IELTS Essay Task 1: Sugar Cane

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the process of how sugar cane is produced.

Be sure to check out the complete guide for Cambridge 16 here.

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: Sugar Cane

The diagram below shows the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugar cane.

The process shows how sugar is made from the sugar cane plant. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this natural and man-made process involves 3 main stages beginning with initial harvesting, followed by a chemical transformation, and finally separation into the end product of sugar.

The first stage is natural and begins with sugar cane being grown over a 12 – 18 month period. The mature plant is then harvested either by hand or large, industrial farming machinery. From that point, the stalks are crushed in a grinder which results in raw sugar cane juice.

The juice is then run through a limestone filter and poured into an evaporator during which time it is heated, reduced and becomes a syrup. The syrup is next separated from the sugar crystals using a centrifuge prior to being dried and cooled in its final form as sugar.

Analysis

1. The process shows how sugar is made from the sugar cane plant. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this natural and man-made process involves 3 main stages beginning with initial harvesting, followed by a chemical transformation, and finally separation into the end product of sugar.

  1. Paraphrase what the process shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.

1. The first stage is natural and begins with sugar cane being grown over a 12 – 18 month period. 2. The mature plant is then harvested either by hand or large, industrial farming machinery. 3. From that point, the stalks are crushed in a grinder which results in raw sugar cane juice.

  1. Begin writing about the details of the process.
  2. This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
  3. Make sure all steps are detailed in the process.

1. The juice is then run through a limestone filter and poured into an evaporator during which time it is heated, reduced and becomes a syrup. 2. The syrup is next separated from the sugar crystals using a centrifuge prior to being dried and cooled in its final form as sugar.

  1. Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
  2. 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 process shows how sugar is made from the sugar cane plant. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this natural and man-made process involves 3 main stages beginning with initial harvesting, followed by a chemical transformation, and finally separation into the end product of sugar.

The first stage is natural and begins with sugar cane being grown over a 12 – 18 month period. The mature plant is then harvested either by hand or large, industrial farming machinery. From that point, the stalks are crushed in a grinder which results in raw sugar cane juice.

The juice is then run through a limestone filter and poured into an evaporator during which time it is heated, reduced and becomes a syrup. The syrup is next separated from the sugar crystals using a centrifuge prior to being dried and cooled in its final form as sugar.

Answers

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

process diagram

made from comes from

sugar cane plant the plant that is used to make sugar

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

natural from nature

man-made not natural

involves concerns

main primary

beginning with starting with

initial harvesting first being picked

followed by after that

chemical transformation turned to a new substance

finally separation lastly divided

end product final item

first stage initial step

grown over a 12 – 18 month period gets bigger over a year+

either one or the other

industrial farming machinery big machines to cut crops

from that point after that

stalks the plant

crushed ground

grinder crushing machine

results in raw produces pure

run through placed in

limestone filter method of cleaning it

poured into put into

evaporator heats and some of the liquid disappears

during which time at the time

heated becomes hot

reduced made less of it

syrup a thick liquid

next after that

sugar crystals actual sugar

centrifuge machine that spins and filters

prior to before

dried made dry

cooled no longer hot

final form end product

Pronunciation

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

ˈprəʊsɛs 
meɪd frɒm 
ˈʃʊgə keɪn plɑːnt
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
ˈnæʧrəl 
ˈmænˈmeɪd 
ɪnˈvɒlvz 
meɪn 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ wɪð 
ɪˈnɪʃəl ˈhɑːvɪstɪŋ
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
ˈkɛmɪkəl ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən
ˈfaɪnəli ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən 
ɛnd ˈprɒdʌkt 
fɜːst steɪʤ 
grəʊn ˈəʊvər ə twɛlv – ˌeɪˈtiːn mʌnθ ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈaɪðə 
ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl ˈfɑːmɪŋ məˈʃiːnəri
frɒm ðæt pɔɪnt
stɔːks 
krʌʃt 
ˈgraɪndə 
rɪˈzʌlts ɪn rɔː 
rʌn θruː 
ˈlaɪmstəʊn ˈfɪltə 
pɔːd ˈɪntuː 
ɪˈvæpəreɪtə 
ˈdjʊərɪŋ wɪʧ taɪm 
ˈhiːtɪd
rɪˈdjuːst 
ˈsɪrəp
nɛkst 
ˈʃʊgə ˈkrɪstlz 
ˈsɛntrɪfjuːʤ 
ˈpraɪə tuː 
draɪd 
kuːld 
ˈfaɪnl fɔːm 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The p________s shows how sugar is m___________m the s________________t. L________________________________________________________t this n______l and m__________e process i_________s 3 m______n stages b_______________h i________l h______________g, f_______________y a c_________________________n, and f________________________n into the e______________t of sugar.

