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.
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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.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and so you won’t miss out on any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
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:
This is an IELTS writign task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of whether or not children should do sports in order to grow up as healthy adults.
Some people believe that children should do sports so that they will grow up as healthy adults, but others feel sports are just about enjoying yourself.
Discuss these both views and give your own opinion.
Some feel that the primary reason young students should participate in sports is to establish healthy habits for adulthood, while others feel they are simply for fun. In my opinion, the later health benefits are an added bonus and sports are mainly an enjoyable pastime.
Administrators who argue sports are a means of ensuring healthy future habits believe school must be efficient. Sports are therefore no different from normal subjects such as the sciences and humanities in that they offer potential future benefit. While athletics are unlikely to become a career, they can at least form the basis of a lasting passion for and understanding of physical fitness. Such fitness not only guarantees higher quality of life but will also likely have a concomitant effect on healthcare, allowing governments to redeploy finite resources into other vital sectors.
Those who claim sports are simply for enjoyment argue that future aims should not be subordinate to the present moment. The entire purpose of education is to guarantee a higher standard of living and thus happiness. For most, playing sports achieves that goal on its own. Children enjoy playing a sport far more than most adults will savor any aspect of a comfortable life later on. If a school must choose between offering fun sports during P.E. lessons and educating children about physical fitness, it is counter-productive to choose the less enjoyable latter option. This desire to sacrifice current happiness for an often elusive future goal betrays an inflexible valuation of social stability above the desires of the individual.
In conclusion, despite the long-term advantages of sports, their inclusion in the curriculum can be justified purely for the enjoyment they engender. It is unnecessary for every single subject to have a clear future goal.
Analysis
1. Some feel that the primary reason young students should participate in sports is to establish healthy habits for adulthood, while others feel they are simply for fun. 2. In my opinion, the later health benefits are an added bonus and sports are mainly an enjoyable pastime.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Administrators who argue sports are a means of ensuring healthy future habits believe school must be efficient. 2. Sports are therefore no different from normal subjects such as the sciences and humanities in that they offer potential future benefit. 3. While athletics are unlikely to become a career, they can at least form the basis of a lasting passion for and understanding of physical fitness. 4. Such fitness not only guarantees higher quality of life but will also likely have a concomitant effect on healthcare, allowing governments to redeploy finite resources into other vital sectors.
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.
1. Those who claim sports are simply for enjoyment argue that future aims should not be subordinate to the present moment. 2. The entire purpose of education is to guarantee a higher standard of living and thus happiness. 3. For most, playing sports achieves that goal on its own. 4. Children enjoy playing a sport far more than most adults will savor any aspect of a comfortable life later on. 5. If a school must choose between offering fun sports during P.E. lessons and educating children about physical fitness, it is counter-productive to choose the less enjoyable latter option. 6. This desire to sacrifice current happiness for an often elusive future goal betrays an inflexible valuation of social stability above the desires of the individual.
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 should be slightly longer.
1. In conclusion, despite the long-term advantages of sports, their inclusion in the curriculum can be justified purely for the enjoyment they engender. 2. It is unnecessary for every single subject to have a clear future goal.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that the primary reason young students should participate in sports is to establish healthy habits for adulthood, while others feel they are simply for fun. In my opinion, the later health benefits are an added bonus and sports are mainly an enjoyable pastime.
Administrators who argue sports are a means of ensuring healthy future habits believe school must be efficient. Sports are therefore no different fromnormal subjects such as the sciences and humanities in that they offer potential future benefit. While athletics are unlikely to become a career, they can at least form the basis of a lasting passion for and understanding of physical fitness. Such fitness not only guarantees higher quality of life but will also likely have a concomitant effect on healthcare, allowing governments to redeploy finite resources into other vital sectors.
Those who claim sports are simply for enjoyment argue that future aims should not be subordinate to the present moment. The entire purpose of education is to guarantee a higher standard of living and thus happiness. For most, playing sports achieves that goal on its own. Children enjoy playing a sport far more than most adults will savor any aspect of a comfortable life later on. If a school must choose between offering fun sports during P.E. lessons and educating children about physical fitness, it is counter-productive to choose the less enjoyable latter option. This desire to sacrifice current happiness for an often elusive future goal betrays an inflexible valuation of social stability above the desires of the individual.
