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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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.
Be sure that you develop two advantages.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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 ofseparating 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 schoolsengender 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
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_____________________________fs_____________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_____________________se__________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:
Do you prefer to learn in the morning or in the evening?
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.
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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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. 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.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
This paragraph can be 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.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many argue that entertainers serve a role for societyas 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 counterintuitiveclaim 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
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__________________________ya_______________________________________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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of individuals preventing of living with climate change 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: Preventing or Living with Climate Change
Some believe that people should make efforts to fight climate change while others think it is better to learn to live with it.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.
Those who argue a passive approach point to the ineffectual impact of individuals. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materials employed are more environmentally friendly. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.
However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.
In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influence over more powerful authorities. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.
Analysis
1. Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. 2. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue a passive approach point to the ineffectual impact of individuals. 2. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. 3. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. 4. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materials employed are more environmentally friendly. 5. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.
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.
Relate it back to the overall topic.
1. However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. 2. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. 3. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. 4. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. 5. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. 6. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. 7. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.
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 fully!
Vary short and long sentences.
Add in more detail and results.
The further you extend your ideas, the better.
1. In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influence over more powerful authorities. 2. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.
Those who argue a passive approachpoint to the ineffectual impact of individuals. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materialsemployed are more environmentally friendly. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.
However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.
In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influenceover more powerful authorities. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
of the opinion believe
accept admit
reality truth
climate change global warming
rather than instead of
combat fight against
certain levels some degree of
acceptance admitting
pragmatic practical
take meaningful steps do real actions
argue believe
passive approach not active way
point to argue about
ineffectual impact not much effect
vast majority most of
related to concerning
countered by fought by
primarily involve corporations mostly have to do with companies
packaged foods foods in plastic/boxes
instant noodles ramen
plastic waste bags, packaging, etc.
industrial pollution hurting the environment because of production
entire life whole life
enacting regulations passing laws
ensure make sure
methods of production means of making something
materialsemployed what is used to make it
environmentally friendly good for nature
it thus follows therefore it is logical
justified reasonable
resigning themselves giving up
facts truths
not especially affected not really hurt by
combined all together
highlighting focusing on
key policy decisions choices made by governments
green parties political groups desiring environmentally friendly policies
tremendous sway a lot of influence
empower given power
political parties Republicans, Democrats, etc.
voting casting ballots in an election
protests being an activist against
consumer decisions choice by buyers
governmental bodies government organizations
eco-friendly good for nature
take the environment into account consider nature
passing laws enacting legislation
furthermore moreover
cognizant aware of
consumer behavior choices by shoppers
massive conglomerates large companies
frequently advertise often publicize
policies laws, regulations
demanded asked for strongly
reforms changes
seemingly marginal impact apparently not much effect
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 are o_______________n that individuals should a_______t the r________y of c_______________e r_______________n try to c_________t it. In my opinion, c_______________s of a____________e are p___________c but it is still important to t__________________________s.
Those who a________e a p___________________hp__________o the i_____________________t of individuals. The v_______________y of problems r______________o climate change cannot be c_________________y individual action because they p_______________________________s and governments. For example, companies that produce p_____________________s, such as potato chips and i_________________s, create far more p______________e and i_________________________n in one day than a single person will in their e_____________e. Governments can make a greater different by e_____________________s to e__________e that the m_________________________n and m________________________d are more e_____________________________y. I________________________s that the average person is j_____________d r________________________s to the f_______s of climate change and living in an area that is n_________________________d.
However, the c___________d impact of individuals h______________g climate change will influence k____________________s. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where g______________s hold t____________________y in government. Individuals e__________r these p_________________s not only by v________g but also through p__________s and c________________________s. Even g____________________s that are not as e__________________y must t______________________________t when p____________________s. F______________e, corporations are now c_____________t of changes in c__________________r. M_____________________s such as Starbucks f______________________e their environmental p___________s. This has only happened because individuals have d___________d these r__________s.
In conclusion, the s_____________________t of individuals b_______s their t__________________________r more p_____________________s. C_____________________s should therefore continue to v_____________b the h_____________g of climate change.
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 department stores and online stores in Australia from the real IELTS exam.
