This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of a science park from the real IELTS exam.
Find all the most recent task 1 topics here and my full IELTS Ebooks here.
Dave
IELTS Essay Task 1: Science Park Map
The maps below show a science park in 2008 and the same park today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The maps detail alterations to a science park dating back to 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has expanded to include more areas for research, education and improved accessibility.
Considering initially the northern end of the park, in 2008 there was considerable untouched natural land that has now been replaced with a research and development center (the reception area was also removed in favor of a university hub, while the adjacent offices remain the same). South of these new facilities, the car park has reduced in size, the business units are unchanged, and, most significantly, the cyber security building has been enlarged, overtaking previously undeveloped land.
In the southern section of the park, the circular IT centre has been transformed into an innovation centre and there is a new train station on the southernmost tracks with walkways branching off to various facilities. Finally, there are additional biking routes along an eastern road and running through the centre of the park past the car park and new buildings as well as a bus stop on the eastern side of campus.
Analysis
1. The maps detail alterations to a science park dating back to 2008. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has expanded to include more areas for research, education and improved accessibility.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.
1. Considering initially the northern end of the park, in 2008 there was considerable untouched natural land that has now been replaced with a research and development center (the reception area was also removed in favor of a university hub, while the adjacent offices remain the same). 2. South of these new facilities, the car park has reduced in size, the business units are unchanged, and, most significantly, the cyber security building has been enlarged, overtaking previously undeveloped land.
Begin to describe the changes.
Be sure to compare as much as possible.
1. In the southern section of the park, the circular IT centre has been transformed into an innovation centre and there is a new train station on the southernmost tracks with walkways branching off to various facilities. 2. Finally, there are additional biking routes along an eastern road and running through the centre of the park past the car park and new buildings as well as a bus stop on the eastern side of campus .
Switch to another part of the map.
Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The maps detail alterations to a science parkdating back to 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has expanded to include more areas for research, education and improved accessibility.
Considering initially the northern end of the park, in 2008 there was considerable untouched natural land that has now been replaced with a research and development center (the reception area was also removed in favor of a university hub, while the adjacent offices remain the same). South of these new facilities, the car park has reduced in size, the business units are unchanged, and, most significantly, the cyber security building has been enlarged, overtaking previously undeveloped land.
In the southern section of the park, the circular IT centre has been transformed into an innovation centre and there is a new train station on the southernmost tracks with walkways branching off to various facilities. Finally, there are additional biking routes along an eastern road and running through the centre of the park past the car park and new buildings as well as a bus stop on the eastern side of campus .
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail show
alterations changes
science park place to learn about science and technology
dating back to returning to
looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
expanded increased in size
include has inside it
areas places
research learning about
education places for learning
improved accessibility easy to get there
considering initially looking first of all at
northern end top part
considerable untouched natural land lots of area not developed yet
replaced with removed for
research and development center place to learn and study
reception area area to welcome people
removed taken away
hub central area
adjacent next to
remain the same unchanged
south of lower part
reduced in size gets smaller
business units places to do business
unchanged the same
most significantly most importantly
cyber security building place for online safety
enlarged made bigger
overtaking previously undeveloped land usurping untouched natural areas
in the southern section of in the lower part of
circular as a circle
transformed into made into
innovation making new things
southernmost tracks lower train tracks
walkways places to walk
branching off going off in different directions
various facilities different buildings
finally lastly
additional biking routes along extra places to ride a bike
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The maps d__________l a_______________s to a s_______________kd_________________o 2008. L___________________________________________________t the park has e_____________d to i_________e more a_______s for r___________h, e___________n and i___________________y.
C____________________y the n________________d of the park, in 2008 there was c_________________________________d that has now been r_______________h a r_______________________________r (the r_______________a was also r___________d in favor of a university h___b, while the a__________t offices r___________________e). S__________f these new facilities, the car park has r______________e, the b_________________s are u____________d, and, m__________________y, the c______________________g has been e__________d, o__________________________________________d.
I__________________________f the park, the c__________r IT centre has been t_________________o an i_____________n centre and there is a new train station on the s_______________________s with w___________s b_________________f to v___________________s. F__________y, there are a________________________g an eastern road and r________________h the centre of the park p_________________k and new buildings as well as a bus stop on the eastern side of campus .
