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IELTS Cambridge 16 Essay: Airport Map
The plans below show the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The map details plans for the renovation in the next year of Southwest Airport. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of gates will greatly expand and there will be a variety of customer-facing facilities added including shops, a car hire, and an ATM.
The location of the departure and arrival entrances will remain the same but there are plans to install additional doors. Upon entering the airport, there is currently a single check-in and cafe. The future plan projects moving the check-in from the left to right side of the departure space in order to make room for a bag drop area and the repositioning of the cafe. The arrival section will affix a cafe, ATM and car hire that necessitates expanding the size of the building.
Security, passport control, and customs will be unchanged, however, the future floor plan shows shops immediately upon exiting the security section for departures. The largest proposed alterations are replacing a walkway with a long sky train track and constructing 2 branching corridors that will enable flyers to reach more than twice as many gates (8 at the moment and 18 after renovations).
Analysis
1. The map details plans for the renovation in the next year of Southwest Airport. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of gates will greatly expand and there will be a variety of customer-facing facilities added including shops, a car hire, and an ATM.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. The location of the departure and arrival entrances will remain the same but there are plans to install additional doors. 2. Upon entering the airport, there is currently a single check-in and cafe. 3. The future plan projects moving the check-in from the left to right side of the departure space in order to make room for a bag drop area and the repositioning of the cafe. 4. The arrival section will affix a cafe, ATM and car hire that necessitates expanding the size of the building.
Begin writing about the details of the process.
This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
1. Security, passport control, and customs will be unchanged, however, the future floor plan shows shops immediately upon exiting the security section for departures. 2. The largest proposed alterations are replacing a walkway with a long sky train track and constructing 2 branching corridors that will enable flyers to reach more than twice as many gates (8 at the moment and 18 after renovations).
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The map details plans for the renovation in the next year of Southwest Airport. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the number of gates will greatly expand and there will be a variety of customer-facing facilities added including shops, a car hire, and an ATM.
The location of the departure and arrival entrances will remain the same but there are plans to install additional doors. Upon entering the airport, there is currently a single check-in and cafe. The future plan projects moving the check-in from the left to right side of the departure space in order to make room for a bag drop area and the repositioning of the cafe. The arrival section will affix a cafe, ATM and car hire that necessitates expanding the size of the building.
Security, passport control, and customs will be unchanged, however, the future floor plan shows shops immediately upon exiting the security section for departures. The largest proposed alterations are replacing a walkway with a long sky train track and constructing 2 branching corridors that will enable flyers to reach more than twice as many gates (8 at the moment and 18 after renovations).
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
plans projections
renovation changes
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
gates places to get on and off the airplanes
greatly expand make much bigger
variety lots of different
customer-facing facilities shops, cafes, etc.
car hire place to rent a car
ATM place to take out money
location place
departure where you leave from
arrival where you come in from flights
entrances place to enter
remain the same unchanged
plans projections
install additional doors put in new doors
currently at the moment
check-in place to register for you flight
projects predicts
space area
in order to so that
make room for allow for
bag drop area place to leave your bags
repositioning of the cafe moving of the coffee shop
affix add on
necessitates requires
expanding making bigger
size how big it is
security checking to make sure you are safe
passport control checking your ID, passport
customs where they check what you are bringing
unchanged no different
however in contrast
future floor plan blueprint for later
immediately right now
exiting leaving
largest proposed alterations biggest changes to be made
replacing taking the place of
walkway path to walk on
sky train track commuter train line
constructing building
branching corridors hallways splitting off
enable flyers allow people flying
reach more than twice as many go to more than double
The map d_______s p______s for the r___________n in the next year of Southwest Airport. L_______________________________________________________t the number of g______s will g_________________d and there will be a v________y of c___________________________s added including shops, a c___________e, and an A___M.
The l_________n of the d___________e and a_________l e_____________s will r_______________e but there are p_______s to i_____________________s. Upon entering the airport, there is c_______________y a single c__________n and cafe. The future plan p___________s moving the check-in from the left to ride side of the departure s________e i_______________o m______________r a b_________________a and the r______________________e. The arrival section will a______x a cafe, ATM and car hire that n______________s e______________g the s_____e of the building.
