This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of vegetarianism from the real IELTS exam:
Everyone should become vegetarian because they do not need to eat meat to have a healthy diet.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
frequent often
expensive vehicles pricey cars
fashionable clothing nice fashion
item taken on its own thing by itself
contributes adds to
small degree of pleasure a little enjoyment
add up contribute to
generally content overall happy
comfortable easy and nice
enjoyable lifestyle nice living standard
inclined likely to
equate pleasure make enjoyment equal to
legitimate argument clear case
pursuit of happiness trying to satisfy yourself
majority most of
otherwise or this will happen
state say
consequence result
quality time good time spent with
filled with full of
most sustained constant
relationships interpersonal connections
lost touch not talking to, estranged
frayed interpersonal bonds not on good terms with
relatives family members
void absence
physical possessions things
anecdotally from stories
recognize know
spent in the presence of loved ones around family
additionally also
pre-condition minimum requirement
since no amount of wealth as no level of money
buy relief purchase a reprieve
chronic suffering constantly hurt by
depends more on has more to do with
rather than instead of
naturally of course
exceptions cases outside the norm
subjective can be judged individually
defined differently described in different ways
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
rɪˈzʌlt ɒv
faɪˈnænʃəl səkˈsɛs
ˈkruːʃəl ˈfæktəz
ˈsɜːtn dɪˈgriː
faɪˈnænʃəl stəˈbɪlɪti
ˈbeɪsɪk rɪˈkwaɪəmənt
ˈəʊvərɔːl
kleɪm
ˈkɒrɪleɪts ˈhaɪli
ˈɜːnɪŋz ˈɑːgjuː
əˈfɔːdz
ˈhaɪə ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ
kənˈsɪdərəbl
prəˈvaɪd fɔː
ˈpɜːʧəs ˈlʌkʃəriz ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm
ˈfriːkwənt
ɪksˈpɛnsɪv ˈviːɪklz
ˈfæʃnəbl ˈkləʊðɪŋ
ˈaɪtəm ˈteɪkən ɒn ɪts əʊn
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)ts
smɔːl dɪˈgriː ɒv ˈplɛʒə
æd ʌp
ˈʤɛnərəli ˈkɒntɛnt
ˈkʌmf(ə)təbl
ɪnˈʤɔɪəbl ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl
ɪnˈklaɪnd
ɪˈkweɪt ˈplɛʒə
lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt ˈɑːgjʊmənt
pəˈsjuːt ɒv ˈhæpɪnɪs
məˈʤɒrɪti
ˈʌðəwaɪz
steɪt
ˈkɒnsɪkwəns
ˈkwɒlɪti taɪm
fɪld wɪð
məʊst səsˈteɪnd
rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps
lɒst tʌʧ
freɪd ˌɪntəˈpɜːsən(ə)l bɒndz
ˈrɛlətɪvz
vɔɪd
ˈfɪzɪkəl pəˈzɛʃənz
ˌænɪkˈdəʊt(ə)li
ˈrɛkəgnaɪz
spɛnt ɪn ðə ˈprɛzns ɒv lʌvd wʌnz
əˈdɪʃənli
priː-kənˈdɪʃən
sɪns nəʊ əˈmaʊnt ɒv wɛlθ
baɪ rɪˈliːf
ˈkrɒnɪk ˈsʌfərɪŋ
dɪˈpɛndz mɔːr ɒn
ˈrɑːðə ðæn
ˈnæʧrəli
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz
səbˈʤɛktɪv
dɪˈfaɪnd ˈdɪfrəntli
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.
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-10-happiest-countries-in-the-world
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
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.
Why is this?
What can be learned from this?
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of violent entertainment (games and movies) from the real general training 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
Movies and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have a negative effect on society and should be censored. Others say they are just harmless relaxation.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some feel that violence in entertainment is a root cause of problems in society and should thus be censored. In my opinion, while there is legitimate cause to establish reasonable boundaries, such content has little actual negative impact.