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the influence of ads 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: Influence of Ads
Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements from competing companies.
To what extent do you think are consumers are influenced by advertisements?
What measures can be taken to protect them?
Advertising is becoming increasingly pervasive and this has led some to question its influence on the average person. In my opinion, advertisements are indeed persuasive and most consumers could be better protected if governmental regulations were stricter.
Potential customers are greatly influenced, consciously and unconsciously, by advertising. The best evidence for the effectiveness of advertising does not come from scientific studies but the continued investment of powerful corporations. Corporations have become more efficient and clever in their use of advertising and this is clearly demonstrated in the growth of companies such as Facebook and Google which generate the majority of revenue from marketing. Advertisers are now able to target specific audience segments online and tailor ads to vulnerable demographics. Often these commercials and posts do not compel an immediate purchase, however, they linger subconsciously in users’ minds and contribute to overall brand awareness.
Such pervasive advertising can be countered only through laws. Individuals themselves often do not understand the threat or they lack the willpower to stay off the internet, where most advertising now occurs. Law-makers, in contrast, have the ability to enact regulations designed to ban certain kinds of advertisements and protect the general populace. For example, after United States elections in 2016, the government investigated and passed strict regulation to limit how foreign powers are able to purchase advertising space on social media to influence politics. Some of these laws should be extended more broadly to the corporate world so that, for instance, companies cannot target individuals susceptible to addictive behaviors by marketing unhealthy foods, videogames, and questionable pharmaceuticals.
In conclusion, the amount of investment in the advertising industry clearly shows the tremendous impact of marketing and federal governments are responsible for legislation. If steps are not taken, advertising may do irreparable harm to society in the future.
Analysis
1. Advertising is becoming increasingly pervasive and this has led some to question its influence on the average person. 2. In my opinion, advertisements are indeed persuasive and most consumers could be better protected if governmental regulations were stricter.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Potential customers are greatly influenced, consciously and unconsciously, by advertising. 2. The best evidence for the effectiveness of advertising does not come from scientific studies but the continued investment of powerful corporations. 3. Corporations have become more efficient and clever in their use of advertising and this is clearly demonstrated in the growth of companies such as Facebook and Google which generate the majority of revenue from marketing. 4. Advertisers are now able to target specific audience segments online and tailor ads to vulnerable demographics. 5. Often these commercials and posts do not compel an immediate purchase, however, they linger subconsciously in users’ minds and contribute to overall brand awareness.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some long sentences as well.
1. Such pervasive advertising can be countered only through laws. 2. Individuals themselves often do not understand the threat or they lack the willpower to stay off the internet, where most advertising now occurs. 3. Law-makers, in contrast, have the ability to enact regulations designed to ban certain kinds of advertisements and protect the general populace. 4. For example, after United States elections in 2016, the government investigated and passed strict regulation to limit how foreign powers are able to purchase advertising space on social media to influence politics. 5. Some of these laws should be extended more broadly to the corporate world so that, for instance, companies cannot target individuals susceptible to addictive behaviors by marketing unhealthy foods, videogames, and questionable pharmaceuticals.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
1. In conclusion, the amount of investment in the advertising industry clearly shows the tremendous impact of marketing and federal governments are responsible for legislation. 2. If steps are not taken, advertising may do irreparable harm to society in the future.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Advertising is becoming increasingly pervasive and this has led some to question its influence on the average person. In my opinion, advertisements are indeed persuasive and most consumers could be better protected if governmental regulations were stricter.
Potential customers are greatly influenced, consciously and unconsciously, by advertising. The best evidence for the effectiveness of advertising does not come from scientific studies but the continued investment of powerful corporations. Corporations have become more efficient and clever in their use of advertising and this is clearly demonstrated in the growth of companies such as Facebook and Google which generate the majority of revenue from marketing. Advertisers are now able to target specific audience segments online and tailor ads to vulnerable demographics. Often these commercials and posts do not compel an immediate purchase, however, they linger subconsciously in users’ minds and contribute to overall brand awareness.
