This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the process of how plastic bottles are recycled into clothing.
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: Recycled Bottles into Clothes Process
The diagram details the process of making clothes from plastic bottles. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Essay: Recycled Bottles into Clothes Process
The diagram delineates the process by which plastic bottles can be reused in the manufacturing of clothing. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages to this entirely man-made process firstly involving the collection and sorting of bottles, followed by cleaning and processing, and finally the actual production of clothes.
In the first step, plastic bottles of varying sizes are collected and transported to factories. In the factories, the bottles are then sorted and placed in a machine to cut them into smaller pieces. The pieces must then be washed and left in the sun to dry.
The transformative stages begin with boiling of the pieces of plastic which precedes straining. After having been strained, the resulting byproduct becomes yarn which is then ready to be weaved into a fabric. Lastly, the finished rolls of material are used in the fabrication of clothing.
Analysis
1. The diagram delineates the process by which plastic bottles can be reused in the manufacturing of clothing. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages to this entirely man-made process firstly involving the collection and sorting of bottles, followed by cleaning and processing, and finally the actual production of clothes.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. In the first step, plastic bottles of varying sizes are collected and transported to factories. 2. In the factories, the bottles are then sorted and placed in a machine to cut them into smaller pieces. 3. The pieces must then be washed and left in the sun to dry.
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.
Include every step in the process.
1. The transformative stages begin with boiling of the pieces of plastic which precedes straining. 2. After having been strained, the resulting byproduct becomes yarn which is then ready to be weaved into a fabric. 3. Lastly, the finished rolls of material are used in the fabrication of clothing.
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Add in the last step of the process.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The diagram delineates the process by which plastic bottles can be reused in the manufacturing of clothing. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages to this entirely man-made process firstly involving the collection and sorting of bottles, followed by cleaning and processing, and finally the actual production of clothes.
In the first step, plastic bottles of varying sizes are collected and transported to factories. In the factories, the bottles are then sorted and placed in a machine to cut them into smaller pieces. The pieces must then be washed and left in the sun to dry.
The transformative stages begin with boiling of the pieces of plastic which precedes straining. After having been strained, the resulting byproduct becomes yarn which is then ready to be weaved into a fabric. Lastly, the finished rolls of material are used in the fabrication of clothing.
Answers
Try practicing with the vocabulary below by writing an antonym/opposite word on a piece of paper (or just thinking of one):
delineates describes
by which through which
reused used again
manufacturing production
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
The diagram d____________s the process b__________h plastic bottles can be r_________d in the m________________g of clothing. L_________________________________________t there are 3 m___________s to this e__________y m_________________s firstly i_____________g the c___________n and s_________g of bottles, f______________y cleaning and p_____________g, and f_________y the a_____________________n of clothes.
I____________________p, plastic bottles of v__________g sizes are collected and t_______________d to factories. In the factories, the bottles are t_____n sorted and p________d in a machine to c____t them into smaller p______s. The pieces must then be washed and left in the sun to d____y.
The t_____________________e stages b_____________h b__________g of the pieces of plastic which p___________________g. After having been strained, the r__________________________t becomes y____n which is then r________y to be w__________d into a f________c. L________y, the f_________________________l are used in the f_________________n of clothing.
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 childbirth and advantages and disadvantages of having children when older 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: Childbirth
People nowadays tend to have children at older ages.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
There are growing numbers of men and women choosing to have children later in life these days. In my opinion, the financial advantages of this trend far outweigh any perceived downsides.
The most significant tradeoffs of this relate to opportunity and maturity. Many individuals decide early on in their career to wait until their mid to late 30s to have children. The natural risk here is that if the relationship ends before that point or they then have trouble conceiving, they may end up childless. This possibility is lower today due to advances in fertility science but still exists. Furthermore, having children is a maturing experience. If an individual waits until late in life to raise a child, then they delay the experience gained and may later regret their decision. Most parents would openly admit that parenthood is a life-altering milestone and defining moment of adulthood.
