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
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: 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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of happiness 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: Happiness
Some people think personal happiness is directly related to economic success, while others believe this depends on other factors.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Many are of the belief that happiness is a result of financial success, while others feel there are more crucial factors. In my opinion, a certain degree of financial stability is a basic requirement for happiness but is less important overall than one’s family and health.
Those who claim that happiness correlates highly with earnings argue that it affords individuals a higher standard of living. A person with a considerable salary is able to buy a nice house, provide for their family, and purchase luxuries ranging from good food and frequent holidays to expensive vehicles and fashionable clothing. Each item taken on its own only contributes a small degree of pleasure, however, such purchases add up to a generally content, comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. If a person is inclined to equate pleasure with happiness, then there is a legitimate argument to be made for the pursuit of happiness being the pursuit of money.
However, the majority of individuals, wealthy and otherwise, would state that happiness is more a consequence of quality time with family and good health. A comfortable home filled with luxuries is enjoyable but the most sustained happiness comes from relationships. Someone who has lost touch with their family and has frayed interpersonal bonds with their relatives, is not likely to be able to fill such a void with physical possessions. Anecdotally, towards the end of life most people recognize that their happiest moments were spent in the presence of loved ones. Additionally, good health is a more powerful pre-condition for happiness since no amount of wealth can buy relief from chronic suffering.
In conclusion, happiness depends more on one’s relationship with their family and physical health rather than financial success. There are, naturally, exceptions as happiness is subjective and can be defined differently.
Analysis
1. Many are of the belief that happiness is a result of financial success, while others feel there are more crucial factors. 2. In my opinion, a certain degree of financial stability is a basic requirement for happiness but is less important overall than one’s family and health.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who claim that happiness correlates highly with earnings argue that it affords individuals a higher standard of living. 2. A person with a considerable salary is able to buy a nice house, provide for their family, and purchase luxuries ranging from good food and frequent holidays to expensive vehicles and fashionable clothing. 3. Each item taken on its own only contributes a small degree of pleasure, however, such purchases add up to a generally content, comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. 4. If a person is inclined to equate pleasure with happiness, then there is a legitimate argument to be made for the pursuit of happiness being the pursuit of money.
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, the majority of individuals, wealthy and otherwise, would state that happiness is more a consequence of quality time with family and good health. 2. A comfortable home filled with luxuries is enjoyable but the most sustained happiness comes from relationships. 3. Someone who has lost touch with their family and has frayed interpersonal bonds with their relatives, is not likely to be able to fill such a void with physical possessions. 4. Anecdotally, towards the end of life most people recognize that their happiest moments were spent in the presence of loved ones. 5. Additionally, good health is a more powerful pre-condition for happiness since no amount of wealth can buy relief from chronic suffering.
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, happiness depends more on one’s relationship with their family and physical health rather than financial success. 2. There are, naturally, exceptions as happiness is subjective and can be defined differently.
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 belief that happiness is a result of financial success, while others feel there are more crucial factors. In my opinion, a certain degree of financial stability is a basic requirement for happiness but is less important overall than one’s family and health.
Those who claim that happiness correlates highly with earnings argue that it affords individuals a higher standard of living. A person with a considerable salary is able to buy a nice house, provide for their family, and purchase luxuries ranging from good food and frequent holidays to expensive vehicles and fashionable clothing. Each item taken on its own only contributes a small degree of pleasure, however, such purchases add up to a generally content, comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. If a person is inclined to equate pleasure with happiness, then there is a legitimate argument to be made for the pursuit of happiness being the pursuit of money.
However, the majority of individuals, wealthy and otherwise, would state that happiness is more a consequence of quality time with family and good health. A comfortable home filled with luxuries is enjoyable but the most sustained happiness comes from relationships. Someone who has lost touch with their family and has frayed interpersonal bonds with their relatives, is not likely to be able to fill such a void with physical possessions. Anecdotally, towards the end of life most people recognize that their happiest moments were spent in the presence of loved ones. Additionally, good health is a more powerful pre-condition for happiness since no amount of wealth can buy relief from chronic suffering.
In conclusion, happiness depends more on one’s relationship with their family and physical health rather than financial success. There are, naturally, exceptions as happiness is subjective and can be defined differently.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
result of caused by
financial success making money
crucial factors important elements
certain degree some amount of
financial stability have enough money
basic requirement minimum
overall generally
claim argue
correlates highly relates directly to
earnings argue money say
affords can pay for
higher standard of living good quality of life
considerable major
provide for allow for
purchase luxuries ranging from buy nice things including
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 belief that happiness is a r__________f f_______________s, while others feel there are more c__________________s. In my opinion, a c________________e of f_____________________y is a b___________________t for happiness but is less important o________l than one’s family and health.
Those who c________m that happiness c__________________y with e________________e that it a________s individuals a h_____________________________g. A person with a c_______________e salary is able to buy a nice house, p__________r their family, and p__________________s r________________m good food and f__________t holidays to e___________________s and f____________________g. Each i______________________n only c________________s a s_________________________e, however, such purchases a________p to a g______________________t, c_____________e and e____________________e. If a person is i__________d to e_________________e with happiness, then there is a l_________________________t to be made for the p____________________s being the pursuit of money.
However, the m_________y of individuals, wealthy and o___________e, would s______e that happiness is more a c______________e of q______________e with family and good health. A comfortable home f____________h luxuries is enjoyable but the m________________d happiness comes from r_______________s. Someone who has l_____________h with their family and has f__________________________s with their r__________s, is not likely to be able to fill such a v______d with p__________________________s. A________________y, towards the end of life most people r____________e that their happiest moments were s___________________________________s. A_______________y, good health is a more powerful p______________n for happiness s____________________________________h can b______________f from c______________g.
In conclusion, happiness d______________________n one’s relationship with their family and physical health r_____________n financial success. There are, n______________y, e____________s as happiness is s_____________e and can be d_____________________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
How do people in your country celebrate happy occasions?
Why do occasions usually make people happy?
How important is the money spent on the occasion for making people happy?
Is it a good idea to spend a lot of money on a birthday party?
Is happiness today the same as it was in the past?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.
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