On the one hand, there is a general level of acceptance that gratuitous violence should be restricted. This is particularly the case if films are being broadcast on public channels or it is possible to gain easy access to violent games. In most nations, programming during the daytime has higher thresholds for acceptable content due to fears of influencing impressionable children. The worry is that very young children and teenagers will become desensitized to violence and potentially establish either a confrontational way of interacting or, in extreme cases, a pattern of behavior. Studies have not shown much evidence for these claims however they possess a commonsensical logic.
On the other hand, the majority of individuals have no difficulty distinguishing between fiction and reality. Consumers of violent entertainment are simply passing the time or experiencing a vicarious thrill. There is even the slight chance that by watching violent entertainment, audiences will be dissuaded from such behavior or feel their need for violence has been sufficiently expressed. For instance, an individual who plays violent computer games or is obsessed with horror films, according to research, is no more likely to commit a violent crime or display abnormal behavior. The actual causes of problems in society relate to employment, economics, discrimination, income inequality, and various systemic barriers.
In conclusion, though there are certain levels of violence that should be censored depending on the context, most explicit content ought to be permitted in games and movies. Efforts to heavily censor would be short-sighted and misguided.
1. Some feel that violence in entertainment is a root cause of problems in society and should thus be censored. 2. In my opinion, while there is legitimate cause to establish reasonable boundaries, such content has little actual negative impact.
1. On the one hand, there is a general level of acceptance that gratuitous violence should be restricted. 2. This is particularly the case if films are being broadcast on public channels or it is possible to gain easy access to violent games. 3. In most nations, programming during the daytime has higher thresholds for acceptable content due to fears of influencing impressionable children. 4. The worry is that very young children and teenagers will become desensitized to violence and potentially establish either a confrontational way of interacting or, in extreme cases, a pattern of behavior. 5. Studies have not shown much evidence for these claims however they possess a commonsensical logic.
1. On the other hand, the majority of individuals have no difficulty distinguishing between fiction and reality. 2. Consumers of violent entertainment are simply passing the time or experiencing a vicarious thrill. 3. There is even the slight chance that by watching violent entertainment, audiences will be dissuaded from such behavior or feel their need for violence has been sufficiently expressed. 4. For instance, an individual who plays violent computer games or is obsessed with horror films, according to research, is no more likely to commit a violent crime or display abnormal behavior. 5. The actual causes of problems in society relate to employment, economics, discrimination, income inequality, and various systemic barriers.
1. In conclusion, though there are certain levels of violence that should be censored depending on the context, most explicit content ought to be permitted in games and movies. 2. Efforts to heavily censor would be short-sighted and misguided.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that violence in entertainment is a root cause of problems in society and should thus be censored. In my opinion, while there is legitimate cause to establish reasonable boundaries, such content has little actual negative impact.
On the one hand, there is a general level of acceptance that gratuitous violence should be restricted. This is particularly the case if films are being broadcast on public channels or it is possible to gain easy access to violent games. In most nations, programming during the daytime has higher thresholds for acceptable content due to fears of influencing impressionable children. The worry is that very young children and teenagers will become desensitized to violence and potentially establish either a confrontational way of interacting or, in extreme cases, a pattern of behavior. Studies have not shown much evidence for these claims however they possess a commonsensical logic.
On the other hand, the majority of individuals have no difficulty distinguishing between fiction and reality. Consumers of violent entertainment are simply passing the time or experiencing a vicarious thrill. There is even the slight chance that by watching violent entertainment, audiences will be dissuaded from such behavior or feel their need for violence has been sufficiently expressed. For instance, an individual who plays violent computer games or is obsessed with horror films, according to research, is no more likely to commit a violent crime or display abnormal behavior. The actual causes of problems in society relate to employment, economics, discrimination, income inequality, and various systemic barriers.
In conclusion, though there are certain levels of violence that should be censored depending on the context, most explicit content ought to be permitted in games and movies. Efforts to heavily censor would be short-sighted and misguided.
