This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of convenience foods 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: Convenience Foods
Convenience foods will become increasingly prevalent and eventually replace traditional foods and methods of preparation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many feel that convenience foods will one day completely replace traditional cuisine. In my opinion, though these products are inexpensive and convenient, there will always be a meaningful place for traditional food products.
The threat of convenience foods is based in their value. Prepared foods that can be found in supermarkets and small shops such as TV dinners and junk food are cheap and require little initiative. There is appeal in this for both single individuals and those with families. Most people come home tired after a long day at work or school and do not want to spend too much money or invest a lot of time in preparing a meal. Therefore, it is logical that companies produce ready-made meals that target this particular segment of market demand. In the future, there is a strong chance that companies will make these products healthier and convenience foods will become more prevalent.
Nonetheless, there will always be appreciation for traditional meals. At the moment, this is because these meals taste better and are healthier than convenience foods. Shoppers tend to consume unhealthy prepared meals as a last resort and when they have surplus time, money, or energy will opt for more wholesome meals that they can remember from their childhood. This is the reason that most cities have vibrant food scenes. Additionally, even if convenience foods can later be manufactured to a higher standard, it is unlikely individuals will ever want to relinquish the atmosphere of a more traditional dining experience. Traditional food is therefore an antidote to increasingly insular and sedentary modern lifestyles.
In conclusion, despite the utilitarian benefits of convenience foods, individuals will always prefer the better quality and experience of eating more traditionally. This is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future.
Analysis
1. Many feel that convenience foods will one day completely replace traditional cuisine. 2. In my opinion, though these products are inexpensive and convenient, there will always be a meaningful place for traditional food products.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The threat of convenience foods is based in their value. 2. Prepared foods that can be found in supermarkets and small shops such as TV dinners and junk food are cheap and require little initiative. 3. There is appeal in this for both single individuals and those with families. 4. Most people come home tired after a long day at work or school and do not want to spend too much money or invest a lot of time in preparing a meal. 5. Therefore, it is logical that companies produce ready-made meals that target this particular segment of market demand. 6. In the future, there is a strong chance that companies will make these products healthier and convenience foods will become more prevalent.
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.
Stay focused on the same main idea.
Finish with the full result.
1. Nonetheless, there will always be appreciation for traditional meals. 2. At the moment, this is because these meals taste better and are healthier than convenience foods. 3. Shoppers tend to consume unhealthy prepared meals as a last resort and when they have surplus time, money, or energy will opt for more wholesome meals that they can remember from their childhood. 4. This is the reason that most cities have vibrant food scenes. 5. Additionally, even if convenience foods can later be manufactured to a higher standard, it is unlikely individuals will ever want to relinquish the atmosphere of a more traditional dining experience. 6. Traditional food is therefore an antidote to increasingly insular and sedentary modern lifestyles.
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!
Vary long and short sentences.
1. In conclusion, despite the utilitarian benefits of convenience foods, individuals will always prefer the better quality and experience of eating more traditionally. 2. This is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many feel that convenience foods will one day completely replace traditional cuisine. In my opinion, though these products are inexpensive and convenient, there will always be a meaningfulplace for traditional food products.
The threat of convenience foods is based in their value. Prepared foods that can be found in supermarkets and small shops such as TV dinners and junk food are cheap and require little initiative. There is appeal in this for both single individuals and those with families. Most people come home tired after a long day at work or school and do not want to spend too much money or invest a lot of time in preparing a meal. Therefore, it is logical that companies produce ready-made meals that target this particular segment of market demand. In the future, there is a strong chance that companies will make these products healthier and convenience foods will become more prevalent.
Nonetheless, there will always be appreciation for traditional meals. At the moment, this is because these meals taste better and are healthier than convenience foods. Shoppers tend to consume unhealthy prepared meals as a last resort and when they have surplus time, money, or energy will opt for more wholesome meals that they can remember from their childhood. This is the reason that most cities have vibrant food scenes. Additionally, even if convenience foods can later be manufactured to a higher standard, it is unlikely individuals will ever want to relinquish the atmosphere of a more traditional dining experience. Traditional food is therefore an antidote to increasingly insular and sedentary modern lifestyles.