The f_____________e is natural and begins with sugar cane being g________________________________d. The mature plant is then harvested e_________r by hand or large, i________________________________y. F__________________t, the s__________s are c__________d in a g__________r which r__________n r____w sugar cane juice.

The juice is then r_______________h a l__________________r and p______________o an e_______________r d__________________e it is h_________d, r__________d and becomes a s______p. The syrup is n_____t separated from the s________________s using a c___________e p________o being d______d and c__________d in its f____________m as sugar.

Speaking Practice

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

Sweets

  1. Do you like sweets?
  2. Did you like sweets when you were younger?
  3. What kind of sweet foods are popular in your country?

Writing Practice

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

IELTS Essay: Cocoa Beans and Chocolate Process Diagram
IELTS Cambridge 16 Essay: Advertising New Products

IELTS Cambridge 16 Essay: Advertising New Products

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the newly released Cambridge 16 on the topic of businesses nowadays emphasising that their products are new in some way.

Find the other Cambridge 16 essays here:

Writing Task 1 Tests 1-4:

Cambridge 16: Ownership of Electrical Appliances Line Chart

Cambridge 16: Airport Map

Cambridge 16: Recycling Plastic Bottles

Cambridge 16: Sugar Cane

Writing Task 2 Tests 1-4

Cambridge 16: Driverless Vehicles

Cambridge 16: History of a House or Building

Cambridge 16: Manufactured Foods and Sugar

Cambridge 16: Advertising New Products

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: Advertising New Products

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way.

Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

It is becoming increasingly common for companies to place focus on the novelty of their products. In my opinion, this has its basis in the psychology of consumer behavior and is generally a negative development.

The reason many marketing departments present products as new is they are hoping to incentivize increased consumer demand. One of the chief principles of business is that products must meet a real consumer need and, ideally, be unique in some way. For example, advertising for the electronic vehicles made by Tesla highlights that they are different from traditional automobiles and this offers novel benefits for the environment and the individual motorist. This strategy created a niche in the automotive industry that they eventually expanded to become one of the largest companies in the world. It follows that every business attempts to present their products as new to inspire interest and compel demand.

There are exceptions, as in the case of Tesla mentioned above, however, this trend generally leads to disingenuous ads and consumer fatigue. Most companies framing their products as new in some aspect are actually attempting to mislead the public. This is often the case with soft drink companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi that regularly rebrand their bottles and cans to give the appearance of novelty. These tactics are recognizably dishonest and audiences are rarely convinced. In fact, the net effect is that consumers become tired of watching ads for familiar products pretending to be innovative. For many customers this leads to a growing feeling of apathy and disinterest towards the exploitive methods of advertisers.

In conclusion, the reason businesses often present their products as new lies in the importance of consumer psychology and the cynical impact this has in the aggregate is negative. More savvy companies often eschew this trend and produce honest advertisements.

Analysis

1. It is becoming increasingly common for companies to place focus on the novelty of their products. 2. In my opinion, this has its basis in the psychology of consumer behavior and is generally a negative development.

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

1. The reason many marketing departments present products as new is they are hoping to incentivize increased consumer demand. 2. One of the chief principles of business is that products must meet a real consumer need and, ideally, be unique in some way. 3. For example, advertising for the electronic vehicles made by Tesla highlights that they are different from traditional automobiles and this offers novel benefits for the environment and the individual motorist. 4. This strategy created a niche in the automotive industry that they eventually expanded to become one of the largest companies in the world. 5. It follows that every business attempts to present their products as new to inspire interest and compel demand.