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
violence hitting, killing, hurting, etc.
root cause base reason
censored limited, some areas cut out
while although
legitimate cause real reason
establish reasonable boundaries set clear limits
content what is in shows, games, movies, etc.
little actual negative impact doesn’t actually hurt
on the one hand on one side
general level overall amount
acceptance believed in
gratuitous not for any real purpose
restricted contained
particularly the case especially true
broadcast show
public channels TV stations open to all
possible can happen
gain easy access not hard to get
in most nations in many countries
programming what’s on TV
higher thresholds more difficult to meet the standards
acceptable content appopriate stuff
fears worries
influencing impressionable children having an effect on kids
worry fear
desensitized stop being deeply affected by
potentially establish possibly create
confrontational way of interacting aggressive
in extreme cases in rare exceptions
pattern trend
behavior way of acting
claims arguments
possess have
commonsensical logic make sense
on the other hand however
majority most of
no difficulty distinguishing between fiction and reality cant tell apart the real and not real world
consumers people who buy things
passing the time occupying yourself
experiencing going through
vicarious thrill experiencing through others
slight chance small probability
dissuaded not encouraged to do it
sufficiently expressed fully done
obsessed care a lot about
according to research studies have shown
commit do
violent crime murder, etc.
display abnormal behavior
actual real
relate to employment concern jobs
economics finances
discrimination prejudice
income inequality people not earning equal amounts of money
various systemic barriers areas of society opposing people
levels amount of something
depending on having to do with
context situation
explicit very visual
permitted allowed to
efforts attempts
heavily strongly
short-sighted not looking at the long-term
misguided badly intentioned
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈvaɪələns
ruːt kɔːz
ˈsɛnsəd
waɪl
lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt kɔːz
ɪsˈtæblɪʃ ˈriːznəbl ˈbaʊndəriz
ˈkɒntɛnt
ˈlɪtl ˈækʧʊəl ˈnɛgətɪv ˈɪmpækt
ɒn ðə wʌn hænd
ˈʤɛnərəl ˈlɛvl
əkˈsɛptəns
grəˈtju(ː)ɪtəs
rɪsˈtrɪktɪd
pəˈtɪkjʊləli ðə keɪs
ˈbrɔːdkɑːst
ˈpʌblɪk ˈʧænlz
ˈpɒsəbl
geɪn ˈiːzi ˈæksɛs
ɪn məʊst ˈneɪʃənz
ˈprəʊgræmɪŋ
ˈhaɪə ˈθrɛʃˌhəʊldz
əkˈsɛptəbl ˈkɒntɛnt
fɪəz
ˈɪnflʊənsɪŋ ɪmˈprɛʃnəbl ˈʧɪldrən
ˈwʌri
ˌdiːˈsɛnsɪtaɪzd
pəʊˈtɛnʃəli ɪsˈtæblɪʃ
ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃən(ə)l weɪ ɒv ˌɪntərˈæktɪŋ
ɪn ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz,
ˈpætən
bɪˈheɪvjə
kleɪmz
pəˈzɛs
ˈkɒmənsɛnsikəl ˈlɒʤɪk
ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd
məˈʤɒrɪti
nəʊ ˈdɪfɪkəlti dɪsˈtɪŋgwɪʃɪŋ bɪˈtwiːn ˈfɪkʃən ænd ri(ː)ˈælɪti
kənˈsjuːməz
ˈpɑːsɪŋ ðə taɪm
ɪksˈpɪərɪənsɪŋ
vaɪˈkeərɪəs θrɪl
slaɪt ʧɑːns
dɪˈsweɪdɪd
səˈfɪʃəntli ɪksˈprɛst
əbˈsɛst
əˈkɔːdɪŋ tuː rɪˈsɜːʧ
kəˈmɪt
ˈvaɪələnt kraɪm
dɪsˈpleɪ æbˈnɔːməl bɪˈheɪvjə
ˈækʧʊəl
rɪˈleɪt tuː ɪmˈplɔɪmənt
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks
dɪsˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən
ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪni(ː)ˈkwɒlɪti
ˈveərɪəs sɪˈstɛmɪk ˈbærɪəz
ˈlɛvlz
dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ɒn
ˈkɒntɛkst
ɪksˈplɪsɪt
pəˈmɪtɪd
ˈɛfəts
ˈhɛvɪli
ʃɔːt-ˈsaɪtɪd
ˌmɪsˈgaɪdɪd
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some feel that v____________e in entertainment is a r_____________e of problems in society and should thus be c______________d. In my opinion, w_____e there is l_________________e to e______________________________s, such c__________t has l__________________________________t.