In conclusion, despite the long-term advantages of sports, their inclusion in the curriculum can be justified purely for the enjoyment they engender. It is unnecessary for every single subject to have a clear future goal.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
primary reason main cause
participate in sports take part in games
establish healthy habits start living a healthy lifestyle
adulthood being an adult
while others feel different people believe
simply merely
fun enjoyment
later health benefits future advantages for fitness
added bonus additional benefit
mainly mostly
enjoyable pastime fun hobby
administrators people in charge
means methods
ensuring guaranteeing
efficient not wasting time
therefore thus
no different from the same as
normal subjects academic areas
the sciences physics, chemistry, etc.
humanities literature, history, etc.
in that they offer because they allow for
potential possibility
unlikely probably will not happen
career job
at least at the minimum
form the basis of be the foundation of
a lasting passion for loving for a long time
understanding of knowing about
physical fitness being in shape
guarantees makes sure of
higher quality of life better standard of living
likely probably
concomitant also caused by
healthcare hospitals, medicine, etc.
allowing governments to redeploy finite resources into makes it possible for countries to put more money into other areas
vital sectors important areas
claim state
argue make the argument
should not be subordinate to should not be lower than
present moment right now
entire purpose whole reason
guarantee ensure
higher standard of living better life
thus therefore
achieves accomplishes
on its own by itself
far more a lot more
savor enjoy
any aspect of all parts of
later on in the future
offering allowing for
P.E. lessons gym lessons
physical fitness how good shape you are in
counter-productive works against your interests
latter option second stated choice
desire wanting something
sacrifice current happiness give up on being happy now
often elusive future goal probably won’t ever happen later
betrays shows/illustrates
inflexible valuation static opinions
social stability the health of society
desires of the individual interests of the average person
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some feel that the p______________n young students should p_____________________s is to e_____________________s for a___________d, w_______________________l they are s________y for f___n. In my opinion, the l______________________s are an a________________s and sports are m_______y an e_________________e.
A_________________s who argue sports are a m________s of e___________g healthy future habits believe school must be e__________t. Sports are t____________e n___________________mn__________________s such as t_______________s and h______________s i___________________r p___________l future benefit. While athletics are u___________y to become a c_______r, they can a______________________________________________r and u__________________f p___________________s. Such fitness not only g______________________________e but will also l__________y have a c__________________t effect on h_____________e, a__________________________________________________o other v______________s.
Those who c_______m sports are simply for enjoyment a__________e that future aims s________________________________o the p________________t. The e_________________e of education is to g______________e a h______________________________g and t______s happiness. For most, playing sports a___________s that goal o_____________n. Children enjoy playing a sport f_____________e than most adults will s_________r a______________f a comfortable life l___________n. If a school must choose between o_________g fun sports during P_______________s and educating children about p_______________s, it is c____________________e to choose the less enjoyable l________________n. This d________e to s_____________________________s for an o__________________________l b___________s an i_________________________n of s__________________________y above the d_____________________________l.
In conclusion, d__________e the l________________________s of sports, their i______________n in the c_____________m can be j__________________y for the enjoyment they e______________r. It is u________________y for every single subject to have a c__________________l.
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 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!
In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining.
Why do you think this is happening?
How can this issue be solved?
There is widespread concern over recent declines in global biodiversity. In my opinion, the clearest causes relate to human overpopulation and the solutions are for governments to prioritize conservation reforms.
The primary catalyst for these declining numbers is the growth of human population figures. The global population increases yearly and this has a number of ramifications for the natural environment. Most directly, residents require homes and that necessitates intrusions, as evidenced by the uncontrollable urban sprawl around major metropolitan areas. This means plants and animals lose their natural habitats. A more significant consequence concerns industry. In order to provide food and various products and services for a large human population, corporations have razed entire forests, drilled for oil in pristine natural environments, and greatly exploited the natural world at the expense of wildlife.
This problem can only be effectively tackled by governments. Governments must establish clear regulations concerning the habitats of various plant and animal life. A good example of this would be the numerous national parks established in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, industry was threatening to corrupt the majority of usable land and so the government and visionary reformists acted decisively out of a spirit of conservation. Other countries that take similar steps will also be able to curb the relentless, and often thoughtless, progress of humanity.
In conclusion, plant and animal life is at risk due to growing human populations and governments can best mitigate this threat. Individuals should also play a small role by reducing their consumption.
Analysis
1. There is widespread concern over recent declines in global biodiversity. 2. In my opinion, the clearest causes relate to human overpopulation and the solutions are for governments to prioritize conservation reforms.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The primary catalyst for these declining numbers is the growth of human population figures. 2. The global population increases yearly and this has a number of ramifications for the natural environment. 3. Most directly, residents require homes and that necessitates intrusions, as evidenced by the uncontrollable urban sprawl around major metropolitan areas. 4. This means plants and animals lose their natural habitats. 5. A more significant consequence concerns industry. 6. In order to provide food and various products and services for a large human population, corporations have razed entire forests, drilled for oil in pristine natural environments, and greatly exploited the natural world at the expense of wildlife.