Such pervasive advertising can be countered only through laws. Individuals themselves often do not understand the threat or they lack the willpower to stay off the internet, where most advertising now occurs. Law-makers, in contrast, have the ability to enact regulations designed to ban certain kinds of advertisements and protect the general populace. For example, after United States elections in 2016, the government investigated and passed strict regulation to limit how foreign powers are able to purchase advertising space on social media to influence politics. Some of these laws should be extended more broadly to the corporate world so that, for instance, companies cannot target individuals susceptible to addictive behaviors by marketingunhealthyfoods, videogames, and questionable pharmaceuticals.
In conclusion, the amount of investment in the advertising industry clearly shows the tremendous impact of marketing and federal governments are responsible for legislation. If steps are not taken, advertising may do irreparable harm to society in the future.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
advertising commercials, marketing, banner ads, pop-ups, etc.
increasingly pervasive more and more common
question doubt
influence impact
average person normal person
indeed persuasive in fact influential
better protected improved care
governmental regulations laws from the government
stricter more severe
potential customers possible buyers
greatly influenced significantly affected
consciously intentionally
unconsciously without knowing it is happening
best evidence clearest support
effectiveness impact
scientific studies research
continued investment further money put into
powerful corporations important companies
efficient saving time and money
clever intelligent
clearly demonstrated obviously shown
growth increase
generate create
majority most of
revenue money earned
marketing advertising
advertisers people who do advertising
target specific audience segments online located particular demographics through the internet
tailor ads create specific advertisements
vulnerable demographics weak groups of people
compel force
immediate purchase buy right away
however but
linger subconsciously hang around in the back of your mind
users’ minds brain of people online
contribute to overall brand awareness add to knowing about the company/product
pervasive common
countered fought against
laws regulations
threat risk
lack not have
willpower strength
stay off keep away from
occurs happens
law-makers politicians
in contrast however
enact regulations create laws
designed to ban meant to prevent
protect the general populace keep people safe
elections voting for politicians
investigated researched
passed strict regulation created strong laws
limit control
foreign powers governments from other countries
purchase advertising space buy ads
social media TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
politics leaders, governments, etc.
extended lengthened
broadly generally
corporate world companies
target individuals susceptible to addictive behaviors locate people who can be easily persuaded to buy things
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:
A___________g is becoming i_______________________e and this has led some to q___________n its i_____________e on the a_____________________n. In my opinion, advertisements are i______________________e and most consumers could be b_________________d if g______________________s were s__________r.
P_________________s are g______________________d, c________________y and u_________________y, by advertising. The b__________________e for the e_________________s of advertising does not come from s___________________s but the c_______________________t of p_____________________s. Corporations have become more e__________t and c______r in their use of advertising and this is c______________________d in the g__________h of companies such as Facebook and Google which g___________e the m__________y of r__________e from m_____________g. A___________s are now able to t_____________________________________e and t_____________s to v________________________s. Often these commercials and posts do not c_________l an i____________________e, h__________r, they l_________________________y in u____________s and c__________________________________s.
Such p____________e advertising can be c_________d only through l____s. Individuals themselves often do not understand the t________t or they l____k the w____________r to s__________f the internet, where most advertising now o_________s. L_____________s, i______________t, have the ability to e______________________________n certain kinds of advertisements and p___________________________e. For example, after United States e___________s in 2016, the government i_______________d and p________________________n to l_____t how f_________________s are able to p_________________________e on s_____________a to influence p___________s. Some of these laws should be e__________d more b__________y to the c___________________d so that, for instance, companies cannot t________________________________________________________s by m__________________________s, videogames, and q__________________________s.
In conclusion, the amount of investment in the advertising industry clearly shows the t_______________________t of marketing and f______________________s are r____________e for l_______________n. I_______________________________n, advertising may do i_______________________m to society in the future.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of Pebbleton from the real IELTS exam.
Find all the most recent task 1 topics here and my full IELTS Ebooks here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Map of Pebbleton
The maps below show Pebbleton 20 years ago and today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The two maps detail the town of Pebbleton 20 years in the past and in the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town has become more residential and offers more access for pedestrians.
