This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay that is only available on my Patreon based on a real question from the IELTS exam.
Here is the questions itself:
Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident because people follow the same media.
Do the advantage of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
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Dave
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter to a friend after moving to a new job and city.
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
Write a letter to a friend who worked at your previous company. You have moved to a new job in a new city.
Hey Kim,
I just finished the big move and I wanted to let you know how it all went. So far San Fran has been an upgrade on L.A.. Might be just the honeymoon period but the public transport and layout of the streets here make a big difference. Beyond that, SF is everything you’ve heard – nice community feel, very gentrified, lots of hills, haha.
My new work hasn’t been as great off the jump. I started at my new design company this last week and I’m having trouble with my new boss. The other co-workers are cool but my immediate manager won’t give me the time of day. Maybe because I’m new or I did something to get on her bad side. I hope it’ll pass because my first assignments have been boring and basic – not what I was looking for when I applied here.
Anyway, really looking forward to seeing you on the weekend! Give me a ring when your flight gets in and I can either pick you up at the airport or I’ll leave a spare key with my neighbor (Apartment 7.05) and tell him to be on the lookout for you. There’s a guest bedroom so you can sleep there.
See you soon!
Regards,
Dave
1. Hi Kim,
2. I just finished the big move and I wanted to let you know how it all went. 3. So far San Fran has been an upgrade on L.A.. 4. Might be just the honeymoon period but the public transport and layout of the streets here make a big difference. 5. Beyond that, SF is everything you’ve heard – nice community feel, very gentrified, lots of hills, haha.
1. My new work hasn’t been as great off the jump. 2. I started at my new design company this last week and I’m having trouble with my new boss. 3. The other co-workers are cool but my immediate manager won’t give me the time of day. 4. Maybe because I’m new or I did something to get on her bad side. 5. I hope it’ll pass because my first assignments have been boring and basic – not what I was looking for when I applied here.
1. Anyway, really looking forward to seeing you on the weekend! 2. Give me a ring when your flight gets in and I can either pick you up at the airport or I’ll leave a spare key with my neighbor (Apartment 7.05) and tell him to be on the lookout for you. 3. There’s a guest bedroom so you can sleep there.
4. See you soon!
5. Regards,
6. Dave
What do the words in bold below mean?
Hey Kim,
I just finished the big move and I wanted to let you know how it all went. So far San Fran has been an upgrade on L.A.. Might be just the honeymoon period but the public transport and layout of the streets here make a big difference. Beyond that, SF is everything you’ve heard – nice community feel, very gentrified, lots of hills, haha.
My new work hasn’t been as great off the jump. I started at my new design company this last week and I’m having trouble with my new boss. The other co-workers are cool but my immediate manager won’t give me the time of day. Maybe because I’m new or I did something to get on her bad side. I hope it’ll pass because my first assignments have been boring and basic – not what I was looking for when I applied here.
Anyway, really looking forward to seeing you on the weekend! Give me a ring when your flight gets in and I can either pick you up at the airport or I’ll leave a spare key with my neighbor (Apartment 7.05) and tell him to be on the lookout for you. There’s a guest bedroom so you can sleep there.
finished ended
big move making a change
let you know inform you
how it all went the result
so far at this point
San Fran San Francisco
upgrade improve
L.A. Los Angeles
honeymoon period nice time at the beginning of a new change/relationship
public transport subways, buses, etc.
layout city plan, streets, etc.
make a big difference help a lot
beyond that in addition
everything you’ve heard what has been said
community feel friendly atmosphere
gentrified taken over by rich people
hills not flat
off the jump from the very beginning
this last week the last 7 days
trouble difficulty
immediate manager boss right about you
won’t give me the time of day ignores me
get on her bad side dislikes me for some reason
pass get over it
not what I was looking for not what I was interested in
applied related to
really looking forward to seeing you can’t wait to see you
give me a ring call
flight gets in airplane arrives
either pick you up at the airport one option is to get you after you arrive
leave a spare key leave an extra key
neighbor person living next door
lookout keep an eye out for
guest bedroom extra room for guests to sleep
ˈfɪnɪʃt
bɪg muːv
lɛt juː nəʊ
haʊ ɪt ɔːl wɛnt
səʊ fɑː
sæn frɑːn
ʌpˈgreɪd
ɛl.eɪ..