This one is tricky just because there is not a lot of data so I had to make it wordier to make sure that it was long enough and to be on the safe side!
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: Department Stores and Online Stores in Australia
The table gives information about department and online stores in Australia in 2011.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Department Stores
Online Stores
Number of Businesses
67
368
Profit (AUD)
807
863
Sales Revenue (AUD)
12,700
13,400
Growth
.4%
.6%
IELTS Essay: Department Stores and Online Stores in Australia in 2011
The table displays figures for purchase-related data comparing Australian department stores and online stores in 2011. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that online stores were considerably more popular in terms of the number of businesses in operation though profits and revenue were relatively closer together, with online holding a small edge for each. The online stores also experienced meaningfully greater growth.
The number of businesses was overwhelmingly in favor of online stores according to the data at 368 online to just 67 physical locations. However, profit figures in Australian dollars (AUD) presented a more narrow advantage for online retail at $863 and $807 for department stores.
Concerning revenue, online purchases also displayed marginally higher final numbers. Online purchase revenue accounted for $13,400 compared to $12,700 for department locations. Finally, the growth percentage was considerably higher for online (.6%) relative to physical department stores (.4%).
Analysis
1. The table displays figures for purchase-related data comparing Australian department stores and online stores in 2011. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that online stores were considerably more popular in terms of the number of businesses in operation though profits and revenue were relatively closer together, with online holding a small edge for each. 3. The online stores also experienced meaningfully greater growth.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need a second sentence for your overview.
1. The number of businesses was overwhelmingly in favor of online stores according to the data at 368 online to just 67 physical locations. 2. However, profit figures in Australian dollars (AUD) presented a more narrow advantage for online retail at $863 and $807 for department stores.
Begin writing about the data for the first category.
Describe the next area and compare it to the area before.
1. Concerning revenue, online purchases also displayed marginally higher final numbers. 2. Online purchase revenue accounted for $13,400 compared to $12,700 for department locations. 3. Finally, the growth percentage was considerably higher for online (.6%) relative to physical department stores (.4%).
Write about the final other parts of the table – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some words used before as well.
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 displays figures for purchase-related data comparing Australian department stores and online stores in 2011. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that online stores were considerably more popular in terms of the number of businesses in operation though profits and revenue were relatively closer together, with online holding a small edge for each. The online stores also experienced meaningfully greater growth.
The number of businesses was overwhelmingly in favor of online stores according to the data at 368 online to just 67 physical locations. However, profit figures in Australian dollars (AUD) presented a more narrow advantage for online retail at $863 and $807 for department stores.
Concerning revenue, online purchases also displayedmarginally higher final numbers. Online purchase revenue accounted for $13,400 compared to $12,700 for department locations. Finally, the growth percentage was considerably higher for online (.6%) relative to physical department stores (.4%).
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
displays figures shows numbers
purchase-related data statistics related to buying stuff
comparing relative to
department stores places where items are sold
online stores websites and apps
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
considerably more popular much more people doing it
in terms of when it comes to
in operation open
profits money made after expenses deducted
revenue total money earned
relatively compared to
holding a small edge just a little bit more
experienced meaningfully greater growth underwent a lot more increase
overwhelmingly a lot more
in favor of with the other one higher
according to the data concerning the numbers
just only
physical locations actual places
presented shown
narrow advantage a little more
retail items being sold
concerning related to
displayedmarginally higher final numbers showing a bit higher data
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The table d____________________s for p___________________________________g Australian d____________________s and o_________________s in 2011. L____________________________________________________________t online stores were c_________________________________________f the number of businesses i________________n though p_________s and r__________e were r___________y closer together, with online h_________________________e for each. The online stores also e_________________________________________h.
The number of businesses was o_______________y i________________f online stores a______________________a at 368 online to j______t 67 p____________________s. However, profit figures in Australian dollars (AUD) p_____________d a more n____________________e for online r_______l at $863 and $807 for department stores.
C_____________g revenue, online purchases also d______________________________________s. Online purchase revenue a______________r $13,400 c_______________o $12,700 for department locations. Finally, the growth percentage was c______________________r for online (.6%) r_______________o physical department stores (.4%).
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
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