Nonetheless, the disadvantages detailed above pale in comparison to the economic merits of delaying childbirth. Firstly, most young parents are not in an ideal situation in their career. Many working parents earn low salaries and work long hours. Once they have a child that means the majority of their day is occupied and they may feel trapped and overburdened. It is then difficult to switch careers or move to a new location as well as afford all the expenses incumbent on parents. This often results in parents becoming resentful and projecting their animosity towards their children or significant other. In contrast, parents who are firmly established in their careers, earn decent salaries, and have savings set aside have both the time and energy to devote to raising their children well without having to stress about making ends meet.
In conclusion, despite marginal risks concerning the opportunity and experience, it is an overall positive for financial reasons that many prospective parents are putting off childbirth. Therefore, this trend should be welcomed and encouraged.
Analysis
1. There are growing numbers of men and women choosing to have children later in life these days. 2. In my opinion, the financial advantages of this trend far outweigh any perceived downsides.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The most significant tradeoffs of this relate to opportunity and maturity. 2. Many individuals decide early on in their career to wait until their mid to late 30s to have children. 3. The natural risk here is that if the relationship ends before that point or they then have trouble conceiving, they may end up childless. 4. This possibility is lower today due to advances in fertility science but still exists. 5. Furthermore, having children is a maturing experience. 6. If an individual waits until late in life to raise a child, then they delay the experience gained and may later regret their decision. 7. Most parents would openly admit that parenthood is a life-altering milestone and defining moment of adulthood.
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.
Use hypotheticals.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. Nonetheless, the disadvantages detailed above pale in comparison to the economic merits of delaying childbirth. 2. Firstly, most young parents are not in an ideal situation in their career. Many working parents earn low salaries and work long hours. 3. Once they have a child that means the majority of their day is occupied and they may feel trapped and overburdened. 4. It is then difficult to switch careers or move to a new location as well as afford all the expenses incumbent on parents. 5. This often results in parents becoming resentful and projecting their animosity towards their children or significant other. 6. In contrast, parents who are firmly established in their careers, earn decent salaries, and have savings set aside have both the time and energy to devote to raising their children well without having to stress about making ends meet.
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 marginal risks concerning the opportunity and experience, it is an overall positive for financial reasons that many prospective parents are putting off childbirth. 2. Therefore, this trend should be welcomed and encouraged.
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 are growing numbers of men and women choosing to have children later in life these days. In my opinion, the financial advantages of this trend far outweigh any perceived downsides.
The most significant tradeoffs of this relate to opportunity and maturity. Many individuals decide early on in their career to wait until their mid to late 30s to have children. The natural risk here is that if the relationship ends before that point or they then have trouble conceiving, they may end up childless. This possibility is lower today due to advances in fertility science but still exists. Furthermore, having children is a maturing experience. If an individual waits until late in life to raise a child, then they delay the experience gained and may later regret their decision. Most parents would openly admit that parenthood is a life-altering milestone and defining moment of adulthood.
Nonetheless, the disadvantages detailed abovepale in comparison to the economic merits of delaying childbirth. Firstly, most young parents are not in an ideal situation in their career. Many working parents earn low salaries and work long hours. Once they have a child that means the majority of their day is occupied and they may feel trapped and overburdened. It is then difficult to switch careers or move to a new location as well as afford all the expenses incumbent on parents. This often results in parents becoming resentful and projecting their animosity towards their children or significant other. In contrast, parents who are firmly established in their careers, earn decent salaries, and have savings set aside have both the time and energy to devote to raising their children well without having to stress about making ends meet.
