This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of pancha village 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: Map of Pancha Village
The maps below show Pancha Village in 2005 and 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The maps detail changes to the village of Pancha from 2005 to 2015. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became more developed with the addition of a new road, modern utilities, and general expansion of current residential, commercial and educational areas.
By 2015, the single dirt road present in 2005 had been transformed into a highway lined with road signs, telephone poles and telecommunication towers in the bottom left corner of the map. On the left side of the road, the marketplace has grown and become more organized while the sizes of the homes along the road have also become larger.
To the right side of the road, in the bottom corner, the area demarcated for pagodas now allows for an additional building. Just above the pagodas, two homes have been cleared away and in the upper right corner, the town built a secondary school to complement the primary school.
It is also worth noting that in 2005, most homes only possessed access to telephones but by 2015 satellite service had become common.
Analysis
1. The maps detail changes to the village of Pancha from 2005 to 2015. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became more developed with the addition of a new road, modern utilities, and general expansion of current residential, commercial and educational areas.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.
1. By 2015, the single dirt road present in 2005 had been transformed into a highway lined with road signs, telephone poles and telecommunication towers in the bottom left corner of the map. 2. On the left side of the road, the marketplace has grown and become more organized while the sizes of the homes along the road have also become larger.
Begin to describe the changes.
Be sure to compare as much as possible.
1. To the right side of the road, in the bottom corner, the area demarcated for pagodas now allows for an additional building. 2. Just above the pagodas, two homes have been cleared away and in the upper right corner, the town built a secondary school to complement the primary school.
Switch to another part of the map.
Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.
1. It is also worth noting that in 2005, most homes only possessed access to telephones but by 2015 satellite service had become common.
Try to keep it to 3 paragraphs but if there is an extra detail that is better in another paragraph, that is fine!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The maps detail changes to the village of Pancha from 2005 to 2015. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became more developed with the addition of a new road, modern utilities, and general expansion of current residential, commercial and educational areas.
By 2015, the single dirt road present in 2005 had been transformed into a highway lined with road signs, telephone poles and telecommunication towers in the bottom left corner of the map. On the left side of the road, the marketplace has grown and become more organized while the sizes of the homes along the road have also become larger.
To the right side of the road, in the bottom corner, the area demarcated for pagodas now allows for an additional building. Just above the pagodas, two homes have been cleared away and in the upper right corner, the town built a secondary school to complement the primary school.
It is also worth noting that in 2005, most homes only possessed access to telephones but by 2015 satellite service had become common.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail describe
village town
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
developed became better
addition added on
modern utilities new buildings
general expansion overall growth
current residential right now homes
commercial related to business
educational related to teaching
single dirt road one unpaved street
present in was there
transformed into made into
highway big street
lined with along a row
road signs stop signs, etc.
telephone poles where telephone lines are hung up
telecommunication towers used to connect phones
on the left side of to the left of
grown got bigger
organized in better order
while at the same time
along the road lined up
larger bigger
demarcated sectioned off
pagodas temples
additional building extra place
just above right over
cleared away removed
built constructed
secondary school high school
complement add to, complete
primary school school for young kids
it is also worth noting that it is noticeable that
access get into
satellite service uses satellites to provide internet, TV shows
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The maps d______l changes to the v________e of Pancha from 2005 to 2015. L____________________________________________________________t the town became more d___________d with the a_________n of a new road, m__________________s, and g________________n of c______________________l, c___________________l and e________________l areas.
By 2015, the s___________________d p_____________n 2005 had been t________________________o a h___________y l______________________s, t____________________s and t___________________________s in the bottom left corner of the map. O_____________________f the road, the marketplace has g________n and become more o______________d w_______e the sizes of the homes a__________________d have also become l_________r.
To the right side of the road, in the bottom corner, the area d______________d for p____________s now allows for an a____________________g. J____________e the pagodas, two homes have been c_______________y and in the upper right corner, the town b_____t a s______________________l to c_____________t the p__________________l.