S______________y, p__________________l, and c___________s will be u_____________d, h_____________r, the f____________________n shows shops i____________________y upon e___________g the security section for departures. The l__________________________________s are r____________g a w__________y with a long s_______________k and c_______________g 2 b__________________s that will e_____________s to r________________________________y gates (8 a_____________________t and 18 after r________________s).
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 manufactured food and drink products containing high levels of sugar and the health problems this causes from Cambridge IELTS 16.
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 Cambridge 16: Manufactured Foods and Sugar
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.
Do you agree or disagree?
Certain concerned citizens believe that prices should be raised to counter the high sugar content in various food and drink products. In my opinion, this solution may have a marginal impact but other reforms would engender greater progress.
Supporters of this policy argue that it has been effective in the past. The best known corollary would be the high price of tobacco products in many nations. Countries where prices are low, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, have considerably higher rates of smokers compared to nations that have instituted heavy taxes. Similarly, taxation has had limited effectiveness concerning food products in European nations where sugary and fatty foods are more expensive and there has been a concomitant marginal decline in consumption. However, the more striking realization from attempts to tax luxuries is that individuals are often willing to pay to satisfy their addictions and would rather sacrifice in other areas.
Therefore, superior solutions involve more holistic government action. This can be illustrated through policies in Japan. From a young age, children are fed healthy meals at school as well as at home, and the government has encouraged health awareness through a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at various demographics. The result is that sugary drinks and products have a place in society that is less prominent than in nations such as the United States where the culture centers on fast food, soda, and packaged meals. A more thoughtful approach should not be discounted simply because of the challenges posed by enacting and evaluating small steps that are aligned and enforced consistently over a period of years.
In conclusion, the immediate and largely ineffective fix offered by raising prices is not advisable compared with more long-term measures. Governments must therefore take a long view and communicate this clearly to the general citizenry.
Analysis
1. Certain concerned citizens believe that prices should be raised to counter the high sugar content in various food and drink products. 2. In my opinion, this solution may have a marginal impact but other reforms would engender greater progress.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters of this policy argue that it has been effective in the past. 2. The best known corollary would be the high price of tobacco products in many nations. 3. Countries where prices are low, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, have considerably higher rates of smokers compared to nations that have instituted heavy taxes. 4. Similarly, taxation has had limited effectiveness concerning food products in European nations where sugary and fatty foods are more expensive and there has been a concomitant marginal decline in consumption. 5. However, the more striking realization from attempts to tax luxuries is that individuals are often willing to pay to satisfy their addictions and would rather sacrifice in other areas.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples/argument.
Vary long and short sentences and switch to a second reason.
Stay focused on the second main idea.
1. Therefore, superior solutions involve more holistic government action. 2. This can be illustrated through policies in Japan. 3. From a young age, children are fed healthy meals at school as well as at home, and the government has encouraged health awareness through a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at various demographics. 4. The result is that sugary drinks and products have a place in society that is less prominent than in nations such as the United States where the culture centers on fast food, soda, and packaged meals. 5. A more thoughtful approach should not be discounted simply because of the challenges posed by enacting and evaluating small steps that are aligned and enforced consistently over a period of years.
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, the immediate and largely ineffective fix offered by raising prices is not advisable compared with more long-term measures. 2. Governments must therefore take a long view and communicate this clearly to the general citizenry.
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.
Certain concerned citizens believe that prices should be raised to counter the high sugar content in various food and drink products. In my opinion, this solution may have a marginal impact but other reforms would engender greater progress.
Supporters of this policy argue that it has been effective in the past. The best known corollary would be the high price of tobacco products in many nations. Countries where prices are low, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, have considerably higher rates of smokers compared to nations that have instituted heavy taxes. Similarly, taxation has had limited effectivenessconcerning food products in European nations where sugary and fatty foods are more expensive and there has been a concomitant marginal decline in consumption. However, the more striking realization from attempts to tax luxuries is that individuals are often willing to pay to satisfy their addictions and would rather sacrifice in other areas.