The most noteworthy changes to the town relate to the expansion of housing. On the northern end of the narrow peninsula, there are now additional houses and the old fort has been replaced with a children’s playground (adjacent to a new community centre), though the lighthouse remains unchanged. South of the community centre are new tennis courts that link with a footpath (as well as Lighthouse Lane) and footbridge that connects with the school (along Coast Road) on the other side of a small river.
The final change is that a former film studio on the southwestern tip of the peninsula is presently a block of flats. The areas that have remained the same are the main roads, a playing field on the southern shore (alongside Old Fort Road), and most of the wooded space around the town.
Analysis
1. The two maps detail the town of Pebbleton 20 years in the past and in the present day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town has become more residential and offers more access for pedestrians.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.
1. The most noteworthy changes to the town relate to the expansion of housing. 2. On the northern end of the narrow peninsula, there are now additional houses and the old fort has been replaced with a children’s playground (adjacent to a new community centre), though the lighthouse remains unchanged. 3. South of the community centre are new tennis courts that link with a footpath (as well as Lighthouse Lane) and footbridge that connects with the school (along Coast Road) on the other side of a small river.
Begin to describe the changes.
Be sure to compare as much as possible.
Link together lots of locations on the map.
1. The final change is that a former film studio on the southwestern tip of the peninsula is presently a block of flats. 2. The areas that have remained the same are the main roads, a playing field on the southern shore (alongside Old Fort Road), and most of the wooded space around the town.
Switch to another part of the map.
Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The two maps detail the town of Pebbleton 20 years in the past and in the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town has become more residential and offers more access for pedestrians.
The most noteworthy changes to the town relate to the expansion of housing. On the northern end of the narrow peninsula, there are now additional houses and the old fort has been replaced with a children’s playground (adjacent to a new community centre), though the lighthouse remains unchanged. South of the community centre are new tennis courts that link with a footpath (as well as Lighthouse Lane) and footbridge that connects with the school (along Coast Road) on the other side of a small river.
The final change is that a former film studio on the southwestern tip of the peninsula is presently a block of flats. The areas that have remained the same are the main roads, a playing field on the southern shore (alongside Old Fort Road), and most of the wooded space around the town.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail show
town village
in the past before
in the present day now
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
residential for people to live
offers provides
access can get to
pedestrians people walking
most noteworthy changes biggest alterations
relate to concerning
expansion growing
housing residences
northern end top end part
narrow peninsula small piece of land surrounded by water on 3 sides
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The two maps d_____l the t______n of Pebbleton 20 years i____________t and i________________y. L_____________________________________________________t the town has become more r____________l and o________s more a_______s for p___________s.
The m____________________________s to the town r___________o the e________n of h__________g. On the n______________d of the n________________a, there are now a_______________l houses and the o_____________t has been r_________d with a children’s playground (adjacent to a new c________________________e), though the l____________e r_____________________d. S______h of the community centre are new tennis courts that l______k with a f_____________h (a____________s Lighthouse Lane) and f____________e that c__________s with the school (along Coast Road) o______________________f a small river.
The f______________e is that a f________________o on the s_____________________p of the peninsula is p__________y a b_______________s. The a_______s that have remained the same are the m___________s, a p______________d on the s__________________e (a__________________e Old Fort Road), and most of the w________________e around the town.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of computer games 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: Computer Games
Many adults nowadays prefer spending their free time playing computer games.
Why do they do this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
A large proportion of adults now enjoy playing computer games during their free time. In my opinion, this is a result of developments in mobile technology and is decidedly negative since computer games encourage passivity.
The primary cause of increased interest in games is their availability. In the past, computer games could only be played on desktop computers at home. Now, it is possible to play the same essential games on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This means that individuals are more likely to become addicted over time as research has shown the strength of intermittent rewards in forming addictive habits. For example, the average worker can play games on their phone while on the commute to work, during work on a desktop or laptop, and throughout the day whenever they have a break. This creates a powerful feedback loop in the same way as other drugs.