I__________________________t in 2005, most homes only possessed a_________s to telephones but by 2015 s_________________e had become c___________n.
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 whether or not math and philosophy should be compulsory/mandatory from the real IELTS exam.
It’s a really strange question, to be honest! Read below to see how I handled it….
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: Compulsory Math and Philosophy
Some people think that because children find subjects such as mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be optional instead of compulsory.
To what extent do you agree?
Many feel that overly rigorous subjects such as mathematics and philosophy should not be mandatory for children. In my opinion, though there is a risk students will struggle to cope, teachers should be able to adapt the subject matter.
One reason these subjects should not be mandatory is they are often too abstract for young children. Numbers themselves are abstract. This is why many children are unable to tell time as it is essentially a metaphorical division of a circle into a clock. Teachers who place too much emphasis on abstract numbers and ideas in their lessons will find that students may become bored because they are unable to grasp the concepts. Philosophy could also become tedious and inefficient if the students lack the cognitive ability to apply general rules and ethical considerations to everyday life. This capacity to recognize and apply abstractions typically develops later in adolescence.
However, these subjects can be made accessible for children. The key is the approach of teachers and choice of materials. Math, for example, does not need to begin with complex, abstract equations but could instead involve real world scenarios and simple logic. Numbers could be introduced later as children tend to be confused by less grounded concepts. Similarly, philosophy can be approached from a number of mediums, including through stories. Many children’s stories and fables feature curious protagonists and interesting morals. Instead of explicitly instructing children through academic jargon, they can engage with the same questions about life and its origins more directly through the journey of characters in a story.
In conclusion, despite the risks of theory-heavy subjects for young learners, schools should embrace the challenge and seek less explicit teaching methodologies. This will help form the basis of a well-rounded education.
Analysis
1. Many feel that overly rigorous subjects such as mathematics and philosophy should not be mandatory for children. 2. In my opinion, though there is a risk students will struggle to cope, teachers should be able to adapt the subject matter.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. One reason these subjects should not be mandatory is they are often too abstract for young children. 2. Numbers themselves are abstract. 3. This is why many children are unable to tell time as it is essentially a metaphorical division of a circle into a clock. 4. Teachers who place too much emphasis on abstract numbers and ideas in their lessons will find that students may become bored because they are unable to grasp the concepts. 5. Philosophy could also become tedious and inefficient if the students lack the cognitive ability to apply general rules and ethical considerations to everyday life. 6. This capacity to recognize and apply abstractions typically develops later in adolescence.
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. However, these subjects can be made accessible for children. 2. The key is the approach of teachers and choice of materials. 3. Math, for example, does not need to begin with complex, abstract equations but could instead involve real world scenarios and simple logic. 4. Numbers could be introduced later as children tend to be confused by less grounded concepts. 5. Similarly, philosophy can be approached from a number of mediums, including through stories. 6. Many children’s stories and fables feature curious protagonists and interesting morals. 7. Instead of explicitly instructing children through academic jargon, they can engage with the same questions about life and its origins more directly through the journey of characters in a story.
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!
This paragraph can be long.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, despite the risks of theory-heavy subjects for young learners, schools should embrace the challenge and seek less explicit teaching methodologies. 2. This will help form the basis of a well-rounded education.
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 feel that overly rigorous subjects such as mathematics and philosophy should not be mandatory for children. In my opinion, though there is a risk students will struggle to cope, teachers should be able to adapt the subject matter.
One reason these subjects should not be mandatory is they are often too abstract for young children. Numbers themselves are abstract. This is why many children are unable to tell timeas it is essentially a metaphorical division of a circle into a clock. Teachers who place too much emphasis on abstract numbers and ideas in their lessons will find that students may become bored because they are unable to grasp the concepts. Philosophy could also become tedious and inefficient if the students lack the cognitive ability to apply general rules and ethical considerations to everyday life. This capacity to recognize and apply abstractionstypically develops later in adolescence.