In conclusion, despite the utilitarian benefits of convenience foods, individuals will always prefer the better quality and experience of eating more traditionally. This is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
convenience foods junk foods and prepared foods
one day eventually
completely replace take over 100%
traditional cuisine food from the past of a country
products foods
inexpensive cheap
convenient cheap and easy
meaningfulplace important space
traditional food products culturally important foods
threat risk
is based in has its foundation in
value importance
prepared foods meals made ahead of time
can be found in can be located in
TV dinners prepared meals you can microwave
junk food unhealthy foods like chips, etc.
cheap inexpensive
require little initiative need not much effort
appeal attractiveness
single individuals unmarried people
tired without energy
invest put money, time into
logical rational
ready-made meals already prepared foods
particular segment certain area
market demand consumers wanting it
strong chance good likelihood
healthier better for you
prevalent very common
nonetheless regargless
appreciation caring about
meals foods
at the moment right now
taste better better flavor
healthier more nutritious
consume eat
last resort final option
surplus extra
wholesome meals good foods
childhood when you were a kid
vibrant food scenes flourishing restaurants
additionally also
later in the future
higher standard better quality
relinquish give up
atmosphere feeling in the restaurant
more traditional less modern
dining experience atmosphere
antidote cure
increasingly more and more
insular isolated
sedentary less active, more passive
modern lifestyles way people live now
utilitarian benefits actual effects for a person
prefer desire more
quality how good something is
remain the case still true
foreseeable future as far as we can see in the future
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many feel that c____________________s will o_________y c__________________e t_____________________e. In my opinion, though these p___________s are i_______________e and c_____________t, there will always be a m________________________e for t_______________________________s.
The t________t of convenience foods i________________n their v_______e. P________________s that c_________________n supermarkets and small shops such as T______________s and j___________d are c________p and r_____________________e. There is a___________l in this for both s________________s and those with families. Most people come home t________d after a long day at work or school and do not want to spend too much money or i_________t a lot of time in preparing a meal. Therefore, it is l__________l that companies produce r__________________s that target this p_______________________t of m_________________d. In the future, there is a s_________________e that companies will make these products h______________r and convenience foods will become more p___________t.
N________________s, there will always be a________________n for traditional m________s. A___________________t, this is because these meals t____________r and are h_____________r than convenience foods. Shoppers tend to c___________e unhealthy prepared meals as a l_________t and when they have s__________s time, money, or energy will opt for more w____________________s that they can remember from their c____________d. This is the reason that most cities have v______________________s. A_____________y, even if convenience foods can l________r be manufactured to a h________________d, it is unlikely individuals will ever want to r____________h the a_____________e of a m_______________________________________e. Traditional food is therefore an a___________e to i_____________________r and s_____________________________s.
In conclusion, despite the u_________________s of convenience foods, individuals will always p_________r the better q________y and experience of eating more traditionally. This is likely to r_________________e for the f_____________________e.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
How different is food in your country today from when you were younger?
Which foods do you dislike?
What foods do people in your country buy at the market?
Writing Practice
Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a mining town in the past and now from the real IELTS exam.
A really interesting, kind of strange one – love the opportunity to write about an old-timey mining town!
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 Cambridge 16 Essay: Airport Map
The plans below show the site of mining town in the past and after redevelopment in the present day.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The maps detail significant alterations to a former mining town. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became less focused on the industry of mining and more on tourism with various historical sites and facilities for dining and entertainment.
In the past, the mining town was centered around a mine entrance for workers and related infrastructure. There were two waste pits near the mines as well as a staff changing room and medical room for treatment of injuries. Adjacent to the mine was also an office building and slightly further away was the parking lot for cars and lorries.
In the present day, the parking lot for cars remains the same and the mine is still present, though it is now for visitors instead of workers. The office and changing rooms have been replaced by a museum while the lorry parking space and medical area have become a footpath (leading to a children’s playground) and a cafe, respectively. Finally, the waste pits have been removed in favor of a driving truck track and an area reserved for picnics.
Analysis
1. The maps detail significant alterations to a former mining town. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became less focused on the industry of mining and more on tourism with various historical sites and facilities for dining and entertainment.
Paraphrase what the map shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups.
1. In the past, the mining town was centered around a mine entrance for workers and related infrastructure. 2. There were two waste pits near the mines as well as a staff changing room and medical room for treatment of injuries. 3. Adjacent to the mine was also an office building and slightly further away was the parking lot for cars and lorries.
Begin writing about the details of the map.