O_________________d, there is a g_________________l of a____________e that g_____________s violence should be r______________d. This is p____________________e if films are being b______________t on p____________________s or it is p___________e to g________________s to violent games. I__________________s, p_________________g during the daytime has h____________________s for a____________________t due to f_______s of i______________________________n. The w___y is that very young children and teenagers will become d_____________d to violence and p___________________h either a c______________________________g or, i___________________s, a p_________n of b__________r. Studies have not shown much evidence for these claims however they p__________s a c___________________________c.
O__________________d, the m___________y of individuals have n_____________________________________________y. C_______________s of violent entertainment are simply p_____________________e or e__________________g a v________________l. There is even the s___________________e that by watching violent entertainment, audiences will be d_______________d from such behavior or feel their need for violence has been s______________________d. For instance, an individual who plays violent computer games or is o_______________d with horror films, a_____________________________h, is no more likely to c_________t a v_____________e or d_____________________________r. The a____________l causes of problems in society r______________o e_________________t, e____________s, d_______________n, i_____________________________y, and v________________________s.
In conclusion, though there are certain l_______s of violence that should be censored d________________n the c__________t, most e_________t content ought to be p______________d in games and movies. E_________s to h__________y censor would be s_______________d and m__________d.
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Many adults nowadays prefer spending their free time playing computer games.
Why do they do this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of jobs and whether or not employers should be allowed to ask for personal information from the real general training 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
Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many are of the opinion that there is little value to the sensitive personal information that employers may inquire about during job interviews. In my opinion, though there are certain logical limits, I believe these questions are generally useful as it helps employers understand candidates better.
On the one hand, applicants may rightly feel these questions can be uncomfortable. An employer who asks questions about family background, sexual orientation, and medical history is certainly violating all ethical bounds. If the candidate feels triggered or uncomfortable, there is the chance an interview could become the catalyst for a mental health setback or result in the candidate deciding not to apply for the position. A hypothetical example of this that shows the potential harm is that if an LGBTQ candidate must continually disclose their orientation, and the environment is very traditional or homophobic, they may find themselves frustrated and feel unfairly discriminated against.
Nonetheless, as long as inquiries are within acceptable limits, these questions aid potential employers in constructing an accurate picture of a potential employee. Naturally, an employee can lie about personal questions if they have a particularly disturbing private life, however, that might itself be of some value. Interviewers likely have experience and can detect the presence of lies and make judgments accordingly. For candidates who answer honestly, the interviewer will be able to compare their responses with past employee performance. For example, there is a strong likelihood that socially competent individuals with lots of friends and active hobbies will be outgoing and morale-boosting additions to a staff.
In conclusion, despite the risks of causing offense, these questions have value in forming a general opinion of a candidate for any given position. Employers should therefore continue asking such questions.
1. Many are of the opinion that there is little value to the sensitive personal information that employers may inquire about during job interviews. 2. In my opinion, though there are certain logical limits, I believe these questions are generally useful as it helps employers understand candidates better.
1. On the one hand, applicants may rightly feel these questions can be uncomfortable. 2. An employer who asks questions about family background, sexual orientation, and medical history is certainly violating all ethical bounds. 3. If the candidate feels triggered or uncomfortable, there is the chance an interview could become the catalyst for a mental health setback or result in the candidate deciding not to apply for the position. 4. A hypothetical example of this that shows the potential harm is that if an LGBTQ candidate must continually disclose their orientation, and the environment is very traditional or homophobic, they may find themselves frustrated and feel unfairly discriminated against.
1. Nonetheless, as long as inquiries are within acceptable limits, these questions aid potential employers in constructing an accurate picture of a potential employee. 2. Naturally, an employee can lie about personal questions if they have a particularly disturbing private life, however, that might itself be of some value. 3. Interviewers likely have experience and can detect the presence of lies and make judgments accordingly. 4. For candidates who answer honestly, the interviewer will be able to compare their responses with past employee performance. 5. For example, there is a strong likelihood that socially competent individuals with lots of friends and active hobbies will be outgoing and morale-boosting additions to a staff.