However, these subjects can be made accessible for children. The key is the approach of teachers and choice of materials. Math, for example, does not need to begin with complex, abstract equations but could instead involve real world scenarios and simple logic. Numbers could be introduced later as children tend to be confused by less grounded concepts. Similarly, philosophy can be approached from a number of mediums, including through stories. Many children’s stories and fables feature curious protagonists and interesting morals. Instead of explicitly instructing children through academic jargon, they can engage with the same questions about life and its origins more directly through the journey of characters in a story.
In conclusion, despite the risks of theory-heavy subjects for young learners, schools should embrace the challenge and seek less explicit teaching methodologies. This will help form the basis of a well-rounded education.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
overly rigorous too intensive and challenging
mathematics numbers, geometry, calculus, algebra
philosophy the study of life, knowledge, etc.
mandatory compulsory
risk threat
struggle to cope have a tough time handling
adapt change to fit in with
subject matter what is studied in class
reason rationale
abstract not concrete and real
unable can’t do it
tell timeas know what time it is because
essentially basically
metaphorical division symbolic cutting up
circle shape of the sun, for example
clock what you put on the wall to tell time
place too much emphasis focus too much on
grasp the concepts understand the ideas
tedious boring
inefficient not a good use of time
lack doesn’t have
cognitive ability mental capacity
apply general rules generalize
ethical considerations moral issues
everyday life daily life
capacity ability
recognize understand
apply abstractions force ideas onto
typically normally
later in adolescence as you get older (into your teenage years)
accessible can understand
key important
approach method
choice of materials what is used in class
complex complicated
equations numbers adding up and subtracting
real world scenarios real life situations
simple logic basic reasoning
introduced later learned after that
confused can’t understand
less grounded concepts too abstract
similarly the same
approached introduced
mediums types of ways
feature have in them
curious protagonists adventurers
morals ethics
academic jargon fancy words
engage with care about
origins where it comes from to begin with
directly clearly
journey adventure
despite regardless of
theory-heavy subjects classes with lots of abstract learning
embrace care about
challenge have difficulty
seek try to find
less explicit more implicit
teaching methodologies ways of teaching
basis foundation
well-rounded education good foundation for learning
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 feel that o_______________s subjects such as m_______________s and p______________y should not be m___________y for children. In my opinion, though there is a r____k students will s_______________e, teachers should be able to a______t the s__________________r.
One r________n these subjects should not be mandatory is they are often too a__________t for young children. Numbers themselves are abstract. This is why many children are u_______e to t________________s it is e____________y a m______________________n of a c________e into a c_____k. Teachers who p________________________________s on abstract numbers and ideas in their lessons will find that students may become bored because they are unable to g______________________s. Philosophy could also become t_________s and i_______________t if the students l______k the c__________________y to a_____________________________s and e___________________________s to e_____________________e. This c_____________y to r___________e and a_________________________st_____________y develops l_____________________e.
However, these subjects can be made a______________e for children. The k__y is the a__________h of teachers and c___________________s. Math, for example, does not need to begin with c________x, abstract e_________s but could instead involve r_______________________s and s_____________c. Numbers could be i________________r as children tend to be c____________d by l___________________________s. S___________y, philosophy can be a___________d from a number of m__________s, including through stories. Many children’s stories and fables f_________e c_____________________s and interesting m_______s. Instead of explicitly instructing children through a______________n, they can e_____________h the same questions about life and its o__________s more d________y through the j__________y of characters in a story.
In conclusion, d_________e the risks of t______________________s for young learners, schools should e___________e the c___________e and s_____k l__________________t t__________________________s. This will help form the b______s of a w________________________n.