Describe what is located next to what you described before.
Include everything!
1. In the present day, the parking lot for cars remains the same and the mine is still present, though it is now for visitors instead of workers. 2. The office and changing rooms have been replaced by a museum while the lorry parking space and medical area have become a footpath (leading to a children’s playground) and a cafe, respectively. 3. Finally, the waste pits have been removed in favor of a driving truck track and an area reserved for picnics.
Move on to the other map.
Try to paraphrase some of the words from the map as well.
Include every single change in the map.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The maps detail significant alterations to a former mining town. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town became less focused on the industry of mining and more on tourism with various historical sites and facilities for dining and entertainment.
In the past, the mining town was centered around a mine entrance for workers and related infrastructure. There were two waste pits near the mines as well as a staff changing room and medical room for treatment of injuries. Adjacent to the mine was also an office building and slightly further away was the parking lot for cars and lorries.
In the present day, the parking lot for cars remains the same and the mine is still present, though it is now for visitors instead of workers. The office and changing rooms have been replaced by a museum while the lorry parking space and medical area have become a footpath (leading to a children’s playground) and a cafe, respectively. Finally, the waste pits have been removed in favor of a driving truck track and an area reserved for picnics.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
detail show
significant alterations big changes
former mining town past place where people dug into the ground to locate minerals
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
less focused on not caring about
industry business, work
more on tourism directed more toward customers
various historical sites different places related to history
facilities infrastructure
dining eating
entertainment places to have fun
in the past formerly
centered around related to
entrance place to go in
related infrastructure similar buildings, etc.
waste pits where to put the excess waste/trass
near next to
as well as and
a staff changing room place to put on clothes
medical room hospital area
injuries getting hurt
adjacent to next to
slightly further away a little bit away from there
The maps d_________l s______________________s to a f________________n. L_____________________________________________________t the town became l__________________n the i__________y of mining and m_______________m with v_________________________s and f______________s for d________g and e_________________t.
I_______________t, the mining town was c_________________d a mine e__________e for workers and r________________________e. There were two w_________________r the mines a____________s a________________________m and m_________________m for treatment of i___________s. A___________o the mine was also an office building and s_______________________y was the p_______________t for cars and l___________s.
I__________________y, the parking lot for cars r___________________e and the mine is still p_________t, though it is now for v_________s i___________f workers. The office and changing rooms have been r_____________y a museum while the lorry parking space and medical area have become a f_________h (l_____________o a children’s playground) and a cafe, r_____________y. Finally, the waste pits have been r__________________________f a driving truck track and an area r______________r picnics.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of wild animals and zoos 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!
IELTS Essay General Training: Wild Animals and Zoos
Some people believe that wild animals should not be kept in zoos or other man-made environments as there is no longer a need for them in the 21st century.
Do you agree or disagree?
Many believe that zoos are antiquated and inhumane. In my opinion, though zoos raise legitimate ethical concerns, their value for conservation is greater than ever before.
Critics of zoos argue that the animal life simulated there is unnatural. In the majority of zoos, animals are kept in small enclosures or cages. Any visitor to a zoo is first struck by the lack of energy and vitality present in animals not living in their natural habitats and fending for themselves. This unnatural divorce from their intended purpose in life is inherently unethical. Added to this is the fact that there are now alternatives to zoos. In countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, where the Serengeti is located, there are sprawling national preserves that accomplish the dual aims of aiding animal conservation and allowing interested spectators to see wildlife up close.
Nonetheless, zoos are principal locations for wildlife research and preservation initiatives. Nearly every zoo will not only allow local researchers to learn more about animals, but also contain programs for increasing population numbers. The hastening of climate change has brought disastrous results to animal habitats around the world and thousands of animals are now endangered. It is nearly impossible to quickly restore their homes so the only option remaining is to breed animals in captivity to increase their numbers and then release them into the wild later. This situation is unfortunate but necessary and will only become more essential in years to come as greater numbers of species are threatened and zoos become a key location for raising both public awareness and population levels.
In conclusion, despite the moral hazards zoos entail, their effect on wildlife conservation is crucial. Countries should therefore continue to maintain their current zoos.