In conclusion, despite marginal risksconcerning the opportunity and experience, it is an overall positive for financial reasons that many prospective parents are putting off childbirth. Therefore, this trend should be welcomed and encouraged.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
growing numbers more and more people
later in life when they are older
financial advantages good for your money
trend pattern
far outweigh are much stronger than
perceived downsides apparent disadvantages
significant tradeoffs major downsides
opportunity chance
maturity experience
decide early on choose from the beginning
mid to late 30s 35 – 40 years old
natural risk obvious threat
before that point prior to that
trouble conceiving difficulty having kids
may end up childless might finally not have kids
possibility chance
advances developments
fertility science medicine related to having kids
furthermore moreover
maturing experience makes you more like an adult
raise a child help a kid grow up
delay wait until later
regret wish it had been different
openly admit honestly say
parenthood being a parent
life-altering milestone significant moment in life
defining moment significant time
adulthood being an adult
nonetheless regardless
detailed above described over
pale in comparison to not as important as
economic merits helps you make money
delaying childbirth waiting until later to have kids
ideal situation best context
earn low salaries make more money at work
work long hours spend a lot of time at work
majority most of
occupied time taken up
trapped stuck
overburdened too much work
switch careers change jobs
location place
afford pay for
expenses incumbent on money you have to pay
results in causes
resentful annoyed
projecting putting on to someone else
animosity resentment
significant other partner, husband, wife
firmly established solidly in place
earn decent salaries make a lot of money
savings set aside money saved
devote to put time into
without having to not needing to
making ends meet earning enough money to survive
despite marginal risks regardless of small dangers
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 are growing numbers of men and women choosing to have children later in life these days. In my opinion, the financial advantages of this trend far outweigh any perceived downsides.
The most significant tradeoffs of this relate to opportunity and maturity. Many individuals decide early on in their career to wait until their mid to late 30s to have children. The natural risk here is that if the relationship ends before that point or they then have trouble conceiving, they may end up childless. This possibility is lower today due to advances in fertility science but still exists. Furthermore, having children is a maturing experience. If an individual waits until late in life to raise a child, then they delay the experience gained and may later regret their decision. Most parents would openly admit that parenthood is a life-altering milestone and defining moment of adulthood.
Nonetheless, the disadvantages detailed abovepale in comparison to the economic merits of delaying childbirth. Firstly, most young parents are not in an ideal situation in their career. Many working parents earn low salaries and work long hours. Once they have a child that means the majority of their day is occupied and they may feel trapped and overburdened. It is then difficult to switch careers or move to a new location as well as afford all the expenses incumbent on parents. This often results in parents becoming resentful and projecting their animosity towards their children or significant other. In contrast, parents who are firmly established in their careers, earn decent salaries, and have savings set aside have both the time and energy to devote to raising their children well without having to stress about making ends meet.
In conclusion, despite marginal risksconcerning the opportunity and experience, it is an overall positive for financial reasons that many prospective parents are putting off childbirth. Therefore, this trend should be welcomed and encouraged.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of a letter of inquiry.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and don’t miss any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Letter of Inquiry
You saw an advertisement in the paper for a property management position at an apartment complex. Write a letter to express your interest. Include
Why you are writing
Your suitability for the role
How you would approach the position
Dear Vista Apartment management,
I am writing in response to a posting that I saw in the help wanted section of a newsletter. I would like to apply for the position of property manager at your new Vista Apartments location on North Sunland Drive.
I am suitable for this role because I have past experience and excellent references in the field of residential management. Attached is my resume and letter of reference but I would also like to provide further context. The last 8 years I have worked managing various properties for Sunwah Incorporated, which runs a number of complexes around the city. I am therefore familiar with daily operations including collecting rent, liaising with repairmen, general maintenance, and complying with local rules and regulations.
If given the opportunity, I hope to bring a high level of professionalism to the role. I am well known within my current position for having a positive attitude, communicating clearly with both tenants and upper management, and being reliable. I would strive to apply these same qualities to a role as your property manager.
I look forward to your reply and am available for an interview at your convenience.
Best regards,
Dave
Analysis
1. Dear Vista Apartment management,
2. I am writing in response to a posting that I saw in the help wanted section of a newsletter. 3. I would like to apply for the position of property manager at your new Vista Apartments location on North Sunland Drive.
Address the letter to someone.
Include your purpose for writing.
Add in some more detail if you want.
1. I am suitable for this role because I have past experience and excellent references in the field of residential management. 2. Attached is my resume and letter of reference but I would also like to provide further context. 3. The last 8 years I have worked managing various properties for Sunwah Incorporated, which runs a number of complexes around the city. 4. I am therefore familiar with daily operations including collecting rent, liaising with repairmen, general maintenance, and complying with local rules and regulations.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
Keep developing it.
Put in as much as possible for a higher task achievement score.
