IELTS Essay Task 1: Consumption of Milk and Butter

IELTS Essay Task 1: Consumption of Milk and Butter

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of consumption and milk and butter (or dairy) from the real IELTS exam.

You can read the complete guide for Cambridge 16 here along with sample answers and essays.

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 Task 1: Consumption of Milk and Butter

The table below illustrates weekly consumption by age group of dairy products in a European country.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

AGES
<2526 – 4545 – 6565+
Milk1200ml1650ml1670ml1900ml
Full Fat59%20%45%30%
Low Fat41%80%55%70%
Butter12g19g60g30g
Full Fat60%38%50%49%
Low Fat40%62%50%51%

The table compares milk and butter purchases by age according to how much fat they contain. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that younger people tend to consume less milk and butter, especially those under 25, though the fat content is highest for that group. The oldest group drink the most milk, mainly low fat, while those 45-65 eat the most butter.

Milk consumption for the under 25 group is lowest at 1,200ml, of which 59% is full fat and 41% low fat. This pattern is generally reversed for older people with individuals 26-45, 25-65, and 65+ drinking 1,650ml, 1,670ml, and 1,900ml, respectively. The fat content also is lower at 20% for 26-45, 45% for 45-65, and 30% for the oldest age bracket (and reciprocal figures for low fat consumption).

In terms of butter, younger people also use the least at just 12g, in contrast to 19g for those 26-45, and 60g and 30g for the two older groups in turn. Younger individuals similarly opt for more fat (60% full fat to 40% low fat), while the older demographics have much lower proportions here (38% full fat for 26-45, and around 50% for everyone over 45).

Analysis

1. The table compares milk and butter purchases by age according to how much fat they contain. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that younger people tend to consume less milk and butter, especially those under 25, though the fat content is highest for that group. 3. The oldest group drink the most milk, mainly low fat, while those 45-65 eat the most butter.

  1. Paraphrase what the table shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
  3. You might need a second sentence for your overview.

1. Milk consumption for the under 25 group is lowest at 1,200ml, of which 59% is full fat and 41% low fat. 2. This pattern is generally reversed for older people with individuals 26-45, 25-65, and 65+ drinking 1,650ml, 1,670ml, and 1,900ml, respectively. 3. The fat content also is lower at 20% for 26-45, 45% for 45-65, and 30% for the oldest age bracket (and reciprocal figures for low fat consumption).

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first category.
  2. Describe the next area and compare it to the area before.

1. In terms of butter, younger people also use the least at just 12g, in contrast to 19g for those 26-45, and 60g and 30g for the two older groups in turn. 2. Younger individuals similarly opt for more fat (60% full fat to 40% low fat), while the older demographics have much lower proportions here (38% full fat for 26-45, and around 50% for everyone over 45).

  1. Write about the final other parts of the table – include everything!
  2. There is a lot of data in this one but try to get to all of it.
  3. Make sure nothing is missed.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The table compares milk and butter purchases by age according to how much fat they contain. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that younger people tend to consume less milk and butter, especially those under 25, though the fat content is highest for that group. The oldest group drink the most milk, mainly low fat, while those 45-65 eat the most butter.

Milk consumption for the under 25 group is lowest at 1,200ml, of which 59% is full fat and 41% low fat. This pattern is generally reversed for older people with individuals 26-45, 25-65, and 65+ drinking 1,650ml, 1,670ml, and 1,900ml, respectively. The fat content also is lower at 20% for 26-45, 45% for 45-65, and 30% for the oldest age bracket (and reciprocal figures for low fat consumption).

In terms of butter, younger people also use the least at just 12g, in contrast to 19g for those 26-45, and 60g and 30g for the two older groups in turn. Younger individuals similarly opt for more fat (60% full fat to 40% low fat), while the older demographics have much lower proportions here (38% full fat for 26-45, and around 50% for everyone over 45).

