This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the number of animals and plants declining and the causes and solutions 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: Breaking Traffic Laws
Not all drivers obey the laws while driving on roads.
What are the reasons for this?
What can be done to fix this problem?
It is very common globally for motorists to break the rules when driving. The reasons for this typically relate to personality and extreme situations and the best solutions involve various governmental regulations.
Individuals often do not follow traffic laws because of individual temperament and exceptional circumstances. Regarding the former reason, there are many who have a more rebellious attitude towards rules in general that may extend to all areas of their lives including driving. This could itself be the result of upbringing, hereditary factors, or societal influences. The second reason is an impaired state. These situations include being in a rush, driving under the influence of a drug such as alcohol, using a portable device while driving, and being tired. All these contexts imply that the breaking of the rules is a result of neglect rather than harmful intent.
In order to remedy these public safety hazards, governments must implement comprehensive, long-term reforms. The fastest fixes are stricter penalties for infractions. If the repercussions for speeding, for example, include jail time, then this will act as a powerful deterrent. However, it does little to address the root causes of misbehavior. To counter this, governments must regulate the advertising and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Most accidents are caused while individuals are under the influence and therefore any measures taken against the alcohol industry will likely have the greatest impact. The government can also legislate in other related areas including requirements for licenses, raising awareness of driving safety in schools, and limits on the hours truckers and taxis can drive to avoid driver fatigue.
In conclusion, the causes of rule-breaking on roads are personality and the situation and the ideal solutions come from government intervention. Individuals also play a role but governments can affect the greatest changes.
Analysis
1. It is very common globally for motorists to break the rules when driving. 2. The reasons for this typically relate to personality and extreme situations and the best solutions involve various governmental regulations.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Individuals often do not follow traffic laws because of individual temperament and exceptional circumstances. 2. Regarding the former reason, there are many who have a more rebellious attitude towards rules in general that may extend to all areas of their lives including driving. 3. This could itself be the result of upbringing, hereditary factors, or societal influences. 4. The second reason is an impaired state. 5. These situations include being in a rush, driving under the influence of a drug such as alcohol, using a portable device while driving, and being tired. 6. All these contexts imply that the breaking of the rules is a result of neglect rather than harmful intent.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Keep developing it fully.
You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.
State the fullest possible result.
1. In order to remedy these public safety hazards, governments must implement comprehensive, long-term reforms. 2. The fastest fixes are stricter penalties for infractions. 3. If the repercussions for speeding, for example, include jail time, then this will act as a powerful deterrent. 4. However, it does little to address the root causes of misbehavior. 5. To counter this, governments must regulate the advertising and distribution of alcoholic beverages. 6. Most accidents are caused while individuals are under the influence and therefore any measures taken against the alcohol industry will likely have the greatest impact. 7. The government can also legislate in other related areas including requirements for licenses, raising awareness of driving safety in schools, and limits on the hours truckers and taxis can drive to avoid driver fatigue.
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!
Try some longer sentences to show off your grammatical range.
Conclude with a strong statement and more detail.
1. In conclusion, the causes of rule-breaking on roads are personality and the situation and the ideal solutions come from government intervention. 2. Individuals also play a role but governments can affect the greatest changes.
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.
It is very common globally for motorists to break the rules when driving. The reasons for this typically relate to personality and extreme situations and the best solutionsinvolve various governmental regulations.
Individuals often do not follow traffic laws because of individual temperament and exceptional circumstances. Regarding the former reason, there are many who have a more rebellious attitude towards rules in general that may extend to all areas of their lives including driving. This could itself be the result of upbringing, hereditary factors, or societal influences. The second reason is an impaired state. These situations include being in a rush, driving under the influence of a drug such as alcohol, using a portable device while driving, and being tired. All these contexts imply that the breaking of the rules is a result of neglect rather than harmful intent.