1. If given the opportunity, I hope to bring a high level of professionalism to the role. 2. I am well known within my current position for having a positive attitude, communicating clearly with both tenants and upper management, and being reliable. 3. I would strive to apply these same qualities to a role as your property manager.
4. I look forward to your reply and am available for an interview at your convenience.
5. Best regards,
6. Dave
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
Finish developing it.
Add an ending.
Use a phrase like regards or sincerely.
Write your name at the end of the letter.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take notes on a piece of paper to aid memory retention.
Dear Vista Apartment management,
I am writing in response to a posting that I saw in the help wanted section of a newsletter. I would like to apply for the position of property manager at your new Vista Apartments location on North Sunland Drive.
I am suitable for this role because I have past experience and excellent references in the field of residential management. Attached is my resume and letter of reference but I would also like to provide further context. The last 8 years I have worked managing various properties for Sunwah Incorporated, which runs a number of complexes around the city. I am therefore familiar with daily operations including collecting rent, liaising with repairmen, general maintenance, and complying with local rules and regulations.
If given the opportunity, I hope to bring a high level of professionalism to the role. I am well known within my current position for having a positive attitude, communicating clearly with both tenants and upper management, and being reliable. I would strive to apply these same qualities to a role as your property manager.
I look forward to your reply and am available for an interview at your convenience.
Best regards,
Dave
Answers
in response to answering
posting put up in
help wanted section place in a paper to put up job vacancies
newsletter email sent to lots of people
apply ask for
position job
property manager person running the place
location place
suitable fit well
role position
past experience previous work
excellent references recommendations
in the field of in the sector of
residential management in charge of where people live
attached included
resume list of past jobs and education
letter of reference recommendation letter
provide further context give more information on the situation
last previous
various myriad
runs a number of complexes in charge of proporties
familiar know about
daily operations how it is run everyday
collecting rent getting monthly money
liaising with repairmen communicating with maintenance
general maintenance repairs
complying with local rules and regulations obeying laws
if given the opportunity if I get the chance
high level of professionalism very professional
well known famous for
current right now
positive attitude good outlook
clearly directly
tenants people living there
upper management executives
reliable can be counted on
strive to apply try hard to put into practice
qualities characteristics
I look forward to your reply await your reply
available for an interview at your convenience can interview whenever you want
I am writing in response to a posting that I saw in the help wanted section of a newsletter. I would like to apply for the position of property manager at your new Vista Apartments location on North Sunland Drive.
I am suitable for this role because I have past experience and excellent references in the field of residential management. Attached is my resume and letter of reference but I would also like to provide further context. The last 8 years I have worked managing various properties for Sunwah Incorporated, which runs a number of complexes around the city. I am therefore familiar with daily operations including collecting rent, liaising with repairmen, general maintenance, and complying with local rules and regulations.
If given the opportunity, I hope to bring a high level of professionalism to the role. I am well known within my current position for having a positive attitude, communicating clearly with both tenants and upper management, and being reliable. I would strive to apply these same qualities to a role as your property manager.
I look forward to your reply and am available for an interview at your convenience.
Best regards,
Dave
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 mandatory full-time education 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: Mandatory Full-Time Education
Some people think that children under 18 years old should receive full-time education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many feel that students should be required to attend full-time classes until the age of 18. In my opinion, when economically viable this mandate is advisable.
Those who oppose this policy argue it is impossible in more rural areas, particularly in developing nations. In such locations, children and teenagers often do not have convenient access to schools and assisting their parents with farm or other work is a greater priority. For example, in many rural villages in South Asia, even young children must lend a hand working to raise crops and livestock. The parents of these children can also make the legitimate argument that they are preserving a traditional and equally valuable way of life that does not involve modern schooling. However, these contexts are becoming rarer as individuals migrate to cities and the countryside receives improved infrastructure.
The main reason to support compulsory full-time education to the age of 18 is the opportunities it opens up in an evolving world. The lifestyle in rural areas that now seemingly justifies reduced schooling is disappearing due to more efficient farming equipment and the industrialization of production methods. Therefore, the most viable path for most individuals is to have an education through high school and ideally university that will endow them with employable skills. For instance, an individual who has learned a variety of subjects and graduated from formal schooling can then apply either for higher education or a job that requires a high school certificate. Both their worst and best case scenarios for the future improve considerably.