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

compares shows the differences between

purchases bought

according to related to

fat cluster of fatty acids found in cheese, butter, oil, etc.

contain have inside them

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

tend to usually

consume eat/drink

especially in particular

fat content amount of fat in something

highest biggest

mainly mostly

low fat not much fat content

consumption how much is eaten/used

lowest opposite of highest

pattern trend

generally reversed show the opposite mostly

respectively in turn

age bracket age group

reciprocal figures complementary statistics

in terms of when it comes to

in contrast to compared to

in turn respectively

similarly opt for in the same way choose

while however/in contrast

demographics groups of people

proportions ratios, percentages

around close to

over about

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation:

kəmˈpeəz 
ˈpɜːʧəsɪz 
əˈkɔːdɪŋ tuː 
fæt 
kənˈteɪn
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
tɛnd tuː
kənˈsjuːm 
ɪsˈpɛʃəli 
fæt ˈkɒntɛnt 
ˈhaɪɪst 
ˈmeɪnli 
ləʊ fæt
kənˈsʌm(p)ʃən 
ˈləʊɪst 
ˈpætən 
ˈʤɛnərəli rɪˈvɜːst 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli
eɪʤ ˈbrækɪt
rɪˈsɪprəkəl ˈfɪgəz 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst tuː 
ɪn tɜːn
ˈsɪmɪləli ɒpt fɔː 
waɪl 
ˌdɛməˈgræfɪks 
prəˈpɔːʃənz 
əˈraʊnd 
ˈəʊvə 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:

The table c___________s milk and butter p_________s by age a____________o how much f___t they c__________n. L___________________________________________t younger people t___________o c___________e less milk and butter, e___________y those under 25, though the f____________t is h___________t for that group. The oldest group drink the most milk, m____________y l_________t, while those 45-65 eat the most butter.

Milk c__________________n for the under 25 group is l__________t at 1,200ml, of which 59% is full fat and 41% low fat. This p__________n is g________________________d for older people with individuals 26-45, 25-65, and 65+ drinking 1,650ml, 1,670ml, and 1,900ml, r_______________y. The fat content also is lower at 20% for 26-45, 45% for 45-65, and 30% for the oldest a_____________t (and r____________________s for low fat consumption).

I_____________f butter, younger people also use the least at just 12g, i______________o 19g for those 26-45, and 60g and 30g for the two older groups i_______n. Younger individuals s_____________y o_________r more fat (60% full fat to 40% low fat), w_______e the older d_______________s have much lower p_______________s here (38% full fat for 26-45, and a__________d 50% for everyone o_____r 45).

Listening Practice

Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-dairy-bad-or-good

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following related questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Water

  1. Do you drink a lot of water?
  2. Do you prefer bottled or tap water?
  3. Did you drink a lot of water when you were younger?
  4. Would you say that bottled water is expensive in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related table below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Essay Task 1: Exports Table
IELTS Speaking: Special Costumes

IELTS Speaking: Special Costumes

These are some IELTS speaking questions related to the topic of special costumes from the real IELTS exam.

Check out some of my speaking sample answers for free on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtodoielts

Here are the questions – comment your answers below for some feedback!

  1. Do you like wearing special costumes?
  2. Did you try any special costumes when you were young?
  3. When was your last time to wear a special costume?
  4. Do you ever buy special costumes?

If you want sample answers for these questions, the full speaking Ebook is available on my Patreon.

Here is a preview of an answer to the first question:

  1. Do you like wearing special costumes?

“I wouldn’t say so exactly – it doesn’t come up all that often to be honest. Usually around Halloween all my friends will dress up – as vampires, ghosts, videogame characters, celebrities sometimes – but I tend to go with the easiest costumes possible, usually just a zombie or a mad scientist. I just have to rip my shirt and cover myself in fake blood – no special costume needed!”

IELTS Essay: Watching TV and Movies Alone

IELTS Essay: Watching TV and Movies Alone

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of watching TV, movies, and other programmes alone 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: Watching TV and Movies Alone

People these days watch TV, films and other programmes alone rather than with other people.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers.

The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. Firstly, this concerns choice. A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility. An individual can pause, switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices. Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences.

However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns. Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others, and society at large. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives. Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse.

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole. Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

Analysis

1. Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. 2. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. 2. Firstly, this concerns choice. 3. A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. 4. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes. 5. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility. 6. An individual can pause, switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices. 7. Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.
  6. Be sure that you develop two advantages.
  7. And both of them fully.

1. However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns. 2. Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. 3. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others, and society at large. 4. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. 5. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives. 6. Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. as fully as possible!
  6. Conclude with a strong sentence.

