IELTS Essay: Road Safety

IELTS Essay: Road Safety

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

IELTS Essay: Road Safety

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.

Analysis

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

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. 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. 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. 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. Any extra statement of the result will help.
  7. The specific examples here are key.

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.

  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.

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.

Answers

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

Pronunciation

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

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:

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.

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.wired.com/story/auto-safety-features-speak-same-language/

Speaking Practice

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

Public Transportation

  1. Do old or young people use public transportation more?
  2. What are the drawbacks of private vehicles?
  3. How could public transportation be improved?
  4. Should city planners consider public transport when designing cities?
  5. What can the government do to improve public transport outside of urban areas?

Writing Practice

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?

IELTS Essay: Experiments

IELTS Essay: Experiments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of experiments in school from the real general training IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Experiments

Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some educators feel that for students to learn effectively they must do experiments themselves, rather than simple observing their teachers. In my opinion, this sentiment has its limits, but in general pupils would benefit more from such a hands-on approach.

Detractors argue that it is more efficient to watch a teacher perform an experiment in front of the class. Throughout the course of the academic year, in classes such as chemistry, biology and physics, teachers will have to cover dozens of topics and highlight numerous theorems. The teacher may perform experiments in order to illustrate concepts when applicable. If students conduct these exercises instead, it would mean less time to go over other areas and would necessitate reducing the size of the curriculum. Their learning may achieve greater depth but the breadth would be abridged.

Nonetheless, performing an experiment oneself promotes greater understanding. Take for example a chemistry class. Students are only likely to remember the end result if the teacher explains the formula for a chemical reaction, selects the ingredients themselves and then mixes and highlights the process. In contrast, if the students must identify, measure and carefully follow steps on their own, they will commit this information more deeply to memory. Their later analysis will further reinforce a more complex understanding of the forces at play in a given experiment. Recent pedagogical research supports the contention that the physicality of performing is a powerful aid to memory and the key to long-term retention.

In conclusion, though there are legitimate reasons to not apply this rule without nuance, it is important that students generally be given the opportunity to carry out experiments on their own. What students internalize will be naturally more memorable.

Analysis

1. Some educators feel that for students to learn effectively they must do experiments themselves, rather than simple observing their teachers. 2. In my opinion, this sentiment has its limits, but in general pupils would benefit more from such a hands-on approach.

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

1. Detractors argue that it is more efficient to watch a teacher perform an experiment in front of the class. 2. Throughout the course of the academic year, in classes such as chemistry, biology and physics, teachers will have to cover dozens of topics and highlight numerous theorems. 3. The teacher may perform experiments in order to illustrate concepts when applicable. 4. If students conduct these exercises instead, it would mean less time to go over other areas and would necessitate reducing the size of the curriculum. 5. Their learning may achieve greater depth but the breadth would be abridged.

  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. Nonetheless, performing an experiment oneself promotes greater understanding. 2. Take for example a chemistry class. 3. Students are only likely to remember the end result if the teacher explains the formula for a chemical reaction, selects the ingredients themselves and then mixes and highlights the process. 4. In contrast, if the students must identify, measure and carefully follow steps on their own, they will commit this information more deeply to memory. 5. Their later analysis will further reinforce a more complex understanding of the forces at play in a given experiment. 6. Recent pedagogical research supports the contention that the physicality of performing is a powerful aid to memory and the key to long-term retention.

  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. Any extra statement of the result will help.

1. In conclusion, though there are legitimate reasons to not apply this rule without nuance, it is important that students generally be given the opportunity to carry out experiments on their own. 2. What students internalize will be naturally more memorable.

  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.

Some educators feel that for students to learn effectively they must do experiments themselves, rather than simple observing their teachers. In my opinion, this sentiment has its limits, but in general pupils would benefit more from such a hands-on approach.

