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?
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Dave
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
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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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
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
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.
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
https://www.youtube.com/user/smithsonianchannel
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 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?
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of competition between older and younger people from the real IELTS exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
Nowadays more and more older people who need employment have to compete with younger people for the same jobs.
What problems does this cause?
What are the solutions?
In many workplaces, there is a natural conflict between younger and older employees. In my opinion, this can impact staff morale in a number of ways and the best solutions involve competent management and hiring practices.
The ramifications of an age-diversified workplace relate to the environment. When new employees join, there is often resentment from older workers who feel threatened or must compensate for their new colleagues’ inexperience. If the younger workers are arrogant, this conflict will grow into animosity and result in a toxic workplace culture. Similarly, if they are unable to quickly adapt to the company, older workers will likely become frustrated. Conversely, there is also the possibility, particularly if the work involves emerging technologies, that the more experienced workers will lag behind and younger workers will feel hampered. This can also lead to an unhealthy workplace atmosphere.
The solutions for the problems detailed above relate to management and hiring. A company that selects a qualified young employee with a positive mindset does not have to fear negative effects on morale. After hiring, management also plays a key role in dissolving tensions and preventing their initial occurrences. For example, managers who know the strengths and weaknesses of their employees well will not team up workers with contrary personalities. Additionally, by ensuring older employees stay current with new technology, managers will avoid the potential conflict arising from changes in their field. Finally, the manager must also take steps to guarantee the workplace has strong cohesion by valuing contributions from all employees, setting a relaxed atmosphere, being transparent, and ensuring there are no double standards due to age.
In conclusion, the issues stemming from a variety of ages working together concern the environment and the solutions involve strong management. In this way, these seemingly inevitable conflicts can be mitigated.
1. In many workplaces, there is a natural conflict between younger and older employees. 2. In my opinion, this can impact staff morale in a number of ways and the best solutions involve competent management and hiring practices.
1. The ramifications of an age-diversified workplace relate to the environment. 2. When new employees join, there is often resentment from older workers who feel threatened or must compensate for their new colleagues’ inexperience. 3. If the younger workers are arrogant, this conflict will grow into animosity and result in a toxic workplace culture. 4. Similarly, if they are unable to quickly adapt to the company, older workers will likely become frustrated. 5. Conversely, there is also the possibility, particularly if the work involves emerging technologies, that the more experienced workers will lag behind and younger workers will feel hampered. 6. This can also lead to an unhealthy workplace atmosphere.
1. The solutions for the problems detailed above relate to management and hiring. 2. A company that selects a qualified young employee with a positive mindset does not have to fear negative effects on morale. 3. After hiring, management also plays a key role in dissolving tensions and preventing their initial occurrences. 4. For example, managers who know the strengths and weaknesses of their employees well will not team up workers with contrary personalities. 5. Additionally, by ensuring older employees stay current with new technology, managers will avoid the potential conflict arising from changes in their field. 6. Finally, the manager must also take steps to guarantee the workplace has strong cohesion by valuing contributions from all employees, setting a relaxed atmosphere, being transparent, and ensuring there are no double standards due to age.
1. In conclusion, the issues stemming from a variety of ages working together concern the environment and the solutions involve strong management. 2. In this way, these seemingly inevitable conflicts can be mitigated.
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
In many workplaces, there is a natural conflict between younger and older employees. In my opinion, this can impact staff morale in a number of ways and the best solutions involve competent management and hiring practices.
The ramifications of an age-diversified workplace relate to the environment. When new employees join, there is often resentment from older workers who feel threatened or must compensate for their new colleagues’ inexperience. If the younger workers are arrogant, this conflict will grow into animosity and result in a toxic workplace culture. Similarly, if they are unable to quickly adapt to the company, older workers will likely become frustrated. Conversely, there is also the possibility, particularly if the work involves emerging technologies, that the more experienced workers will lag behind and younger workers will feel hampered. This can also lead to an unhealthy workplace atmosphere.