1. In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole. 2. Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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.

Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers.

The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. Firstly, this concerns choice. A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility. An individual can pause, switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices. Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences.

However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns. Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others, and society at large. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives. Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse.

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole. Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

due to because of

advent beginning of

streaming services Netflix, Apple TV, etc.

personal computers laptops, desktops

increasingly common happens more often

alone by yourself

rather than instead of

overall on the whole

negative bad

despite regardless of

conveniences how easy it is

offers allows for

insular viewing habits watching shows alone

relate to has to do with

concerns choice has to do with freedom of deciding

subscriber person who signs up and pays monthly

wide range lots of

current right now

consult check with

more likely better chance it will happen

programming relevant shows they are interested in

tastes preferences

greater flexibility more choice and ability to change

pause stop

switch go to another show

re-watch watch again

transition change

a variety of portable devices many different kinds of phones, tablets, etc.

negotiation talking over with, debating

depending on comes down to

mood feeling

preferences what you like/dislike

tradeoffs disadvantages

social cohesion people getting along

pressing concerns big worries

insular alone

pervasiveness very common

one-sided technological interactions just watching things passively

devices smartphones, computers, etc.

loosened social bonds weakened relationships

significant others girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse

at large all together

common point of reference something in common

less likely not as strong a chance of happening

consumers people who buy/shop

outsized amount of time more time than they should

limiting keeping under control

exposure time spent with

perspectives viewpoints

mental health how you feel emotionally, mentally

social unity people coming together

drastic extreme

reverse go back to the way it was

in terms of when it comes to

on the whole overall

strive try hard

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

djuː tuː 
ˈædvənt 
ˈstriːmɪŋ ˈsɜːvɪsɪz 
ˈpɜːsnl kəmˈpjuːtəz 
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən 
əˈləʊn 
ˈrɑːðə ðæn 
ˈəʊvərɔːl 
ˈnɛgətɪv 
dɪsˈpaɪt 
kənˈviːniənsɪz 
ˈɒfəz
ˈɪnsjʊlə ˈvjuːɪŋ ˈhæbɪts 
rɪˈleɪt tuː 
kənˈsɜːnz ʧɔɪs
səbˈskraɪbə 
waɪd reɪnʤ 
ˈkʌrənt 
kənˈsʌlt 
mɔː ˈlaɪkli 
ˈprəʊgræmɪŋ ˈrɛlɪvənt 
teɪsts
ˈgreɪtə ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti
pɔːz
swɪʧ 
riː-wɒʧ 
trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n 
ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈpɔːtəbl dɪˈvaɪsɪz
nɪˌgəʊʃɪˈeɪʃən 
dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ɒn 
muːd 
ˈprɛfərənsɪz
tradeoffs 
ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən 
ˈprɛsɪŋ kənˈsɜːnz
ˈɪnsjʊlə 
pɜːˈveɪsɪvnəs 
wʌn-ˈsaɪdɪd ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪk(ə)l ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
dɪˈvaɪsɪz 
trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈluːsnd ˈsəʊʃəl bɒndz 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈʌðəz
æt lɑːʤ
ˈkɒmən pɔɪnt ɒv ˈrɛfrəns 
lɛs ˈlaɪkli 
kənˈsjuːməz 
ˈaʊtsaɪzd əˈmaʊnt ɒv taɪm 
ˈlɪmɪtɪŋ 
ɪksˈpəʊʒə 
pəˈspɛktɪvz
ˈmɛntl hɛlθ 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈjuːnɪti 
ˈdræstɪk 
rɪˈvɜːs
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ɒn ðə həʊl
straɪv 

Vocabulary Practice

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:

D_______o the a_______t of s___________________s and p_____________________s it has become i______________________n for individuals to watch entertainment a_______e r_____________n with friends and family. In my opinion, this is o_________l a n__________e development d__________e the c________________s it o________s.

The advantages of more i________________________s r________o individual convenience. Firstly, this c________________e. A Netflix s____________r is able to choose from a w_____________e of c__________t and past entertainment without having to c_________t others. This means they are m_____________y to choose p_____________________________t to their t_______s. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for g____________________y. An individual can p_______e, s_________h to another program, r___________h shows, and t____________n between a___________________________s. Each of these decisions does not require n________________n with others and can be made d_______________n a person’s m______d and p___________________s.