1. In conclusion, despite the risks of causing offense, these questions have value in forming a general opinion of a candidate for any given position. 2. Employers should therefore continue asking such questions.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many are of the opinion that there is little value to the sensitive personal information that employers may inquire about during job interviews. In my opinion, though there are certain logical limits, I believe these questions are generally useful as it helps employers understand candidates better.
On the one hand, applicants may rightly feel these questions can be uncomfortable. An employer who asks questions about family background, sexual orientation, and medical history is certainly violating all ethical bounds. If the candidate feels triggered or uncomfortable, there is the chance an interview could become the catalyst for a mental health setback or result in the candidate deciding not to apply for the position. A hypothetical example of this that shows the potential harm is that if an LGBTQ candidate must continually disclose their orientation, and the environment is very traditional or homophobic, they may find themselves frustrated and feel unfairly discriminated against.
Nonetheless, as long as inquiries are within acceptable limits, these questions aid potential employers in constructing an accurate picture of a potential employee. Naturally, an employee can lie about personal questions if they have a particularly disturbing private life, however, that might itself be of some value. Interviewers likely have experience and can detect the presence of lies and make judgments accordingly. For candidates who answer honestly, the interviewer will be able to compare their responses with past employee performance. For example, there is a strong likelihood that socially competent individuals with lots of friends and active hobbies will be outgoing and morale-boosting additions to a staff.
In conclusion, despite the risks of causing offense, these questions have value in forming a general opinion of a candidate for any given position. Employers should therefore continue asking such questions.
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
little value not much importance
sensitive personal information delicate facts about your private life
may inquire might ask
during job interviews when applying for a job
certain logical limits definite reasonable boundaries
generally useful overall valuable
employers companies
candidates people who are applying for jobs
on the one hand on one side
applicants people applying for a job
rightly correctly
uncomfortable not feeling at ease
family background history of your family members
sexual orientation whether you are straight or LGTBQ
medical history any past conditions
certainly violating definitely harming
ethical bounds moral restrictions
triggered causes you to be upset
chance some opportunity
catalyst cause of
mental health setback feel upset, depressed, etc.
result in cause
apply for the position try to get the job
hypothetical example imaginary instance
potential harm possible hurt
LGBTQ Lesbian · Gay · Bisexual · Transgender · Transsexual
continually disclose keep admitting
orientation which gender you prefer
environment context
traditional conservative
homophobic discrimination against homosexuals
frustrated made angry
unfairly discriminated against prejudiced against
nonetheless regardless
inquiries questions
acceptable limits reasonable boundaries
aid help
constructing making
accurate picture
potential possible
naturally of course
particularly disturbing private life especially alarming lifestyle
experience past
detect notice
presence existence
make judgments accordingly decide based on that
compare contrast
responses answers
past employee performance how well workers did in the past
strong likelihood good chance
socially competent individuals outgoing, friendly people
active hobbies not passive pastimes
outgoing sociable
morale-boosting additions make people happy with a new employee
staff workers
despite regardless of
risks threats
causing offense making upset
forming a general opinion having an idea of
any given position some random job
therefore thus
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈlɪtl ˈvæljuː
ˈsɛnsɪtɪv ˈpɜːsnl ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən
meɪ ɪnˈkwaɪə
ˈdjʊərɪŋ ʤɒb ˈɪntəvjuːz
ˈsɜːtn ˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈlɪmɪts
ˈʤɛnərəli ˈjuːsfʊl
ɪmˈplɔɪəz
ˈkændɪˌdeɪts
ɒn ðə wʌn hænd