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

1. There are exceptions, as in the case of Tesla mentioned above, however, this trend generally leads to disingenuous ads and consumer fatigue. 2. Most companies framing their products as new in some aspect are actually attempting to mislead the public. 3. This is often the case with soft drink companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi that regularly rebrand their bottles and cans to give the appearance of novelty. 4. These tactics are recognizably dishonest and audiences are rarely convinced. 5. In fact, the net effect is that consumers become tired of watching ads for familiar products pretending to be innovative. 6. For many customers this leads to a growing feeling of apathy and disinterest towards the exploitive methods of advertisers.

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

1. In conclusion, the reason businesses often present their products as new lies in the importance of consumer psychology and the cynical impact this has in the aggregate is negative. 2. More savvy companies often eschew this trend and produce honest advertisements.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

It is becoming increasingly common for companies to place focus on the novelty of their products. In my opinion, this has its basis in the psychology of consumer behavior and is generally a negative development.

The reason many marketing departments present products as new is they are hoping to incentivize increased consumer demand. One of the chief principles of business is that products must meet a real consumer need and, ideally, be unique in some way. For example, advertising for the electronic vehicles made by Tesla highlights that they are different from traditional automobiles and this offers novel benefits for the environment and the individual motorist. This strategy created a niche in the automotive industry that they eventually expanded to become one of the largest companies in the world. It follows that every business attempts to present their products as new to inspire interest and compel demand.

There are exceptions, as in the case of Tesla mentioned above, however, this trend generally leads to disingenuous ads and consumer fatigue. Most companies framing their products as new in some aspect are actually attempting to mislead the public. This is often the case with soft drink companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi that regularly rebrand their bottles and cans to give the appearance of novelty. These tactics are recognizably dishonest and audiences are rarely convinced. In fact, the net effect is that consumers become tired of watching ads for familiar products pretending to be innovative. For many customers this leads to a growing feeling of apathy and disinterest towards the exploitive methods of advertisers.

In conclusion, the reason businesses often present their products as new lies in the importance of consumer psychology and the cynical impact this has in the aggregate is negative. More savvy companies often eschew this trend and produce honest advertisements.