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 whether or not students should be allowed to choose their courses/classes freely in high school or secondary school from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Choosing Classes
Some people think that students in high or secondary school can choose courses freely, others think that courses such as mathematics must be compulsory.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many feel that is essential students be able to choose all their own courses in secondary and high school. In my opinion, certain important classes must remain mandatory.
Those who argue for complete autonomy on that part of students believe it will encourage commitment. A well-known example of this would be free democratic schools popular in various affluent communities in the United States. At these institutions, students have no required classes and are free to choose all their activities on a given day. The result is that students become more independent, motivated, and passionate about certain subject areas. They are then able to translate that passion into dedication because of the freedom allowed. However, it should be mentioned that the success of such schools could also be related to the socioeconomic status of many attendees.
Nonetheless, traditional core subjects are foundational for later integration into society. One of the keys to a cohesive society is a shared education. In most nations, students learn a similar curriculum that focuses on history, math, science, and art. Although students will not use most of what they learn for a practice purpose in the future, it will serve as a basis for their later studies, work, and interactions. An individual who grows up without classes in history, for example, may not understand certain cultural references and feel alienated from the culture at large later. The wide range of subjects in most schools prepares students to become well-rounded, functioning members of society capable of interacting and choosing among multiple career paths.
In conclusion, the utopian ideal of unfettered choice for students may be possible in some contexts, but most should learn from a standardized curriculum to become part of society at large. When possible, students should possess a degree of choice within clear limitations.
Analysis
1. Many feel that is essential students be able to choose all their own courses in secondary and high school. 2. In my opinion, certain important classes must remain mandatory.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue for complete autonomy on that part of students believe it will encourage commitment. 2. A well-known example of this would be free democratic schools popular in various affluent communities in the United States. 3. At these institutions, students have no required classes and are free to choose all their activities on a given day. 4. The result is that students become more independent, motivated, and passionate about certain subject areas. 5. They are then able to translate that passion into dedication because of the freedom allowed. 6. However, it should be mentioned that the success of such schools could also be related to the socioeconomic status of many attendees.
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.
State the results of your ideas.
You can add a concession at the end.
1. Nonetheless, traditional core subjects are foundational for later integration into society. 2. One of the keys to a cohesive society is a shared education. 3. In most nations, students learn a similar curriculum that focuses on history, math, science, and art. 4. Although students will not use most of what they learn for a practice purpose in the future, it will serve as a basis for their later studies, work, and interactions. 5. An individual who grows up without classes in history, for example, may not understand certain cultural references and feel alienated from the culture at large later. 6. The wide range of subjects in most schools prepares students to become well-rounded, functioning members of society capable of interacting and choosing among multiple career paths.
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!
Connect your ideas back to the topic.
1. In conclusion, the utopian ideal of unfettered choice for students may be possible in some contexts, but most should learn from a standardized curriculum to become part of society at large. 2. When possible, students should possess a degree of choice within clear limitations.
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 feel that is essential students be able to choose all their own courses in secondary and high school. In my opinion, certain important classes must remain mandatory.
Those who argue for complete autonomy on that part of students believe it will encourage commitment. A well-known example of this would be free democratic schools popular in various affluent communities in the United States. At these institutions, students have no required classes and are free to choose all their activities on a given day. The result is that students become more independent, motivated, and passionate about certain subject areas. They are then able to translate that passion into dedication because of the freedom allowed. However, it should be mentioned that the success of such schools could also be related to the socioeconomic status of many attendees.
Nonetheless, traditional core subjects are foundational for later integration into society. One of the keys to a cohesive society is a shared education. In most nations, students learn a similar curriculum that focuses on history, math, science, and art. Although students will not use most of what they learn for a practice purpose in the future, it will serve as a basis for their later studies, work, and interactions. An individual who grows up without classes in history, for example, may not understand certain cultural references and feel alienated from the culture at large later. The wide range of subjects in most schools prepares students to become well-rounded, functioning members of society capable of interacting and choosing among multiple career paths.
