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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of globalization 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: Globalization
Globalization is positive for economies but its negative sides should not be ignored.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many feel that the positives of globalization justify ignoring the downsides. In my opinion, modest benefits should not overshadow legitimate threats.
The most commonly cited advantages of globalization are economic. The argument here is that by allowing companies to operate across national borders, this is a boon to both consumers and national economies. For example, in the last several decades, many Asian countries such as Vietnam and China have allowed for foreign investment, thereby stimulating their economic growth. Individuals can enjoy a variety of products from around the world and the companies themselves contribute in the form of taxes and employment opportunities. However, many would caution that multinational companies are exploitive and have driven local businesses to bankruptcy. The overall impact for the average person is therefore uncertain.
Globalization also creates apparent cultural advantages. Individuals from all around the world can experience the latest Hollywood movies and listen to their favorite artists on applications like Spotify. This undoubtedly influences and encourages other entertainers to work hard and produce quality content. Nonetheless, it can foster a harmful homogeneity. The film industry is a prime example of this. The standard American structure for films and television shows is now copied globally and funded by powerful entertainment studios such as Netflix. These companies are almost exclusively interested in specific genres, most commonly crime and action. Over time, entertainment may become less unique and no longer showcase true diversity.
In conclusion, the cultural and economic advantages of globalization have concomitant tradeoffs. It is therefore important for each nation to carefully manage and balance their relationship to global society.
Analysis
1. Many feel that the positives of globalization justify ignoring the downsides. 2. In my opinion, modest benefits should not overshadow legitimate threats.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The most commonly cited advantages of globalization are economic. 2. The argument here is that by allowing companies to operate across national borders, this is a boon to both consumers and national economies. 3. For example, in the last several decades, many Asian countries such as Vietnam and China have allowed for foreign investment, thereby stimulating their economic growth. 4. Individuals can enjoy a variety of products from around the world and the companies themselves contribute in the form of taxes and employment opportunities. 5. However, many would caution that multinational companies are exploitive and have driven local businesses to bankruptcy. 6. The overall impact for the average person is therefore uncertain.
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.
Switch to talk about the disadvantages.
Develop that side too.
1. Globalization also creates apparent cultural advantages. 2. Individuals from all around the world can experience the latest Hollywood movies and listen to their favorite artists on applications like Spotify. 3. This undoubtedly influences and encourages other entertainers to work hard and produce quality content. 4. Nonetheless, it can foster a harmful homogeneity. 5. The film industry is a prime example of this. 6. The standard American structure for films and television shows is now copied globally and funded by powerful entertainment studios such as Netflix. 7. These companies are almost exclusively interested in specific genres, most commonly crime and action. 8. Over time, entertainment may become less unique and no longer showcase true diversity.
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!
Be sure to develop the other side fully.
Including specific examples.
As well as the furthest possible result.
1. In conclusion, the cultural and economic advantages of globalization have concomitant tradeoffs. 2. It is therefore important for each nation to carefully manage and balance their relationship to global 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.
Many feel that the positives of globalization justify ignoring the downsides. In my opinion, modest benefits should not overshadow legitimate threats.
The most commonly cited advantages of globalization are economic. The argument here is that by allowing companies to operate across national borders, this is a boon to both consumers and national economies. For example, in the last several decades, many Asian countries such as Vietnam and China have allowed for foreign investment, thereby stimulating their economic growth. Individuals can enjoy a variety of products from around the world and the companies themselves contribute in the form of taxes and employmentopportunities. However, many would caution that multinational companies are exploitive and have driven local businesses to bankruptcy. The overall impact for the average person is therefore uncertain.
Globalization also creates apparent cultural advantages. Individuals from all around the world can experience the latest Hollywood movies and listen to their favorite artists on applications like Spotify. This undoubtedly influences and encourages other entertainers to work hard and produce quality content. Nonetheless, it can foster a harmful homogeneity. The film industry is a prime example of this. The standard American structure for films and television shows is now copied globally and funded by powerful entertainment studios such as Netflix. These companies are almost exclusively interested in specific genres, most commonly crime and action. Over time, entertainment may become less unique and no longer showcase true diversity.
In conclusion, the cultural and economic advantages of globalization have concomitant tradeoffs. It is therefore important for each nation to carefully manage and balance their relationship to global society.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
positives benefits
globalization the world being the same
justify give good reason for
ignoring not paying attention to
downsides negatives
modest benefits small advantages
overshadow stronger than
legitimate threats real risks
most commonly cited advantages drawbacks talked about the most
economic related to the economy
argument debate
allowing companies permitting corporations
operate across national borders work in various countries
boon benefit
consumers customers
national economies money earned in a country
in the last several decades last 20-30 years
Asian from Asia
allowed permitted
foreign investment money from other countries
stimulating making grow
economic growth countries making more money, higher GDP
variety different kinds of
products things that are sold
contribute add ot
in the form of as/made up of
taxes money paid to the government
employmentopportunities job chances
exploitive take advantage of
driven local businesses made small businesses
bankruptcy out of business
overall impact whole effect
average person normal citizen
uncertain not clear
apparent cultural advantages seeming benefits for art
all around the world globally
experience watching/viewing
latest Hollywood movies new films at the cinema
listen hear
artists people who make music, films
Spotify application for streaming music
undoubtedly influences definitely affects
encourages motivates
produce quality content make good stuff
nonetheless regardless
foster engender
harmful homogeneity everything the same in a bad way
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 the p____________s of g_________________n j__________y i__________g the d_____________s. In my opinion, m______________s should not o_______________________________________s.