Therefore, superior solutions involve more holistic government action. This can be illustrated through policies in Japan. From a young age, children are fed healthy meals at school as well as at home, and the government has encouraged health awareness through a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at various demographics. The result is that sugary drinks and products have a place in society that is less prominent than in nations such as the United States where the culture centers on fast food, soda, and packaged meals. A more thoughtful approach should not be discounted simply because of the challenges posed by enacting and evaluating small steps that are aligned and enforced consistentlyover a period of years.
In conclusion, the immediate and largely ineffective fix offered by raising prices is not advisable compared with more long-term measures. Governments must therefore take a long view and communicate this clearly to the general citizenry.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
certain particular
concerned worried
citizens people
prices should be raised they should cost more
counter solved
high sugar content has a lot of sugar in it
marginal impact small effect
reforms changes
engender create
progress moving forward
supporters those who believe in it
policy law, regulation
effective works well
corollary related example
high price very expensive
tobacco products cigarettes
considerably a lot
rates figures
smokers people who smoke
instituted heavy taxes enacted higher prices on
similarly also the same
taxation making consumers pay more
limited effectiveness not much effect
concerning having to do with
expensive costs a lot
concomitant marginal related small
consumption eating
striking realization big takeaway
attempts tries
luxuries non-essentials
satisfy their addictions consume what they crave
would rather sacrifice in other areas prefer to not buy other things
therefore thus
superior solutions better remedies
holistic government action combined action from the government
illustrated through seen by
fed healthy meals eat nutritious foods
as well as and
encouraged motivated
awareness knowing about
variety lots of different
programs initiatives
initiatives programs
aimed at directed towards
various demographics different groups of people in society
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:
C________n c__________d c___________s believe that p_____________________d to c__________r the h_______________t in various food and drink products. In my opinion, this solution may have a m_______________t but other r__________s would e__________r greater p___________s.
S_____________s of this p________y argue that it has been e__________e in the past. The best known c___________y would be the h____________e of t_______________s in many nations. Countries where prices are low, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, have c______________y higher r_______s of s_________s compared to nations that have i_______________________s. S___________y, t___________n has had l________________________sc____________g food products in European nations where sugary and fatty foods are more e___________e and there has been a c___________________________l decline in c______________n. However, the more s___________________n from a___________s to tax l____________s is that individuals are often willing to pay to s_____________________s and w_____________________________________s.
T__________e, s__________________s involve more h___________________________n. This can be i______________________h policies in Japan. From a young age, children are f___________________s at school a_____________s at home, and the government has e____________d health a____________s through a v__________y of p__________s and i____________s a________________t v________________________s. The result is that sugary drinks and products h__________________________y that is l__________________t than in nations such as the United States where the culture c_____________n fast food, soda, and p_________________s. A more t___________________h should not be d______________d simply because of the c__________________d by e___________g and e____________g small s_____s that are a_________d and e______________________yo_______________________s.
In conclusion, the i_______________e and l_______________________x o__________y raising prices is n_______________e compared with more l_______________________s. Governments must therefore t________________w and c_______________e this c___________y to the g___________________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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 Cambridge 16 Essay: Driverless Vehicles
In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.
Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
A future filled with driverless vehicles is an inevitability. In my opinion, though there are concomitant moral risks, the practical import for health of such a seismic shift will be positive on the whole.
Critics of this trend suggest that machines should not be responsible for the potential loss of human life. This argument rests on the fact that when there is an accident involving humans, it is possible to either assess blame and assign punishment or accept that human error played a role. In contrast, an individual severely injured as the result of a collision caused by a machine may justly feel that all human autonomy and free will is absent from their fate. This is analogous to a natural disaster with the crucial distinction being that humanity has engineered the situation. It is human nature to prefer to control a situation rather than surrender the outcome to an autonomous machine.
Proponents of automated vehicles, on the other hand, argue the tangible ramifications concerning public safety. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that driverless vehicles cause fewer accidents than humans. The reason for this is that humans are prone to errors related to fatigue, distractions such as smartphones, and, in some cases, altered states. Machines might experience the occasional technical error, however, they are far more consistent by comparison. In fact, the few accidents that have occurred with automated vehicles were the fault of human drivers. If all cars were driverless, this would enable a greater level of sophistication that could, theoretically, all but eliminate automobile accidents.