ˈhʌnɪmuːn ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt
ˈleɪaʊt
meɪk ə bɪg ˈdɪfrəns
bɪˈjɒnd ðæt
ˈɛvrɪθɪŋ juːv hɜːd
kəˈmjuːnɪti fiːl
ˈʤɛntrɪfaɪd
hɪlz
ɒf ðə ʤʌmp
ðɪs lɑːst wiːk
ˈtrʌbl
ɪˈmiːdiət ˈmænɪʤə
wəʊnt gɪv miː ðə taɪm ɒv deɪ
gɛt ɒn hɜː bæd saɪd
pɑːs
nɒt wɒt aɪ wɒz ˈlʊkɪŋ fɔː
əˈplaɪd
ˈrɪəli ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈfɔːwəd tuː ˈsiːɪŋ juː
gɪv miː ə rɪŋ
flaɪt gɛts ɪn
ˈaɪðə pɪk juː ʌp æt ði ˈeəpɔːt
liːv ə speə kiː
ˈneɪbə
ˈlʊkˈaʊt
gɛst ˈbɛdru(ː)m
Remember and fill in the blanks:
Hey Kim,
I just f___________d the b__________e and I wanted to l_____________w h______________t. S________r S_________n has been an u__________e on L____.. Might be just the h__________________d but the p___________________t and l__________t of the streets here m__________________________e. B_____________t, SF is e_________________________d – nice c________________l, very g____________d, lots of h______s, haha.
My new work hasn’t been as great o_____________p. I started at my new design company t_______________k and I’m having t__________e with my new boss. The other co-workers are cool but my i____________________r w_____________________________y. Maybe because I’m new or I did something to g___________________e. I hope it’ll p_____s because my first assignments have been boring and basic – n___________________________r when I a___________d here.
Anyway, r_________________________________u on the weekend! G_________________g when your f_______________n and I can e___________________________t or I’ll l_____________________y with my n____________r (Apartment 7.05) and tell him to be on the l___________t for you. There’s a g_________________m so you can sleep there.
See you soon!
Regards,
Dave
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the related topic below and then check with my sample answer:
Your friend is going to stay in your apartment while you are away. Write a letter to your friend and include:
Where the key is
Instructions to look after the apartment
What should he/ she do on the day of your return
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not governments should help people around the world or focus on their own citizens from the real IELTS exam.
Second time I’ve seen this topic in the last 2 years!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
It is impossible to help all people around the world in need so governments should focus on people from their own country.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today have suggested that governments should prioritise supporting their own citizenry over offering foreign aid. I strongly agree with this statement as international interventions often do more harm than good and governments have greater control concerning domestic assistance.
Firstly, foreign aid is notoriously difficult to manage. The majority of countries helped by foreign aid either end up exploiting the charity or become overly dependent. A good example of this would be the aid sent to many African nations during times of civil turmoil. Certain corrupt governments would often leverage the aid, whether it be food supplies or financial support, to maintain their autocratic position. Even in the rare cases where aid reaches its intended targets without interference from governments or non-governmental organisations, there is a strong likelihood of establishing a dependence. Individuals generally profit more long-term from developing characteristics related to self-reliance rather than becoming subservient in a dependent relationship.
Moreover, governments are able to affect greater change over their own populace. The are many different tactics that governments can choose ranging from funding a comprehensive social welfare net to allowing individuals to keep more of their tax dollars and contribute to the economy. A standout example of this would be in China where the government has tremendous sway over both public and private entities. This ensures that their assistance is not misused and that it supports truly vulnerable segments of the population. Their oversight and knowledge of their own country translates to a more efficient allocation of resources and this applies generally to governments globally.
In conclusion, there is little support for the efficacy of foreign aid and governments can intervene most effectively in their own nations. Therefore, foreign aid should be limited to times of extreme crisis.
1. Many today have suggested that governments should prioritise supporting their own citizenry over offering foreign aid. 2. I strongly agree with this statement as international interventions often do more harm than good and governments have greater control concerning domestic assistance.
1. Firstly, foreign aid is notoriously difficult to manage. 2. The majority of countries helped by foreign aid either end up exploiting the charity or become overly dependent. 3. A good example of this would be the aid sent to many African nations during times of civil turmoil. Certain corrupt governments would often leverage the aid, whether it be food supplies or financial support, to maintain their autocratic position. 4. Even in the rare cases where aid reaches its intended targets without interference from governments or non-governmental organisations, there is a strong likelihood of establishing a dependence. 5. Individuals generally profit more long-term from developing characteristics related to self-reliance rather than becoming subservient in a dependent relationship.