The solutions for the problems detailed above relate to management and hiring. A company that selects a qualified young employee with a positive mindset does not have to fear negative effects on morale. After hiring, management also plays a key role in dissolving tensions and preventing their initial occurrences. For example, managers who know the strengths and weaknesses of their employees well will not team up workers with contrary personalities. Additionally, by ensuring older employees stay current with new technology, managers will avoid the potential conflict arising from changes in their field. Finally, the manager must also take steps to guarantee the workplace has strong cohesion by valuing contributions from all employees, setting a relaxed atmosphere, being transparent, and ensuring there are no double standards due to age.
In conclusion, the issues stemming from a variety of ages working together concern the environment and the solutions involve strong management. In this way, these seemingly inevitable conflicts can be mitigated.
workplaces offices and other places where people work
natural conflict inevitable tension
staff morale how employees feel
involve has to do with
competent management capable bosses
hiring practices how people are employed
ramifications implications
age-diversified different ages
environment the atmosphere
resentment anger towards
threatened feel insecure
compensate make up for
inexperience not having done the work before
arrogant believing too much in yourself
conflict problems
animosity strong resentment, hatred
toxic poisonous, bad
culture atmosphere
similarly not so different
adapt change to
frustrated anger
possibility chance
particularly especially
emerging technologies innovations
lag behind not stay current with changes
hampered held back
unhealthy workplace atmosphere bad feelings among employees
detailed above described before
positive mindset good outlook
plays a key role has a big part in
dissolving tensions making people feel better, solving conflicts
preventing stopping from happening to begin with
initial occurrences happening the first time
strengths and weaknesses what you are good and bad at
team up work together
contrary personalities people likely to not get along
ensuring guaranteeing
stay current keep up to date
avoid prevent from happening
potential conflict possible fights
arising coming from
take steps act on
guarantee make sure
strong cohesion linked together well
valuing contributions considering what employees do important
setting a relaxed atmosphere making everything feel good
transparent honest and open
ensuring making sure
double standards different standards for different people
stemming from coming from
concern have to do with
seemingly inevitable appears it will happen no matter what
mitigated curged, controlled, limited
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈwɜːkˌpleɪsɪz
ˈnæʧrəl ˈkɒnflɪkt
stɑːf mɒˈrɑːl
ɪnˈvɒlv
ˈkɒmpɪtənt ˈmænɪʤmənt
ˈhaɪərɪŋ ˈpræktɪsɪz
ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
eɪʤ-daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪd
ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt
rɪˈzɛntmənt
ˈθrɛtnd
ˈkɒmpɛnseɪt
ˌɪnɪksˈpɪərɪəns
ˈærəʊgənt
ˈkɒnflɪkt
ˌænɪˈmɒsɪti
ˈtɒksɪk
ˈkʌlʧə
ˈsɪmɪləli
əˈdæpt
frʌsˈtreɪtɪd
ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti
pəˈtɪkjʊləli
ɪˈmɜːʤɪŋ tɛkˈnɒləʤiz
læg bɪˈhaɪnd
ˈhæmpəd
ʌnˈhɛlθi ˈwɜːkˌpleɪs ˈætməsfɪə
ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv
ˈpɒzətɪv ˈmaɪndsɛt
pleɪz ə kiː rəʊl
dɪˈzɒlvɪŋ ˈtɛnʃənz
prɪˈvɛntɪŋ
ɪˈnɪʃəl əˈkʌrənsɪz
strɛŋθs ænd ˈwiːknɪsɪz
tiːm ʌp
ˈkɒntrəri ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪtiz
ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ
steɪ ˈkʌrənt
əˈvɔɪd
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈkɒnflɪkt
əˈraɪzɪŋ
teɪk stɛps
ˌgærənˈtiː
strɒŋ kəʊˈhiːʒən
ˈvæljuːɪŋ ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃənz
ˈsɛtɪŋ ə rɪˈlækst ˈætməsfɪə
trænsˈpeərənt
ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ
ˈdʌbl ˈstændədz
ˈstɛmɪŋ frɒm
kənˈsɜːn
ˈsiːmɪŋli ɪnˈɛvɪtəbl
ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪd
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:
In many w__________s, there is a n________________t between younger and older employees. In my opinion, this can impact s____________e in a number of ways and the best solutions i__________e c____________t m____________t and h__________________s.