Detractors argue that it is more efficient to watch a teacher perform an experiment in front of the class. Throughout the course of the academic year, in classes such as chemistry, biology and physics, teachers will have to cover dozens of topics and highlight numerous theorems. The teacher may perform experiments in order to illustrate concepts when applicable. If students conduct these exercises instead, it would mean less time to go over other areas and would necessitate reducing the size of the curriculum. Their learning may achieve greater depth but the breadth would be abridged.

Nonetheless, performing an experiment oneself promotes greater understanding. Take for example a chemistry class. Students are only likely to remember the end result if the teacher explains the formula for a chemical reaction, selects the ingredients themselves and then mixes and highlights the process. In contrast, if the students must identify, measure and carefully follow steps on their own, they will commit this information more deeply to memory. Their later analysis will further reinforce a more complex understanding of the forces at play in a given experiment. Recent pedagogical research supports the contention that the physicality of performing is a powerful aid to memory and the key to long-term retention.

In conclusion, though there are legitimate reasons to not apply this rule without nuance, it is important that students generally be given the opportunity to carry out experiments on their own. What students internalize will be naturally more memorable.

Answers

effectively essentially

experiments live classroom demonstrations/practice of a concept

observing wathing

sentiment opinion

limits extremes

in general pupils overall students

benefit get an advantage from

hands-on approach actually doing something in class

detractors critics

efficient good use of resources

perform conduct

throughout all the time

academic year the entire year at school

chemistry study of chemicals

biology study of life

physics study of laws of the universe

cover dozens of topics go over tons of areas

highlight focus on

numerous many

theorems ideas / theories

illustrate concepts show/explain how something works

applicable relevant

conduct do

go over review

necessitate reducing require cutting down on

curriculum what is learned in school

greater depth deeper understanding

breadth how wide/how many areas learned about

abridged reduced

promotes encourages

end result final product

formula the equation making up something

chemical reaction what is produced from an experiment

selects the ingredients choose what goes into it

mixes combines

highlights focuses on

process experiment

in contrast however

identify be able to name

measure keep track of the quantity

carefully follow steps methodically pay attention to the process

commit this information remember the data

more deeply more fully

later analysis thinking back on it

further reinforce add a layer of memory

complex understanding nuanced knowledge

forces at play elements being used

given provided

pedagogical related to teaching

supports the contention in favour of the opinion

physicality using the body

performing doing

powerful aid strong support

long-term retention remembering for a long time

legitimate valid

apply this rule follow this principle

nuance complexity

generally be given the opportunity overall be allowed to

carry out do

on their own by themselves

internalize learn well

naturally of course

Pronunciation

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

ɪˈfɛktɪvli 
ɪksˈpɛrɪmənts
əbˈzɜːvɪŋ 
ˈsɛntɪmənt 
ˈlɪmɪts
ɪn ˈʤɛnərəl ˈpjuːplz 
ˈbɛnɪfɪt 
hændz-ɒn əˈprəʊʧ
dɪˈtræktəz 
ɪˈfɪʃənt 
pəˈfɔːm 
θru(ː)ˈaʊt 
ˌækəˈdɛmɪk jɪə
ˈkɛmɪstri
baɪˈɒləʤi 
ˈfɪzɪks
ˈkʌvə ˈdʌznz ɒv ˈtɒpɪks 
ˈhaɪˌlaɪt 
ˈnjuːmərəs 
ˈθɪərəmz
ˈɪləstreɪt ˈkɒnsɛpts 
ˈæplɪkəbl
ˈkɒndʌkt 
gəʊ ˈəʊvə 
nɪˈsɛsɪteɪt rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ 
kəˈrɪkjʊləm
ˈgreɪtə dɛpθ 
brɛdθ 
əˈbrɪʤd
prəˈməʊts 
ɛnd rɪˈzʌlt 
ˈfɔːmjʊlə 
ˈkɛmɪkəl ri(ː)ˈækʃən
sɪˈlɛkts ði ɪnˈgriːdiənts 
ˈmɪksɪz 
ˈhaɪˌlaɪts 
ˈprəʊsɛs
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ
ˈmɛʒə 
ˈkeəfli ˈfɒləʊ stɛps 
kəˈmɪt ðɪs ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən 
mɔː ˈdiːpli 
ˈleɪtər əˈnæləsɪs 
ˈfɜːðə ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs 
ˈkɒmplɛks ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
ˈfɔːsɪz æt pleɪ 
ˈgɪvn 
ˌpɛdəˈgɒʤɪkəl 
səˈpɔːts ðə kənˈtɛnʃən 
ˈfɪzɪkəlɪti: 
pəˈfɔːmɪŋ 
ˈpaʊəfʊl eɪd 
ˈlɒŋtɜːm rɪˈtɛnʃən
lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt 
əˈplaɪ ðɪs ruːl 
nju(ː)ˈɑːns
ˈʤɛnərəli biː ˈgɪvn ði ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti 
ˈkæri aʊt 
ɒn ðeər əʊn
ɪnˈtɜːnəˌlaɪz 
ˈnæʧrəli 

