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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the educational, social, and commercial pressures on children from the real general training IELTS exam.
It’s a really hard (even unfair!) one because of all the different areas you have to develop in your answer. This is why my answer this time is a little on the long side…
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: Pressure on Children
Children are now facing educational, social, and commercial pressures.
What are the causes of these pressures?
What measures can be taken to reduce them?
Some feel that children now have more responsibilities related to education, society, and economics. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
Analysis
1. Some feel that children now have more responsibilities related to education, society, and economics. 2. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. 2. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. 3. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. 4. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. 5. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. 6. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
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.
Finish this main idea.
1. The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. 2. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. 3. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. 4. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. 5. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. 6. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
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 your last solution.
1. In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. 2. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
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 feel that children now have more responsibilities related toeducation, society, and economics. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
responsibilities duties
related to concerning
education learning
society the public
economics business
causes results in
concern have to do with
counter-measures solutions
enacted passed
in concert together
primary catalyst main reason for
added pressures more stress
in terms of education when it comes to learning
expected to predicted to
by itself on its own
contributes adds to
additional time more time
screen what every device has so you can see things
coupled with combined with
takes a heavy toll on harms a lot
mental health psychological state
similarly the same
social demands needs of society
online world virtual life
growing getting larger
begin start
keep in touch talk to
various messaging applications Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, etc.
dynamics relationships
social media Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
increase anxiety make more nervous
targeted trying to get at
exploitation taking advantage of
commercial related to economics and business
adds psychological pressure more stressful responsibility
minds brains
authority figures people with power
establish stringent regulations create good laws
A good example of this would be a noteworthy instance is
recently passed soon legislated
prohibits forbids
per week each week
similar restrictions related laws
governing advertising controlling ads
alleviate make better
novel burdens technology new stresses related to computers
additionally furthermore
serve as be
final filter last barrier
monitor watch closely
instead of allowing rather than letting
instill put into
socializing hanging out
complete absence not at all there
in the hopes of in order to
fostering lifelong habits engendering actions that will last forever
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 children now have more r___________________s r_______________oe____________n, s_________y, and e______________s. In my opinion, the c________s all c_________n technology and the best c____________________s must be e__________d i_____________t by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the p_______________t for these a_________________s is technology. I___________________n, students are now e_______________o learn about computers in school. B__________f, this c_______________s little pressure; however, the a_________________e in front of a s________n, c________________h the time spent in their free time online t______________________n m________________h. S_____________y, s__________________s related to the o_______________d are g_____________g. Most children must at some age b_______n to k_________________h with friends through v___________________________s and then learn the d___________s of s_______________a, which can also i___________________y. Finally, while online most children will be t_____________d by advertisements. This e_______________n means that even the c___________________l world a__________________________e to the m________s of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from a__________________s. Firstly, governments can e_________________________s. A______________________________e a law r__________________d in mainland China that p______________s gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online p_______________k. S_____________________s about screen time in schools and laws g__________________________g would also help a_____________e the n_______________________y has added to children’s lives. A_______________y, parents can s__________s a f______________r and m____________r their children closely. I_____________________g their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can i__________l a love of reading, playing outside, and s_____________g in the c____________________e of technology i_________________________________s.
In conclusion, d__________e the r______s technology poses to mental health for children, there are s_______________s that governments and parents can take. However, this r__________s that parents r___________e these d___________s as i___________________l to their children’s d_______________t.
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 crimes rates and how technology can prevent crime 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: Crime Rates and Technological Prevention
Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
In conclusion, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Analysis
1. Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. 2. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. 2. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. 3. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. 4. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. 5. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
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. Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. 2. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. 3. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. 4. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. 5. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. 6. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
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, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. 2. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
In conclusion, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
advances developments
ease becomes easier
challenges difficulties
law enforcement police
innovations new ideas/products
completely eliminate criminality totally get rid of crime
inherent natural
human nature how are people are
critics people against it
argue claim
natural human instinct basic way people behave
human society people interacting
improvements developments
hope try to
limit control
extinguish eliminate
basic element of human nature characteristic of all people
conflict fight
desires impulses
expectations of society what the world wants you to do
in most cases usually
inhibits controls
impulses desires
lack this restraint can’t control themselves
violate break the rules
dictates rules
related to concerning
nature how you are born
upbringing how you were raised
struggle fight against
control inhibit yourself
even if in the case that
near-certainty almost definitely
apprehended arrested
nonetheless regardless
effectively countered well dealt with
invasive surveillance cameras watching your personal life
capacity ability
install cameras put up surveillance
physical world real life
online the internet
the best known examples of this most noteworthy instances
common ubiquitous
authoritarian nations countries with controlling governments
record footage of nearly every street film all places in a city
near 100% chance almost definitely
filmed recorded
arrested apprehended
crime statistics records of how many crimes there were
negligible not significant
reduction decreased
awareness knowing about
ubiquitous surveillance watching everything with cameras
extended lengthened
online sphere online
monitor VPNs watch where your computer is from
IP addresses the location of your computer
detect find
trace illegal activity follow criminal actions
likelihood good chance of it
advent introduction of
in particular especially
lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades cause big decreases in crimes soon
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 people believe that as technology a____________s, it will e_____e the c_____________s of l________________t. I am generally in agreement though these i__________________s will not c___________________________y as it is i_____________t to h_______________e.