In order to remedy these public safety hazards, governments must implement comprehensive, long-term reforms. The fastest fixes are stricter penalties for infractions. If the repercussions for speeding, for example, include jail time, then this will act as a powerful deterrent. However, it does little to address the root causes of misbehavior. To counter this, governments must regulate the advertising and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Most accidents are caused while individuals are under the influence and therefore any measures taken against the alcohol industry will likely have the greatest impact. The government can also legislate in other related areas including requirements for licenses, raising awareness of driving safety in schools, and limits on the hours truckers and taxis can drive to avoid driver fatigue.
In conclusion, the causes of rule-breaking on roads are personality and the situation and the ideal solutions come from government intervention. Individuals also play a role but governments can affect the greatest changes.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
common globally happens all around the world
motorists people who drive
break the rules not obey the law
typically relate to usually have to do with
personality your character
extreme situations rare contexts
best solutions ideal fixes
involve have to do with
various governmental regulations many government laws
do not follow traffic laws disobey traffic rules/laws
individual temperament a person’s character
exceptional circumstances rare instances
regarding the former as it relates to the first mentioned reason
rebellious attitude defiant personality
in general overall
extend to include
be the result of upbringing because of how you were raised
hereditary factors genetics
societal influences the effects of others
impaired state drunk, under the influence, tired, emotional, etc.
being in a rush being in a hurry
driving under the influence of a drug driving drunk, high, etc.
alcohol beer, wine, etc.
using a portable device smartphones
contexts imply situations mean
neglect not paying attention to
harmful intent desiring to hurt
in order to remedy so that it can be fixed
public safety hazards not good for the public
implement comprehensive enact total
long-term reforms changes that take place over a long time
fastest fixes more immediate solutions
stricter penalties harsher punishments
infractions breaking the rules
repercussions implications
speeding driving too fast
jail time going to prison
powerful deterrent strong way of dissuading people
address the root causes handle the main reasons/sources
misbehavior not behaving well
counter fight against
advertising and distribution of alcoholic beverages ads for and selling of beer, wine, etc.
accidents collisions
under the influence using a drug
measures steps
alcohol industry companies that make alcoholic beverages
greatest impact most effect
legislate make laws, rules
requirements for licenses stipulations to be able to drive
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:
It is very c____________________y for m_____________s to b______________s when driving. The reasons for this t__________y r___________o p____________y and e___________________s and the b_______________si___________e v___________________________s.
Individuals often d_________________________s because of i_______________________t and e__________________________s. R_____________________r reason, there are many who have a more r______________________e towards rules i_______________l that may e_____________o all areas of their lives including driving. This could itself b____________________________________g, h__________________s, or s_____________________s. The second reason is an i________________e. These situations include b_______________h, d____________________________________g such as a_________l, u_________________e while driving, and being tired. All these c________________y that the breaking of the rules is a result of n__________t rather than h________________t.
I______________________y these p________________________s, governments must i________________________e, l_______________________s. The f_______________s are s_________________s for i______________s. If the r______________s for s____________g, for example, include j____________e, then this will act as a p_____________________t. However, it does little to a_________________________s of m________________r. To c________r this, governments must regulate the a_________________________________________________s. Most a___________s are caused while individuals are u_______________e and therefore any m__________s taken against the a___________________y will likely have the g___________________t. The government can also l______________e in other related areas including r_____________________s, r___________________________________y in schools, and l_________s on the hours t____________s and t______s can drive to a______________________e.
In conclusion, the causes of r__________________g on roads are personality and the situation and the i________l solutions come from government i__________________n. Individuals also p____________e but governments can a_________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
I’ve written this official IELTS step-by-step preparation guide because I get a lot of the same questions from students and this may help you achieve the score you want!
There are a lot of areas to consider.
If you have specific questions, comment them below!
Dave
Starting with IELTS Writing
The lowest score for IELTS is almost always for writing.
This has been confirmed in numerous studies all around the world. See the official studies here.
Therefore, you should start your writing practice first.
Start by writing a whole essay, then check it against the links below.