In my opinion, the entertainment value of such games pales in comparison to their impact on sedentary lifestyles. Before computer games became pervasive habits, individuals were more likely to spend time talking with friends, reading books, participating in physical activities, and being generally more productive. All these habits were better for mental and physical health. Computer games, on the other hand, require a minimal level of mental activity and feed users small bursts of dopamine that keep them occupied and entertained for hours. The cumulative effect, particularly when coupled with other passive activities such as using social media and watching streaming sites, is a generation of less active and creative individuals.
In conclusion, adults play computer games more often these days because of the availability of mobile technology and this is harmful as it fosters passivity. It is therefore important for adults to set limits for themselves.
Analysis
1. A large proportion of adults now enjoy playing computer games during their free time. 2. In my opinion, this is a result of developments in mobile technology and is decidedly negative since computer games encourage passivity.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The primary cause of increased interest in games is their availability. 2. In the past, computer games could only be played on desktop computers at home. 3. Now, it is possible to play the same essential games on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 4. This means that individuals are more likely to become addicted over time as research has shown the strength of intermittent rewards in forming addictive habits. 5. For example, the average worker can play games on their phone while on the commute to work, during work on a desktop or laptop, and throughout the day whenever they have a break. 6. This creates a powerful feedback loop in the same way as other drugs.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some short sentences as well.
State the furthest possible result.
1. In my opinion, the entertainment value of such games pales in comparison to their impact on sedentary lifestyles. 2. Before computer games became pervasive habits, individuals were more likely to spend time talking with friends, reading books, participating in physical activities, and being generally more productive. 3. All these habits were better for mental and physical health. 4. Computer games, on the other hand, require a minimal level of mental activity and feed users small bursts of dopamine that keep them occupied and entertained for hours. 5. The cumulative effect, particularly when coupled with other passive activities such as using social media and watching streaming sites, is a generation of less active and creative individuals.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
Continue the hypothetical example.
1. In conclusion, adults play computer games more often these days because of the availability of mobile technology and this is harmful as it fosters passivity. 2. It is therefore important for adults to set limits for themselves.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
A large proportion of adults now enjoy playing computer games during their free time. In my opinion, this is a result of developments in mobile technology and is decidedly negative since computer games encourage passivity.
The primary cause of increased interest in games is their availability. In the past, computer games could only be played ondesktop computers at home. Now, it is possible to play the same essential games on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This means that individuals are more likely to become addicted over time as research has shown the strength of intermittent rewards in forming addictive habits. For example, the average worker can play games on their phone whileon the commute to work, during work on a desktop or laptop, and throughout the day whenever they have a break. This creates a powerful feedback loop in the same way as other drugs.
In my opinion, the entertainment value of such games pales in comparison to their impact on sedentarylifestyles. Before computer games became pervasive habits, individuals were more likely to spend time talking with friends, reading books, participating in physical activities, and being generally more productive. All these habits were better for mental and physical health. Computer games, on the other hand, require a minimal level of mental activity and feed users small bursts of dopamine that keep them occupied and entertained for hours. The cumulative effect, particularly when coupled with other passive activities such as using social media and watching streaming sites, is a generation of less active and creative individuals.
In conclusion, adults play computer games more often these days because of the availability of mobile technology and this is harmful as it fosters passivity. It is therefore important for adults to set limits for themselves.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
large proportion of a lot of
computer games games played on the computer – such as Minecraft, Axie Infinity, etc.
free time spare time
result consequence
developments changes
mobile technology smartphones, etc.
decidedly definitely
encourage passivity make people less active
primary cause main reason
increased interest in caring more about
availability access to
played ondesktop computers on a computer at home
same essential games basically the same games
laptops portable computers
tablets thin computers, iPads
smartphones mobile phones
addicted can’t stop playing
strength power
intermittent rewards receiving something every once in a while
forming addictive habits make you addicted
average worker normal person
whileon during
commute travelling
during while
throughout the day all day
whenever at any time
creates fosters
powerful feedback loop cycle
in the same way as similar to
other drugs narcotics, stimulants
entertainment value interesting and engaging
pales in comparison not as strong as
impact effect
sedentarylifestyles passive ways of living
pervasive habits common practices
participating in doing
physical activities sports
generally overall
productive active
mental and physical health emotional and body health
require a minimal level need just some
mental activity brain at work
feed users give playerse
small bursts little bits
dopamine a drug that creates pleasure in the brain
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:
A l______________________f adults now enjoy playing c______________________s during their f___________e. In my opinion, this is a r_______t of d__________________s in m____________________y and is d______________y negative since computer games e__________________y.