In conclusion, though many accidents will occur without human agency playing a role, safer roads fully justify this innovation. Companies and consumers must be wary of the influence of automation while also embracing its most transparent benefits.
Analysis
1. A future filled with driverless vehicles is an inevitability. 2. In my opinion, though there are concomitant moral risks, the practical import for health of such a seismic shift will be positive on the whole.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics of this trend suggest that machines should not be responsible for the potential loss of human life. 2. This argument rests on the fact that when there is an accident involving humans, it is possible to either assess blame and assign punishment or accept that human error played a role. 3. In contrast, an individual severely injured as the result of a collision caused by a machine may justly feel that all human autonomy and free will is absent from their fate. 4. This is analogous to a natural disaster with the crucial distinction being that humanity has engineered the situation. 5. It is human nature to prefer to control a situation rather than surrender the outcome to an autonomous machine.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples/argument.
Vary long and short sentences and switch to a second reason.
Stay focused on the second main idea.
1. Proponents of automated vehicles, on the other hand, argue the tangible ramifications concerning public safety. 2. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that driverless vehicles cause fewer accidents than humans. 3. The reason for this is that humans are prone to errors related to fatigue, distractions such as smartphones, and, in some cases, altered states. 4. Machines might experience the occasional technical error, however, they are far more consistent by comparison. 5. In fact, the few accidents that have occurred with automated vehicles were the fault of human drivers. 6. If all cars were driverless, this would enable a greater level of sophistication that could, theoretically, all but eliminate automobile accidents.
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 the furthest possible result.
1. In conclusion, though many accidents will occur without human agency playing a role, safer roads fully justify this innovation. 2. Companies and consumers must be wary of the influence of automation while also embracing its most transparent benefits.
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.
A future filled with driverless vehicles is an inevitability. In my opinion, though there are concomitant moral risks, the practical import for health of such a seismic shift will be positive on the whole.
Critics of this trend suggest that machines should not be responsible for the potential loss of human life. This argument rests on the fact that when there is an accident involving humans, it is possible to either assess blame and assign punishment or accept that human error played a role. In contrast, an individual severely injuredas the result of a collision caused by a machine may justly feel that all human autonomy and free will is absent from their fate. This is analogous to a natural disaster with the crucial distinction being that humanity has engineeredthe situation. It is human nature to prefer to control a situation rather thansurrender the outcome to an autonomous machine.
Proponents of automated vehicles, on the other hand, argue the tangible ramifications concerning public safety. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that driverless vehicles cause fewer accidents than humans. The reason for this is that humans are prone to errors related to fatigue, distractions such as smartphones, and, in some cases, altered states. Machines might experience the occasional technical error, however, they are far more consistent by comparison. In fact, the few accidents that have occurred with automated vehicles were the fault of human drivers. If all cars were driverless, this would enable a greater level of sophistication that could, theoretically, all but eliminate automobile accidents.
In conclusion, though many accidents will occur without human agency playing a role, safer roads fully justify this innovation. Companies and consumers must be wary of the influence of automation while also embracing its most transparent benefits.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
filled with full of
driverless vehicles cars that drive themselves
inevitability will definitely happen
though despite
concomitant related, coming from this
moral risks ethical considerations
practical import actual impact
seismic shift huge change
positive on the whole good overall
critics detractors
trend pattern
suggest say
responsible have a duty
potential loss possible death
argument rests on the fact that position is based in
involving having to do with
possible potential
either assess blame one option is that you can say who is responsible
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:
A future f_____________h d____________________s is an i______________y. In my opinion, t_________h there are c______________t m____________s, the p________________t for health of such a s_____________t will be p__________________e.
C_______s of this t______d s________t that machines should not be r____________e for the p____________s of human life. This a_________________________t when there is an accident i___________g humans, it is p__________e to e__________________e and a__________________t or a_____t that h_____________r p________________e. I_____________t, an individual s_______________da_____________________f a c_________n c___________y a machine may j________y feel that all h________________y and f__________l is a_________t from their f____e. This is a_____________s to a n______________r with the c__________________n being that humanity has e_____________________________n. It is h________________e to p_______r to c________l a situation r___________ns____________r the o_________e to an a______________s machine.