In conclusion, the utopian ideal of unfettered choice for students may be possible in some contexts, but most should learn from a standardized curriculum to become part of society at large. When possible, students should possess a degree of choice within clear limitations.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
essential crucial
choose opt for
courses classes
secondary high school in the U.S.
high school secondary school in the U.K.
certain some
remain stay the same
mandatory comulsory
argue for point out
complete autonomy total freedom
encourage commitment motivate dedication
well-known example famous instance
free democratic schools schools where you can do what you want
popular common
various affluent communities rich places
institutions schools, organizations, etc.
no required classes not mandatory courses
on a given day on some random day
result lead to
independent self-reliant
motivated encouraged
passionate caring a lot about
certain subject areas some classes
translate turn into
dedication commitment
it should be mentioned that we should include the fact that
related concerning
socioeconomic status how wealthy people are
attendees students
nonetheless regardless
traditional core subjects core classes
foundational basis
integration into society become part of the country
keys important aspects
cohesive society well-integrated world
shared education the same learning
similar curriculum same classes
focuses on is about
practice purpose real reason
serve as a basis be the foundation for
interactions communications
cultural references people mentioning well known facts
alienated feel apart from
culture at large later society all around afterwards
wide range lots of different
well-rounded comprehensive
functioning members of society important parts of society
capable of able to
choosing among multiple career paths making a choice about your job
utopian ideal perfect future hope
unfettered choice unlimited options
contexts situations
standardized curriculum normal classes and subjects
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 feel that is e___________l students be able to c________e all their own c_________s in s_____________y and h___________l. In my opinion, c_______n important classes must r________n m_______________y.
Those who a_____________________________y on that part of students believe it will e___________________t. A w_____________________e of this would be f______________________________s p__________r in v______________________________s in the United States. At these i______________s, students have n___________________s and are free to choose all their activities o_________________y. The r_______t is that students become more i________________t, m__________d, and p__________e about c_____________________s. They are then able to t___________e that passion into d___________n because of the freedom allowed. However, i___________________________t the success of such schools could also be r________d to the s_____________________s of many a__________s.
N_____________s, t____________________________s are f______________l for later i__________________________y. One of the k_____s to a c_____________y is a s____________________n. In most nations, students learn a s_____________________m that f___________n history, math, science, and art. Although students will not use most of what they learn for a p______________________e in the future, it will s______________s for their later studies, work, and i______________s. An individual who grows up without classes in history, for example, may not understand certain c________________s and feel a_____________d from the c________________________r. The w____________e of subjects in most schools prepares students to become w________________d, f_________________________________________f interacting and c_____________________________________________s.
In conclusion, the u_________________l of u_________________e for students may be possible in some c____________s, but most should learn from a s____________________________m to become part of society a________e. W__________________e, students should p________s a degree of choice within c___________________s.
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 freedom to make mistakes 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: Freedom to Make Mistakes
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some are of the opinion that children should be allowed to make mistakes, while others feel that adults should take a preventative approach. In my opinion, there are limits but it is nonetheless essential for healthy development to permit children their errors.
Proponents of reduced freedom for children argue that mistakes can lead to a pattern of misbehavior. This argument is often advanced by over-protective parents who believe human nature naturally trends toward anti-social activity. For example, a child who is mean to classmates and performs poorly in academics and athletics will only continue this behavior if enabled by understanding adults. To counter the child’s wayward impulses, parents should instead either punish or reward in order to motivate more socially acceptable behavior. The theory is that children will then recognize the boundaries set by parents and society and later fit into the adult world as well-functioning members.
Regardless, a sense of autonomy is crucial to mature development. Children who are shielded from making mistakes often lack the skills that encourage healthy growth. The majority of learning, for instance, is achieved through mistakes. A child who is learning a sport makes mistake after mistake but does it with a positive attitude and eventually improves. Later in life, the attitude may become more negative but the process remains the same for all disciplines, private and public. Parents and other adults must therefore seek to impart unconditional support and ensure children do not develop self-esteem problems based on their mistakes. This approach of fostering a cheerful self-sufficiency will serve them best throughout life.
