the wealth of other entertainment options. In the past, individuals could watch television, read books, and listen to music at home but would often opt to go out for live performances. Now, it is possible to isolate yourself virtually from the real world because of the satisfactionsavailable fromsocial media, streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube, online music platforms, and the internet generally. Therefore, spending money on an expensive experienceno longer holds the same appeal.
This trend can be best curbed by funding the performing arts. Such funding would have to begin at very basic levels of education and continue throughout several layers of society. For instance, governments could ensure there is adequate space and financial backing in the curriculum for classes related to music and acting. They could also fund community outreach programs for children, teenagers, and adults in the hopes of encouraging greater interest in the performing arts and then couple these reforms with subsidized tickets for admission. A good example of the efficacy of this approach would be the emphasis on classical musicin past decades in many developing Asian nations and the subsequent popularity of concert halls.
In conclusion, though young people today are more likely to spend time at home, alone on their devices, there remains a desire to go out and funding more performances would help encourage active participation. Governments must naturally balance this against other, potentially more pressing, needs.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
fewer and fewer less and less
concerts playing music in public
plays theater performances like a play by Shakespeare
a result of caused by
increased isolation more time alone
due to because of
newer media more recent shows, entertainment
demographic group of people
motivated encouraged by
attend go to
increased funding more money
events performances, activities
main reason primary cause
declining in popularity less common
younger generations younger people
wealth of other entertainment options many choices
opt choose
live performances not recorded
isolate be alone
virtually online
satisfactions pleasures
available from can be found on
social media Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
streaming websites sites for watching shows
online music platforms Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
generally overall
expensive experience costs a lot to go there
no longer holds the same appeal not as enticing
trend pattern
best curbed better limited
performing arts plays, concerts, etc.
very basic levels of education younger learners in school
continue throughout several layers of society keep funding other parts of society
ensure make sure of
adequate space enough room
financial backing money
curriculum what is learned in school
related to concerning
fund community outreach programs give money for activities for people
in the hopes of so that
greater interest caring more about
couple combine
reforms changes
subsidized tickets cheaper admissions
admission getting in
efficacy how effective it is
emphasis focus
classical music Mozart, Bach, etc.
in past decades 20+ years ago
developing poor
subsequent popularity resultant ubiquity
concert halls places to place music
alone by itself
devices computers, phones, etc.
remains stays
desire want to
active participation taking part in
naturally balance this against of course keep equal with
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 f___________________r young people today who enjoy going out for c______s and p_______s. In my opinion, this is a_____________f i_________________n d________o n_________________a and this d______________c could be m___________d to a________d by i____________________g for these e_______s.
The m_____________n that plays and concerts are d______________________________r y_______________________s is the w___________________________________s. In the past, individuals could watch television, read books, and listen to music at home but would often opt to go out for l___________________s. Now, it is possible to i_______e yourself v__________y from the real world because of the s_____________________________ms_____________a, s________________________s like Netflix and YouTube, o____________________s, and the internet g_____________y. Therefore, spending money on an e______________________en______________________________________l.
This t______d can be b______________d by funding the p___________________s. Such funding would have to begin at v________________________n and c______________________________________________y. For instance, governments could e_______e there is a_______________e and f___________________g in the c_________m for classes r___________o music and acting. They could also f_________________________s for children, teenagers, and adults i_____________________f encouraging g_________________t in the performing arts and then c________e these r__________s with s_________________s for a_______________n. A good example of the e__________y of this approach would be the e_____________s on c________________ci_______________________s in many d_____________g Asian nations and the s_______________________y of c_________________s.
In conclusion, though young people today are more likely to spend time at home, a______e on their d_______s, there r__________s a d________e to go out and funding more performances would help encourage a_________________n. Governments must n_________________________t other, p___________y more p_________g, needs.
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 average duration of housework women did (unemployed, part-time employed and full-time) when compared to men who had full-time work in the UK between 1985 and 2005.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart details hours of housework completed in the UK from 1985 to 2005 by fully employed males and females with various states of employment. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that time spent on housework rose for all groups with the exception of unemployed women, which was stable overall. However, the latter category undertook by far the most housework, while men with full-time jobs did comparatively little.
Unemployed women led throughout the period in terms of hours, at a peak of 7 hours in 1985 and 2005 and a slight dip to 6.5 hours in between. In contrast, men with full-time work were unchanged at just 1 hour in 1985 and 1995, though there was a slight rise to 1.5 hours in 2005.
Women with part-time employment were slightly lower than their unemployed counterparts throughout the period, beginning at 5.3 hours in 1985, before declining to 5 hours over the next 5 years, and then finishing the period with a surge to 6 hours. The figures for women with full-time employment resembled those of men, though they were marginally higher at 2, 1.5, and 2.8 hours in 1985, 1995, and 2005, respectively.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details hours of housework completed in the UK from 1985 to 2005 by fully employed males and females with various states of employment. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that time spent on housework rose for all groups with the exception of unemployed women, which was stable overall. 3. However, the latter category undertook by far the most housework, while men with full-time jobs did comparatively little.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need a second sentence for your overview.