P___________s of a_________________s, o__________________d, a_______e the t________________________s c_____________g p_______________y. The evidence o_________________y suggests that d___________________s cause fewer accidents than humans. The reason for this is that humans are p______e to e_______s related to f_________e, d____________s such as smartphones, and, i_______________s, a_______________s. Machines might experience the o____________l t___________________r, however, they are f______________________________________n. I__________t, the few accidents that have o____________d with automated vehicles were the f_______t of human drivers. If all cars were driverless, this would e________e a g_____________l of s_______________n that could, t______________y, a___________________________________________s.
In conclusion, though many accidents will occur without human agency playing a role, s___________s fully j__________y this i___________n. Companies and consumers must be w____y of the i__________e of automation while also e____________g its m_________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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)!
The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Cambridge 16: Recycling Plastic Bottles
The diagram detailed above delineates how plastic bottles are recycled. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this circular process is comprised of 3 main stages including initial collection and sorting, followed by processing and cleaning, and finally reconstitution into a novel material for further usage.
Recycling commences when an individual places their rubbish in a designated recycling bin, prior to being loaded into specialized garbage trucks. After transportation to the recycling center, the plastic bottles are sorted by hand, compressed tightly to form blocks and then crushed into small pieces and washed.
The next stages involve transformation into a reusable material. The pieces of plastic are first poured into a machine that turns them into pellets. These pellets are then heated in order to create a raw material that can be used in the manufacture of products ranging from clothes and bottles to containers and pencils. These items are themselves recyclable and the process begins again.
Analysis
1. The diagram detailed above delineates how plastic bottles are recycled. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this circular process is comprised of 3 main stages including initial collection and sorting, followed by processing and cleaning, and finally reconstitution into a novel material for further usage.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. Recycling commences when an individual places their rubbish in a designated recycling bin, prior to being loaded into specialized garbage trucks. 2. After transportation to the recycling center, the plastic bottles are sorted by hand, compressed tightly to form blocks and then crushed into small pieces and washed.
Begin writing about the details of the process.
This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
1. The next stages involve transformation into a reusable material. 2. The pieces of plastic are first poured into a machine that turns them into pellets. 3. These pellets are then heated in order to create a raw material that can be used in the manufacture of products ranging from clothes and bottles to containers and pencils. 4. These items are themselves recyclable and the process begins again.
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Continue with the next steps.
Be sure to mention that this process begins again!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The diagram detailed above delineates how plastic bottles are recycled. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this circular process is comprised of 3 main stages including initial collection and sorting, followed by processing and cleaning, and finally reconstitution into a novel material for further usage.
Recycling commences when an individualplaces their rubbish in a designated recycling bin, prior to being loaded into specialized garbage trucks. After transportation to the recycling center, the plastic bottles are sorted by hand, compressed tightly to form blocks and then crushed into small pieces and washed.
The next stages involve transformation into a reusable material. The pieces of plastic are first poured into a machine that turns them into pellets. These pellets are then heated in order to create a raw material that can be used in the manufacture of products ranging from clothes and bottles to containers and pencils. These items are themselves recyclable and the process begins again.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
diagram detailed above process described
delineates shows
recycled used again, reused
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
circular process loop, starts again, feeds back into itself
comprised of including
including entailing
initial collection first finding
sorting putting into groups
followed by after that
processing being made
cleaning making clean
reconstitution remade as something new
novel material new substance
further usage used again
commences begins with
individual person
places puts
rubbish trash
designated recycling bin container for recycling
prior to before
loaded into specialized garbage trucks put in trucks for recycling only
The d________________________e d___________s how plastic bottles are r___________d. L________________________________________________________t this c_____________________s is c________________f 3 main stages i_____________g i______________________n and s_________g, f_________________y p____________g and c__________g, and finally r_________________n into a n_______________l for f______________e.
Recycling c______________s when an i____________lp_______s their r________h in a d_______________________n, p__________o being l_________________________________________s. After t______________n to the r___________________r, the plastic bottles are s__________________d, c_____________________y to f________________s and then c___________d into small pieces and w__________d.