1. Moreover, governments are able to affect greater change over their own populace. 2. The are many different tactics that governments can choose ranging from funding a comprehensive social welfare net to allowing individuals to keep more of their tax dollars and contribute to the economy. 3. A standout example of this would be in China where the government has tremendous sway over both public and private entities. 4. This ensures that their assistance is not misused and that it supports truly vulnerable segments of the population. 5. Their oversight and knowledge of their own country translates to a more efficient allocation of resources and this applies generally to governments globally.
1. In conclusion, there is little support for the efficacy of foreign aid and governments can intervene most effectively in their own nations. 2. Therefore, foreign aid should be limited to times of extreme crisis.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today have suggested that governments should prioritise supporting their own citizenry over offering foreign aid. I strongly agree with this statement as international interventions often do more harm than good and governments have greater control concerning domestic assistance.
Firstly, foreign aid is notoriously difficult to manage. The majority of countries helped by foreign aid either end up exploiting the charity or become overly dependent. A good example of this would be the aid sent to many African nations during times of civil turmoil. Certain corrupt governments would often leverage the aid, whether it be food supplies or financial support, to maintain their autocratic position. Even in the rare cases where aid reaches its intended targets without interference from governments or non-governmental organisations, there is a strong likelihood of establishing a dependence. Individuals generally profit more long-term from developing characteristics related to self-reliance rather than becoming subservient in a dependent relationship.
Moreover, governments are able to affect greater change over their own populace. The are many different tactics that governments can choose ranging from funding a comprehensive social welfare net to allowing individuals to keep more of their tax dollars and contribute to the economy. A standout example of this would be in China where the government has tremendous sway over both public and private entities. This ensures that their assistance is not misused and that it supports truly vulnerable segments of the population. Their oversight and knowledge of their own country translates to a more efficient allocation of resources and this applies generally to governments globally.
In conclusion, there is little support for the efficacy of foreign aid and governments can intervene most effectively in their own nations. Therefore, foreign aid should be limited to times of extreme crisis.
suggested advised
prioritise value more
supporting helping
citizenry people in a country
over offering foreign aid instead of giving help to other countries
statement opinion
international interventions helping other countries
more harm than good hurts more than it helps
concerning relating to
domestic assistance helping within a country
notoriously famous for bad reasons
difficult to manage hard to deal with
majority most of
either one or the other
end up finally
exploiting taking advantage of
charity organisation that helps others
overly dependent moreso relying on
times of civil turmoil wars, famines, unrest, etc.
corrupt taking bribes, stealing, etc.
whether it be food supplies or financial support if it is food or money
maintain keep up
autocratic position complete control
rare cases exceptions
reaches its intended targets finding where it is meant to go
interference getting in the way
non-governmental organisations charities
likelihood strong chance
dependence reliance on
generally profit overall get more from
long-term over time
characteristics qualities
self-reliance independence
subservient lower than
dependent relationship needing someone
populace people in a country
tactics methods
ranging from including
funding giving money for
comprehensive social welfare net total support for people in need
contribute give to
public citizenry
private entities companies
truly vulnerable segments actually in need parts of the country
oversight control over
translates means
efficient allocation better spreading of money
applies has to do with
globally all over the world
little support not much help
efficacy how well it works
intervene step in, interfere
limited under control
times of extreme crisis when something really bad happens (like a natural disaster)
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
səˈʤɛstɪd
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz
səˈpɔːtɪŋ
ˈsɪtɪznri
ˈəʊvər ˈɒfərɪŋ ˈfɒrɪn eɪd
ˈsteɪtmənt
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˌɪntə(ː)ˈvɛnʃənz
mɔː hɑːm ðæn gʊd
kənˈsɜːnɪŋ
dəʊˈmɛstɪk əˈsɪstəns
nəʊˈtɔːrɪəsli
ˈdɪfɪkəlt tuː ˈmænɪʤ
məˈʤɒrɪti
ˈaɪðə
ɛnd ʌp
ɪksˈplɔɪtɪŋ
ˈʧærɪti
ˈəʊvəli dɪˈpɛndənt
taɪmz ɒv ˈsɪvl ˈtɜːmɔɪl
kəˈrʌpt
ˈwɛðər ɪt biː fuːd səˈplaɪz ɔː faɪˈnænʃəl səˈpɔːt
meɪnˈteɪn
ˌɔːtəʊˈkrætɪk pəˈzɪʃən
reə ˈkeɪsɪz
ˈriːʧɪz ɪts ɪnˈtɛndɪd ˈtɑːgɪts
ˌɪntəˈfɪərəns
nɒn-ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃənz
ˈlaɪklɪhʊd
dɪˈpɛndəns
ˈʤɛnərəli ˈprɒfɪt
ˈlɒŋtɜːm
ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪks
sɛlf-rɪˈlaɪəns
səbˈsɜːviənt
dɪˈpɛndənt rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp
ˈpɒpjʊləs
ˈtæktɪks
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm
ˈfʌndɪŋ
ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv ˈsəʊʃəl ˈwɛlfeə nɛt
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t
ˈpʌblɪk
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈɛntɪtiz
ˈtruːli ˈvʌlnərəbl ˈsɛgmənts
ˈəʊvəsaɪt
trænsˈleɪts
ɪˈfɪʃənt ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n
əˈplaɪz
ˈgləʊbəli
ˈlɪtl səˈpɔːt
ˈɛfɪkəsi
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈviːn
ˈlɪmɪtɪd
taɪmz ɒv ɪksˈtriːm ˈkraɪsɪs
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many today have s______________d that governments should p___________e s___________g their own c__________y o____r o__________________________d. I strongly agree with this s_____________t as i______________________________s often do m_________________d and governments have greater control c_____________g d____________________e.
Firstly, foreign aid is n_______________y d____________________e. The m__________y of countries helped by foreign aid e_______________________g the c________y or become o_____________________t. A good example of this would be the aid sent to many African nations during t________________________l. Certain c________t governments would often leverage the aid, w__________________________________________t, to m_________n their a____________________n. Even in the r____________s where aid r________________________s without i_____________e from governments or n_________________________________s, there is a strong l____________d of establishing a d_____________e. Individuals g__________________t more l_____________m from developing c__________________s related to s_________________e rather than becoming s______________t in a d_____________________p.
Moreover, governments are able to affect greater change over their own p__________e. The are many different t___________s that governments can choose r_______________m f___________g a c___________________________________________t to allowing individuals to keep more of their tax dollars and c______________e to the economy. A s____________t example of this would be in China where the government has t________________________y over both p__________c and p________________s. This e__________s that their assistance is not m___________d and that it supports t______________________________s of the population. Their o___________t and knowledge of their own country t_____________s to a more e_____________________n of resources and this a__________s generally to governments g_________y.
In conclusion, there is l_________________t for the e__________y of foreign aid and governments can i___________e most effectively in their own nations. Therefore, foreign aid should be l___________d to t____________________s.
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/13/opinion/africa-foreign-aid-philanthropy.html
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:
Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of 3 different types of bridges.
A really odd one – never seen one quite like this on IELTS before!
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
The diagram details 3 different constructions for bridges. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that concrete girder bridges are potentially the longest and tallest, while suspension bridges allow for the largest ships to pass underneath. Arch bridges are not as tall or long and admit only the smallest ships.
Looking first of all at arch bridges, the permissible height is no more than 100 meters and the length is typically under 200m. These bridges are built over lakes, have a conical shape, and cover the smallest ships.
In contrast, concrete girder bridges can be an indeterminate length, though the maximum height is 300m. Concrete bridges are built over rivers and require a series of piers spaced under 200m apart to provide support, only allowing for the passage of medium-sized ships.
The modern suspension bridge can be between 400 and 2000m long and it is possible to build it over very deep seas as long as there is shallow land for pier structures to link at either end. The distance between piers enables the largest ships to traverse below safely.
1. The diagram details 3 different constructions for bridges. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that concrete girder bridges are potentially the longest and tallest, while suspension bridges allow for the largest ships to pass underneath. 3. Arch bridges are not as tall or long and admit only the smallest ships.
1. Looking first of all at arch bridges, the permissible height is no more than 100 meters and the length is typically under 200m. 2. These bridges are built over lakes, have a conical shape, and cover the smallest ships.
1. In contrast, concrete girder bridges can be an indeterminate length, though the maximum height is 300m. 2. Concrete bridges are built over rivers and require a series of piers spaced under 200m apart to provide support, only allowing for the passage of medium-sized ships.
1. The modern suspension bridge can be between 400 and 2000m long and it is possible to build it over very deep seas as long as there is shallow land for pier structures to link at either end. 2. The distance between piers enables the largest ships to traverse below safely.