1. Unemployed women led throughout the period in terms of hours, at a peak of 7 hours in 1985 and 2005 and a slight dip to 6.5 hours in between. 2. In contrast, men with full-time work were unchanged at just 1 hour in 1985 and 1995, though there was a slight rise to 1.5 hours in 2005.
Begin writing about the data for the first category.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
1. Women with part-time employment were slightly lower than their unemployed counterparts throughout the period, beginning at 5.3 hours in 1985, before declining to 5 hours over the next 5 years, and then finishing the period with a surge to 6 hours. 2. The figures for women with full-time employment resembled those of men, though they were marginally higher at 2, 1.5, and 2.8 hours in 1985, 1995, and 2005, respectively.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
There is a lot of data in this one but try to get to all of it.
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 hours of housework completedin the UK from 1985 to 2005 by fully employedmales and females with various states of employment. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that time spent on housework rose for all groups with the exception of unemployed women, which was stable overall. However, the latter category undertook by far the most housework, while men with full-time jobs did comparatively little.
Unemployed women led throughout the period in terms of hours, at a peak of 7 hours in 1985 and 2005 and a slight dip to 6.5 hours in between. In contrast, men with full-time work were unchanged at just 1 hour in 1985 and 1995, though there was a slight rise to 1.5 hours in 2005.
Women with part-time employment were slightly lower than their unemployed counterparts throughout the period, beginning at 5.3 hours in 1985, before declining to 5 hours over the next 5 years, and then finishing the period with a surge to 6 hours. The figures for women with full-time employment resembled those of men, though they were marginally higher at 2, 1.5, and 2.8 hours in 1985, 1995, and 2005, respectively.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
housework chores
completedin done in
fully employedmales men with 40 hour a week jobs
females women
various states of employment different levels of work
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
with the exception of not counting the case of
stable overall unchanged in general
latter category area mentioned second
undertook did
by far a lot more than
full-time jobs normal workweek
comparatively little by comparison less
led throughout the period in terms of highest the whole time when it comes to
peak high point
slight dip small fall
in contrast however
unchanged no difference
though despite
slight rise small growth
part-time employment job with less than 40 hours a week
slightly lower a little less
counterparts their opposites
beginning at starting at
before declining to prior to falling to
finishing the period with a surge to ending the time surveyed with a big rise to
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar chart d________s hours of h______________k c________________n the UK from 1985 to 2005 by f_____________________________s and f___________s with v______________________________t. L____________________________________________t time spent on housework r____e for all groups w______________________f unemployed women, which was s_____________l. However, the l___________________y u___________k b________r the most housework, while men with f____________s did c_________________e.
Unemployed women l_________________________________f hours, at a p______k of 7 hours in 1985 and 2005 and a s______________p to 6.5 hours in between. I____________t, men with full-time work were u_____________d at just 1 hour in 1985 and 1995, t________h there was a s____________e to 1.5 hours in 2005.
Women with p____________________t were s________________r than their unemployed c____________s throughout the period, b________________t 5.3 hours in 1985, b______________o 5 hours over the next 5 years, and then f____________________________________o 6 hours. The f_________s for women with full-time employment r______________d those of men, though they were m________________r at 2, 1.5, and 2.8 hours in 1985, 1995, and 2005, r____________y.
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 one universal government for the whole world from the real IELTS exam
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Dave
IELTS Essay: One Universal Government
The world should have only one government rather than a national government for each country.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
There have been suggestions historically for a single government that could control all nations. In my opinion, there are utopian benefits that would result from this, however, the drawbacks related to autonomy make it a negative theoretical proposal.
Supporters argue a single government would be more effective and focused. This is best illustrated through major problems that all nations currently struggle to solve such as climate change and the recent health crisis facing the world. A single centralized government could better protect the environment by enacting strict legislation against the burning of fossil fuels and force all citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19. In purely hypothetical terms, such unilateral power could achieve tremendous ends. However, in reality, there is a strong likelihood that a government would either pursue different, less desirable goals or be unable to enforce their mandates.
Beyond the infeasibility of such a world government, there are more basic reasons to oppose its existence. Variety in government is valuable in itself. Take for example the different governments currently in power around the world. Each country has, to varying degrees, chosen a government that represents their values and enacts laws based on the kind of nation they wish to have. The result is that some countries, such as those in Western Europe, lean more towards a socialist system that ensures a minimum standard of living for all citizens, others place greater emphasis on individual empowerment, others on transparency and still others on security over freedom. This diversity is a defining feature of human society.
In conclusion, a single government for the entire planet could help resolve global issues but would ultimately limit the distinctiveness of each individual nation. Therefore, there are other solutions that should be undertaken to remedy the current crisis of confidence in government.
Analysis
1. There have been suggestions historically for a single government that could control all nations. 2. In my opinion, there are utopian benefits that would result from this, however, the drawbacks related to autonomy make it a negative theoretical proposal.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters argue a single government would be more effective and focused. 2. This is best illustrated through major problems that all nations currently struggle to solve such as climate change and the recent health crisis facing the world. 3. A single centralized government could better protect the environment by enacting strict legislation against the burning of fossil fuels and force all citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19. 4. In purely hypothetical terms, such unilateral power could achieve tremendous ends. 5. However, in reality, there is a strong likelihood that a government would either pursue different, less desirable goals or be unable to enforce their mandates.