Analysis
1. Many believe that zoos are antiquated and inhumane. 2. In my opinion, though zoos raise legitimate ethical concerns, their value for conservation is greater than ever before.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics of zoos argue that the animal life simulated there is unnatural. 2. In the majority of zoos, animals are kept in small enclosures or cages. 3. Any visitor to a zoo is first struck by the lack of energy and vitality present in animals not living in their natural habitats and fending for themselves. 4. This unnatural divorce from their intended purpose in life is inherently unethical. 5. Added to this is the fact that there are now alternatives to zoos. 6. In countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, where the Serengeti is located, there are sprawling national preserves that accomplish the dual aims of aiding animal conservation and allowing interested spectators to see wildlife up close.
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.
Stay focused on the same main idea.
You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.
1. Nonetheless, zoos are principal locations for wildlife research and preservation initiatives. 2. Nearly every zoo will not only allow local researchers to learn more about animals, but also contain programs for increasing population numbers. 3. The hastening of climate change has brought disastrous results to animal habitats around the world and thousands of animals are now endangered. 4. It is nearly impossible to quickly restore their homes so the only option remaining is to breed animals in captivity to increase their numbers and then release them into the wild later. 5. This situation is unfortunate but necessary and will only become more essential in years to come as greater numbers of species are threatened and zoos become a key location for raising both public awareness and population levels.
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 moral hazards zoos entail, their effect on wildlife conservation is crucial. 2. Countries should therefore continue to maintain their current zoos.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many believe that zoos are antiquated and inhumane. In my opinion, though zoos raise legitimate ethical concerns, their value for conservation is greater than ever before.
Critics of zoos argue that the animal life simulated there is unnatural. In the majority of zoos, animals are kept in small enclosures or cages. Any visitor to a zoo is first struck by the lack of energy and vitality present in animals not living in their natural habitats and fending for themselves. This unnatural divorce from their intended purpose in life is inherently unethical. Added to this is the fact that there are now alternatives to zoos. In countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, where the Serengeti is located, there are sprawling national preserves that accomplish the dual aims of aiding animal conservation and allowing interested spectators to see wildlife up close.
Nonetheless, zoos are principal locations for wildlife research and preservation initiatives. Nearly every zoo will not only allow local researchers to learn more about animals, but also contain programs for increasing population numbers. The hastening of climate change has brought disastrous results to animal habitats around the world and thousands of animals are now endangered. It is nearly impossible to quickly restore their homes so the only option remaining is to breed animals in captivity to increase their numbers and then release them into the wild later. This situation is unfortunate but necessary and will only become more essential in years to come as greater numbers of species are threatened and zoos become a key location for raising both public awareness and population levels.
In conclusion, despite the moral hazards zoos entail, their effect on wildlife conservation is crucial. Countries should therefore continue to maintain their current zoos.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
zoos places where animals are kept for people to look at
antiquated old and outdated
inhumane not ethical, moral
raise legitimate ethical concerns mention real moral issues
value consider important
conservation keeping safe and alive
greater than ever before more important than in the past
critics detractors
argue claim
simulated recreated
unnatural artificial
majority most of
kept remained
small enclosures cages, small spaces
cages metal bars around an animal
visitor guest
first struck notice initially
lack of energy lacking energy
vitality present in life contained in
natural habitats where animals are from
fending for themselves looking after itself
unnatural divorce artificial separation
intended purpose stated aim
inherently unethical immoral from the beginning
added to this is the fact that also
alternatives different options
Serengeti a really large preservation
sprawling national preserves large place for animals to live
accomplish achieve
dual aims two purposes
interested spectators audiences who want to go there
up close in person
nonetheless regardless
principal locations main places
wildlife research looking into animals
preservation initiatives attempts to save animals
local living nearby
contain programs have initiatives
increasing population numbers more and more animals
hastening speeding up
climate change global warming
brought disastrous results caused something really bad
endangered not many left
restore bring back to life
only option remaining no other choices
breed reproduce
in captivity in zoos
release them into the wild go back to their natural habitat
unfortunate not lucky
necessary needed
more essential really important
species types of animals
threatened at risk
key location important place
raising both public awareness and population levels increasing knowledge about animals and their numbers
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many believe that z____s are a_____________d and i_____________e. In my opinion, though zoos r_____________________________s, their v_______e for c__________________n is g______________________________e.