The next stages i___________e transformation into a r__________________l. The p_________________c are first p________d into a machine that t______s them into p__________s. These pellets are then h________d i__________o create a r___________________l that can be used in the m________________e of products r______________m clothes a__d bottles t__ containers a__d pencils. These it_____s are themselves r__________e and the process b_____________n.
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 the history of a house or building and why people are interested in researching this.
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: History of a House or Building
In numerous countries, more and more people are intrigued in the concept of researching the history or past of the where they now live.
Why is this?
What can people do to do this kind of research?
There is a growing trend whereby residents are researching the history of their homes. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reason related to historical, construction methods. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
To conclude, some today gather information concerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Analysis
1. There is a growing trend whereby residents are researching the history of their homes. 2. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. 2. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. 3. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. 4. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reason related to historical construction methods. 5. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. 6. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples/argument.
Vary long and short sentences and switch to a second reason.
Stay focused on the second main idea.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. 2. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. 3. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. 4. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. 5. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. 6. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
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!
Relate it back to the main essay topic.
1. To conclude, some today gather information concerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. 2. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
There is a growing trendwhereby residents are researching the history of their homes. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reasonrelated to historical construction methods. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
To conclude, some today gather informationconcerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
growing trend increasingly common
whereby in which
residents people who live there
researching learning about
history past
due to because of
natural curiosity normal desire
practical concerns pragmatic worries
official channels through the government
desire want
link connection
worried about concerned about
potential structural faults possible weaknesses in a house or building
analogous same situation
exhaustively completely
genealogy history of a family
ancestors people from the past
place of residence where they live
understand recognize
establish create/find
connection link
pragmatic reason useful cause
related to concerning
construction methods how it was built
employed unsafe techniques use ways that are dangerous
materials substances
risk threat
structural damage weakness in the building itself
in the worst cases in extreme scenarios
collapses falls in on itself
period time
take the necessary steps do the needed actions
ensure make sure
structurally sound not weak in any way
method way
carrying out conducting
specialized research very specific research
requesting local records asking for files
initial first
“word of mouth” what people say
collecting finding
community neighborhood
unreliable untrustworthy
endeavor try
contact talk to
authorities those in charge
possible feasible
register submit
freedom of information request asking to find out something that is public record
receive get
required documents needed files
municipal offices government buildings
little incentive no reason
protect safeguard
receptive welcoming
offering assistance helping
assured can be sure of
trustworthy information reliable data
possible potential
defects weaknesses
gather informationconcerning find information about
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
There is a g__________________dw__________y r___________s are r__________g the h_________y of their homes. In my opinion, this is d_______o a n_________________y and p_______________s and should be done through o___________________s.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they d________e to l______k with history and are w______________t p______________________________s. The first reason is a____________s to e______________y studying family g____________y. By researching one’s a___________s or p_________________e, it is possible to u______________d and e___________h a c____________n with the past. Moreover, there is a p___________________nr_____________o historical c_______________________s. Older homes in particular may have e________________________s or m____________s that will degrade, creating the r_____k of s________________________e and, i____________________s, c_____________s. By learning about the house and p________d when it was built, residents can t_________________________s to e__________e the house is s____________________d.
The m_________d for c_______________t such s___________________h involves r___________________s. It is possible to do i__________l research through “w____________________h” and c____________g relevant stories in a c________________y. However, this information may be u_____________e, and therefore an individual should e___________r to c________t their local building a______________s. In most countries, it is p_________e to r________r a f_______________________________t and r______e the r_________________s from m__________________s. Governments have l__________________e to p__________t such information and are likely to be r__________e and helpful in o_____________________e. Residents can then be a__________d they have the most t_____________________________e in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible d________s in its construction.
To conclude, some today g__________________________________g the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This d______________t is a___________e and the authorities should c________y and e____________e such f______________g.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Which country’s history is most interesting to you?
Which historical event or period do you find most interesting?
Why is it important to read about history?
Is it common in your country to research the history of your home?
Writing Practice
Practice with the same basic topic below:
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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