ˈæplɪkənts
ˈraɪtli
ʌnˈkʌmfətəbl
ˈfæmɪli ˈbækgraʊnd
ˈsɛksjʊəl ˌɔːriɛnˈteɪʃən
ˈmɛdɪkəl ˈhɪstəri
ˈsɜːtnli ˈvaɪəleɪtɪŋ
ˈɛθɪkəl baʊndz
ˈtrɪgəd
ʌnˈkʌmfətəbl
ʧɑːns
ˈkætəlɪst
ˈmɛntl hɛlθ ˈsɛtbæk
rɪˈzʌlt ɪn
əˈplaɪ fɔː ðə pəˈzɪʃən
ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɛtɪkəl ɪgˈzɑːmpl
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl hɑːm
ɛl-ʤiː-biː-tiː-kjuː
kənˈtɪnjʊəli dɪsˈkləʊz
ˌɔːriɛnˈteɪʃən
ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt
trəˈdɪʃənl
ˈhəʊməʊˈfəʊbɪ:ə
frʌsˈtreɪtɪd
ʌnˈfeəli dɪsˈkrɪmɪneɪtɪd əˈgɛnst
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ɪnˈkwaɪəriz
əkˈsɛptəbl ˈlɪmɪts
eɪd
kənˈstrʌktɪŋ
ˈækjʊrɪt ˈpɪkʧə
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl
ˈnæʧrəli
pəˈtɪkjʊləli dɪsˈtɜːbɪŋ ˈpraɪvɪt laɪf
ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
dɪˈtɛkt
ˈprɛzns
meɪk ˈʤʌʤmənts əˈkɔːdɪŋli
kəmˈpeə
rɪsˈpɒnsɪz
pɑːst ˌɛmplɔɪˈiː pəˈfɔːməns
strɒŋ ˈlaɪklɪhʊd
ˈsəʊʃəli ˈkɒmpɪtənt ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz
ˈæktɪv ˈhɒbiz
aʊtˈgəʊɪŋ
mɒˈrɑːl-ˈbuːstɪŋ əˈdɪʃ(ə)nz
stɑːf
dɪsˈpaɪt
rɪsks
ˈkɔːzɪŋ əˈfɛns
ˈfɔːmɪŋ ə ˈʤɛnərəl əˈpɪnjən
ˈɛni ˈgɪvn pəˈzɪʃən
ˈðeəfɔː
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 opinion that there is l________________e to the s________________________n that employers m____________e about d_________________s. In my opinion, though there are c____________________s, I believe these questions are g___________________l as it helps e______________s understand c______________s better.
O____________________d, a_____________s may r________y feel these questions can be u______________e. An employer who asks questions about f__________________d, s_____________________n, and m________________y is c________________g all e_________________s. If the candidate feels t______________d or u_________________e, there is the c_______e an interview could become the c___________t for a m________________k or r________n the candidate deciding not to a_____________________n. A h______________________e of this that shows the p_______________m is that if an L________Q candidate must c______________________e their o______________n, and the e_______________t is very t______________l or h_______________c, they may find themselves f_______________d and feel u______________________t.
N_______________s, as long as i___________s are within a________________s, these questions a___d potential employers in c_______________g an a___________________e of a p______________l employee. N____________y, an employee can lie about personal questions if they have a p______________________________e, however, that might itself be of some value. Interviewers likely have e_______________e and can d_________t the p_____________e of lies and m________________________y. For candidates who answer honestly, the interviewer will be able to c____________e their r_____________s with p_____________________________e. For example, there is a s______________d that s__________________________s with lots of friends and a___________________s will be o___________g and m_________________________s to a s_____f.
In conclusion, d___________e the r_______s of c____________________e, these questions have value in f_______________________________n of a candidate for a___________________n. Employers should t____________e continue asking such questions.
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.theatlantic.com/membership/archive/2018/01/the-art-of-the-interview/551891/
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Machines are taking over more and more jobs previously done by humans.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of success 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
Many would argue that those who contribute significantly to society, such as artists, teachers and scientists, are more successful than the affluent. In my opinion, although earnings can be a sign of success, one’s worldly impact should be held in higher esteem.
On the one hand, wealth allows an individual to enjoy their life to the fullest. It is common in popular culture to elevate values related to altruism, however, most honest individuals would admit that success can be equated with what one can afford. The wealthy can afford the possessions and lifestyle they desire and also have the free time and peace of mind to completely enjoy their leisure. In past centuries, such people were admired as shameless examples of personal enjoyment. Therefore, this financial freedom can be viewed as the strictest and more direct definition of success.