The p________________e of i____________________n games is their a______________y. In the past, computer games could only be p_____________________________s at home. Now, it is possible to play the s___________________________s on l__________s, t__________s, and s______________s. This means that individuals are more likely to become a____________d over time as research has shown the s_________h of i_________________________s in f_________________________s. For example, the a_______________r can play games on their phone w___________n the c_____________e to work, d_________g work on a desktop or laptop, and t__________________________y w_____________r they have a break. This c____________s a p_______________________________p i____________________s o__________________s.
In my opinion, the e____________________________e of such games p_______________________n to their i_________t on s_____________________s. Before computer games became p___________________s, individuals were more likely to spend time talking with friends, reading books, p____________________n p______________________s, and being g_____________y more p____________e. All these habits were better for m_____________________h. Computer games, on the other hand, r_____________________________l of m_________________________y and f________________s s________________s of d______________e that keep them o______________d and entertained for hours. The c____________________t, p____________________n c__________________h other passive activities such as using social media and w_______________________s, is a generation of less active and creative individuals.
In conclusion, adults play computer games more often these days because of the availability of mobile technology and this is h_____________l as it f_____________________y. It is t___________e important for adults to s______________s for themselves.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of curfews 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: Curfews
Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?
Some governments are considering proposals to institute curfews for teenagers that would require them to be in the presence of an adult after certain hours. In my opinion, the marginal benefits of such a policy would be greatly outweighed by its social drawbacks.
One the one hand, requiring teenagers to remain at home at night could help curb juvenile delinquency. In certain cities, it is common for particular neighborhoods to be full of criminal activity late at night. A teenager who is either engaging in such activity or simply passing through those areas is at significant risk. By staying home, teenagers would be forced to engage in more wholesome activities and the authorities would be better able to police the streets. In this way, governments could limit both crimes commited by and upon teenagers.
However, the cases mentioned above affect a minority of teenagers while this reform would impair the social growth of the majority. Ensuring teenagers stay home essentially limits their social acquaintances to within their family. In many situations, if the family is small or there are issues related to abuse, this could foster an unhealthy psychological and social dependence. When teenagers hang out with friends at concerts, malls, parks, and other public venues they begin to develop their identity and manage the demands of interpersonal relationships. Any reforms that hinder such growth are negative for the progress of society more generally.
In conclusion, despite the positive effect a curfew would have on misbehavior, such suggestions should be ignored in order to guarantee the healthy social development of adolescents. There are less restrictive methods of reducing juvenile deliquency that could instead be considered.
Analysis
1. Some governments are considering proposals to institute curfews for teenagers that would require them to be in the presence of an adult after certain hours. 2. In my opinion, the marginal benefits of such a policy would be greatly outweighed by its social drawbacks.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. One the one hand, requiring teenagers to remain at home at night could help curb juvenile delinquency. 2. In certain cities, it is common for particular neighborhoods to be full of criminal activity late at night. 3. A teenager who is either engaging in such activity or simply passing through those areas is at significant risk. 4. By staying home, teenagers would be forced to engage in more wholesome activities and the authorities would be better able to police the streets. 5. In this way, governments could limit both crimes commited by and upon teenagers.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some long sentences as well.
1. However, the cases mentioned above affect a minority of teenagers while this reform would impair the social growth of the majority. 2. Ensuring teenagers stay home essentially limits their social acquaintances to within their family. 3. In many situations, if the family is small or there are issues related to abuse, this could foster an unhealthy psychological and social dependence. 4. When teenagers hang out with friends at concerts, malls, parks, and other public venues they begin to develop their identity and manage the demands of interpersonal relationships. 5. Any reforms that hinder such growth are negative for the progress of society more generally.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
1. In conclusion, despite the positive effect a curfew would have on misbehavior, such suggestions should be ignored in order to guarantee the healthy social development of adolescents. 2. There are less restrictive methods of reducing juvenile deliquency that could instead be considered.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some governments are considering proposals to institute curfews for teenagers that would require them to be in the presence of an adult after certain hours. In my opinion, the marginal benefits of such a policy would be greatly outweighed by its social drawbacks.