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:

Some educators feel that for students to learn e________________y they must do e__________________s themselves, rather than simple o____________g their teachers. In my opinion, this s____________t has its l_______s, but i__________l p________s would b_________t more from such a h_________________h.

D______________s argue that it is more e_____________t to watch a teacher p________m an experiment in front of the class. T______________t the course of the a_______________r, in classes such as c___________y, b________y and p__________s, teachers will have to c_____________________s and h__________t n___________s t______________s. The teacher may perform experiments in order to i_____________________s when a_____________e. If students c_________t these exercises instead, it would mean less time to g________r other areas and would n_________________g the size of the c______________m. Their learning may achieve g_______________h but the b________h would be a_________d.

Nonetheless, performing an experiment oneself p__________s greater understanding. Take for example a chemistry class. Students are only likely to remember the e________________t if the teacher explains the f___________a for a c________________n, s______________________s themselves and then m______s and h_____________s the p__________s. I____________t, if the students must i______________y, m_____________e and c_____________________s on their own, they will c_____________________________________y to memory. Their l______________s will f_________________e a more c______________________g of the f________________y in a g_______n experiment. Recent p______________l research s_______________________n that the p_____________y of p_____________g is a p________________d to memory and the key to l_____________________n.

In conclusion, though there are l______________e reasons to not a_______________e without n__________e, it is important that students g________________________________________y to c____________t experiments o________________n. What students i______________e will be n___________y more memorable.

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/education/archive/2020/09/what-makes-blissfield-elementarys-science-lab-unique/616285/

Speaking Practice

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

Science

  1. Do you like science?
  2. Did you learn about science in primary school?
  3. How often do you read about science?
  4. Why is science important to learn about?

Writing Practice

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

Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay Task 1: World Production

IELTS Essay Task 1: World Production

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of total world production across 3 different regions.

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: World Production

The bar graph shows the total manufacturing production in percentages Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world.

ielts essay world production
IELTS Essay: World Production

The bar chart details manufacturing production figures proportionally for Asia, Europe and the rest for the world from 1840 to 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while Asia and Europe’s numbers are in decline overall, Asia is on the rise. The rest of the world experienced the most steady increase and by the end was second to Asia in production.

Asia began the period with the highest levels of production at 50%, with Europe slightly lower at 40% and the rest of the world constituting the final 10%. By 1880, the differences had narrowed with Asia falling to 30%, Europe at 45% and the rest of the world more than doubling to 15%. This trend continued through 1920 as Europe and the rest of the world both rose an additional 5% and Asia dropped 10% further.

After 1960 the pattern shifted as Asia begin to rise precipitously, first to 15% and then to 45%. In contrast, Europe underwent a decline to 38% in 1960 and 28% by 2000. Lastly, the rest of the world peaked in 1960 at 38% (even with Europe) before falling back slightly to 32% by the end of the period.