The m___________________________s of globalization are e____________c. The a___________t here is that by a_______________________s to o_____________________________s, this is a b_______n to both c____________s and n______________________s. For example, i________________________s, many A______n countries such as Vietnam and China have a__________d for f______________________t, thereby s_______________g their e_________________h. Individuals can enjoy a v_________y of p_________s from around the world and the companies themselves c___________e i_______________f t____s and e____________________________s. However, many would caution that multinational companies are e_______________e and have d_________________________________s to b______________y. The o_______________t for the a________________n is therefore u__________n.
Globalization also creates a_______________________________s. Individuals from a_________________________d can e______________e the l________________________s and l_______n to their favorite a_________s on applications like S__________y. This u____________________s and e______________s other entertainers to work hard and p_______________________t. N_____________s, it can f_________r a h_______________________y. The film industry is a p________________e of this. The s___________d American s___________e for films and television shows is now c_______d globally and f___________y powerful entertainment s________s such as N_________x. These companies are almost e______________________d in s_________________s, most c___________y crime and action. O___________e, entertainment may become less u________e and no longer s____________________________y.
In conclusion, the cultural and economic advantages of globalization have c_________________________s. It is therefore important for each nation to c____________________e and b_____________e their r_______________p to g___________________y.
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 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter to you a cinema/theatre manager to ask about a jacket/coat that you forgot.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Letter to a Cinema Manager
Write a letter to the manager of a cinema (movie theatre) about a jacket you have left behind after a film. In your letter:
Describe the jacket
Describe where you were seated
Explain what you want to be done
Dear theatre management,
I am writing because I forgot my jacket during a recent showing at your cinema. The jacket is made from handmade hemp so it is rough and very distinctive. It is dyed blue and there is embroidery on the sleeves of brightly colored flowers.
I was in cinema 6 for the afternoon session of King Kong. I ordered my tickets online beforehand and I just double-checked to confirm that my friend and I were seated in row K, seats 12 and 13, near the center of the cinema.
I would advise you to check under the chairs in the cinema and in your lost and found section. If you are able to locate my jacket, please give me a phone call at 781-334-5054 and I will drive over to pick it up. If it is more convenient, you can also mail it to the return address on this envelope.
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
Jeremy
Analysis
1. Dear theatre management,
2. I am writing because I forgot my jacket during a recent showing at your cinema. 3. The jacket is made from handmade hemp so it is rough and very distinctive. 4. It is dyed blue and there is embroidery on the sleeves of brightly colored flowers.
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 was in cinema 6 for the afternoon session of King Kong. 2. I ordered my tickets online beforehand and I just double-checked to confirm that my friend and I were seated in row K, seats 12 and 13, near the center of the cinema.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
1. I would advise you to check under the chairs in the cinema and in your lost and found section. 2. If you are able to locate my jacket, please give me a phone call at 781-334-5054 and I will drive over to pick it up. 3. If it is more convenient, you can also mail it to the return address on this envelope.
4. Thank you for your assistance.
5. Regards,
6. Jeremy
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
The more detail, the better!
Add an ending sentence.
Use a phrase like regards or sincerely.
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.
Dear theatre management,
I am writing because I forgot my jacket during a recent showing at your cinema. The jacket is made from handmade hemp so it is rough and very distinctive. It is dyed blue and there is embroidery on the sleeves of brightly colored flowers.
I was in cinema 6 for the afternoon session of King Kong. I ordered my tickets online beforehand and I just double-checked to confirm that my friend and I were seated in row K, seats 12 and 13, near the center of the cinema.
I would advise you to check under the chairs in the cinema and in your lost and found section. If you are able to locate my jacket, please give me a phone call at 781-334-5054 and I will drive over to pick it up. If it is more convenient, you can also mail it to the return address on this envelope.
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
Jeremy
Answers
Practice writing sentences with the words below on a piece of paper:
management the people in charge
I am writing because my intention is
forgot don’t remember
jacket coat
recent showing shown not that long ago
handmade hemp made from the hemp plant
rough not smooth
distinctive unique
dyed blue the color is blue
embroidery hand-stitched images
sleeves where your arms go in a shirt/jacket
brightly colored flowers strong colors for the plants/flowers
afternoon session showing after noon
ordered purchased
online beforehand on the internet before the show
double-checked looked again
confirm make sure
row line of seats
near next to
center in the middle
advise give advice
check under the chairs look under the seats
lost and found section area where you put missing items
I__________________e I f__________t my j________t during a r______________g at your cinema. The jacket is made from h_________________p so it is r________h and very d____________e. It is d___________e and there is e____________y on the s__________s of b______________________s.
I was in cinema 6 for the a__________________n of King Kong. I o__________d my tickets o________________d and I just d________________d to c____________m that my friend and I were seated in r___w K, seats 12 and 13, n____r the c__________r of the cinema.
I would a_______e you to c_____________________s in the cinema and in your l________________________n. If you are able to l_________e my jacket, please g______________________l at 781-334-5054 and I will d_____________r to p_________________p. If it is more c_______________t, you can also m________t to the r_________________s on this e_____________e.
T_________________________e.
Regards,
Jeremy
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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