In conclusion, despite the valid reasons that exist in rural communities to de-emphasize education, it is worthwhile to enforce mandatory schooling for all minors. This is now more important than ever as job markets become more competitive.
Analysis
1. Many feel that students should be required to attend full-time classes until the age of 18. 2. In my opinion, when economically viable this mandate is advisable.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who oppose this policy argue it is impossible in more rural areas, particularly in developing nations. 2. In such locations, children and teenagers often do not have convenient access to schools and assisting their parents with farm or other work is a greater priority. 3. For example, in many rural villages in South Asia, even young children must lend a hand working to raise crops and livestock. 4. The parents of these children can also make the legitimate argument that they are preserving a traditional and equally valuable way of life that does not involve modern schooling. 5. However, these contexts are becoming rarer as individuals migrate to cities and the countryside receives improved infrastructure.
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. The main reason to support compulsory full-time education to the age of 18 is the opportunities it opens up in an evolving world. 2. The lifestyle in rural areas that now seemingly justifies reduced schooling is disappearing due to more efficient farming equipment and the industrialization of production methods. 3. Therefore, the most viable path for most individuals is to have an education through high school and ideally university that will endow them with employable skills. 4. For instance, an individual who has learned a variety of subjects and graduated from formal schooling can then apply either for higher education or a job that requires a high school certificate. 5. Both their worst and best case scenarios for the future improve considerably.
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 valid reasons that exist in rural communities to de-emphasize education, it is worthwhile to enforce mandatory schooling for all minors. 2. This is now more important than ever as job markets become more competitive.
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 students should be required to attend full-time classes until the age of 18. In my opinion, when economically viable this mandate is advisable.
Those who oppose this policy argue it is impossible in more rural areas, particularly in developing nations. In such locations, children and teenagers often do not have convenient access to schools and assisting their parents with farm or other work is a greater priority. For example, in many rural villages in South Asia, even young children must lend a hand working to raise crops and livestock. The parents of these children can also make the legitimate argument that they are preserving a traditional and equally valuable way of life that does not involve modern schooling. However, these contexts are becoming rarer as individuals migrate to cities and the countryside receives improved infrastructure.
The main reason to support compulsory full-time education to the age of 18 is the opportunities it opens up in an evolving world. The lifestyle in rural areas that now seemingly justifies reduced schooling is disappearing due to more efficient farming equipment and the industrialization of production methods. Therefore, the most viable path for most individuals is to have an education through high school and ideally university that will endow them with employable skills. For instance, an individual who has learned a variety of subjects and graduated from formal schooling can then apply either for higher education or a job that requires a high school certificate. Both their worst and best case scenarios for the future improve considerably.
In conclusion, despite the valid reasons that exist in rural communities to de-emphasize education, it is worthwhile to enforce mandatory schooling for all minors. This is now more important than ever as job markets become more competitive.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
required have to do it
attend go to
full-time all day
economically viable makes sense based on the finances of a country
mandate order
advisable a good idea to do it
oppose go against
policy regulation
rural areas the countryside
particularly especially
developing nations poorer countries
locations places
convenient access easy to get to
assisting helping
greater priority more important
rural villages towns in the countryside
lend a hand help out
raise crops and livestock help grow food and look after animals
legitimate argument defensible point
preserving keeping alive
traditional from the past
equally valuable also good
modern schooling education today
contexts situations
rarer not common
migrate move to
receives improved infrastructure get better roads, schools, etc.
compulsory have to go there, no choice, mandatory
opportunities chances
opens up creates
evolving world changing world
seemingly justifies appears to make it defensible
reduced not as strong
efficient farming equipment machines that can farm easily
industrialization machines, production, etc.
production methods how things are made
viable path good way
through high school to the end of secondary school
ideally in a perfect world
endow give
employable skills skills that help you get a job
variety of subjects lots of different kinds of classes
formal official
apply put in an application
high school certificate diploma
worst and best case scenarios the worst and ideal situation
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 students should be r_________d to a______________e classes until the age of 18. In my opinion, when e______________e this m________e is a__________e.