Then practice individual skills before writing another whole essay.
Writing will be the most important skill to improve for IELTS and you should break it down skill by skill and improve each one before working on your whole essay.
IELTS Writing Resources
Now that you know writing is the most important and you have some practice in, what’s next?
I would recommend you begin by studying sample answers more closely.
Pay close attention to the structure and then you can focus on the vocabulary and grammar after that.
Be careful because there are a lot of bad sample answers out there that will do more to hurt your English and IELTS score than help it.
Here are trustworthy IELTS sample answer essays that I have personally written:
Start learning from reliable sample answers and focus on consistent structure using my essays.
Know How Long you Will Need to Prepare
This is a really important question and will determine how you study.
You have to know first of all:
What score do you need?
When do you need it?
What is your score right now?
Once you can answer all those questions (if you need help about your score, consider signing up for my Patreon for practice tests), then you have a timeline.
If you need your score really soon and are close, then you can study about IELTS using online resources.
If you don’t need your score for a long time (it doesn’t matter if you are close or far from it), then you should focus on long-term goals.
Be careful you don’t make the mistake that many students do: don’t spend years studying IELTS while your band score remains the same because your English is not improving.
Establish a realistic timeline based on your English level and desired IELTS score.
Study Consistently Rather Than in Big Blocks
Research has shown that it is much more effective to study a little bit consistently every day instead of studying in big blocks sometimes.
Consistent study, even less than an hour a day, can dramatically aid memory retention.
Therefore, try to study every day!
The best way to do this is to tie it to a habit you already have.
Try studying right before or after you have coffee in the morning, before you go to work/school, before or after dinner, right after you brush your teeth at night, etc.
Make it a habit and stick to it consistently!
Here are some ideas for study that might help you:
It is important to have feedback from another source so that you can be sure you are not wasting your time.
Identify your Strengths & Weaknesses
It’s important to work on your strengths and your weaknesses.
In my experience, 90% of IELTS students have the same weaknesses: writing task 1 overviews, writing task 2 main ideas development, speaking fluency and pronunciation, reading T/F/NG and listening multiple choice.
Most students should focus on those areas.
Your weaknesses might be different though so you should seek outside advice as well.
Here are some resources to deal with the problems above:
Improve the most common weaknesses for IELTS candidates.
Develop your Speaking Skills
Speaking is another area that presents huge challenges for students.
You will often find that your speaking lags behind your other skills.
This is because speaking is fast and it takes practice to make all the words you can understand in reading and listening run out your mouth faster when you talk.
It is also really hard to improve compared to other skills.
If you don’t have a partner or a class to work with, you will have to be creative with different methods.
If you study the exact same way every time, then your progress will be slow.
Change the ways that you practice speaking – be creative!
IELTS Speaking Resources
This comes down to the four areas you get marked on: fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Here is an explanation of each of the band scores you are marked on:
Fluency:how fast you speak, how much you hesitate (use um/uh) or pause, how much you over-use words like ‘like’, how much you correct yourself, how much you repeat yourself, if you answers make sense logically, how long your answers are
Vocabulary:range (lots of different collocations, phrasal verbs, expressions) and how accurate (correct) they are, can you paraphrase
Grammar:range (how many different types of complex grammar you use), and how accurate (correct) your grammar is, how much you repeat the same structures
Pronunciation: how easy it is to understand all the sounds/words, word stress, sentence stress, intonation, chunking, how natural you sound
Here are some of my speaking model answers with ideas for creative practice:
Don’t waste all your time doing listening test after listening test.
IELTS Listening Resources
To improve your listening and prepare for IELTS, find a balance between IELTS and other resources.
I would always recommend that after you listen, you go back, read the tape script, and highlight the answers you got wrong.
Figure out the reason why you got an answer wrong and then try to develop that skill – it might be vocabulary, the way a word is pronounced, a trick in the test, a difficult synonym, etc.