The r______________s of an a________________d workplace relate to the e_______________t. When new employees join, there is often r__________t from older workers who feel t____________d or must c_____________e for their new colleagues’ i______________e. If the younger workers are a___________t, this c________t will grow into a___________y and result in a t_______c workplace c___________e. S__________y, if they are unable to quickly a______t to the company, older workers will likely become f_____________d. Conversely, there is also the p____________y, p_____________y if the work involves e___________________________s, that the more experienced workers will l________________d and younger workers will feel h___________d. This can also lead to an u_____________________________________e.
The solutions for the problems d_______________e relate to management and hiring. A company that selects a qualified young employee with a p______________t does not have to fear negative effects on morale. After hiring, management also p_________________e in d_________________s and p____________g their i____________________s. For example, managers who know the s__________________________s of their employees well will not t______________p workers with c_______________________s. Additionally, by e____________g older employees s______________t with new technology, managers will a________d the p___________________t a_________g from changes in their field. Finally, the manager must also t___________s to g___________e the workplace has s____________________n by v_____________________s from all employees, s_______________________________e, being t______________t, and e___________g there are no d____________________s due to age.
In conclusion, the issues s______________m a variety of ages working together c_____________n the environment and the solutions involve strong management. In this way, these s___________________e conflicts can be m_____________d.
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.who.int/ageing/features/workplace-ageism/en/
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:
When a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of fathers having time off from work after their children are born from the real IELTS general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts so that I can continue publishing these essays!
Dave
All fathers should be entitled to time-off from work when their children are born.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be granted paternity leave upon the birth of a new child. In my opinion, though this has economic ramifications, it is a progressive reform that should be encouraged.
Critics argue that in the aggregate the implications are negative for the economy. Most companies already account for maternity leave in their yearly budget. If fathers were to take off a similar amount of time, then many corporations would struggle to achieve the same profits. Since most businesses, both large and small, are unwilling to sacrifice revenue for the sake of their employees, the likely result would be a compensating reduction in workers’ wages. This would mean less money for consumers and the very parents who require additional means to provide for their children. Governments might be able to regulate this to an extent but corporate entities are committed to their bottom line over all else.
Nonetheless, this change is illustrative of a positive change in the understanding of gender equality. In the past, there was an historically ingrained, more institutionalised hierarchy between males and females. The shift towards increasingly equal treatment in the last century affects primarily women but must be fair in order to not engender resentment from men. One way of evidencing that gender equality concerns both sexes is paternity leave. Since men do not have to recover physically, this paid leave should be shorter but still significant. Governments can easily propose and force through legislation ensuring that the same protections enshrined in law for women, have a comparable statute safeguarding the rights of fathers.
In conclusion, though there is an economic tradeoff, men should be granted leave to be with their newly born children. The negatives can be mitigated if the time is limited relative to maternity leave.
1. It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be granted paternity leave upon the birth of a new child. 2. In my opinion, though this has economic ramifications, it is a progressive reform that should be encouraged.
1. Critics argue that in the aggregate the implications are negative for the economy. 2. Most companies already account for maternity leave in their yearly budget. 3. If fathers were to take off a similar amount of time, then many corporations would struggle to achieve the same profits. 4. Since most businesses, both large and small, are unwilling to sacrifice revenue for the sake of their employees, the likely result would be a compensating reduction in workers’ wages. 5. This would mean less money for consumers and the very parents who require additional means to provide for their children. 6. Governments might be able to regulate this to an extent but corporate entities are committed to their bottom line over all else.
1. Nonetheless, this change is illustrative of a positive change in the understanding of gender equality. 2. In the past, there was an historically ingrained, more institutionalised hierarchy between males and females. 3. The shift towards increasingly equal treatment in the last century affects primarily women but must be fair in order to not engender resentment from men. 4. One way of evidencing that gender equality concerns both sexes is paternity leave. 5. Since men do not have to recover physically, this paid leave should be shorter but still significant. 6. Governments can easily propose and force through legislation ensuring that the same protections enshrined in law for women, have a comparable statute safeguarding the rights of fathers.