However, money itself does not always engender a feeling of satisfaction in the same way as more active pursuits in life. Many wealthy individuals feel that they have contributed little to society and this diminishes their enjoyment of their gains. Such dissatisfaction is less present in individuals who, as long as they are not living in destitute poverty, pursue meaningful outlets for their energies. For example, renowned scientists throughout history are often not extremely wealthy, yet they are considered great successes due to their contributions and the personal joy they derive from the full exercise of their abilities. This fact can be extended to all other professions that involve determination, creativity, and the growth of one’s influence.
In conclusion, despite the material benefits of wealth, it is clear that one’s ability to shape the world is a surer symbol of success. Every individual and society must locate a balance between these two ideals.
1. Many would argue that those who contribute significantly to society, such as artists, teachers and scientists, are more successful than the affluent. 2. In my opinion, although earnings can be a sign of success, one’s worldly impact should be held in higher esteem.
1. On the one hand, wealth allows an individual to enjoy their life to the fullest. 2. It is common in popular culture to elevate values related to altruism, however, most honest individuals would admit that success can be equated with what one can afford. 3. The wealthy can afford the possessions and lifestyle they desire and also have the free time and peace of mind to completely enjoy their leisure. 4. In past centuries, such people were admired as shameless examples of personal enjoyment. 5. Therefore, this financial freedom can be viewed as the strictest and more direct definition of success.
1. However, money itself does not always engender a feeling of satisfaction in the same way as more active pursuits in life. 2. Many wealthy individuals feel that they have contributed little to society and this diminishes their enjoyment of their gains. 3. Such dissatisfaction is less present in individuals who, as long as they are not living in destitute poverty, pursue meaningful outlets for their energies. 4. For example, renowned scientists throughout history are often not extremely wealthy, yet they are considered great successes due to their contributions and the personal joy they derive from the full exercise of their abilities. 5. This fact can be extended to all other professions that involve determination, creativity, and the growth of one’s influence.
1. In conclusion, despite the material benefits of wealth, it is clear that one’s ability to shape the world is a surer symbol of success. 2. Every individual and society must locate a balance between these two ideals.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many would argue that those who contribute significantly to society, such as artists, teachers and scientists, are more successful than the affluent. In my opinion, although earnings can be a sign of success, one’s worldly impact should be held in higher esteem.
On the one hand, wealth allows an individual to enjoy their life to the fullest. It is common in popular culture to elevate values related to altruism, however, most honest individuals would admit that success can be equated with what one can afford. The wealthy can afford the possessions and lifestyle they desire and also have the free time and peace of mind to completely enjoy their leisure. In past centuries, such people were admired as shameless examples of personal enjoyment. Therefore, this financial freedom can be viewed as the strictest and more direct definition of success.
However, money itself does not always engender a feeling of satisfaction in the same way as more active pursuits in life. Many wealthy individuals feel that they have contributed little to society and this diminishes their enjoyment of their gains. Such dissatisfaction is less present in individuals who, as long as they are not living in destitute poverty, pursue meaningful outlets for their energies. For example, renowned scientists throughout history are often not extremely wealthy, yet they are considered great successes due to their contributions and the personal joy they derive from the full exercise of their abilities. This fact can be extended to all other professions that involve determination, creativity, and the growth of one’s influence.
In conclusion, despite the material benefits of wealth, it is clear that one’s ability to shape the world is a surer symbol of success. Every individual and society must locate a balance between these two ideals.
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
argue claim
contribute significantly give a lot to
affluent rich
although however
earnings money made
sign of success symbol of achievement
worldly impact effect on everyone
held in higher esteem considered more important
on the one hand firstly
wealth money
enjoy their life to the fullest have a good life
common pervasive
elevate values raised importance
related to concerning
altruism doing things for others
however regardless
honest truthful
admit confide, say
equated made equal
afford be able to pay for
possessions things you have
lifestyle standard of living
desire want
free time spare time
peace of mind not worried
completely totally
leisure free time
in past centuries hundreds of years ago
admired looked upon fondly
shameless examples not feeling bad about themselves role models
personal enjoyment loving for themselves
therefore thus
financial freedom ability to buy things
strictest most severe
direct definition clear description
engender create
satisfaction feeling good about
active pursuits not passive jobs
contributed added to
diminishes gets smaller
gains increases
dissatisfaction not satisfied with
less present not there as much
as long as so far as
destitute poverty very, very poor
pursue meaningful outlets do something important in life
energies attempts, abilities
renowned famous
throughout history for a long time from the past to now
considered regarded as
contributions giving something back
personal joy sense of achievement
derive get
full exercise complete use
extended lengthened
professions jobs
determination grit
creativity imagination
growth getting bigger
despite regardless of
material benefits money, things
shape influence
surer symbol better sign
locate find
balance keep equal
ideals principles
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈɑːgjuː
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t sɪgˈnɪfɪkəntli
ˈæflʊənt
ɔːlˈðəʊ
ˈɜːnɪŋz
saɪn ɒv səkˈsɛs
ˈwɜːldli ˈɪmpækt
hɛld ɪn ˈhaɪər ɪsˈtiːm.
ɒn ðə wʌn hænd
wɛlθ
ɪnˈʤɔɪ ðeə laɪf tuː ðə ˈfʊlɪst
ˈkɒmən
ˈɛlɪveɪt ˈvæljuːz
rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː
ˈæltrʊɪzm
haʊˈɛvə
ˈɒnɪst
ədˈmɪt
ɪˈkweɪtɪd
əˈfɔːd
pəˈzɛʃənz
ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl
dɪˈzaɪə
friː taɪm
piːs ɒv maɪnd
kəmˈpliːtli
ˈlɛʒə
ɪn pɑːst ˈsɛnʧʊriz
ədˈmaɪəd
ˈʃeɪmlɪs ɪgˈzɑːmplz
ˈpɜːsnl ɪnˈʤɔɪmənt
ˈðeəfɔː
faɪˈnænʃəl ˈfriːdəm
ˈstrɪktɪst
dɪˈrɛkt ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən
ɪnˈʤɛndə
ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən
ˈæktɪv pəˈsjuːts
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)tɪd
dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪz
geɪnz
dɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃən
lɛs ˈprɛznt
æz lɒŋ æz
ˈdɛstɪtjuːt ˈpɒvəti
pəˈsjuː ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl ˈaʊtlɛts
ˈɛnəʤiz
rɪˈnaʊnd
θru(ː)ˈaʊt ˈhɪstəri
kənˈsɪdəd
ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃənz
ˈpɜːsnl ʤɔɪ
dɪˈraɪv
fʊl ˈɛksəsaɪz
ɪksˈtɛndɪd
prəˈfɛʃənz
dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən
ˌkriːeɪˈtɪvɪti
grəʊθ
dɪsˈpaɪt
məˈtɪərɪəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts
ʃeɪp
ˈʃʊərə ˈsɪmbəl
ləʊˈkeɪt
ˈbæləns
aɪˈdɪəlz
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 a_____e that those who c__________________________y to society, such as artists, teachers and scientists, are more successful than the a_________t. In my opinion, a__________h e_________s can be a s_________________s, one’s w_____________t should be h_________________m.
O________________d, w_________h allows an individual to e_______________________________t. It is c________n in popular culture to e______________s r____________o a____________m, h_____________r, most h____________t individuals would a_________t that success can be e____________d with what one can a________d. The wealthy can afford the p________________s and l_____________e they d_______e and also have the f___________e and p_______________d to c______________y enjoy their l___________e. I__________________s, such people were a____________d as s_____________________s of p_____________________t. T____________e, this f________________m can be viewed as the s____________t and more d____________________n of success.
However, money itself does not always e_________r a feeling of s_____________n in the same way as more a__________________s in life. Many wealthy individuals feel that they have c_____________d little to society and this d_______________s their enjoyment of their g_______s. Such d__________________n is l____________t in individuals who, a_____________s they are not living in d_________________y, p___________________________s for their e_____________s. For example, r__________d scientists t_________________y are often not extremely wealthy, yet they are c___________d great successes due to their c_____________s and the p________________y they d_______e from the f______________e of their abilities. This fact can be e_____________d to all other p_____________s that involve d________________n, c______________y, and the g__________h of one’s influence.
In conclusion, d________e the m_________________s of wealth, it is clear that one’s ability to s_______e the world is a s_____________l of success. Every individual and society must l________e a b________e between these two i______s.
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/the-10-greatest-scientists-of-all-time
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.