When you are ready to focus on just IELTS here are some resources you can use:
You will develop reading a lot faster if you use interesting, native English sources.
Choose the Paper-Based or Computer-Based Exam
Here is a summary of 12 main differences for each section of the exam:
The paper-based test means you will use a pencil and answer sheet. The computer-based uses a keyboard and mouse.
The test is in exactly the same order.
For listening and reading, you do not get 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers for the computer-based test (you do have time in between sections to double-check your answers and 2 minutes at the end to check all your answers).
You have your own computer and headphones for the computer-based test.
For the computer-based writing test, you can more easily edit your writing and see the time and your word count clearly.
Most people make more typos on computers (me included!) so you must be more careful about careless mistakes.
You will still receive a pencil and paper for notes on the computer-based test (for listening, reading, and writing).
For the computer-based reading test, you can see the reading and the questions at the same time so you don’t have to flip back and forth between pages.
For reading on the computer, you can also copy and paste your answers to avoid spelling mistakes and increase the font size.
For the computer-based listening, you can highlight parts of the text.
For listening on the computer, you should try one online to get familiar with how to move between pages and do the different question types.
You get your results faster for the computer-based test.
Personally, I would go with the computer-based exam because I am confident on a computer and there are a lot of advantages (especially for writing).
The speaking test is the same for both.
Practice with both tests and then make your decision!
Practice both and make a good decision about which one suits you the best.
Change your Mindset
The most important factor learning English and studying for IELTS is motivation.
Studies have shown again and again that nothing is more important than motivation when it comes to success with English.
Many students become discouraged when they fail or make mistakes.
But there is a simple way to avoid feeling bad about yourself.
Just remember that you are improving and that your mistakes are not about you – they are just about the work.
That simple shift – from criticizing yourself to criticizing your world, will take tons of psychological pressure off you and free you up to have fun studying.
Change your mindset and everything will go a lot easier in your studies and not feel like a chose!
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the importance of students learning to give school presentations and speeches 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: School Presentations and Speeches
Some believe children should be taught to give speeches and presentations in school.
Why is this?
Should this be taught in schools?
Many believe that giving presentations and speeches ought to be a key part of school curricula for children. In my opinion, this is an attempt to develop a number of skills holistically and should be encouraged.
The main reason schools incorporate presentations is to improve skills needed for the future. Children will later be expected to present individually and in groups throughout their academic career and in most work contexts. In order to give a competent presentation, children must first of all develop confidence speaking in front of others and then combine this with careful preparation, repeated practice, research, and, often, team-working skills. Each of these qualities will be useful later and the earlier students begin, the more likely they are to excel in areas that many adults still find challenging.
I would recommend this practice continues since integration of skills contributes to greater progress. Skills developed on their own are often not as memorable. If a young child, for example, must do a book report with a group of other children this requires them to read the book, divide up sections of the presentation, communicate with team members, and deliver an engaging speech at the end. The combination of all skills makes the learning more memorable and likely to develop fixed characteristics. An illustrative analogy would be how an athlete practices for a sport. They can master individual skills on their own but the greatest progress comes when they blend them under the intense pressure of a game.
In conclusion, educators often teach public speaking in order to prepare students for the future and this multidisciplinary approach is a positive. Presentations and speeches are also a good way to combine and review past lessons.
Analysis
1. Many believe that giving presentations and speeches ought to be a key part of school curricula for children. 2. In my opinion, this is an attempt to develop a number of skills holistically and should be encouraged.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The main reason schools incorporate presentations is to improve skills needed for the future. 2. Children will later be expected to present individually and in groups throughout their academic career and in most work contexts. 3. In order to give a competent presentation, children must first of all develop confidence speaking in front of others and then combine this with careful preparation, repeated practice, research, and, often, team-working skills. 4. Each of these qualities will be useful later and the earlier students begin, the more likely they are to excel in areas that many adults still find challenging.
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.