In conclusion, although some adults may feel that are preventing children from making mistakes for the public good, they are in fact doing great harm to their child’s mental well-being. If larger segments of society accept this perspective, it will benefit all of society.
Analysis
1. Some are of the opinion that children should be allowed to make mistakes, while others feel that adults should take a preventative approach. 2. In my opinion, there are limits but it is nonetheless essential for healthy development to permit children their errors.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents of reduced freedom for children argue that mistakes can lead to a pattern of misbehavior. 2. This argument is often advanced by over-protective parents who believe human nature naturally trends toward anti-social activity. 3. For example, a child who is mean to classmates and performs poorly in academics and athletics will only continue this behavior if enabled by understanding adults. 4. To counter the child’s wayward impulses, parents should instead either punish or reward in order to motivate more socially acceptable behavior. 5. The theory is that children will then recognize the boundaries set by parents and society and later fit into the adult world as well-functioning members.
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.
Finish this main idea.
1. Regardless, a sense of autonomy is crucial to mature development. 2. Children who are shielded from making mistakes often lack the skills that encourage healthy growth. 3. The majority of learning, for instance, is achieved through mistakes. 4. A child who is learning a sport makes mistake after mistake but does it with a positive attitude and eventually improves. 5. Later in life, the attitude may become more negative but the process remains the same for all disciplines, private and public. 6. Parents and other adults must therefore seek to impart unconditional support and ensure children do not develop self-esteem problems based on their mistakes. 7. This approach of fostering a cheerful self-sufficiency will serve them best throughout life.
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!
This paragraph can be long.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, although some adults may feel that are preventing children from making mistakes for the public good, they are in fact doing great harm to their child’s mental well-being. 2. If larger segments of society accept this perspective, it will benefit all of society.
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 are of the opinion that children should be allowed to make mistakes, while others feel that adults should take a preventative approach. In my opinion, there are limits but it is nonetheless essential for healthy development to permit children their errors.
Proponents of reduced freedom for children argue that mistakes can lead to a pattern of misbehavior. This argument is often advanced by over-protective parents who believe human nature naturally trends towardanti-social activity. For example, a child who is mean to classmates and performs poorly in academics and athletics will only continue this behavior if enabled by understanding adults. To counter the child’s wayward impulses, parents should instead either punish or reward in order to motivate more socially acceptable behavior. The theory is that children will then recognize the boundaries set by parents and society and later fit into the adult world as well-functioning members.
Regardless, a sense of autonomy is crucial to mature development. Children who are shielded from making mistakes often lack the skills that encourage healthy growth. The majority of learning, for instance, is achieved through mistakes. A child who is learning a sport makes mistake after mistake but does it with a positive attitude and eventually improves. Later in life, the attitude may become more negative but the process remains the same for all disciplines, private and public. Parents and other adults must therefore seek to impartunconditional support and ensure children do not develop self-esteem problems based on their mistakes. This approach of fostering a cheerful self-sufficiency will serve them best throughout life.