What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The diagram details 3 different constructions for bridges. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that concrete girder bridges are potentially the longest and tallest, while suspension bridges allow for the largest ships to pass underneath. Arch bridges are not as tall or long and admit only the smallest ships.
Looking first of all at arch bridges, the permissible height is no more than 100 meters and the length is typically under 200m. These bridges are built over lakes, have a conical shape, and cover the smallest ships.
In contrast, concrete girder bridges can be an indeterminate length, though the maximum height is 300m. Concrete bridges are built over rivers and require a series of piers spaced under 200m apart to provide support, only allowing for the passage of medium-sized ships.
The modern suspension bridge can be between 400 and 2000m long and it is possible to build it over very deep seas as long as there is shallow land for pier structures to link at either end. The distance between piers enables the largest ships to traverse below safely.
details describes
constructions what has been built
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
concrete made from the substance roads and buildings are made of
potentially possible
suspension kept up
pass underneath go below
arch curved, bent
admit aloows
looking first of all at considering to begin with
permissible allowable
no more than not greater than
typically usually
conical shaped like a cone
cover allows for
in contrast however
indeterminate not exactly known
maximum fullest amount
require needs
series of piers poles to hold it up
spaced keeps the difference between
provide support holds up
allowing for making room for
passage travel
modern new
possible can happen
over very deep seas above oceans with lots of depth
as long as there is assuming that
shallow land not deep
link at either end connect at both sides
distance amount of space
enables allows for
traverse travel
safely without problems
ˈdiːteɪlz
kənˈstrʌkʃənz
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt
ˈkɒnkriːt
pəʊˈtɛnʃəli
səsˈpɛnʃən
pɑːs ˌʌndəˈniːθ
ɑːʧ
ədˈmɪt
ˈlʊkɪŋ fɜːst ɒv ɔːl æt
pəˈmɪsəbl
nəʊ mɔː ðæn
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)li
ˈkɒnɪkəl
ˈkʌvə
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnɪt
ˈmæksɪməm
rɪˈkwaɪə
ˈsɪəriːz ɒv pɪəz
speɪst
prəˈvaɪd səˈpɔːt
əˈlaʊɪŋ fɔː
ˈpæsɪʤ
ˈmɒdən
ˈpɒsəbl
ˈəʊvə ˈvɛri diːp siːz
æz lɒŋ æz ðeər ɪz
ˈʃæləʊ lænd
lɪŋk æt ˈaɪðər ɛnd
ˈdɪstəns
ɪˈneɪblz
ˈtrævə(ː)s
ˈseɪfli
Remember and fill in the blanks:
The diagram d________s 3 different c_______________s for bridges. L____________________________________________t c__________e girder bridges are p___________y the longest and tallest, while s___________n bridges allow for the largest ships to p_________________h. A____h bridges are not as tall or long and a_____t only the smallest ships.
L__________________t arch bridges, the p______________e height is n______________n 100 meters and the length is t__________y under 200m. These bridges are built over lakes, have a c_______l shape, and c_______r the smallest ships.
I____________t, concrete girder bridges can be an i______________e length, though the m_________m height is 300m. Concrete bridges are built over rivers and r_________e a s________________s s_______d under 200m apart to p__________________t, only a________________r the p__________e of medium-sized ships.
The m___________n suspension bridge can be between 400 and 2000m long and it is p____________e to build it o____________________s a________________s s_________________d for pier structures to l_____k a____________d. The d__________e between piers e_________s the largest ships to t_________e below s________y.
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
Read more and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-bridges-in-world
Practice with the following related questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the related graph below and then check with my sample answer:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of road safety and the minimum legal age for driving from the real IELTS exam.
I wrote about this same question when it came up on IELTS more than a year ago but I figure I would write about it again to see if my thinking has changed at all…
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and riding motorbikes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many concerned policy makers today believe that raising the legal age for acquiring a license would improve road safety. In my opinion, though this might engender a negligible impact, there are superior solutions.
Proponents of this policy reform argue that a disproportionate number of accidents today are caused by younger people. In most countries, it is possible to apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 16 and soon after that a license. Teenagers often lack the maturity and experience required to drive responsibly and respond to challenging road conditions such as inclement weather and reckless drivers. If the legal age for driving was increased it would enable young people to spend more time learning the rules of the road and becoming more mature generally. This would presumably lead to a reduction in accidents, though there is little scientific evidence to support this particular hypothesis.