C_________s would a_______e that crime is a n______________________t. Crime has existed in all h_______________y for thousands of years and i________________s in l_____________________t can only h______e to l_______t, not e_____________h, a b__________________________e. The reason for this is the natural c____________t between the d__________s of individuals and the e__________________________y. I_________________s, an individual i____________s his or her i_____________s, but some l_________________________t and v____________e the d____________s of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons r______________________e or u_______________g, would s_____________e to c__________l themselves e________f there was n__________________y they would be a_________________d.
N_______________s, crime can be e____________________d by more i_______________________e. Governments now have the c_____________y to i______________s in the p_____________d and watch individuals carefully o___________e as well. T_________________________________s would be in countries where cameras are c__________n. In these, often a_______________________s, governments are able to r______________________________t. As criminals are aware there is a n__________________e they will be f________d and a____________d, c_______________s in those areas are n___________e. This r___________n in crime due to an a_____________s of u__________________________e can also be e_____________d to the o_____________e, where law enforcement can m__________________s, I____________s to d_________t and t_________________y.
In conclusion, despite the l____________d that crime will never be completely eliminated, the a_________t of increased surveillance i___________r will l_________________________________________________________s. Governments will then, as always, have to b___________e the p__________s of s_______y against c________s to f_________m and p__________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Why do witnesses of crimes sometimes disagree in their accounts?
How can modern technology help solve crimes?
Will teaching children to be honest reduce crime in the future?
Should there be more severe penalties for crimes like libel?
How will the detection of lies change in the future?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter about a part-time job while studying abroad.
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IELTS Essay: Part-Time Job Letter
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
Give details of your study plans
Explain why you want to get a part-time job
Suggest how your friend could help you find a job
Hi Sarah!
We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. Also, if you see any help wanted ads around town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. Any other ideas you have are welcome!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Analysis
1. Hi Sarah!
2. We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! 3. I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
Address the letter to someone.
You can begin with a greeting.
Include the first bullet point.
Add in some more detail if you want.
1. I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. 2. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
1. If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. 2. Also, if you see any help wanted ads around town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. 3. Any other ideas you have are welcome!
4. Thanks for your help!
5. Huynh
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
The more detail, the better!
Add an ending sentence.
Write your name at the end of the letter.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take notes on a piece of paper to aid memory retention.
Hi Sarah!
We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. Also, if you see any help wanted adsaround town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. Any other ideas you have arewelcome!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Answers
Practice writing sentences with the words below on a piece of paper:
just spoke talked recently
totally slipped my mind completely forgot about it
let you know inform you
accepted allowed into
headed going to
finance study of money
arrive get there
induction initial welcoming information/days
in a few months soon
assuming given that
pandemic worldwide problem
under control not a big problem anymore
by then at that time
wondering thinking
look into try to find
part-time work not full-time work
get there arrive
living off-campus not living in dorms
consistently all the time
range monthly around each month
ask around seek out
tremendous help big aid
help wanted adsaround town advertisements for work around the city
snap take a picture
Any other ideas you have arewelcome! Let me know if you’ve got other ideas!
We j___________e on the phone but it t__________________________d to l_______________w that I got a___________d to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be h________d to your city soon! I’m going to be studying f__________e and I will a______e for i__________n i__________________s (a_____________g the p____________c is u______________l b__________n).
I’m writing now because I was w____________g if you could l__________o finding p_____________k for me when I g__________e. I’ll be l___________________s and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money c____________y – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour r__________________y.
If you could a_______________d at your school, that would be a t______________________p. Also, if you see any h______________________sa_____________n, it’d be great if you could s______p a picture so that I could email or call. A____________________________________e!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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