This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the history of a house or building and why people are interested in researching this.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: History of a House or Building
In numerous countries, more and more people are intrigued in the concept of researching the history or past of the where they now live.
Why is this?
What can people do to do this kind of research?
There is a growing trend whereby residents are researching the history of their homes. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reason related to historical, construction methods. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
To conclude, some today gather information concerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Analysis
1. There is a growing trend whereby residents are researching the history of their homes. 2. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. 2. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. 3. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. 4. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reason related to historical construction methods. 5. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. 6. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples/argument.
Vary long and short sentences and switch to a second reason.
Stay focused on the second main idea.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. 2. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. 3. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. 4. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. 5. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. 6. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
Relate it back to the main essay topic.
1. To conclude, some today gather information concerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. 2. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
There is a growing trendwhereby residents are researching the history of their homes. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reasonrelated to historical construction methods. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.
The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.
To conclude, some today gather informationconcerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
growing trend increasingly common
whereby in which
residents people who live there
researching learning about
history past
due to because of
natural curiosity normal desire
practical concerns pragmatic worries
official channels through the government
desire want
link connection
worried about concerned about
potential structural faults possible weaknesses in a house or building
analogous same situation
exhaustively completely
genealogy history of a family
ancestors people from the past
place of residence where they live
understand recognize
establish create/find
connection link
pragmatic reason useful cause
related to concerning
construction methods how it was built
employed unsafe techniques use ways that are dangerous
materials substances
risk threat
structural damage weakness in the building itself
in the worst cases in extreme scenarios
collapses falls in on itself
period time
take the necessary steps do the needed actions
ensure make sure
structurally sound not weak in any way
method way
carrying out conducting
specialized research very specific research
requesting local records asking for files
initial first
“word of mouth” what people say
collecting finding
community neighborhood
unreliable untrustworthy
endeavor try
contact talk to
authorities those in charge
possible feasible
register submit
freedom of information request asking to find out something that is public record
receive get
required documents needed files
municipal offices government buildings
little incentive no reason
protect safeguard
receptive welcoming
offering assistance helping
assured can be sure of
trustworthy information reliable data
possible potential
defects weaknesses
gather informationconcerning find information about
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
There is a g__________________dw__________y r___________s are r__________g the h_________y of their homes. In my opinion, this is d_______o a n_________________y and p_______________s and should be done through o___________________s.
Many are interested in the past of their home because they d________e to l______k with history and are w______________t p______________________________s. The first reason is a____________s to e______________y studying family g____________y. By researching one’s a___________s or p_________________e, it is possible to u______________d and e___________h a c____________n with the past. Moreover, there is a p___________________nr_____________o historical c_______________________s. Older homes in particular may have e________________________s or m____________s that will degrade, creating the r_____k of s________________________e and, i____________________s, c_____________s. By learning about the house and p________d when it was built, residents can t_________________________s to e__________e the house is s____________________d.
The m_________d for c_______________t such s___________________h involves r___________________s. It is possible to do i__________l research through “w____________________h” and c____________g relevant stories in a c________________y. However, this information may be u_____________e, and therefore an individual should e___________r to c________t their local building a______________s. In most countries, it is p_________e to r________r a f_______________________________t and r______e the r_________________s from m__________________s. Governments have l__________________e to p__________t such information and are likely to be r__________e and helpful in o_____________________e. Residents can then be a__________d they have the most t_____________________________e in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible d________s in its construction.
To conclude, some today g__________________________________g the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This d______________t is a___________e and the authorities should c________y and e____________e such f______________g.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Which country’s history is most interesting to you?
Which historical event or period do you find most interesting?
Why is it important to read about history?
Is it common in your country to research the history of your home?
Writing Practice
Practice with the same basic topic below:
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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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.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
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.
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.
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.
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The 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 withinitial 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 inraw 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 inraw produces pure
run through placed in
limestone filter method of cleaning it
poured into put into
evaporator heats and some of the liquid disappears
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_______________hi________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__________nr____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
Do you like sweets?
Did you like sweets when you were younger?
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:
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.
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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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. 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.
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!
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.
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 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 actuallyattempting 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 theaggregate 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
actuallyattempting in fact trying
mislead lie
public people in general
This is often the case with soft drink happens a lot with soda companies
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:
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:
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