Analysis

1. The bar chart details manufacturing production figures proportionally for Asia, Europe and the rest for the world from 1840 to 2000. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while Asia and Europe’s numbers are in decline overall, Asia is on the rise. 3. The rest of the world experienced the most steady increase and by the end was second to Asia in production.

  1. Paraphrase what the graph shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
  3. Add an extra sentence to be sure that you have covered everything.

1. Asia began the period with the highest levels of production at 50%, with Europe slightly lower at 40% and the rest of the world constituting the final 10%. 2. By 1880, the differences had narrowed with Asia falling to 30%, Europe at 45% and the rest of the world more than doubling to 15%. 3. This trend continued through 1920 as Europe and the rest of the world both rose an additional 5% and Asia dropped 10% further.

  1. Begin writing about the differences.
  2. Compare as much as possible.
  3. Make sure you mention all data.

1. After 1960 the pattern shifted as Asia begin to rise precipitously, first to 15% and then to 45%. 2. In contrast, Europe underwent a decline to 38% in 1960 and 28% by 2000. 3. Lastly, the rest of the world peaked in 1960 at 38% (even with Europe) before falling back slightly to 32% by the end of the period.

  1. Write about the rest of the information.
  2. Make sure you have detailed all the information.
  3. Don’t leave anything out!

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The bar chart details manufacturing production figures proportionally for Asia, Europe and the rest for the world from 1840 to 2000. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while Asia and Europe’s numbers are in decline overall, Asia is on the rise. The rest of the world experienced the most steady increase and by the end was second to Asia in production.

Asia began the period with the highest levels of production at 50%, with Europe slightly lower at 40% and the rest of the world constituting the final 10%. By 1880, the differences had narrowed with Asia falling to 30%, Europe at 45% and the rest of the world more than doubling to 15%. This trend continued through 1920 as Europe and the rest of the world both rose an additional 5% and Asia dropped 10% further.

After 1960 the pattern shifted as Asia begin to rise precipitously, first to 15% and then to 45%. In contrast, Europe underwent a decline to 38% in 1960 and 28% by 2000. Lastly, the rest of the world peaked in 1960 at 38% (even with Europe) before falling back slightly to 32% by the end of the period.

Answers

details describes

manufacturing production figures date for the amount of items produced

proportionally by percentage

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

decline overall decrease in general

on the rise growing

experienced underwent

most steady increase went up at regular intervals

was second to just below

began the period with start at

slightly lower a little less

constituting making up

differences had narrowed disparities smaller

falling to declining to

more than doubling increasing at least 200%

trend pattern

rose grew

additional extra

dropped fell

further moreso

pattern shifted trend changed

precipitously quickly/a lot

underwent experienced

decline decrease

lastly finally

peaked reached a high point

even equal

falling back slightly decreasing a little

by the end of the period at the end of the time surveyed

Pronunciation

ˈdiːteɪlz 
ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərɪŋ prəˈdʌkʃən ˈfɪgəz 
prəˈpɔːʃənli 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
dɪˈklaɪn ˈəʊvərɔːl
ɒn ðə raɪz
ɪksˈpɪərɪənst 
məʊst ˈstɛdi ˈɪnkriːs 
wɒz ˈsɛkənd tuː 
bɪˈgæn ðə ˈpɪərɪəd wɪð 
ˈslaɪtli ˈləʊə 
ˈkɒnstɪtjuːtɪŋ 
ˈdɪfrənsɪz hæd ˈnærəʊd 
ˈfɔːlɪŋ tuː 
mɔː ðæn ˈdʌblɪŋ 
trɛnd 
rəʊz 
əˈdɪʃənl 
drɒpt 
ˈfɜːðə
ˈpætən ˈʃɪftɪd 
prɪˈsɪpɪtəsli
ˌʌndəˈwɛnt 
dɪˈklaɪn 
ˈlɑːstli
piːkt 
ˈiːvən 
ˈfɔːlɪŋ bæk ˈslaɪtli 
baɪ ði ɛnd ɒv ðə ˈpɪərɪəd

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The bar chart d______s m__________________________s p_____________y for Asia, Europe and the rest for the world from 1840 to 2000. L__________________________________________t while Asia and Europe’s numbers are in d______________l, Asia is o____________e. The rest of the world e______________d the m_________________e and by the end w____________o Asia in production.