1. In conclusion, though there is an economic tradeoff, men should be granted leave to be with their newly born children. 2. The negatives can be mitigated if the time is limited relative to maternity leave.
What do the words in bold below mean? Take notes on a piece of paper so that you remember them better:
It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be granted paternity leave upon the birth of a new child. In my opinion, though this has economic ramifications, it is a progressive reform that should be encouraged.
Critics argue that in the aggregate the implications are negative for the economy. Most companies already account for maternity leave in their yearly budget. If fathers were to take off a similar amount of time, then many corporations would struggle to achieve the same profits. Since most businesses, both large and small, are unwilling to sacrifice revenue for the sake of their employees, the likely result would be a compensating reduction in workers’ wages. This would mean less money for consumers and the very parents who require additional means to provide for their children. Governments might be able to regulate this to an extent but corporate entities are committed to their bottom line over all else.
Nonetheless, this change is illustrative of a positive change in the understanding of gender equality. In the past, there was an historically ingrained, more institutionalised hierarchy between males and females. The shift towards increasingly equal treatment in the last century affects primarily women but must be fair in order to not engender resentment from men. One way of evidencing that gender equality concerns both sexes is paternity leave. Since men do not have to recover physically, this paid leave should be shorter but still significant. Governments can easily propose and force through legislation ensuring that the same protections enshrined in law for women, have a comparable statute safeguarding the rights of fathers.
In conclusion, though there is an economic tradeoff, men should be granted leave to be with their newly born children. The negatives can be mitigated if the time is limited relative to maternity leave.
increasingly common more and more pervasive
granted given
paternity leave time off from work to be with your child after birth
economic ramifications implications for the economy
progressive reform positive, modern change
encouraged promoted
critics those who disagree
in the aggregate overall
implications effects
account for make up
yearly budget money earned/spent in a year
take off not work
struggle have difficulty
achieve get done
unwilling not wanting to
sacrifice revenue give up money
sake interest
likely result probably end in
reduction making it less
consumers customers
require need
means money earned
provide for take care of
regulate make laws, restrictions, etc.
to an extent to some degree
corporate entities companies
committed caring about
bottom line how much money they make
over all else above everything
nonetheless regardless
illustrative evidences
understanding changed thinking on
gender equality fairness between men and women
historically ingrained from a long time past part of society
institutionalised hierarchy the entities that order people within society
shift change
treatment how someone is dealt with
century 100 years
primarily mostly
engender resentment create a counter-reaction
evidencing showing
sexes genders
paternity leave time off for men to stay with newborns
recover get better
physically related to the body
paid leave time off with pay/salary
significant important
easily without effort
propose suggest
force through make sure
ensuring making it sure
protections safeguards
enshrined codified
comparable can be compared
statute law
safeguarding protecting
tradeoff downside
newly born just born
mitigated curbed, lessened
limited constrained
relative to in comparison to
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən
ˈgrɑːntɪd
pəˈtɜːnɪti liːv
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
prəʊˈgrɛsɪv ˌriːˈfɔːm
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤd
ˈkrɪtɪks
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt
ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz
əˈkaʊnt fɔː
ˈjɪəli ˈbʌʤɪt
teɪk ɒf
ˈstrʌgl
əˈʧiːv
ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ
ˈsækrɪfaɪs ˈrɛvɪnjuː
seɪk
ˈlaɪkli rɪˈzʌlt
rɪˈdʌkʃən
kənˈsjuːməz
rɪˈkwaɪə
miːnz
prəˈvaɪd fɔː
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt
tuː ən ɪksˈtɛnt
ˈkɔːpərɪt ˈɛntɪtiz
kəˈmɪtɪd
ˈbɒtəm laɪn
ˈəʊvər ɔːl ɛls
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈɪləstreɪtɪv
ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ
ˈʤɛndər i(ː)ˈkwɒlɪti
hɪsˈtɒrɪkəli ɪnˈgreɪnd
ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəlaɪzd ˈhaɪərɑːki
ʃɪft
ˈtriːtmənt
ˈsɛnʧʊri
ˈpraɪmərɪli
ɪnˈʤɛndə rɪˈzɛntmənt
ˈɛvɪdənsɪŋ
ˈsɛksɪz
pəˈtɜːnɪti liːv
rɪˈkʌvə
ˈfɪzɪkəli
peɪd liːv
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt
ˈiːzɪli
prəˈpəʊz
fɔːs θruː
ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ
prəˈtɛkʃənz
ɪnˈʃraɪnd
ˈkɒmpərəbl
ˈstætjuːt
ˈseɪfgɑːdɪŋ
treɪd ɒf
ˈnjuːli bɔːn
ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪd
ˈlɪmɪtɪd
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː
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 fathers to be g_________d p__________________e upon the birth of a new child. In my opinion, though this has e_________________________s, it is a p_________________m that should be e__________________d.