1. I would recommend this practice continues since integration of skills contributes to greater progress. 2. Skills developed on their own are often not as memorable. 3. If a young child, for example, must do a book report with a group of other children this requires them to read the book, divide up sections of the presentation, communicate with team members, and deliver an engaging speech at the end. 4. The combination of all skills makes the learning more memorable and likely to develop fixed characteristics. 5. An illustrative analogy would be how an athlete practices for a sport. 6. They can master individual skills on their own but the greatest progress comes when they blend them under the intense pressure of a game.
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!
The more development, the better!
1. In conclusion, educators often teach public speaking in order to prepare students for the future and this multidisciplinary approach is a positive. 2. Presentations and speeches are also a good way to combine and review past lessons.
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 believe that giving presentations and speeches ought to be a key part of school curricula for children. In my opinion, this is an attempt to develop a number of skills holistically and should be encouraged.
The main reason schools incorporate presentations is to improve skills needed for the future. Children will later be expected to present individually and in groupsthroughout their academic career and in most work contexts. In order to give a competent presentation, children must first of all develop confidence speaking in front of others and then combine this with careful preparation, repeated practice, research, and, often, team-working skills. Each of these qualities will be useful later and the earlier students begin, the more likely they are to excel in areas that many adults still find challenging.
I would recommend this practice continues since integration of skills contributes to greater progress. Skills developed on their own are often not as memorable. If a young child, for example, must do a book report with a group of other children this requires them to read the book, divide up sections of the presentation, communicate with team members, and deliver an engaging speech at the end. The combination of all skills makes the learning more memorable and likely to develop fixed characteristics. An illustrative analogy would be how an athlete practices for a sport. They can master individual skills on their own but the greatest progress comes when they blend them under the intense pressure of a game.
In conclusion, educators often teach public speaking in order to prepare students for the future and this multidisciplinary approach is a positive. Presentations and speeches are also a good way to combine and review past lessons.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
presentations talking in front of the whole class
speeches public speaking
ought to should
key part big role
school curricula what is studied in class
attempt try
develop a number of skills learn a lot of different techniques
holistically all together
encouraged recommended
incorporate add in
will later be expected to later in life people will think you can do it
individually on your own
in groups with others
throughout the entire time
academic career throughout school
work contexts at various jobs
competent presentation good speech
first of all to start with
confidence feeling good about your abilities
in front of others publicly
combine put together
careful preparation taking time to get ready
repeated practice rehearsing
research find out about a topic
team-working skills working with others
qualities characteristics
the more likely they are the better chance of
excel do well at
areas skills
adults older people
challenging have difficulty
recommend advise
practice development
integration combining
contributes to aids
greater progress more development
on their own by themselves
memorable easy to remember
young child little kid
book report presentation about a book
requires needs
divide up sections assign different parts
communicate talk to, interact with
team members people in your group
deliver speak
engaging interesting
at the end finally
combination putting together
memorable easy to remember
develop fixed characteristics become qualities for a person
illustrative analogy good similar situation
athlete someone who plays a sport
master individual skills learn one specific skill
greatest progress comes more development is involved in
blend combine
intense pressure lots of stress
educators teachers
prepare get ready for
multidisciplinary approach learning about a lot of different subjects
review past lessons go over what you studied before
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 believe that giving p_________________s and s_____________s o____________o be a k___________t of s______________a for children. In my opinion, this is an a___________t to d__________________________s h_____________y and should be e___________d.
The main reason schools i_______________e presentations is to improve skills needed for the future. Children w_____________________o present i________________y and i___________st________________t their a_________________r and in most w_______________s. In order to give a c____________________n, children must f____________l develop c_____________e speaking i_____________________s and then c____________e this with c________________________n, r___________________e, r______________h, and, often, t_______________________s. Each of these q___________s will be useful later and the earlier students begin, t_____________________e to e________l in a_______s that many a__________s still find c________________g.