Asia b_____________________h the highest levels of production at 50%, with Europe s_______________r at 40% and the rest of the world c____________g the final 10%. By 1880, the d__________________________d with Asia f____________o 30%, Europe at 45% and the rest of the world m__________________g to 15%. This t_______d continued through 1920 as Europe and the rest of the world both r_____e an a_____________l 5% and Asia d___________d 10% f_________r.

After 1960 the p_______________d as Asia begin to rise p______________y, first to 15% and then to 45%. In contrast, Europe u____________t a d________e to 38% in 1960 and 28% by 2000. L________y, the rest of the world p________d in 1960 at 38% (e_____n with Europe) before f__________________y to 32% b__________________________d.

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.theguardian.com/cities/2016/dec/01/how-cities-took-over-the-world-a-history-of-globalisation-spanning-4000-years

Speaking Practice

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

Travelling

  1. Do you like travelling?
  2. What is the most beautiful country you have visited?
  3. Would you like to have a job that demands travelling to other countries?
  4. What problems can occur when travelling?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related graph below related to film production in 5 countries and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Essay: Childhood Obesity

IELTS Essay: Childhood Obesity

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay that is only available on my Patreon based on a real question from the exam.

Here is the questions itself:

Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years.

What are the primary causes of this?

What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?

Sign up for that Ebook as well as lots of other ones and the opportunity to chat with me personally!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Museums and Art Galleries

IELTS Essay: Museums and Art Galleries

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of museums and art galleries from the real IELTS exam.

I’ve actually written about this same topic before but it just came up again on IELTS recently so I decided to write about it a second time!

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Museums and Art Galleries

Museums and art galleries should show local history and culture instead of work from different countries.

Discuss both views and give opinion.

Some feel that museums and art galleries ought to primarily focus on showcasing local, rather than international, works. In my opinion, despite the importance of domestic pieces for national cohesion, there is greater value in international items.

Those who advocate for domestic art in national museums and exhibition halls point out the unifying effect. Students in every country are expected to learn their national history but these lessons can often feel impersonal and abstract. The chance to visit a museum and see authentic documents from the past revitalises history and can inspire patriotism. A standout example of this would be The Smithsonian in the United States, which houses key historic and cultural artifacts. Visitors from different parts of the country and disparate ethnic groups can potentially find common ground by reflecting on the struggles and achievements of their forefathers.

Regardless, the citizenry as a whole can learn more from international artworks. Most people have learned their own nation’s history well but possess limited understanding of other cultures. Going to a museum featuring items from around the world is therefore an enlightening experience. For example, The British Museum in London famously contains one of the world’s largest collections of culturally significant artifacts from around the world. By seeing and reading the plaques for a variety of artworks both young students and adults alike have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the traditions, cultures, and events that underpin the modern world. Over time, this can lead to a more inclusive, culturally diversified society.

All in all, the patriotic positives of locally themed collections are outweighed by the educational benefits of globally sourced institutions. There must be a degree of balance but those in positions of authority should emphasise cultural diversity.

Analysis

1. Some feel that museums and art galleries ought to primarily focus on showcasing local, rather than international, works. 2. In my opinion, despite the importance of domestic pieces for national cohesion, there is greater value in international items.