In conclusion, although some adults may feel that are preventing children from making mistakes for the public good, they are in fact doing great harm to their child’s mental well-being. If larger segments of society accept this perspective, it will benefit all of society.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
are of the opinion believe
allowed are able to
mistakes errors
take a preventative approach want to stop it from happening at all
limits boundaries
nonetheless regardless
essential crucial
healthy development good for you
permit allow
errorsmistakes
proponents people who support
reduced less
lead to a pattern of misbehavior keep making mistakes in the future
argument debate
advanced developed
over-protective parents parents who try too hard to keep their kids safe
human nature how people are naturally
naturally trends toward of course leads to
anti-social activity not following the rules of society
mean not nice
classmates students in the same class
performs poorly does badly
academics school subjects
athletics sports
behavior how a person acts
enabled encouraged
understanding sympathy
counter fight against
wayward impulses bad desires
punish hit, reprimand
reward positive reinforcement
in order to so as to
socially acceptable behavior what the world allows you to do
theory idea
recognize start to notice
boundaries set by limits laid down by
fit into become part of
well-functioning members normal people
regardless nonetheless
sense of autonomy feeling of independence
crucial important
mature development sophisticated growing up
shielded from protected from
lack don’t have
encourage healthy growth help you grow up well
majority most of
achieved got to the point
mistake after mistake keep messing up
positive attitude good outlook
eventually improves in the long run helps
later in life as you get older
negative not positive
process way of doing something
remains the same doesn’t change
disciplines skills, jobs
private personal
public around others
therefore thus
seek to impart hopes to give
unconditional support no strings love
ensure make sure
develop self-esteem problems feel bad about themselves
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 a_____________________n that children should be a_________d to make m___________s, while others feel that adults should t_____________________________h. In my opinion, there are l________s but it is n______________s e______________l for h____________________t to p_________t children their e_______s.
P___________s of r__________d freedom for children argue that mistakes can l_________________________________r. This a___________t is often a____________d by o___________________________s who believe h_____________e n____________y t_________________da____________________y. For example, a child who is m____n to c___________s and p_________________y in a____________s and a____________s will only continue this b__________r if e________d by u_________________g adults. To c__________r the child’s w___________________s, parents should instead either p__________h or r_______d i___________o motivate more s_____________________________r. The t_______y is that children will then r___________e the b________________y parents and society and later f________o the adult world as w________________________s.
R___________s, a s_____________________y is c_________l to m_____________________t. Children who are s_____________m making mistakes often l_____k the skills that e________________________h. The m__________y of learning, for instance, is a___________d through mistakes. A child who is learning a sport makes m___________________e but does it with a p________________________e and e__________________s. L_____________e, the attitude may become more n___________e but the p__________s r_________________e for all d___________s, p___________e and p________c. Parents and other adults must t_____________e s___________________tu___________________t and e_________e children do not d________________________________n their mistakes. This a_____________h of f_____________g a c_____________________y will serve them best t_____________________e.
In conclusion, although some adults may feel that are p______________g children from making mistakes for the p____________d, they are i_______t d__________________m to their child’s m________________g. If l_________________s of s________________t this p____________e, it will b________t all of society.
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 urban and rural population trends and trends in age structure 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: Urban and Rural Population Trends
The bar chart illustrates population trends globally by percentage from 1950 to 2040.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The line charts detail population trends relating to location and age globally from 1950 until 2040. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that urban populations have and will continue to constitute the majority of growth. In terms of age demographics, those 15-65 have become by far the largest group and this is predicted to remain the same in the future.
Turning first to urban residency in 1950, this figure began the period at 6%, just 1% above the statistic for the rural population. Over the ensuing years, urban numbers soared, rising by approximately 5% each decade until the present day. This trend is anticipated to continue and urban occupants should represent just under 40% by 2040. In contrast, rural populations were largely steady, increasing under a percentage point every 10 years and anticipated to reach 6% in 2040. The growth in total figures roughly mirror urban percentages but are 5-10% higher throughout.
The age distribution indicates clearly that those 15-65 (beginning at 6% in 1950) will become most common, rising close to 5% each decade with a likely high point of 35% by the end of the period surveyed. Those under 15 and over 65 display a broadly similar pattern at around 5% for the majority of the time described.
Analysis
1. The line charts detail population trends relating to location and age globally from 1950 until 2040. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that urban populations have and will continue to constitute the majority of growth. 3. In terms of age demographics, those 15-65 have become by far the largest group and this is predicted to remain the same in the future.
Paraphrase what the line chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need a second sentence for your overview.