In fact, the causes of collisions are more closely correlated with other underlying problems. The chief cause of vehicular accidents globally relate to driving under the influence of alcohol. Most teenagers are not able to purchase alcohol legally and therefore the majority of accidents are caused by individuals over the legal age for drinking. This statistic is also more prominent among older individuals whose reflexes are in decline. Furthermore, altering the designs of towns and cities would have far greater tangible ramifications. Many urban environments, for example, were built long ago and more modern understandings of motorist behaviour could be beneficial. This might include emphasising subways and other public transport as opposed to motorways.
In conclusion, despite the marginal relationship between maturity and vehicular accidents, the most effective reforms would involve stricter drinking laws and better urban planning. These changes would be more likely to bring about the desired improvements.
1. Many concerned policy makers today believe that raising the legal age for acquiring a license would improve road safety. 2. In my opinion, though this might engender a negligible impact, there are superior solutions.
1. Proponents of this policy reform argue that a disproportionate number of accidents today are caused by younger people. 2. In most countries, it is possible to apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 16 and soon after that a license. 3. Teenagers often lack the maturity and experience required to drive responsibly and respond to challenging road conditions such as inclement weather and reckless drivers. 4. If the legal age for driving was increased it would enable young people to spend more time learning the rules of the road and becoming more mature generally. 5. This would presumably lead to a reduction in accidents, though there is little scientific evidence to support this particular hypothesis.
1. In fact, the causes of collisions are more closely correlated with other underlying problems. 2. The chief cause of vehicular accidents globally relate to driving under the influence of alcohol. 3. Most teenagers are not able to purchase alcohol legally and therefore the majority of accidents are caused by individuals over the legal age for drinking. 4. This statistic is also more prominent among older individuals whose reflexes are in decline. 5. Furthermore, altering the designs of towns and cities would have far greater tangible ramifications. 6. Many urban environments, for example, were built long ago and more modern understandings of motorist behaviour could be beneficial. 7. This might include emphasising subways and other public transport as opposed to motorways.
1. In conclusion, despite the marginal relationship between maturity and vehicular accidents, the most effective reforms would involve stricter drinking laws and better urban planning. 2. These changes would be more likely to bring about the desired improvements.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many concerned policy makers today believe that raising the legal age for acquiring a license would improve road safety. In my opinion, though this might engender a negligible impact, there are superior solutions.
Proponents of this policy reform argue that a disproportionate number of accidents today are caused by younger people. In most countries, it is possible to apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 16 and soon after that a license. Teenagers often lack the maturity and experience required to drive responsibly and respond to challenging road conditions such as inclement weather and reckless drivers. If the legal age for driving was increased it would enable young people to spend more time learning the rules of the road and becoming more mature generally. This would presumably lead to a reduction in accidents, though there is little scientific evidence to support this particular hypothesis.
In fact, the causes of collisions are more closely correlated with other underlying problems. The chief cause of vehicular accidents globally relate to driving under the influence of alcohol. Most teenagers are not able to purchase alcohol legally and therefore the majority of accidents are caused by individuals over the legal age for drinking. This statistic is also more prominent among older individuals whose reflexes are in decline. Furthermore, altering the designs of towns and cities would have far greater tangible ramifications. Many urban environments, for example, were built long ago and more modern understandings of motorist behaviour could be beneficial. This might include emphasising subways and other public transport as opposed to motorways.
In conclusion, despite the marginal relationship between maturity and vehicular accidents, the most effective reforms would involve stricter drinking laws and better urban planning. These changes would be more likely to bring about the desired improvements.
concerned policy makers worried authorities
raising the legal age for acquiring a license increasing how old before you can drive
road safety how many accidents on the road
engender create
negligible impact marginal effect
superior solutions better remedies
proponents supporters
policy reform changes to the laws
disproportionate unequal
apply for a learner’s permit get a certificate to drive
license a document that allows you to drive
lack the maturity immature
required needed
drive responsibly drive carefully
respond to deal with
inclement weather bad weather, storms, etc.
reckless drivers dangerous driving
enable allow
rules of the road how you should drive
presumably you can assume
reduction decrease
little scientific evidence no support from studies
support this particular hypothesis evidence this idea
in fact actually
collisions accidents
more closely correlated directly related
underlying problems foundational issues
chief cause main source
globally around the world
under the influence of alcohol drunk
purchase alcohol legally buy drinks, beers, wine, etc.