However, I believe the t____________s related to s______________n are more p_____________________s. Society has become increasingly i_________r in general due to the p_________________s of o________________________________s on d_________s such as smartphones and laptops. This t____________n has l________________________s between family members, friends, s______________________s, and society a_________e. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a c_____________________________e for later conversations. This is now l________________y and many c______________s now spend an o_________________________e alone, l_________g their e___________e to other p_____________s. Over time, the effects on m________________h and s________________y may be d__________c and difficult to r__________e.

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits i_____________f personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative o______________e. Individuals should s________e to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/07/netflixs-most-popular-list-is-a-wasteland/614845/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Spending Time Alone

  1. Do you spend a lot of time by yourself?
  2. What do you usually do when you’re by yourself?
  3. Do you prefer spending time alone or with your friends?
  4. Is it important to have time for yourself?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative.

What is the reason for this?

What measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active?

IELTS Essay: Mixed Schools with Boys and Girls

IELTS Essay: Mixed Schools with Boys and Girls

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the whether or not schools should be mixed with boys and girls or they should separate the genders 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: Mixed Schools with Boys and Girls

Some feel that schools should be mixed with both girls and boys attending while others feel the genders ought to be separated.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

While certain concerned individuals feel that education is superior in single-sex schools, others value the integration of genders. In my opinion, though there are advantages related to focus from segregating the sexes, students benefit socially from mixed schools.

Those who are in favor of separating the genders argue students will be more dedicated to their studies. The reasons for this are largely self-evident as many of the interactions between boys and girls after they reach puberty can be distracting. There is even strong evidence that girls-only schools engender better standardized results. A recent study of institutions in Europe indicated that students at female-only schools scored higher on average on national exams. There might be a variety of reasons for this but many have seized on gender segregation as the primary catalyst for increased concentration and thus improved overall academic achievement.

However, the single study mentioned above does not discount the social value of schools featuring both genders. School is a place to develop not only academically, but socially as well. The fact that there may be uncomfortable interactions between girls and boys while they mature is not a drawback but a learning experience. Boys and girls, as they become men and women, will slowly learn how to talk with the opposite sex and find themselves in a better situation upon graduation. Without the opportunity to integrate socially with another gender there is a strong chance they will have difficulty communicating later and this may promote a lifelong habit of centering their social interactions on rigid gender groups.

In conclusion, despite the positive impact on attention that separating boys and girls can have, the maturing effect of mixed classrooms is more important. There is a place for single-sex institutions but the majority should include both.

Analysis

1. While certain concerned individuals feel that education is superior in single-sex schools, others value the integration of genders. 2. In my opinion, though there are advantages related to focus from segregating the sexes, students benefit socially from mixed schools.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Those who are in favor of separating the genders argue students will be more dedicated to their studies. 2. The reasons for this are largely self-evident as many of the interactions between boys and girls after they reach puberty can be distracting. 3. There is even strong evidence that girls-only schools engender better standardized results. 4. A recent study of institutions in Europe indicated that students at female-only schools scored higher on average on national exams. 5. There might be a variety of reasons for this but many have seized on gender segregation as the primary catalyst for increased concentration and thus improved overall academic achievement.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.

1. However, the single study mentioned above does not discount the social value of schools featuring both genders. 2. School is a place to develop not only academically, but socially as well. 3. The fact that there may be uncomfortable interactions between girls and boys while they mature is not a drawback but a learning experience. 4. Boys and girls, as they become men and women, will slowly learn how to talk with the opposite sex and find themselves in a better situation upon graduation. 5. Without the opportunity to integrate socially with another gender there is a strong chance they will have difficulty communicating later and this may promote a lifelong habit of centering their social interactions on rigid gender groups.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. as fully as possible!

1. In conclusion, despite the positive impact on attention that separating boys and girls can have, the maturing effect of mixed classrooms is more important. 2. There is a place for single-sex institutions but the majority should include both.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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.

While certain concerned individuals feel that education is superior in single-sex schools, others value the integration of genders. In my opinion, though there are advantages related to focus from segregating the sexes, students benefit socially from mixed schools.