C______s of zoos a_____e that the animal life s___________d there is u____________l. In the m_________y of zoos, animals are k____t in s________________s or c_______s. Any v_________r to a zoo is f____________k by the l_______________y and v_________________n animals not living in their n_________________s and f________________________s. This u____________________e from their i_________________e in life is i_______________________l. A_____________________________________t there are now a____________s to zoos. In countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, where the S___________i is located, there are s_________________________s that a_____________h the d_________s of aiding animal conservation and allowing i___________________s to see wildlife u_______e.
N______________s, zoos are p________________s for w_________________h and p__________________________s. Nearly every zoo will not only allow l______l researchers to learn more about animals, but also c__________________s for i_________________________________s. The h___________g of c_____________e has b_____________________________s to animal habitats around the world and thousands of animals are now e_____________d. It is nearly impossible to quickly r_________e their homes so the o_____________________g is to b______d animals i______________y to increase their numbers and then r________________________d later. This situation is u_______________e but n_____________y and will only become m_________________l in years to come as greater numbers of s__________s are t______________d and zoos become a k_____________n for r_________________________________________________s.
In conclusion, d_________e the m____________s zoos e________l, their effect on wildlife conservation is c__________l. Countries should therefore c_____________________n their c_________t zoos.
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 role of sports in society and how important they are 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: The Role of Sports in Society
Some people think that sports play an important role in society. Others think they are nothing more than a leisure activity.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many feel sports play an essential role in society while others believe they are simply for entertainment and relaxation. From my point of view, though their stated purpose is leisure, sports serve key social and psychological purposes.
The claim that sports are largely just a leisure pastime is based on self-evident facts. Most people watch or participate in sports to release pressure and do not take them as seriously as other parts of life. For example, in England, football is the national sport and many individuals will play in amateur matches, follow their local team, and discuss sports with friends and family. Each of these activities can be broadly defined as a way of relaxing and a purposefully unproductive and enjoyable use of free time. If polled, the majority of individuals would state sports are an important yet entirely recreational part of their lives.
Nonetheless, sports in fact play the essential role of satisfying a number of deep psychological needs. The average sports fan invests a tremendous amount of time and self-esteem in the success or failure of their team. When the team wins, they can bask in the reflected glory and feel proud vicariously. Research has shown that even when a team loses, there is concomitant and addictive communal sensation of misery. Added to this are the variety of human drives that are satisfied by talking about the team, thinking about them in one’s spare time, reading and watching sports media, and being outraged or excited about team transactions. This all takes place within a welcoming community of like-minded individuals that approves of and normalizes this social behavior.
To conclude, despite the ostensible purpose of sports to entertain, they actually allow individuals to satisfy a range of crucial human desires. This makes sports a healthy hobby when not taken to obsessive extremes.
Analysis
1. Many feel sports play an essential role in society while others believe they are simply for entertainment and relaxation. 2. From my point of view, though their stated purpose is leisure, sports serve key social and psychological purposes.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The claim that sports are largely just a leisure pastime is based on self-evident facts. 2. Most people watch or participate in sports to release pressure and do not take them as seriously as other parts of life. 3. For example, in England, football is the national sport and many individuals will play in amateur matches, follow their local team, and discuss sports with friends and family. 4. Each of these activities can be broadly defined as a way of relaxing and a purposefully unproductive and enjoyable use of free time. 5. If polled, the majority of individuals would state sports are an important yet entirely recreational part of their lives.
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.
Stay focused on the same main idea.
1. Nonetheless, sports in fact play the essential role of satisfying a number of deep psychological needs. 2. The average sports fan invests a tremendous amount of time and self-esteem in the success or failure of their team. 3. When the team wins, they can bask in the reflected glory and feel proud vicariously. 4. Research has shown that even when a team loses, there is concomitant and addictive communal sensation of misery. 5. Added to this are the variety of human drives that are satisfied by talking about the team, thinking about them in one’s spare time, reading and watching sports media, and being outraged or excited about team transactions. 6. This all takes place within a welcoming community of like-minded individuals that approves of and normalizes this social behavior.
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 statement.
1. To conclude, despite the ostensible purpose of sports to entertain, they actually allow individuals to satisfy a range of crucial human desires. 2. This makes sports a healthy hobby when not taken to obsessive extremes.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many feel sports play an essential role in society while others believe they are simply for entertainment and relaxation. From my point of view, though their stated purpose is leisure, sports serve key social and psychological purposes.