I would r______________d this p__________e continues since i_____________n of skills c_______________________________s. Skills developed o_____________n are often not as m______________e. If a y______________d, for example, must do a b______________t with a group of other children this r___________s them to read the book, d_____________________s of the presentation, c______________e with t_______________s, and d_________r an e___________g speech a____________d. The c______________n of all skills makes the learning more m____________e and likely to d___________________________s. An i____________________y would be how an a____________e practices for a sport. They can m___________________s on their own but the g__________________________s when they b______d them under the i___________________e of a game.
In conclusion, e_____________s often teach public speaking in order to p___________e students for the future and this m________________________h is a positive. Presentations and speeches are also a good way to combine and r_____________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of focus at school and the reasons why it is hard these days 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: Focus at School
Many students find it difficult to focus or pay attention at school nowadays.
What are the reasons for this?
What can be done to solve this problem?
Recently, it is has become notoriously difficult for students to focus on their lessons. In my opinion, this is a partly natural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by technology and the solutions lie in strict restriction and supervision.
The causes of a lack of concentration at school are both the pervasiveness of technology and human nature. Firstly, people have always struggled to focus. Very few students enjoy concentrating on tedious lessons and completing endless assignments at school. However, this has become worse as corporations exploit fundamental human characteristics. Research has shown that the number of hours one spends on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet has a direct correlation with a shorter attention span. The reason for this is that technology supplies passive, immediate gratification. Therefore, students cannot focus because of a combination of human susceptibility and predatory consumer electronics companies.
The most feasible solutions are for parents and schools to monitor students strictly. This begins with parents. They must either approve or purchase a child their first smartphone or tablet and manage their early interactions with technology. Many parents consciously gift young children these devices to help them learn how to use technology and aid their cognitive development. By waiting until later in life to approve a smartphone or limiting daily screen time, this issue can be greatly mitigated from the onset. Schools also have a role to play as they must enforce strict rules banning the use of smartphones at school. For example, in many Asian countries, students’ phones are confiscated if they are found using them during, or even between, classes.
In conclusion, a lack of focus at school is driven by human nature and modern technology and parents and schools must work together to curb the worst excesses. Government regulation would also help but should not be expected.
Analysis
1. Recently, it is has become notoriously difficult for students to focus on their lessons. 2. In my opinion, this is a partly natural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by technology and the solutions lie in strict restriction and supervision.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The causes of a lack of concentration at school are both the pervasiveness of technology and human nature. 2. Firstly, people have always struggled to focus. 3. Very few students enjoy concentrating on tedious lessons and completing endless assignments at school. 4. However, this has become worse as corporations exploit fundamental human characteristics. 5. Research has shown that the number of hours one spends on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet has a direct correlation with a shorter attention span. 6. The reason for this is that technology supplies passive, immediate gratification. 7. Therefore, students cannot focus because of a combination of human susceptibility and predatory consumer electronics companies.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Keep developing it fully.
You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.
State the fullest possible result.
Relate back to the overall topic.
1. The most feasible solutions are for parents and schools to monitor students strictly. 2. This begins with parents. 3. They must either approve or purchase a child their first smartphone or tablet and manage their early interactions with technology. 4. Many parents consciously gift young children these devices to help them learn how to use technology and aid their cognitive development. 5. By waiting until later in life to approve a smartphone or limiting daily screen time, this issue can be greatly mitigated from the onset. 6. Schools also have a role to play as they must enforce strict rules banning the use of smartphones at school. 7. For example, in many Asian countries, students’ phones are confiscated if they are found using them during, or even between, classes.
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!
Switch on to a related solution.
And develop that one too.
1. In conclusion, a lack of focus at school is driven by human nature and modern technology and parents and schools must work together to curb the worst excesses. 2. Government regulation would also help but should not be expected.
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.
Recently, it is has become notoriously difficult for students to focus on their lessons. In my opinion, this is a partly natural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by technology and the solutions lie in strict restriction and supervision.