Those who o________e this p_______y argue it is impossible in more r__________s, p____________y in d_____________________s. In such l____________s, children and teenagers often do not have c___________________s to schools and a____________g their parents with farm or other work is a g_______________y. For example, in many r______________s in South Asia, even young children must l____________d working to r________________________k. The parents of these children can also make the l___________________t that they are p____________g a t____________l and e_______________e way of life that does not involve m_________________g. However, these c___________s are becoming r_______r as individuals m_________e to cities and the countryside r________________________________e.
The main reason to support c______________y full-time education to the age of 18 is the o____________________s it o___________p in an e_________________d. The lifestyle in rural areas that now s_________________________d schooling is disappearing due to more e_____________________________t and the i_______________n of p______________________s. Therefore, the most v_____________h for most individuals is to have an education t______________________l and i_________y university that will e______w them with e_____________________s. For instance, an individual who has learned a v__________________s and graduated from f________l schooling can then a_______y either for higher education or a job that requires a h______________________e. Both their w______________________________s for the future improve considerably.
In conclusion, d__________e the v______d reasons that exist in r_______________________s to d___________________e education, it is w____________e to e____________e mandatory schooling for all m_______s. This is now more important than ever as j_____________s become more c_______________e.
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 advice for medical problems and seeing doctors from the real IELTS general training 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: Neighbors in Large Cities
Today, many people do not know their neighbors in large cities.
What problems does this cause?
What can be done about this?
It is increasingly common in large urban areas for neighbors to interact less. In my opinion, this results in a declining sense of community and the solutions must be individually motivated.
In most cities today, the lack of connection between neighbors has caused less culturally unique neighborhoods. An illustrative counter-example to this would be famous neighborhoods such as Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Greenwich Village in New York City. In the past, individuals living in these areas shared similar values and that led to a flourishing of a unique culture. One result of such a sense of community was the “Beat Poets” of Greenwich. Related to this is the fading distinctiveness of communities that have value for locals and tourists alike. An individual living in a district in a major metropolis today feels little sentiment for its streets, buildings and other inhabitants and therefore derives nearly nothing in the way of a singular shared identity.
Remedies for the problems detailed above involve individual initiative. Governments attempting to contrive a sense of community will likely only provoke backlash. Instead, individuals could choose to live in parts of a city with a heritage that suits them and not join mass movements toward gentrification. A standout example of this would be expatriate enclaves in developing nations. These communities are able to preserve some of their cultural traditions and are entirely the result of individuals choosing to live together with those who represent their values and interests. This could be replicated on a larger scale if city residents choose their homes more thoughtfully and are more respectful of the traditions of any given community.
In conclusion, the problems stemming from less involvement between neighbors affect the community at large and should be dealt with by those most impacted by the ramifications. In this way, some cultural integrity can be preserved in a globalized world.
Analysis
1. It is increasingly common in large urban areas for neighbors to interact less. 2. In my opinion, this results in a declining sense of community and the solutions must be individually motivated.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. In most cities today, the lack of connection between neighbors has caused less culturally unique neighborhoods. 2. An illustrative counter-example to this would be famous neighborhoods such as Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Greenwich Village in New York City. 3. In the past, individuals living in these areas shared similar values and that led to a flourishing of a unique culture. 4. One result of such a sense of community was the “Beat Poets” of Greenwich. 5. Related to this is the fading distinctiveness of communities that have value for locals and tourists alike. 6. An individual living in a district in a major metropolis today feels little sentiment for its streets, buildings and other inhabitants and therefore derives nearly nothing in the way of a singular shared identity.
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.
The more detail, the better!
1. Remedies for the problems detailed above involve individual initiative. 2. Governments attempting to contrive a sense of community will likely only provoke backlash. 3. Instead, individuals could choose to live in parts of a city with a heritage that suits them and not join mass movements toward gentrification. 4. A standout example of this would be expatriate enclaves in developing nations. 5. These communities are able to preserve some of their cultural traditions and are entirely the result of individuals choosing to live together with those who represent their values and interests. 6. This could be replicated on a larger scale if city residents choose their homes more thoughtfully and are more respectful of the traditions of any given community.
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!