Those who are in favor of separating the genders argue students will be more dedicated to their studies. The reasons for this are largely self-evident as many of the interactions between boys and girls after they reach puberty can be distracting. There is even strong evidence that girls-only schools engender better standardized results. A recent study of institutions in Europe indicated that students at female-only schools scored higher on average on national exams. There might be a variety of reasons for this but many have seized on gender segregation as the primary catalyst for increased concentration and thus improved overall academic achievement.

However, the single study mentioned above does not discount the social value of schools featuring both genders. School is a place to develop not only academically, but socially as well. The fact that there may be uncomfortable interactions between girls and boys while they mature is not a drawback but a learning experience. Boys and girls, as they become men and women, will slowly learn how to talk with the opposite sex and find themselves in a better situation upon graduation. Without the opportunity to integrate socially with another gender there is a strong chance they will have difficulty communicating later and this may promote a lifelong habit of centering their social interactions on rigid gender groups.

In conclusion, despite the positive impact on attention that separating boys and girls can have, the maturing effect of mixed classrooms is more important. There is a place for single-sex institutions but the majority should include both.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

certain concerned individuals some people

superior better

single-sex schools schools with just boys or just girls

value consider important

integration combining

genders sexes, men and women/boys and girls

related to concerning

focus pay attention

segregating keeping apart

benefit socially gain from it in terms of interacting with others

mixed schools schools with both boys and girls

those who are in favor of supporters

separating keeping apart

argue claim

dedicated more focused and diligent

largely self-evident mostly obvious

interactions communicating

puberty when children begin to become mature

distracting take their focus away

strong evidence clear support

girls-only schools schools where there are not boys

engender create

standardized results scores on tests

institutions schools

indicated shown

female-only schools no boys schools

scored higher on average got better marks generally

on national exams tests for the whole country

variety lots of different

seized on pointed out

primary catalyst main cause

concentration focus

thus therefore

improved overall academic achievement better performance in school

single alone, one

mentioned above detailed before

discount not consider, ignore

social value importance for communicating with others

featuring having

uncomfortable interactions awkward conversations

mature old, experienced

drawback disadvantage

learning experience good way to mature

opposite sex the other gender

find themselves in a better situation better off for it

graduation after finishing school

without not having

integrate combine

strong chance good probability

later after that

promote encourage

lifelong habit they will do their whole life

social interactions talking with others

rigid gender groups fixed boy/girl groups

despite regardless of

positive impact good for

maturing effect makes you more mature

place role

single-sex institutions one gender schools

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈsɜːtn kənˈsɜːnd ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz 
sju(ː)ˈpɪərɪə 
ˈsɪŋgl-sɛks skuːlz
ˈvæljuː 
ˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃən 
ˈʤɛndəz
rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː 
ˈfəʊkəs 
ˈsɛgrɪgeɪtɪŋ 
ˈbɛnɪfɪt ˈsəʊʃəli 
mɪkst skuːlz
ðəʊz huː ɑːr ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
ˈsɛpəreɪtɪŋ 
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˈdɛdɪkeɪtɪd 
ˈlɑːʤli sɛlf-ˈɛvɪdənt 
ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
ˈpjuːbəti 
dɪsˈtræktɪŋ
strɒŋ ˈɛvɪdəns 
gɜːlz-ˈəʊnli skuːlz 
ɪnˈʤɛndə 
ˈstændədaɪzd rɪˈzʌlts
ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənz 
ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd 
ˈfiːmeɪl-ˈəʊnli skuːlz 
skɔːd ˈhaɪər ɒn ˈævərɪʤ 
ɒn ˈnæʃənl ɪgˈzæmz
vəˈraɪəti 
siːzd ɒn 
ˈpraɪməri ˈkætəlɪst 
ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən 
ðʌs 
ɪmˈpruːvd ˈəʊvərɔːl ˌækəˈdɛmɪk əˈʧiːvmənt
ˈsɪŋgl 
ˈmɛnʃənd əˈbʌv 
ˈdɪskaʊnt 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈvæljuː 
ˈfiːʧərɪŋ 
ʌnˈkʌmfətəbl ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
məˈtjʊə 
ˈdrɔːbæk 
ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
ˈɒpəzɪt sɛks 
faɪnd ðəmˈsɛlvz ɪn ə ˈbɛtə ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən 
ˌgrædjʊˈeɪʃən
wɪˈðaʊt 
ˈɪntɪgreɪt 
strɒŋ ʧɑːns 
ˈleɪtə 
prəˈməʊt 
ˈlaɪflɒŋ ˈhæbɪt 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
ˈrɪʤɪd ˈʤɛndə gruːps
dɪsˈpaɪt 
ˈpɒzətɪv ˈɪmpækt 
məˈtjʊərɪŋ ɪˈfɛkt 
pleɪs 
ˈsɪŋgl-sɛks ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənz 