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

1. Those who advocate for domestic art in national museums and exhibition halls point out the unifying effect. 2. Students in every country are expected to learn their national history but these lessons can often feel impersonal and abstract. 3. The chance to visit a museum and see authentic documents from the past revitalises history and can inspire patriotism. 4. A standout example of this would be The Smithsonian in the United States, which houses key historic and cultural artifacts. 5. Visitors from different parts of the country and disparate ethnic groups can potentially find common ground by reflecting on the struggles and achievements of their forefathers.

  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. Regardless, the citizenry as a whole can learn more from international artworks. 2. Most people have learned their own nation’s history well but possess limited understanding of other cultures. 3. Going to a museum featuring items from around the world is therefore an enlightening experience. 4. For example, The British Museum in London famously contains one of the world’s largest collections of culturally significant artifacts from around the world. 5. By seeing and reading the plaques for a variety of artworks both young students and adults alike have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the traditions, cultures, and events that underpin the modern world. 6. Over time, this can lead to a more inclusive, culturally diversified society.

  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. Any extra statement of the result will help.

1. All in all, the patriotic positives of locally themed collections are outweighed by the educational benefits of globally sourced institutions. 2. There must be a degree of balance but those in positions of authority should emphasise cultural diversity.

  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.

Some feel that museums and art galleries ought to primarily focus on showcasing local, rather than international, works. In my opinion, despite the importance of domestic pieces for national cohesion, there is greater value in international items.

Those who advocate for domestic art in national museums and exhibition halls point out the unifying effect. Students in every country are expected to learn their national history but these lessons can often feel impersonal and abstract. The chance to visit a museum and see authentic documents from the past revitalises history and can inspire patriotism. A standout example of this would be The Smithsonian in the United States, which houses key historic and cultural artifacts. Visitors from different parts of the country and disparate ethnic groups can potentially find common ground by reflecting on the struggles and achievements of their forefathers.

Regardless, the citizenry as a whole can learn more from international artworks. Most people have learned their own nation’s history well but possess limited understanding of other cultures. Going to a museum featuring items from around the world is therefore an enlightening experience. For example, The British Museum in London famously contains one of the world’s largest collections of culturally significant artifacts from around the world. By seeing and reading the plaques for a variety of artworks both young students and adults alike have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the traditions, cultures, and events that underpin the modern world. Over time, this can lead to a more inclusive, culturally diversified society.

All in all, the patriotic positives of locally themed collections are outweighed by the educational benefits of globally sourced institutions. There must be a degree of balance but those in positions of authority should emphasise cultural diversity.