C_________s argue that i________________e the i______________s are negative for the economy. Most companies already a___________r maternity leave in their y________________t. If fathers were to t_________f a similar amount of time, then many corporations would s_________e to a_________e the same profits. Since most businesses, both large and small, are u__________g to s___________________e for the s________e of their employees, the l_____________t would be a compensating r_________n in workers’ wages. This would mean less money for c___________s and the very parents who r________e additional m_________s to p____________r their children. Governments might be able to r___________e this t____________t but c_________________s are c__________d to their b_______________e o_______________e.
N_______________s, this change is i_______________e of a positive change in the u______________g of g______________y. In the past, there was an h________________d, more i__________________________y between males and females. The s____t towards increasingly equal t_____________t in the last c________y affects p__________y women but must be fair in order to not e__________r r______________t from men. One way of e__________g that gender equality concerns both s______s is p_______________e. Since men do not have to r_________r p____________y, this p__________e should be shorter but still s___________t. Governments can e________________e and f________________h legislation e__________g that the same p_____________s e___________d in law for women, have a c______________e s_____________e s__________________g the rights of fathers.
In conclusion, though there is an economic t___________f, men should be granted leave to be with their n__________n children. The negatives can be m______________d if the time is l_________d r_______________o maternity leave.
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPjtoZJAJi4
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/19/parenting/why-dads-dont-take-parental-leave.html
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:
Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.
To what extent do you agree?
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the price of bananas imported in 5 different countries.
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Dave
The line graph shows the sales figures for bananas imported to 4 countries from 1996 to 2004.
The line chart details total import figures in USD per kg for bananas between 1996 and 2004. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the USA imported by far the least despite a small upwards trend, while Japan (in decline) imported the most. France was stable overall and tied for most imports by the end and Germany rose marginally.
Looking more specifically, the United States began the period importing 1 USD per kg of bananas and this number fluctuated within a narrow range, finishing at $1.2. In contrast, Japan’s imports started at $2 before a sharp rise to 3 USD per kg by 1998, erratic numbers between $2 and $2.5 after that, and a sudden drop followed by a partial recovery to end at $2.
Similarly, France began and finished at 2 USD per kg, however, its figures remained below $2 most of the period. Germany’s imports were at $1.5 in 1996, preceding a surge to over $2.5 in 1998, a crash to a low point of $1.3 the following year, then a steady rise to $2 and a final pullback to finish the period at $1.7.
1. The line chart details total import figures in USD per kg for bananas between 1996 and 2004. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the USA imported by far the least despite a small upwards trend, while Japan (in decline) imported the most. 3. France was stable overall and tied for most imports by the end and Germany rose marginally.
1. Looking more specifically, the United States began the period importing 1 USD per kg of bananas and this number fluctuated within a narrow range, finishing at $1.2. 2. In contrast, Japan’s imports started at $2 before a sharp rise to 3 USD per kg by 1998, erratic numbers between $2 and $2.5 after that, and a sudden drop followed by a partial recovery to end at $2.