Answers

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

increasingly common more and more pervasive

place focus highlight

novelty newness

products items

basis foundation

psychology how people think

consumer behavior how consumers make decisions

generally overall

marketing advertising

present show

hoping wanting

incentivize give a reason to do something

consumer demand people wanting to buy something

chief principles of business main tenets of business

meet a real consumer need address an actual desire

ideally in a perfect world

unique different and special

electronic vehicles cars that don’t run on gas/oil

highlights focuses on

traditional automobiles normal cars

offers novel benefits provides new advantages

environment nature

motorist person who drives

strategy tactic

niche small market

automotive industry car companies

eventually expanded at some point grew

largest biggest

follows naturally makes sense that

attempts tries

inspire interest make people care

compel demand make people buy

exceptions outliers

as in the case of for example

mentioned above written about before

trend pattern

leads to disingenuous ads causes ads that are dishonest

consumer fatigue people getting tired of it

framing contextualizing

new in some aspect novel in some way

actually attempting in fact trying

mislead lie

public people in general

This is often the case with soft drink happens a lot with soda companies

regularly often

rebrand change the way a product looks

give the appearance of novelty seem to be new

tactics strategies

recognizably dishonest clearly lying

audiences consumers, those watching/reading

rarely convinced not often fooled

in fact actually

net effect overall impact

tired fed up, fatigued

familiar known

pretending lying

innovative new

leads to causes

growing feeling increasing sense

apathy not caring

disinterest not interested

exploitive methods trying to take advantage

advertisers people in charge of the ads

lies in has its source in

cynical impact distrustful effect

in the aggregate all together

savvy smart

eschew avoid

produce make

Pronunciation

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

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən 
pleɪs ˈfəʊkəs 
ˈnɒvəlti 
ˈprɒdʌkts
ˈbeɪsɪs 
saɪˈkɒləʤi 
kənˈsjuːmə bɪˈheɪvjə 
ˈʤɛnərəli 
ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ 
ˈprɛznt 
ˈhəʊpɪŋ 
ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz
kənˈsjuːmə dɪˈmɑːnd
ʧiːf ˈprɪnsəplz ɒv ˈbɪznɪs 
miːt ə rɪəl kənˈsjuːmə niːd 
aɪˈdɪəli
juːˈniːk 
ɪlɛkˈtrɒnɪk ˈviːɪklz 
ˈhaɪˌlaɪts 
trəˈdɪʃənl ˈɔːtəməʊbiːlz 
ˈɒfəz ˈnɒvəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt 
ˈməʊtərɪst
ˈstrætɪʤi 
niːʃ 
ˌɔːtəˈməʊtɪv ˈɪndəstri 
ɪˈvɛnʧəli ɪksˈpændɪd 
ˈlɑːʤɪst 
ˈfɒləʊz 
əˈtɛmpts 
ɪnˈspaɪər ˈɪntrɪst 
kəmˈpɛl dɪˈmɑːnd
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz
æz ɪn ðə keɪs ɒv 
ˈmɛnʃənd əˈbʌv
trɛnd 
liːdz tuː ˌdɪsɪnˈʤɛnjʊəs ædz 
kənˈsjuːmə fəˈtiːg
ˈfreɪmɪŋ 
njuː ɪn sʌm ˈæspɛkt 
ˈækʧʊəli əˈtɛmptɪŋ 
mɪsˈliːd 
ˈpʌblɪk
ðɪs ɪz ˈɒf(ə)n ðə keɪs wɪð sɒft drɪŋk 
ˈrɛgjʊləli 
ˌriːˈbrænd 
gɪv ði əˈpɪərəns ɒv ˈnɒvəlti
ˈtæktɪks 
ˈrɛkəgnaɪzəbli dɪsˈɒnɪst 
ˈɔːdiənsɪz 
ˈreəli kənˈvɪnst
ɪn fækt
nɛt ɪˈfɛkt 
ˈtaɪəd 
fəˈmɪliə 
prɪˈtɛndɪŋ 
ɪnˈnɒvətɪv
liːdz tuː 
ˈgrəʊɪŋ ˈfiːlɪŋ 
ˈæpəθi 
ˌdɪsɪnˈtɜːrɪst 
ˈɛksplɔɪtɪv ˈmɛθədz 
ˈædvətaɪzəz
laɪz ɪn 
ˈsɪnɪkəl ˈɪmpækt 
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt 
ˈsævi 
ɪsˈʧuː 
ˈprɒdjuːs 

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

It is becoming i_______________________n for companies to p______________s on the n__________y of their p____________s. In my opinion, this has its b______s in the p_____________y of c_________________________r and is g___________y a negative development.

The reason many m_____________g departments p_________t products as new is they are h__________g to i______________e increased c__________________d. One of the c_______________________s is that products must m__________________________d and, i__________y, be u__________e in some way. For example, advertising for the e_________________________s made by Tesla h____________s that they are different from t_________________________s and this o_____________________s for the e_________________t and the individual m____________t. This s_____________y created a n______e in the a_________________________y that they e______________________d to become one of the l___________t companies in the world. It f___________s that every business a____________s to present their products as new to i__________________t and c________________d.

There are e_______________s, a_____________________f Tesla m_________________e, however, this t________d generally l____________________________s and c___________________e. Most companies f___________g their products as n_____________________t are a_____________________________g to m_________d the p___________c. T_________________________________h s___________k companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi that r____________y r____________d their bottles and cans to g___________________________________________y. These t________s are r________________________________t and a_____________s are r__________________d. I_________t, the n__________t is that consumers become t________d of watching ads for f______________r products p_____________g to be i________________e. For many customers this l_______o a g______________g of a________y and d_____________t towards the e____________________s of a_____________s.

In conclusion, the reason businesses often present their products as new l_________n the importance of consumer psychology and the c______________t this has i_______________e is negative. More s________y companies often e________w this trend and p____________e honest advertisements.

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/04/how-advertise-pandemic/610456/

Speaking Practice

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

Describe a new advertisement that you watched recently. Include

  • What it was for
  • What it showed
  • How you felt watching it

Writing Practice

Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:

Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Recycled Bottles into Clothes Process

IELTS Essay: Recycled Bottles into Clothes Process

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 plastic bottles clothes process
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.

  1. Paraphrase what the process shows.
  2. 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.

  1. Begin writing about the details of the process.
  2. This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
  3. 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.