Vocabulary Practice

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:

While c_________________________________s feel that education is s__________r in s__________________s, others v______e the i__________n of g_____________s. In my opinion, though there are advantages r_______________s from s______________g the sexes, students b_______________y from m______________s.

T_____________________________f s_____________g the genders a_______e students will be more d____________d to their studies. The reasons for this are l__________________t as many of the i______________s between boys and girls after they reach p_________y can be d___________g. There is even s__________________e that g_____________________s e__________r better s_____________________s. A recent study of i________________s in Europe i_____________d that students at f_________________s s___________________________e o________________s. There might be a v_________y of reasons for this but many have s____________n gender segregation as the p__________________t for increased c_____________n and t______s i________________________________________t.

However, the s__________e study m__________________e does not d___________t the s_____________e of schools f_____________g both genders. School is a place to develop not only academically, but socially as well. The fact that there may be u___________________________s between girls and boys while they m______e is not a d___________k but a l__________________________e. Boys and girls, as they become men and women, will slowly learn how to talk with the o_____________x and f____________________________________n upon g______________n. W__________t the opportunity to i____________e socially with another gender there is a s________________e they will have difficulty communicating l_______r and this may p__________e a l_____________t of centering their s__________________s on r_____________________s.

In conclusion, d___________e the p_____________t on attention that separating boys and girls can have, the m______________t of mixed classrooms is more important. There is a p______e for s______________________s but the majority should include both.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.bbc.com/news/education-35419284

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Studying

  1. Are you studying or working?
  2. Do you prefer to learn in the morning or in the evening?
  3. What subject do like to study best?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Entertainers and Scientists in Society

IELTS Essay: Entertainers and Scientists in Society

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the importance of entertainers and scientists in society 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: Entertainers and Scientists in Society

Some feel that good entertainers are as important to society as scientists.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many argue that entertainers serve a role for society as important as scientific researchers. I am in agreement with this proposition despite the more tangible benefits of science.

Detractors claim that science has greatly impacted all humanity. In the last century alone, there have been advances in medicine including various vaccines and treatments that have both lengthened average lifespans and improved living conditions for billions. In the field of technology, scientific research has resulted in revolutionary conveniences such as automobiles, airplanes, televisions, and computers. A clear illustration of the continued present relevance of science would be the race to quickly develop a vaccine to fight against Covid-19 and the dissemination of relevant safety protocols through online media.

Nonetheless, science can merely prolong and improve quality of life, while entertainment satisfies a deeper human need. A good example of this is how most individuals use the technology developed by scientists. The average consumer watches videos on YouTube, listens to songs on Spotify, and streams movies on services such as Netflix and Apple TV. This entertainment is not simply a way to relax and improve mental health, but also often the highlight of the day and the entire reason to purchase a computer, smartphone, or television. In this way, science can be seen as the delivery method for the more essential product, which is created by a variety of entertainers. Without entertainment artists, including singers, comedians, actors, writers, podcasters, and so on, then the advances of science would lose their relative significance.

In conclusion, despite the importance of scientific innovations, entertainers actually have greater value as they enliven and uplift life. This counterintuitive claim rests on the premise that life is about more than simply comfort and longevity.

Analysis

1. Many argue that entertainers serve a role for society as important as scientific researchers. 2. I am in agreement with this proposition despite the more tangible benefits of science.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Detractors claim that science has greatly impacted all humanity. 2. In the last century alone, there have been advances in medicine including various vaccines and treatments that have both lengthened average lifespans and improved living conditions for billions. 3. In the field of technology, scientific research has resulted in revolutionary conveniences such as automobiles, airplanes, televisions, and computers. 4. A clear illustration of the continued present relevance of science would be the race to quickly develop a vaccine to fight against Covid-19 and the dissemination of relevant safety protocols through online media.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.