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. This problem can only be effectively tackled by governments. 2. Governments must establish clear regulations concerning the habitats of various plant and animal life. 3. A good example of this would be the numerous national parks established in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. 4. At that time, industry was threatening to corrupt the majority of usable land and so the government and visionary reformists acted decisively out of a spirit of conservation. 5. Other countries that take similar steps will also be able to curb the relentless, and often thoughtless, progress of humanity.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
1. In conclusion, plant and animal life is at risk due to growing human populations and governments can best mitigate this threat. 2. Individuals should also play a small role by reducing their consumption.
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.
There is widespread concern over recent declines in global biodiversity. In my opinion, the clearest causes relate to human overpopulation and the solutions are for governments to prioritize conservation reforms.
The primary catalyst for these declining numbers is the growth of human population figures. The global population increases yearly and this has a number of ramifications for the natural environment. Most directly, residents require homes and that necessitates intrusions, as evidenced by the uncontrollable urban sprawl around major metropolitan areas. This means plants and animals lose their natural habitats. A more significant consequenceconcerns industry. In order to provide food and various products and services for a large human population, corporations have razed entire forests, drilled for oil in pristine natural environments, and greatly exploited the natural world at the expense of wildlife.
This problem can only be effectively tackled by governments. Governments must establish clear regulations concerning the habitats of various plant and animal life. A good example of this would be the numerous national parks established in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, industry was threatening to corrupt the majority of usable land and so the government and visionary reformists acted decisively out of a spirit of conservation. Other countries that take similar steps will also be able to curb the relentless, and often thoughtless, progress of humanity.
In conclusion, plant and animal life is at riskdue to growing human populations and governments can best mitigate this threat. Individuals should also play a small role by reducing their consumption.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
widespread concern lots of worry
recent declines happened in the last few years decreases
global biodiversity around the world different types of animals, plants
clearest causes most direct source
relate to concern
overpopulation too many people
prioritize conservation reforms focus on protecting the environment
primary catalyst main cause
declining numbers decreasing figures
growth rise
population figures number of people
yearly each year, annually
a number of ramifications many results
natural environment nature
most directly clearest source
residents require homes people need places to live
necessitates intrusions requires cuts into
evidenced by shown by
uncontrollable urban sprawl cities growing into the nearby land
major metropolitan areas big cities
lose their natural habitats forests, land being taken over where animals live
significant consequence big result
concerns has to do with
industry companies, producing things
in order to so that
products items
services delivery, streaming services, etc.
corporations companies
razed entire forests burnt down trees
drilled going keep into the ground
oil a fossil fuel that you use to power cars
pristine natural environments untouched nature
greatly exploited taken advantage of a lot
at the expense of wildlife taking away from animals, plants
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:
There is w______________________n over r__________________s in g_______________________y. In my opinion, the c_______________s r______________o human o___________________n and the solutions are for governments to p_________________________________s.
The p___________________t for these d___________________s is the g___________h of human p____________________s. The global population increases y________y and this has a_____________________________s for the n______________________t. M______________y, r_________________________s and that n_________________________s, as e____________________y the u___________________________l around m___________________________s. This means plants and animals l____________________________s. A more s_______________________ec____________s i____________y. I____________o provide food and various p____________s and s__________s for a large human population, c_________________s have r______________________s, d________d for o__l in p__________________________________s, and g_____________________d the natural world a____________________________e.
This problem can only be e______________________d by governments. Governments must e____________________________s c______________g the habitats of v_________s plant and animal life. A good example of this would be the n_________________________s e_________________n the United States at the b_________________________y. A____________e, industry was t______________g to c___________t the m__________y of u____________d and so the government and v______________________s a__________________y o_____f a s_______________________n. Other countries that t_____________________s will also be able to c____b the r___________s, and often t______________s, p__________s of humanity.
In conclusion, plant and animal life is a_______kd_______o growing human populations and governments can best m___________e this t_________t. Individuals should also p__________________e by r___________g their c______________n.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.
In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better.
Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.
Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way.
Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.
As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old housing styles in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build houses in their own style.
Many people put their personal information online (address, telephone number, and so on) for purposes such as signing up for social networks or online banking.
In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues.
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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