  1. Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
  2. Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
  3. 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

main stages largest steps

entirely completely

man-made process all done by people, not natural

involving dealing with

collection gathering together

sorting organizing

followed by after that

processing making/forming

finally lastly

actual production real making

in the first step firstly

varying different

transported sent

then next

placed put

cut sliced

pieces smaller parts

dry not wet anymore

transformative stage that changes it the most

begin with start with

boiling cooking in water

precedes comes before

straining water drained out

resulting byproduct what is made from that

yarn like string

ready prepared

weaved put together

fabric material

lastly finally

finished rolls of material final pieces of fabric

fabrication production

Pronunciation

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

dɪˈlɪnɪeɪts 
baɪ wɪʧ 
riːˈjuːzd 
ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərɪŋ 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
meɪn ˈsteɪʤɪz 
ɪnˈtaɪəli 
ˈmænˈmeɪd ˈprəʊsɛs 
ɪnˈvɒlvɪŋ 
kəˈlɛkʃən 
ˈsɔːtɪŋ 
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
ˈprəʊsɛsɪŋ
ˈfaɪnəli 
ˈækʧʊəl prəˈdʌkʃən 
ɪn ðə fɜːst stɛp
ˈveəriɪŋ 
trænsˈpɔːtɪd 
ðɛn 
pleɪst 
kʌt 
ˈpiːsɪz
draɪ
ˌtrænsˈfɔːmətɪv 
bɪˈgɪn wɪð 
ˈbɔɪlɪŋ 
pri(ː)ˈsiːdz 
ˈstreɪnɪŋ
rɪˈzʌltɪŋ ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt 
jɑːn 
ˈrɛdi 
wiːvd 
ˈfæbrɪk
ˈlɑːstli
ˈfɪnɪʃt rəʊlz ɒv məˈtɪərɪəl 
ˌfæbrɪˈkeɪʃən 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.wired.com/story/plastics-in-fashion-everlane-renew/

Speaking Practice

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

Fashion

  1. Why are designer bran clothes popular?
  2. Why are these brands so expensive?
  3. How has fashion changed in your country?
  4. Is it important for designers to stay up to date with the latest fashions?
  5. Is fashion more important than adapting your clothes to the weather?

Writing Practice

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

IELTS Essay: Cocoa Beans and Chocolate Process Diagram
IELTS Essay: Childbirth

IELTS Essay: Childbirth

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Stay focused on the same main idea.
  6. Use hypotheticals.
  7. 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.

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

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

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.

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

concerning related to

overall positive good on the whole

prospective parents possible parents later

putting off childbirth delaying having children

therefore thus

welcomed should be applauded

encouraged motivated

Pronunciation

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

ˈgrəʊɪŋ ˈnʌmbəz 
ˈleɪtər ɪn laɪf 
faɪˈnænʃəl ədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz 
trɛnd 
fɑːr aʊtˈweɪ 
pəˈsiːvd ˈdaʊnˌsaɪdz
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt treɪd ɒfs 
ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti 
məˈtjʊərɪti
dɪˈsaɪd ˈɜːli ɒn 
mɪd tuː leɪt 30ɛs 
ˈnæʧrəl rɪsk 
bɪˈfɔː ðæt pɔɪnt 
ˈtrʌbl kənˈsiːvɪŋ
meɪ ɛnd ʌp ˈʧaɪldlɪs
ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti 
ədˈvɑːnsɪz 
fə(ː)ˈtɪlɪti ˈsaɪəns 
ˈfɜːðəˈmɔː
məˈtjʊərɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
reɪz ə ʧaɪld
dɪˈleɪ
rɪˈgrɛt 
ˈəʊpnli ədˈmɪt 
ˈpeərənthʊd 
laɪf-ˈɔːltərɪŋ ˈmaɪlstəʊn 
dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ ˈməʊmənt 
əˈdʌlthʊd
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv 
peɪl ɪn kəmˈpærɪsn tuː 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈmɛrɪts 
dɪˈleɪɪŋ ˈʧaɪldbɜːθ
aɪˈdɪəl ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən 
ɜːn ləʊ ˈsæləriz 
wɜːk lɒŋ ˈaʊəz
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈɒkjʊpaɪd 
træpt 
ˌəʊvəˈbɜːdnd
swɪʧ kəˈrɪəz 
ləʊˈkeɪʃən 
əˈfɔːd 
ɪksˈpɛnsɪz ɪnˈkʌmbənt ɒn 
rɪˈzʌlts ɪn 
rɪˈzɛntfʊl 
prəˈʤɛktɪŋ 
ˌænɪˈmɒsɪti 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈʌðə
ˈfɜːmli ɪsˈtæblɪʃt 
ɜːn ˈdiːsnt ˈsæləriz
ˈseɪvɪŋz sɛt əˈsaɪd 
dɪˈvəʊt tuː 
wɪˈðaʊt ˈhævɪŋ tuː 
ˈmeɪkɪŋ ɛndz miːt
dɪsˈpaɪt ˈmɑːʤɪnəl rɪsks 
kənˈsɜːnɪŋ 
ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈpɒzətɪv 
prəsˈpɛktɪv ˈpeərənts 
ˈpʊtɪŋ ɒf ˈʧaɪldbɜːθ
ˈðeəfɔː
ˈwɛlkəmd 
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤd

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

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.

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/05/how-people-decide-whether-to-have-children/527520/

Speaking Practice

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

Talkative Children

  1. Do think being talkative is a good quality for children?
  2. Is it good for children to talk a lot in every situation?
  3. Why do children talk so much?
  4. What makes children talk less as the get older sometimes?
  5. What can teachers do to encourage children to talk more?

Writing Practice

Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:

Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.

To what extent do you agree?

IELTS Essay: Letter of Inquiry

IELTS Essay: Letter of Inquiry

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.

  1. Address the letter to someone.
  2. Include your purpose for writing.
  3. 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.

  1. Begin to develop the second point.
  2. Add more detail to it.
  3. Keep developing it.
  4. 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

  1. Develop the last point.
  2. Keep developing it.
  3. Finish developing it.
  4. Add an ending.
  5. Use a phrase like regards or sincerely.
  6. 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

best regards sincerely

Pronunciation

Practice with this tip using Google voice search to improve your pronunciation:

ɪn rɪsˈpɒns tuː 
ˈpəʊstɪŋ 
hɛlp ˈwɒntɪd ˈsɛkʃən 
ˈnjuːzˌlɛtə
əˈplaɪ 
pəˈzɪʃən 
ˈprɒpəti ˈmænɪʤə 
ləʊˈkeɪʃən 
ˈsjuːtəbl 
rəʊl 
pɑːst ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
ˈɛksələnt ˈrɛfrənsɪz 
ɪn ðə fiːld ɒv 
ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ˈmænɪʤmənt
əˈtæʧt 
rɪˈzjuːm 
ˈlɛtər ɒv ˈrɛfrəns 
prəˈvaɪd ˈfɜːðə ˈkɒntɛkst
lɑːst 
ˈveərɪəs 
rʌnz ə ˈnʌmbər ɒv ˈkɒmplɛksɪz 
fəˈmɪliə 
ˈdeɪli ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənz 
kəˈlɛktɪŋ rɛnt
lɪˈeɪzɪŋ wɪð rɪˈpeə mɛn
ˈʤɛnərəl ˈmeɪntənəns
kəmˈplaɪɪŋ wɪð ˈləʊkəl ruːlz ænd ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz
ɪf ˈgɪvn ði ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti
haɪ ˈlɛvl ɒv prəˈfɛʃnəlɪzm 
wɛl nəʊn 
ˈkʌrənt 
ˈpɒzətɪv ˈætɪtjuːd
ˈklɪəli 
ˈtɛnənts 
ˈʌpə ˈmænɪʤmənt
rɪˈlaɪəbl
straɪv tuː əˈplaɪ 
ˈkwɒlɪtiz 
aɪ lʊk ˈfɔːwəd tuː jɔː rɪˈplaɪ 
əˈveɪləbl fɔːr ən ˈɪntəvjuː æt jɔː kənˈviːniəns
bɛst rɪˈgɑːdz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/magazine/rental-housing-crisis-minneapolis.html

Speaking Practice

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

Work 1 (Model answer available on my Patreon)

  1. Do you work or are you a student?
  2. Do you like your current job?
  3. In the future, do you want to change jobs?

Writing Practice

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

You are interested in applying for a new position at your company but have some questions. Write a letter to you boss. In your letter include:

  • Which position you are considering
  • What questions you have about it
  • How your boss can help you decide whether or not to apply