1. Nonetheless, science can merely prolong and improve quality of life, while entertainment satisfies a deeper human need. 2. A good example of this is how most individuals use the technology developed by scientists. 3. The average consumer watches videos on YouTube, listens to songs on Spotify, and streams movies on services such as Netflix and Apple TV. 4. This entertainment is not simply a way to relax and improve mental health, but also often the highlight of the day and the entire reason to purchase a computer, smartphone, or television. 5. In this way, science can be seen as the delivery method for the more essential product, which is created by a variety of entertainers. 6. Without entertainment artists, including singers, comedians, actors, writers, podcasters, and so on, then the advances of science would lose their relative significance.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Continue developing it…
  5. as fully as possible!
  6. This paragraph can be slightly longer since you agree with it.

1. In conclusion, despite the importance of scientific innovations, entertainers actually have greater value as they enliven and uplift life. 2. This counterintuitive claim rests on the premise that life is about more than simply comfort and longevity.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 argue that entertainers serve a role for society as important as scientific researchers. I am in agreement with this proposition despite the more tangible benefits of science.

Detractors claim that science has greatly impacted all humanity. In the last century alone, there have been advances in medicine including various vaccines and treatments that have both lengthened average lifespans and improved living conditions for billions. In the field of technology, scientific research has resulted in revolutionary conveniences such as automobiles, airplanes, televisions, and computers. A clear illustration of the continued present relevance of science would be the race to quickly develop a vaccine to fight against Covid-19 and the dissemination of relevant safety protocols through online media.

Nonetheless, science can merely prolong and improve quality of life, while entertainment satisfies a deeper human need. A good example of this is how most individuals use the technology developed by scientists. The average consumer watches videos on YouTube, listens to songs on Spotify, and streams movies on services such as Netflix and Apple TV. This entertainment is not simply a way to relax and improve mental health, but also often the highlight of the day and the entire reason to purchase a computer, smartphone, or television. In this way, science can be seen as the delivery method for the more essential product, which is created by a variety of entertainers. Without entertainment artists, including singers, comedians, actors, writers, podcasters, and so on, then the advances of science would lose their relative significance.

In conclusion, despite the importance of scientific innovations, entertainers actually have greater value as they enliven and uplift life. This counterintuitive claim rests on the premise that life is about more than simply comfort and longevity.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

argue point out

entertainers musicians, actors, writers, etc.

serve a role for society have an important place in the world

as important as scientific researchers just as valuable as scientists

I am in agreement with this I agree

proposition despite suggestion regardless of

tangible benefits clear advantages

detractors claim critics say

greatly impacted hugely affected

humanity mankind

in the last century alone just the 100 past years

advances developments

medicine medical resources

vaccines shots to prevent diseases

treatments ways of dealing with a disease

lengthened average lifespans living longer

improved living conditions better standards of living

in the field of in an area concerning

scientific research learning about medicine, technology, etc.