Stating the results is a good way to develop your ideas.
1. In conclusion, the problems stemming from less involvement between neighbors affect the community at large and should be dealt with by those most impacted by the ramifications. 2. In this way, some cultural integrity can be preserved in a globalized world.
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.
It is increasingly common in large urban areas for neighbors to interact less. In my opinion, this results in a declining sense of community and the solutions must be individually motivated.
In most cities today, the lack of connection between neighbors has caused less culturally unique neighborhoods. An illustrative counter-example to this would be famous neighborhoods such as Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Greenwich Village in New York City. In the past, individuals living in these areas shared similar values and that led to a flourishing of a unique culture. One result of such a sense of community was the “Beat Poets” of Greenwich. Related to this is the fading distinctiveness of communities that have value for locals and tourists alike. An individual living in a district in a major metropolis today feels little sentiment for its streets, buildings and other inhabitants and therefore derives nearly nothing in the way of a singular shared identity.
Remedies for the problems detailed above involve individual initiative. Governments attempting to contrive a sense of community will likely only provoke backlash. Instead, individuals could choose to live in parts of a city with a heritage that suits them and not join mass movements toward gentrification. A standout example of this would be expatriate enclaves in developing nations. These communities are able to preserve some of their cultural traditions and are entirely the result of individuals choosing to live together with those who represent their values and interests. This could be replicated on a larger scale if city residents choose their homes more thoughtfully and are more respectful of the traditions of any given community.
In conclusion, the problems stemming from less involvement between neighbors affect the community at large and should be dealt with by those most impacted by the ramifications. In this way, some cultural integrity can be preserved in a globalized world.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
increasingly common more pervasive
urban areas cities
neighbors people who live next to each other
interact communicate with
results in causes
a declining sense of community less of a feeling of being neighbors
individually motivated people doing it themselves
lack not have
connection link
less culturally unique neighborhoods places all the same
illustrative counter-example good example showing the opposite
shared similar values have the same ideas/beliefs
led to causes
flourishing doing really well
unique culture distinctive lifestyles
sense of community feeling of a culture
“Beat Poets” a specific style of poetry from the 1950s
related to this is also part of this is
fading distinctiveness less unique
value importance
alike the same
district neighborhood
major metropolis large city
sentiment feeling
inhabitants residents
derives comes from
in the way of opposing
singular shared identity same cultural values
remedies fixes
detailed above described before
initiative motivation
contrive try too hard
provoke backlash cause a reaction
heritage tradition
suits makes sense
join mass movements become part of what many are doing
gentrification moving to take neighborhoods
expatriate enclaves immigrant areas
preserve keep the same
cultural traditions heritage
entirely totally
represent symbolize
interests what you value
replicated on a larger scale repeated in other places
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:
It is i________________________n in large u__________s for n_________s to i________t less. In my opinion, this r_____________________________________y and the solutions must be i____________________d.
In most cities today, the l_____k of c___________n between neighbors has caused l_____________________________________s. An i________________________________e to this would be famous neighborhoods such as Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Greenwich Village in New York City. In the past, individuals living in these areas s___________________s and that l_______o a f____________g of a u_______________e. One result of such a s____________________y was the “B______________s” of Greenwich. R________________s the f____________________s of communities that have v______e for locals and tourists a_____e. An individual living in a d________t in a m_____________________s today feels little s__________t for its streets, buildings and other i_____________s and therefore d___________s nearly nothing i______________f a s_____________________y.
R____________s for the problems d_____________e involve individual i_______________e. Governments attempting to c______________e a sense of community will likely only p________________h. Instead, individuals could choose to live in parts of a city with a h___________e that s______s them and not j_____________________s toward g_________________n. A standout example of this would be e____________________s in developing nations. These communities are able to p____________e some of their c__________________s and are e____________y the result of individuals choosing to live together with those who r____________t their values and i____________s. This could be r_________________________e if city residents choose their homes more t______________y and are more respectful of the t____________s of a_________________y.
In conclusion, the problems s_______________m less i______________t between neighbors affect the community a_________e and should be d_________h by those most impacted by the r__________________s. I____________y, some c_________________y can be p____________d in a g______________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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