Answers

primarily mainly

focus on concentrate

showcasing displaying

local from that country

international from around the world

domestic local, from your country

national cohesion uniting a country

value importance

advocate support

exhibition halls art galleries

point out argue

unifying effect how it brings people together

expected predicted

national history past of a country

impersonal no personal, removed

abstract far away, not concrete

authentic documents real items

revitalises brings life back to

inspire patriotism make you feel for your country

A standout example of this would be a good instance is

houses contains

artifacts old items

disparate ethnic groups different demographics in society

potentially possibly

find common ground have something in common

reflecting thinking back on

struggles difficulties

achievements what you get done in life

forefathers ancestors

regardless nonetheless

citizenry people in a country

as a whole all together

possess have

limited understanding not much knowing

featuring having

enlightening experience insightful time

famously well known

culturally significant artifacts important art/historic objects

plaques information about the items

alike both

broaden widen

traditions past ways of doing things

underpin serve as the foundation for

modern world the world today

over time as time goes on

inclusive accepting and open

culturally diversified society world with lots of different cultures

all in all in conclusion

patriotic caring about your country

locally themed collections items taken from one’s own country

outweighed stronger than

globally sourced institutions items taken from around the world

a degree of balance some equality

positions of authority high up, policymakers

emphasise focus on

Pronunciation

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

ˈpraɪmərɪli 
ˈfəʊkəs ɒn 
ˈʃəʊkeɪsɪŋ 
ˈləʊkəl
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl 
dəʊˈmɛstɪk 
ˈnæʃənl kəʊˈhiːʒən
ˈvæljuː 
ˈædvəkɪt 
ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃən hɔːlz 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈjuːnɪfaɪɪŋ ɪˈfɛkt
ɪksˈpɛktɪd 
ˈnæʃənl ˈhɪstəri 
ɪmˈpɜːsnl 
ˈæbstrækt 
ɔːˈθɛntɪk ˈdɒkjʊmənts 
ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪzɪz 
ɪnˈspaɪə ˈpætrɪətɪzm
ə ˈstændaʊt ɪgˈzɑːmpl ɒv ðɪs wʊd biː 
ˈhaʊzɪz 
ˈɑːtɪˌfækts
ˈdɪspərɪt ˈɛθnɪk gruːps 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəli 
faɪnd ˈkɒmən graʊnd 
rɪˈflɛktɪŋ 
ˈstrʌglz 
əˈʧiːvmənts 
ˈfɔːˌfɑːðəz
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs 
ˈsɪtɪznri 
æz ə həʊl 
pəˈzɛs 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
ˈfiːʧərɪŋ 
ɪnˈlaɪtnɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
ˈfeɪməsli 
ˈkʌlʧərəli sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈɑːtɪˌfækts 
plɑːks 
əˈlaɪk 
ˈbrɔːdn 
trəˈdɪʃənz
ˌʌndəˈpɪn 
ˈmɒdən wɜːld
ˈəʊvə taɪm
ɪnˈkluːsɪv
ˈkʌlʧərəli daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪd səˈsaɪəti
ɔːl ɪn ɔːl 
ˌpætrɪˈɒtɪk 
ˈləʊkəli θiːmd kəˈlɛkʃənz 
aʊtˈweɪd 
ˈgləʊbəli sɔːst ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənz
ə dɪˈgriː ɒv ˈbæləns 
pəˈzɪʃənz ɒv ɔːˈθɒrɪti 
ˈɛmfəsaɪz 

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:

Some feel that museums and art galleries ought to p___________y f__________n s_____________g l______l, rather than i_____________l, works. In my opinion, despite the importance of d_____________c pieces for n____________________n, there is greater v_____e in international items.

Those who a____________e for domestic art in national museums and e_______________s p___________t the u______________t. Students in every country are e___________d to learn their n_______________y but these lessons can often feel i___________l and a_________t. The chance to visit a museum and see a____________________s from the past r__________s history and can i__________________m. A________________________________e The Smithsonian in the United States, which h_________s key historic and cultural a_________s. Visitors from different parts of the country and d_________________________s can p_____________y f_____________________d by r_____________g on the s____________s and a________________s of their f_____________s.

R___________s, the c_____________y a____________e can learn more from international artworks. Most people have learned their own nation’s history well but p_________s l______________________g of other cultures. Going to a museum f___________g items from around the world is therefore an e__________________________e. For example, The British Museum in London f____________y contains one of the world’s largest collections of c__________________________s from around the world. By seeing and reading the p__________s for a variety of artworks both young students and adults a______e have the opportunity to b_________n their understanding of the t__________s, cultures, and events that u____________n the m_____________d. O____________e, this can lead to a more i____________e, c________________________y.

A___________l, the p_________c positives of l______________________________s are o___________d by the educational benefits of g_________________________s. There must be a____________________e but those in p_________________y should e_____________e cultural diversity.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/user/smithsonianchannel

Reading Practice

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

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/10-museums-you-can-explore-right-here-right-now/igKSKBBnEBSGKg

Speaking Practice

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

Art

  1. Should kids be taught art from a young age?
  2. Is it important for all people to get the opportunity to make art?
  3. Should art be sold or kept in museums for the public to see?
  4. Why is art sold for such large sums of money?
  5. What is the attitude to art in your country?

Writing Practice

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

Museums and art galleries should focus on works that show the history and culture of their own country rather than works of other parts of the world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?