1. Similarly, France began and finished at 2 USD per kg, however, its figures remained below $2 most of the period. 2. Germany’s imports were at $1.5 in 1996, preceding a surge to over $2.5 in 1998, a crash to a low point of $1.3 the following year, then a steady rise to $2 and a final pullback to finish the period at $1.7.
What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The line chart details total import figures in USD per kg for bananas between 1996 and 2004. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the USA imported by far the least despite a small upwards trend, while Japan (in decline) imported the most. France was stable overall and tied for most imports by the end and Germany rose marginally.
Looking more specifically, the United States began the period importing 1 USD per kg of bananas and this number fluctuated within a narrow range, finishing at $1.2. In contrast, Japan’s imports started at $2 before a sharp rise to 3 USD per kg by 1998, erratic numbers between $2 and $2.5 after that, and a sudden drop followed by a partial recovery to end at $2.
Similarly, France began and finished at 2 USD per kg, however, its figures remained below $2 most of the period. Germany’s imports were at $1.5 in 1996, preceding a surge to over $2.5 in 1998, a crash to a low point of $1.3 the following year, then a steady rise to $2 and a final pullback to finish the period at $1.7.
details shows
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
by far a lot more than
least lowest amount
despite regardless of
upwards trend going up
decline going down
stable overall no rise or fall by the end of the period
tied even
by the end at the end of the period
rose marginally increased a little
looking more specifically first of all
began the period started the timeframe
fluctuated was erratic/went up and down
narrow range limited scope
started began
sharp rise increased a lot
erratic numbers fluctuated
sudden drop fell a lot
followed by after that
partial recovery came back up partly
end (verb) finish
similarly not so different
remained below stayed under
most of the period the majority of the timeframe
preceding before
surge rapid increase
crash rapid decrease
low point lowest number
the following year year after that
steady rise going up at regular intervals
pullback decrease after increasing for a while
ˈdiːteɪlz
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt
baɪ fɑː
liːst
dɪsˈpaɪt
ˈʌpwədz trɛnd
dɪˈklaɪn
ˈsteɪbl ˈəʊvərɔːl
taɪd
baɪ ði ɛnd
rəʊz ˈmɑːʤɪnəli
ˈlʊkɪŋ mɔː spəˈsɪfɪk(ə)li
bɪˈgæn ðə ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈflʌktjʊeɪtɪd
ˈnærəʊ reɪnʤ
ˈstɑːtɪd
ʃɑːp raɪz
ɪˈrætɪk ˈnʌmbəz
ˈsʌdn drɒp
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ
ˈpɑːʃəl rɪˈkʌvəri
ɛnd
ˈsɪmɪləli
rɪˈmeɪnd bɪˈləʊ
məʊst ɒv ðə ˈpɪərɪəd
pri(ː)ˈsiːdɪŋ
sɜːʤ
kræʃ
ləʊ pɔɪnt
ðə ˈfɒləʊɪŋ jɪə
ˈstɛdi raɪz
ˈpʊlbæk
Remember and fill in the blanks:
The line chart d_______s total import figures in USD per kg for bananas between 1996 and 2004. L________________________________________________t the USA imported b______r the l____________e a small u_____________d, while Japan (in d________e) imported the most. France was s___________l and t____d for most imports b__________d and Germany r________________y.
L_______________________y, the United States b________________d importing 1 USD per kg of bananas and this number f_______________d within a n_______________e, finishing at $1.2. In contrast, Japan’s imports s________d at $2 before a s_____________e to 3 USD per kg by 1998, e_________________s between $2 and $2.5 after that, and a s_______________p f_______________y a p________________y to e___d at $2.
S______________y, France began and finished at 2 USD per kg, however, its figures r___________________w $2 m_________________d. Germany’s imports were at $1.5 in 1996, p___________g a s_____e to over $2.5 in 1998, a c______h to a l___________t of $1.3 t_____________________r, then a s____________e to $2 and a final p___________k to finish the period at $1.7.
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
Read more and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bananas
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:
