IELTS Task 1 Essay: Household Work

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Household Work

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of household work from the real IELTS exam.

Find my full IELTS Ebooks here.

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Household Work

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.

  1. Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
  3. 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.

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first category.
  2. 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.

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
  2. 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 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.

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

details shows

housework chores

completed in done in

fully employed males 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

figures statistics

resembled looked like

marginally higher a little bigger

respectively in turn

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation:

ˈdiːteɪlz 
ˈhaʊswɜːk 
kəmˈpliːtɪd ɪn 
ˈfʊli ɪmˈplɔɪd meɪlz 
ˈfiːmeɪlz 
ˈveərɪəs steɪts ɒv ɪmˈplɔɪmənt
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
wɪð ði ɪkˈsɛpʃən ɒv 
ˈsteɪbl ˈəʊvərɔːl
ˈlætə ˈkætɪgəri 
ˌʌndəˈtʊk 
baɪ fɑː 
fʊl-taɪm ʤɒbz 
kəmˈpærətɪvli ˈlɪtl
lɛd θru(ː)ˈaʊt ðə ˈpɪərɪəd ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
piːk 
slaɪt dɪp 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd 
ðəʊ 
slaɪt raɪz 
pɑːt-taɪm ɪmˈplɔɪmənt 
ˈslaɪtli ˈləʊə 
ˈkaʊntəpɑːts 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ æt 
bɪˈfɔː dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ tuː 
ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ ðə ˈpɪərɪəd wɪð ə sɜːʤ tuː 
ˈfɪgəz 
rɪˈzɛmbld 
ˈmɑːʤɪnəli ˈhaɪə 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli

Vocabulary Practice

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:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2018/feb/17/dirty-secret-why-housework-gender-gap

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following related questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Tidiness

  1. Are you a tidy person?
  2. Are you more tidy at home or at school?
  3. Were you tidy as a child?
  4. Are people in your country very tidy?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related chart below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS 16 Essay: Ownership of Electrical Appliances Line Chart
IELTS Essay: One Universal Government

IELTS Essay: One Universal Government

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. 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.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. as fully as possible!
  6. 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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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

transparency honesty

still others different ones

security being safe

freedom autonomy

diversity difference

defining feature most notable characteristic

entire whole

ultimately limit in the end contain

distinctiveness singularity, uniqueness

undertaken done

remedy fix

current crisis problem now

confidence faith in

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

səˈʤɛsʧənz hɪsˈtɒrɪkəli 
ˈsɪŋgl ˈgʌvnmənt 
kənˈtrəʊl 
ˈneɪʃənz
juːˈtəʊpjən ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
ˈdrɔːbæks 
ɔːˈtɒnəmi 
ˈnɛgətɪv θɪəˈrɛtɪkəl prəˈpəʊzəl
səˈpɔːtəz ˈɑːgjuː 
ɪˈfɛktɪv 
ˈfəʊkəst
bɛst ˈɪləstreɪtɪd 
ˈmeɪʤə ˈprɒbləmz 
ˈkʌrəntli ˈstrʌgl 
ˈklaɪmɪt ʧeɪnʤ 
ˈriːsnt hɛlθ ˈkraɪsɪs ˈfeɪsɪŋ ðə wɜːld
ˈsɛntrəlaɪzd 
prəˈtɛkt 
ɪˈnæktɪŋ 
ˈbɜːnɪŋ 
ˈfɒsl fjʊəlz 
ˈvæksɪneɪtɪd əˈgɛnst ˈkəʊvɪd-19
ɪn ˈpjʊəli ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɛtɪkəl tɜːmz 
ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl 
əˈʧiːv trɪˈmɛndəs ɛndz
ɪn ri(ː)ˈælɪti 
strɒŋ ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
pəˈsjuː 
lɛs dɪˈzaɪərəbl gəʊlz 
ɪnˈfɔːs 
ˈmændeɪts
bɪˈjɒnd 
ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti 
ˈbeɪsɪk ˈriːznz 
əˈpəʊz 
ɪgˈzɪstəns
vəˈraɪəti 
ˈvæljʊəbl ɪn ɪtˈsɛlf
ˈkʌrəntli 
tuː ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz
ˈʧəʊzn 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnts 
ˈvæljuːz 
ɪˈnækts 
beɪst ɒn 
ˈwɛstən ˈjʊərəp
liːn mɔː təˈwɔːdz 
ˈsəʊʃəlɪst ˈsɪstɪm 
ɪnˈʃʊəz 
ˈmɪnɪməm ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ fɔːr ɔːl ˈsɪtɪznz
pleɪs ˈgreɪtər ˈɛmfəsɪs 
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ɪmˈpaʊəmənt
trænsˈpeərənsi 
stɪl ˈʌðəz 
sɪˈkjʊərɪti 
ˈfriːdəm
daɪˈvɜːsɪti 
dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ ˈfiːʧə 
ɪnˈtaɪə 
ˈʌltɪmɪtli ˈlɪmɪt 
dɪsˈtɪŋktɪvnəs 
ˌʌndəˈteɪkən 
ˈrɛmɪdi 
ˈkʌrənt ˈkraɪsɪs 
ˈkɒnfɪdəns 

Vocabulary Practice

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:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/06/globalization-bretton-woods-keynes-history/619232/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Environment

  1. Why do people throw rubbish the streets?
  2. How can people be encouraged to not litter?
  3. What are the results of littering?
  4. What steps has your government taken to make people pick up after themselves?
  5. Do the efforts of a single person have an impact on the world as a whole?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

It is impossible to help all people around the world in need so governments should focus on people from their own country.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Vegetarianism

IELTS Essay: Vegetarianism

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?

This one is only available for subscribers on my Patreon. You can sign up here.

IELTS Essay: Happiness

IELTS Essay: Happiness

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. 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.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. 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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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

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

Pronunciation

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

Vocabulary Practice

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:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-10-happiest-countries-in-the-world

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Happy Occasions

  1. How do people in your country celebrate happy occasions?
  2. Why do occasions usually make people happy?
  3. How important is the money spent on the occasion for making people happy?
  4. Is it a good idea to spend a lot of money on a birthday party?
  5. 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.

Why is this?

What can be learned from this?

IELTS Essay: Violent Entertainment (Games and Movies)

IELTS Essay: Violent Entertainment (Games and Movies)

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

IELTS Essay: Violent Entertainment (Games and Movies)

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.

Analysis

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. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

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. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. The more support, the higher your task achievement mark!

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. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. as fully as possible!

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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Some feel that 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.

Answers

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

Pronunciation

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

Vocabulary Practice

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.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Film/Movie Star

  1. Who is your favourite film star?
  2. Would you like to be a film star?
  3. Have you ever met a film star in person?
  4. Are film stars popular in your country?

Writing Practice

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?