The claim that sports are largely just a leisure pastime is based on self-evident facts. Most people watch or participate in sports to release pressure and do not take them as seriously as other parts of life. For example, in England, football is the national sport and many individuals will play in amateur matches, follow their local team, and discuss sports with friends and family. Each of these activities can be broadly defined as a way of relaxing and a purposefully unproductive and enjoyable use of free time. If polled, the majority of individuals would state sports are an important yetentirely recreational part of their lives.
Nonetheless, sports in fact play the essential role of satisfying a number of deep psychological needs. The average sports fan invests a tremendous amount of time and self-esteem in the success or failure of their team. When the team wins, they can bask in the reflected glory and feel proud vicariously. Research has shown that even when a team loses, there is concomitant and addictive communal sensation of misery. Added to this are the variety of human drives that are satisfied by talking about the team, thinking about them in one’s spare time, reading and watching sports media, and being outraged or excited about team transactions. This all takes placewithin a welcoming community of like-minded individuals that approves of and normalizes this social behavior.
To conclude, despite the ostensible purpose of sports to entertain, they actually allow individuals to satisfy a range of crucial human desires. This makes sports a healthy hobby when not taken to obsessive extremes.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
play an essential role have an important place
while in contrast
simply basically
entertainment something to watch
relaxation a way to chill out
from my point of view in my opinion
stated purpose ostensible reason
serve key social have importance for communities
psychological purposes reasons related to how people think and behave
claim state
largely mostly
leisure pastime hobby in their freetime
based on has its foundation in
self-evident facts obvious truths
participate in do
release pressure de-stress
do not take them as seriously as other parts of life don’t consider it as important as other things in life
national sport most popular sport in a country
amateur matches not professional games
follow closely watch
local team team from your area
discuss talk about
broadly defined widely described
purposefully unproductive intentionally not for a productive reason
enjoyable fun
polled asked questions
state say
yetentirely recreational however just for fun
nonetheless regardless
essential key
satisfying makes you feel fulfilled
deep psychological needs real human desires
invests puts time and money into
tremendous significant
self-esteem how you feel about yourself
failure unsuccessful
bask feel happy/proud, revel in
reflected glory the success of others shining on you
feel proud vicariously feel good about yourself due to the successes of others
research has shown that studies indicate
concomitant related and caused by
addictive can’t stop doing it
communal related to the community and people around your
sensation of misery feeling of unhappiness
added to this also
variety lots of different types
drives desires
satisfied fulfilled
sports media people talking about sports on shows, sites, etc.
outraged angered by
excited feel excitement
transactions making trades, signing players, etc.
takes place happens
within a welcoming community in a group of people who accept you
like-minded individuals similar people
approves of satisfied with
normalizes makes it seem normal
social behavior actions in public and around others
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many feel sports p_______________________e in society w______e others believe they are s_________y for e________________t and r___________n. F_______________________w, though their s_______________e is leisure, sports s_________________l and p____________________s.
The c_______m that sports are l_________y just a l_____________e is b___________n s_________________s. Most people watch or p______________n sports to r__________________e and d_____________________________________________e. For example, in England, football is the n_______________t and many individuals will play in a________________s, f__________w their l_____________m, and d__________s sports with friends and family. Each of these activities can be b_______________d as a way of relaxing and a p__________________________e and e____________e use of free time. If p___________d, the majority of individuals would s________e sports are an important y________________________l part of their lives.
N_______________s, sports in fact play the e_____________l role of s___________g a number of d_____________________s. The average sports fan i___________s a t_______________s amount of time and s____________m in the success or f___________e of their team. When the team wins, they can b_____k in the r______________y and f_____________________y. R_______________________t even when a team loses, there is c______________t and a____________e c___________l s____________________y. A________________s are the v__________y of human d_________s that are s___________d by talking about the team, thinking about them in one’s spare time, reading and watching s_____________a, and being o__________d or e_________d about team t______________s. This all t_____________ew___________________________y of l_______________________s that a_________________f and n____________s this s________________r.
To conclude, d_________e the o___________________e of sports to entertain, they a___________y allow individuals to s________y a r________e of crucial h_______________s. This makes sports a h______________y when n_________n to o___________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay that is only available on my Patreon based on a real question related to waste disposal from the IELTS exam.
Here is the questions itself:
Nowadays many countries are facing problemsrelated to waste disposal.
Why is this the case?
How can this issue be tackled?
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