One the one hand, requiring teenagers to remain at home at night could help curb juvenile delinquency. In certain cities, it is common for particular neighborhoods to be full of criminal activitylate at night. A teenager who is either engaging in such activity or simply passing through those areas is at significant risk. By staying home, teenagers would be forced to engage in more wholesome activities and the authorities would be better able to police the streets. In this way, governments could limit both crimes commited by and upon teenagers.
However, the cases mentioned above affect a minority of teenagers while this reform would impair the social growth of the majority. Ensuring teenagers stay home essentially limits their social acquaintances to within their family. In many situations, if the family is small or there are issues related to abuse, this could foster an unhealthy psychological and social dependence. When teenagers hang out with friends at concerts, malls, parks, and other public venues they begin to develop their identity and manage the demands of interpersonal relationships. Any reforms that hinder such growth are negative for the progress of society more generally.
In conclusion, despite the positive effect a curfew would have on misbehavior, such suggestions should be ignored in order toguarantee the healthy social development of adolescents. There are less restrictive methods of reducing juvenile deliquency that could instead be considered.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
considering proposals thinking about policies
institute put into practice
curfews limits on time
teenagers those aged 13-19
require need
in the presence of around
adult people over 18
certain hours times at night
marginal benefits small advantages
policy law
greatly outweighed much stronger than
social drawbacks disadvantages related to society
one the one hand on one side
remain stay the same
curb juvenile delinquency limit crimes amongst younger people
common normal
particular neighborhoods certain areas
full of criminal activity lots of crime
late at night around midnight
engaging in doing
passing through going through
significant risk big chance
by staying home remaining at home
forced to must
engage do
wholesome activities innocent pasttimes
authorities people in charge
better able to police the streets can do a better job keeping order
limit control
crimes commited by and upon hurting other and being hurt
however but
cases mentioned above instances detailed earlier
minority not the majority
reform change
impair harm
social growth development in society
majority most of
ensuring making sure of
essentially limits basically controls
social acquaintances people you know
within their family relatives
in many situations in some cases
issues related to abuse problems having to do with physical and emotional harm
foster encourage
unhealthy psychological and social dependence needing others in a bad way
hang out spend time with
public venues places where everyone can do
begin to start to
identity recognize
manage the demands deal with the responsibilities
interpersonal relationships talking to and being around others
hinder impair
progress development
more generally overall
despite regardless of
misbehavior bad actions
suggestions advice
ignored not paid attention to
in order to so that
guarantee ensure
healthy social development of adolescents normal growth of young people
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 governments are c_________________________s to i_________________s for t_____________s that would r____________e them to be i________________f an a_______t after c_____________s. In my opinion, the m___________________s of such a p_______y would be g___________________d by its s__________________s.
O______________d, requiring teenagers to r__________n at home at night could help c_________________________y. In certain cities, it is c____________n for p____________________________s to be f________________________yl______________t. A teenager who is either e______________n such activity or simply p_________________h those areas is at s____________________k. B_______________e, teenagers would be f______________o e________e in more w_____________________s and the a____________s would be b____________________________s. In this way, governments could limit both c_________________________n teenagers.
H__________r, the c_______________________e affect a m__________y of teenagers while this r__________m would i________r the s_______________h of the m_________y. E___________g teenagers stay home e___________________s their s_____________________s to w_______________y. I_____________________s, if the family is small or there are i_____________________e, this could f______r an u____________________________________e. When teenagers h____________t with friends at concerts, malls, parks, and other p______________s they b__________o develop their i_________y and m______________________s of i________________________________s. Any reforms that h________r such growth are negative for the p_________s of society m________________y.
In conclusion, d_________e the positive effect a curfew would have on m_____________r, such s___________s should be i____________d i________________og_____________e the h_____________________________________s. There are l_________________________s of r___________g juvenile deliquency that could i____________d be c____________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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