majority most of
statistic data
prominent stands out
reflexes how you react
in decline decreasing
altering changing
far greater tangible ramifications much bigger results
urban environments cities
modern understandings newer ideas
motorist behaviour how people drive
beneficial helps
emphasising subways focusing on metros
as opposed to in contrast to
motorways highways
marginal small
stricter drinking laws regulations against DUIs
better urban planning improved cities
bring about cause
desired improvements what they want to fix
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
kənˈsɜːnd ˈpɒlɪsi ˈmeɪkəz
ˈreɪzɪŋ ðə ˈliːgəl eɪʤ fɔːr əˈkwaɪərɪŋ ə ˈlaɪsəns
rəʊd ˈseɪfti
ɪnˈʤɛndə
ˈnɛglɪʤəbl ˈɪmpækt
sju(ː)ˈpɪərɪə səˈluːʃənz
prəˈpəʊnənts
ˈpɒlɪsi ˌriːˈfɔːm
ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃnɪt
əˈplaɪ fɔːr ə ˈlɜːnəz ˈpɜːmɪt
ˈlaɪsəns
læk ðə məˈtjʊərɪti
rɪˈkwaɪəd
draɪv rɪsˈpɒnsəbli
rɪsˈpɒnd tuː
ɪnˈklɛmənt ˈwɛðə
ˈrɛklɪs ˈdraɪvəz
ɪˈneɪbl
ruːlz ɒv ðə rəʊd
prɪˈzjuːməbli
rɪˈdʌkʃən
ˈlɪtl ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk ˈɛvɪdəns
səˈpɔːt ðɪs pəˈtɪkjʊlə haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs
ɪn fækt
kəˈlɪʒənz
mɔː ˈkləʊsli ˈkɒrɪleɪtɪd
ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈprɒbləmz
ʧiːf kɔːz
ˈgləʊbəli
ˈʌndə ði ˈɪnflʊəns ɒv ˈælkəhɒl
ˈpɜːʧəs ˈælkəhɒl ˈliːgəli
məˈʤɒrɪti
stəˈtɪstɪk
ˈprɒmɪnənt
ˈriːflɛksɪz
ɪn dɪˈklaɪn
ˈɔːltərɪŋ
fɑː ˈgreɪtə ˈtænʤəbl ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
ˈɜːbən ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts
ˈmɒdən ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋz
ˈməʊtərɪst bɪˈheɪvjə
ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl
ˈɛmfəsaɪzɪŋ ˈsʌbweɪz
æz əˈpəʊzd tuː
ˈməʊtəˌweɪz
ˈmɑːʤɪnəl
ˈstrɪktə ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ lɔːz
ˈbɛtər ˈɜːbən ˈplænɪŋ
brɪŋ əˈbaʊt
dɪˈzaɪəd ɪmˈpruːvmənts
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many c_________________________s today believe that r__________________________________e would improve r____________y. In my opinion, though this might e__________r a n________________t, there are s_________________s.
P_____________s of this p_____________m argue that a d__________________e number of accidents today are caused by younger people. In most countries, it is possible to a________________________t at the age of 16 and soon after that a l__________e. Teenagers often l_________________y and experience r____________d to d________________y and r____________o challenging road conditions such as i_________________r and r_________________s. If the legal age for driving was increased it would e________e young people to spend more time learning the r________________d and becoming more mature generally. This would p______________y lead to a r___________n in accidents, though there is l______________________e to s______________________________s.
I___________t, the causes of c_____________s are m____________________d with other u_______________________s. The c___________e of vehicular accidents g____________y relate to driving u___________________________l. Most teenagers are not able to p__________________________y and therefore the m___________y of accidents are caused by individuals over the legal age for drinking. This s____________c is also more p____________t among older individuals whose r____________s are i_____________e. Furthermore, a__________g the designs of towns and cities would have f___________________________s. Many u___________________s, for example, were built long ago and more m________________________s of m______________________r could be b______________l. This might include e_____________________s and other public transport a____________________o m_____________s.
In conclusion, despite the m____________l relationship between maturity and vehicular accidents, the most effective reforms would involve s________________________s and b___________________g. These changes would be more likely to b_____________t the d______________________s.
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.wired.com/story/auto-safety-features-speak-same-language/
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:
The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.
Why is this?
How could this be controlled?