The causes of a lack of concentration at school are both the pervasiveness of technology and human nature. Firstly, people have always struggled to focus. Very few students enjoy concentrating on tedious lessons and completing endless assignments at school. However, this has become worse as corporations exploit fundamental human characteristics. Research has shown that the number of hours one spends on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet has a direct correlation with a shorter attention span. The reason for this is that technology supplies passive, immediate gratification. Therefore, students cannot focus because of a combination of human susceptibility and predatory consumer electronics companies.
The most feasible solutions are for parents and schools to monitor students strictly. This begins with parents. They must either approve or purchase a child their first smartphone or tablet and manage their early interactions with technology. Many parents consciously gift young children these devices to help them learn how to use technology and aid their cognitive development. By waiting until later in life to approve a smartphone or limiting daily screen time, this issue can be greatly mitigated from the onset. Schools also have a role to play as they must enforce strict rules banning the use of smartphones at school. For example, in many Asian countries, students’ phones are confiscated if they are found using them during, or even between, classes.
In conclusion, a lack of focus at school is driven by human nature and modern technology and parents and schools must work together to curb the worst excesses. Government regulation would also help but should not be expected.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
notoriously difficult famously hard
focus on concentrate on
partly natural phenomenon mostly normal
exacerbated made worse by
solutions fixes
supervision monitoring
causes results in
lack not having
concentration focus
pervasiveness ubiquity
human nature how people are
struggled had a tough time
enjoy concentrating like focusing
tedious boring
completing endless assignments finshing work over and over again
worse not getting better
corporations companies
exploit take advantage of
fundamental human characteristics basic traits of people
research has shown that studies illustrate
direct correlation clear link
shorter attention span can’t focus for long
supplies passive gives not active
immediate gratification instant pleasure
therefore thus
combination together
human susceptibility people being vulnerable
predatory consumer electronics companies corporations that prey on human weaknesses
most feasible solutions most likely fixes
monitor students strictly watch students very carefully
begins starts
approve allow
purchase buy
manage watch over
interactions engaging with
consciously gift deliberately give
devices phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
aid help
cognitive development becoming smarter
by waiting until later in life holding on until they are older
approve let them use it
limiting daily screen time not using devices that much
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:
Recently, it is has become n____________________t for students to f_________n their lessons. In my opinion, this is a p______________________________n that has been e_____________________d by technology and the s____________s lie in strict restriction and s_______________n.
The c__________s of a l_______k of c__________________n at school are both the p_____________________s of technology and h________________e. Firstly, people have always s___________d to focus. Very few students e__________________g on t__________s lessons and c______________________________s at school. However, this has become w_________e as c_______________s e__________t f____________________________________s. R________________________t the number of hours one spends on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet has a d_____________________n with a s_______________________n. The reason for this is that technology s_____________________e, i___________________________n. T______________e, students cannot focus because of a c________________n of h____________________y and p__________________________________________s.
The m___________________s are for parents and schools to m________________________y. This b_______s with parents. They must either a_________e or p___________e a child their first smartphone or tablet and m_________e their early i______________s with technology. Many parents c___________________t young children these d_____________s to help them learn how to use technology and a___d their c_________________________t. B___________________________e to a__________e a smartphone or l___________________________e, this issue can be g________________d from the o________t. Schools also have a r_____________y as they must e__________e strict rules banning the use of smartphones at school. For example, in many Asian countries, students’ phones are c______________d if they are found using them d________g, or even b__________n, classes.
In conclusion, a lack of focus at school is d_______________y human nature and modern technology and parents and schools must work together to c_____b the w__________________s. G______________________n would also help but should not be e__________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a floor plan/map of a home/house now and in the future.
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IELTS Essay: Floor Plan of a Home
The plans below shows a home and plans for its redevelopment.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
The floor plans detail a home at present and planned renovations. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the interior will expand slightly to include additional living areas and rooms, with a new parking area outside.