revolutionary conveniences new comforts

automobiles cars

continued present relevance still important to people now

race to quickly develop a vaccine competing to create a treatment

fight against Covid-19 work against Coronavirus

dissemination spread

relevant safety protocols related information about staying safe

online media websites, shows, etc. on the internet

nonetheless regardless of

merely prolong just lengthen

satisfies a deeper human need meets a desire people have

average consumer normal person

streams watch online

services Netflix, etc. that can be ordered online

not simply not only

improve mental health feel better psychologically

highlight put a focus on

entire reason whole justification

in this way following this

delivery method way of getting something

essential crucial

variety different types

lose their relative significance not have as much importance

despite regardless of

importance value

innovations new things

greater value more importance

enliven make lively

uplift bring up

counterintuitive claim not obvious statement

rests on the premise is founded in

comfort convenience

longevity living a long time

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈɑːgjuː 
ˌɛntəˈteɪnəz 
sɜːv ə rəʊl fɔː səˈsaɪəti 
æz ɪmˈpɔːtənt æz ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk rɪˈsɜːʧəz
aɪ æm ɪn əˈgriːmənt wɪð ðɪs 
ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən dɪsˈpaɪt 
ˈtænʤəbl ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
dɪˈtræktəz kleɪm 
ˈgreɪtli ɪmˈpæktɪd 
hju(ː)ˈmænɪti
ɪn ðə lɑːst ˈsɛnʧʊri əˈləʊn
ədˈvɑːnsɪz 
ˈmɛdsɪn 
ˈvæksiːnz 
ˈtriːtmənts 
ˈlɛŋθənd ˈævərɪʤ ˈlaɪfspænz 
ɪmˈpruːvd ˈlɪvɪŋ kənˈdɪʃənz 
ɪn ðə fiːld ɒv 
ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk rɪˈsɜːʧ 
ˌrɛvəˈluːʃnəri kənˈviːniənsɪz 
ˈɔːtəməʊbiːlz
kənˈtɪnju(ː)d ˈprɛznt ˈrɛlɪvəns 
reɪs tuː ˈkwɪkli dɪˈvɛləp ə ˈvæksiːn 
faɪt əˈgɛnst ˈkəʊvɪd-ˈnaɪnˈtiːn
dɪˌsɛmɪˈneɪʃən 
ˈrɛlɪvənt ˈseɪfti ˈprəʊtəkɒlz 
ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈmiːdiə
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈmɪəli prəʊˈlɒŋ 
ˈsætɪsfaɪz ə ˈdiːpə ˈhjuːmən niːd
ˈævərɪʤ kənˈsjuːmə 
striːmz 
ˈsɜːvɪsɪz 
nɒt ˈsɪmpli 
ɪmˈpruːv ˈmɛntl hɛlθ
ˈhaɪˌlaɪt 
ɪnˈtaɪə ˈriːzn 
ɪn ðɪs weɪ
dɪˈlɪvəri ˈmɛθəd 
ɪˈsɛnʃəl 
vəˈraɪəti 
luːz ðeə ˈrɛlətɪv sɪgˈnɪfɪkəns
dɪsˈpaɪt 
ɪmˈpɔːtəns 
ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃənz
ˈgreɪtə ˈvæljuː 
ɪnˈlaɪvn 
ˈʌplɪft 
ˈkaʊntər ɪnˈtju(ː)ɪtɪv kleɪm 
rɛsts ɒn ðə ˈprɛmɪs 
ˈkʌmfət 
lɒnˈʤɛvɪti

Vocabulary Practice

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 a_______e that e_________________s s__________________________y a_______________________________________s. I_____________________________________________e the more t_________________s of science.

D__________________m that science has g________________d all h___________y. I______________________________e, there have been a___________s in m___________e including various v__________s and t____________s that have both l______________________________s and i__________________________s for billions. I_______________f technology, s___________________h has resulted in r_____________________________s such as a_______________s, airplanes, televisions, and computers. A clear illustration of the c_______________________________e of science would be the r__________________________________________e to f____________________9 and the d__________________n of r________________________________s through o________________a.

N________________s, science can m________________g and improve quality of life, while entertainment s________________________________d. A good example of this is how most individuals use the technology developed by scientists. The a________________________r watches videos on YouTube, listens to songs on Spotify, and s___________s movies on s___________s such as Netflix and Apple TV. This entertainment is n_______________y a way to relax and i________________________h, but also often the h___________t of the day and the e_________________n to purchase a computer, smartphone, or television. I___________________y, science can be seen as the d____________________d for the more e_____________l product, which is created by a v____________y of entertainers. Without entertainment artists, including singers, comedians, actors, writers, podcasters, and so on, then the advances of science would l_________________________________e.

In conclusion, d_________e the i______________e of scientific i______________s, entertainers actually have g________________e as they e_________n and u________t life. This c______________________m r_________________________e that life is about more than simply c_________t and l______________y.

Listening Practice

Watch a really funny entertainer below and practice with these activities:

And a related IELTS speaking test here:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/02/why-are-celebrities-known-as-stars/517674/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Famous People

  1. Have you ever met a celebrity?
  2. What kinds of celebrities are you interested in?
  3. Are there any celebrities you would want to interview?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a negative or positive development?