1. Turning first to urban residency in 1950, this figure began the period at 6%, just 1% above the statistic for the rural population. 2. Over the ensuing years, urban numbers soared, rising by approximately 5% each decade until the present day. 3. This trend is anticipated to continue and urban occupants should represent just under 40% by 2040. 4. In contrast, rural populations were largely steady, increasing under a percentage point every 10 years and anticipated to reach 6% in 2040. 5. The growth in total figures roughly mirror urban percentages but are 5-10% higher throughout.
Begin writing about the data for the first category.
Continue describing it.
Keep describing the data.
Compare to the other lines.
Make sure everything is detailed.
1. The age distribution indicates clearly that those 15-65 (beginning at 6% in 1950) will become most common, rising close to 5% each decade with a likely high point of 35% by the end of the period surveyed. 2. Those under 15 and over 65 display a broadly similar pattern at around 5% for the majority of the time described.
Write about the final other parts of the line graph – include everything!
There is a lot of data in this one but try to get to all of it.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The line charts detail population trends relating to location and age globally from 1950 until 2040. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent thaturban populations have and will continue to constitute the majority of growth. In terms of age demographics, those 15-65 have become by far the largest group and this is predicted to remain the same in the future.
Turning first to urban residency in 1950, this figure began the period at 6%, just 1% above the statistic for the rural population. Over the ensuing years, urban numbers soared, rising by approximately 5% each decade until the present day. This trend is anticipated to continue and urban occupants should represent just under 40% by 2040. In contrast, rural populations were largely steady, increasing under a percentage point every 10 years and anticipated to reach 6% in 2040. The growth in total figures roughly mirror urban percentages but are 5-10% higher throughout.
The age distribution indicates clearly that those 15-65 (beginning at 6% in 1950) will become most common, rising close to 5% each decade with a likely high point of 35% by the end of the period surveyed. Those under 15 and over 65 display a broadly similar pattern at around 5% for the majority of the time described.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail illustrate
population trends patterns for how many people
globally around the world
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent thaturban overall
constitute make up
majority most of
growth increase
In terms of when it comes to
demographics groups of people
by far a lot more than
predicted expected to
remain stay the same
in the future later
turning first to considering firstly
residency living there
figure number
period time given
above over
statistic figure
over the ensuing years during the next span of time
soared increased a lot
rising increasing
approximately around
each decade every 10 years
until the present day up until now
anticipated predicted
continue keep going
occupants people living there
represent stand for
largely steady mostly unchanged
under a percentage point every 10 years less than 1% each decade
anticipated expected
reach get to
roughly mirror almost the same as
higher throughout above it the whole time
distribution how it is spread out
indicates clearly shows definitely
common ubiquitous
with a likely high point of probably reaching the top at
by the end of the period surveyed for the whole time detailed
display a broadly similar pattern has almost the same trend
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The line charts d_______l p_____________________s relating to location and age g___________y from 1950 until 2040. L_________________________________________________tu_______n populations have and will continue to c____________e the m_________y of g_______h. I_________________f age d_____________s, those 15-65 have become b_____r the largest group and this is p__________d to r________n the same i_____________e.
T________________o urban r__________y in 1950, this f________e began the p_______d at 6%, just 1% a_______e the s_________c for the rural population. O____________________________s, urban numbers s________d, r_______g by a______________________y 5% e__________________________________y. This trend is a___________d to c__________e and urban o___________s should r__________t just under 40% by 2040. In contrast, rural populations were l________________y, increasing u___________________________________________s and a____________d to r______h 6% in 2040. The growth in total figures r_____________________r urban percentages but are 5-10% h____________________t.
The age d______________n i______________________y that those 15-65 (beginning at 6% in 1950) will become most c________n, rising close to 5% each decade w________________________________f 35% b______________________________________d. Those under 15 and over 65 d___________________________________n at around 5% for the m___________y of the time d__________d.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
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