The home presently contains a single abutting study/bedroom on the left side that will be doubled in the future. In the main home itself, the current set-up includes an entranceway opening into a large hall, next to a bathroom to one’s immediate left, a long living room, a study/bedroom, a kitchen and another study/bedroom on the right side directly across from the entrance.
In the future, the bathroom will reduce in size slightly and an ensuite bathroom will be added to the hall. The living room will be replaced by a large study/bedroom and a smaller study/bedroom in the top left corner. On the right side, the kitchen will be extended sideways allowing for a social area and the study/bedroom in the bottom right corner is projected to be unaltered. Outside the home, the garden to the top will remain unchanged but the lower one will be removed in favor of a parking area.
Analysis
1. The floor plans detail a home at present and planned renovations. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the interior will expand slightly to include additional living areas and rooms, with a new parking area outside.
Paraphrase what the map or floorplan shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
1. The home presently contains a single abutting study/bedroom on the left side that will be doubled in the future. 2. In the main home itself, the current set-up includes an entranceway opening into a large hall, next to a bathroom to one’s immediate left, a long living room, a study/bedroom, a kitchen and another study/bedroom on the right side directly across from the entrance.
Begin writing about the changes.
Write about everything.
1. In the future, the bathroom will reduce in size slightly and an ensuite bathroom will be added to the hall. 2. The living room will be replaced by a large study/bedroom and a smaller study/bedroom in the top left corner. 3. On the right side, the kitchen will be extended sideways allowing for a social area and the study/bedroom in the bottom right corner is projected to be unaltered. 4. Outside the home, the garden to the top will remain unchanged but the lower one will be removed in favor of a parking area.
Write about the rest of the floorplan.
Make sure you have detailed all the information, even what has not changed.
The more comparison, the better.
Don’t miss out on anything!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The floor plans detail a home at present and planned renovations. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the interior will expand slightly to include additional living areas and rooms, with a new parking area outside.
The home presently contains a single abutting study/bedroom on the left side that will be doubled in the future. In the main home itself, the current set-up includes an entranceway opening into a large hall, next to a bathroom to one’s immediate left, a long living room, a study/bedroom, a kitchen and another study/bedroom on the right side directly across from the entrance.
In the future, the bathroom will reduce in size slightly and an ensuite bathroom will be added to the hall. The living room will be replaced by a large study/bedroom and a smaller study/bedroom in the top left corner. On the right side, the kitchen will be extended sideways allowing for a social area and the study/bedroom in the bottom right corner is projected to be unaltered. Outside the home, the garden to the top will remain unchanged but the lower one will be removed in favor of a parking area.
Answers
Write the words below on a piece of paper to improve your memory of them:
floor plans blueprints
detail show
at present right not
planned renovations plans for the future
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
interior inside
expand slightly a little bigger
include additional also have added
outside opposite of inside
presently contains right now has
abutting next to
side part
doubled increased by 200%
in the main home itself the actual house
current set-up how it looks right now
entranceway opening into doors going into
hall main area connecting the rooms
next to beside
to one’s immediate left right on the left when you enter
another and additional
on the right side to the right section
directly across from straight on the opposite side
The f_________________s d________l a home a____________t and p__________________s. L_____________________________________________________t the i___________r will e________________y to i________________l living areas and rooms, with a new parking area o_________e.
The home p___________________s a single a__________g study/bedroom on the left s____e that will be d_________d in the future. I________________________f, the c_______________p includes an e_________________________o a large h_____l, n________o a bathroom t______________________t, a long living room, a study/bedroom, a kitchen and a_________r study/bedroom o________________e d__________________________m the entrance.
I__________________e, the bathroom will r_________e in size s___________y and an ensuite bathroom will be a________d to the hall. The living room will be r_______________y a large study/bedroom and a smaller study/bedroom in the top left corner. On the right side, the kitchen will be e___________________s allowing for a s_________________a and the study/bedroom in the bottom right corner is p_______________d to be u______________d. Outside the home, the garden to the top will r_________n unchanged but the lower one will be r_____________________________f a parking area.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
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