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.
This paragraph should be about the same length as the next one.
1. Beyond the infeasibility of such a world government, there are more basic reasons to oppose its existence. 2. Variety in government is valuable in itself. 3. Take for example the different governments currently in power around the world. 4. Each country has, to varying degrees, chosen a government that represents their values and enacts laws based on the kind of nation they wish to have. 5. The result is that some countries, such as those in Western Europe, lean more towards a socialist system that ensures a minimum standard of living for all citizens, others place greater emphasis on individual empowerment, others on transparency and still others on security over freedom. 6. This diversity is a defining feature of human society.
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!
Vary short and long sentences.
1. In conclusion, a single government for the entire planet could help resolve global issues but would ultimately limit the distinctiveness of each individual nation. 2. Therefore, there are other solutions that should be undertaken to remedy the current crisis of confidence in government.
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 have been suggestions historically for a single government that could control all nations. In my opinion, there are utopian benefits that would result from this, however, the drawbacks related to autonomy make it a negative theoretical proposal.
Supporters argue a single government would be more effective and focused. This is best illustrated through major problems that all nations currently struggle to solve such as climate change and the recent health crisis facing the world. A single centralized government could better protect the environment by enacting strict legislation against the burning of fossil fuels and force all citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19. In purely hypothetical terms, such unilateral power could achieve tremendous ends. However, in reality, there is a strong likelihood that a government would either pursue different, less desirable goals or be unable to enforce their mandates.
Beyond the infeasibility of such a world government, there are more basic reasons to oppose its existence. Variety in government is valuable in itself. Take for example the different governments currently in power around the world. Each country has, to varying degrees, chosen a government that represents their values and enacts laws based on the kind of nation they wish to have. The result is that some countries, such as those in Western Europe, lean more towards a socialist system that ensures a minimum standard of living for all citizens, others place greater emphasis on individual empowerment, others on transparency and still others on security over freedom. This diversity is a defining feature of human society.
In conclusion, a single government for the entire planet could help resolve global issues but would ultimately limit the distinctiveness of each individual nation. Therefore, there are other solutions that should be undertaken to remedy the current crisis of confidence in government.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
suggestions historically ideas in the past
single government one national government in control
control power over
nations countries
utopian benefits idealistic advantages
drawbacks disadvantages
autonomy freedom to do as you want
negative theoretical proposal not a good idea
supporters argue people who believe in this say
effective will work
focused clearly directed
best illustrated better shown
major problems big issues
currently struggle now have trouble
climate change global warming
recent health crisis facing the world current global public health problem
centralized all power in one central area
protect keep safe
enacting creating
burning using
fossil fuels oil, coal, etc.
vaccinated against Covid-19 a shot to protect from Coronavirus
in purely hypothetical terms solely imagined as a theory
unilateral all power from one source
achieve tremendous ends get good things done
in reality in the real world
strong likelihood good chance
pursue look for
less desirable goals bad aims
enforce ensure
mandates laws, orders
beyond past
infeasibility impossible
basic reasons main justifications
oppose are against
existence is in the real world
variety different kinds of
valuable in itself important on its own
currently now
to varying degrees to different extents
chosen decided on
represents symbolizes
values what is considered important
based on coming from
Western Europe France, Spain, the UK, etc.
lean more towards favor
socialist system government that spreads wealth more evenly
ensures makes sure of
minimum standard of living for all citizens decent level of life for all
place greater emphasis care more about
individual empowerment helps people have more freedom
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 have been s__________________________y for a s______________________t that could c__________l all n_______s. In my opinion, there are u__________________s that would result from this, however, the d____________s related to a_____________y make it a n_______________________________l.
S_____________e a single government would be more e__________e and f____________d. This is b_______________d through m__________________s that all nations c_____________________e to solve such as c__________________e and the r____________________________________d. A single c_______________d government could better p__________t the environment by e_______g strict legislation against the b________g of f___________s and force all citizens to get v___________________________9. I__________________________s, such u_______________l power could a__________________________s. However, i__________________y, there is a s_______________d that a government would either p__________e different, l_________________s or be unable to e__________e their m___________s.
B_______d the i_____________y of such a world government, there are more b______________s to o______e its e__________e. V__________y in government is v_________________f. Take for example the different governments c_______y in power around the world. Each country has, t____________________s, c________n a government that r______________s their v________s and e______s laws b___________n the kind of nation they wish to have. The result is that some countries, such as those in W_____________e, l_________________s a s_________________m that e________s a m________________________________________s, others p_______________________s on i________________________t, others on t____________y and s_________s on s__________y over f_________m. This d_____________y is a d_______________e of human society.
In conclusion, a single government for the e______e planet could help resolve global issues but would u________________t the d_______________s of each individual nation. Therefore, there are other solutions that should be u______________n to r_________y the c______________s of c____________e in government.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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