IELTS Essay: Competition between Older and Younger People

IELTS Essay: Competition between Older and Younger People

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

IELTS Essay: Competition between Older and Younger People

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.

Analysis

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

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. 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. You should vary long and short sentences.
  6. And always relate back to the essay topic.

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. 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 detail will help you get a better mark.

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.

  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.

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.

Answers

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

Pronunciation

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

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:

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.

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.who.int/ageing/features/workplace-ageism/en/

Speaking Practice

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

Work

  1. Why did you choose your job?
  2. How much work do you do in a week?
  3. Do you have to work on weekends as well?

Writing Practice

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?

IELTS Essay: Time Off Work for Fathers

IELTS Essay: Time Off Work for Fathers

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

IELTS Essay: Time Off Work for Fathers

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.

Analysis

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

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. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific detail.
  4. Continue to develop it.
  5. Develop it as fully as possible.
  6. Any extra development will help your task achievement score.

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. 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. The more specific, the better.
  5. Add on any extra detail that you can that is related for a better task achievement score.
  6. This paragraph can be slightly longer but not too much!

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.

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

Vocabulary

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.

Answers

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

Pronunciation

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 

Vocabulary Practice

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

It is becoming i________________________n for 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.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPjtoZJAJi4

Reading Practice

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

Speaking Practice

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

Work

  1. Why did you choose your job?
  2. How much work do you do in a week?
  3. Do you have to work on weekends as well?

Writing Practice

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?

IELTS Essay Task 1: Price of Bananas

IELTS Essay Task 1: Price of Bananas

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the price of bananas imported in 5 different countries.

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: Price of Bananas

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.

Analysis

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. 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. 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. Begin writing about the differences.
  2. Compare as much as possible.

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.

  1. Write about the rest of the information.
  2. Make sure you have detailed all the information.

Vocabulary

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.

Answers

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

Pronunciation

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 

Vocabulary Practice

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.

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.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bananas

Speaking Practice

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

Food

  1. What kinds of foods do you like to eat?
  2. How different is food in your country today from when you were younger?
  3. Which foods do you dislike?
  4. What foods do people in your country buy at the market?

Writing Practice

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

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Line Graph (Steel)
IELTS Essay: Robots Helping at Home and Work

IELTS Essay: Robots Helping at Home and Work

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of robots helping at home and work from the real IELTS exam.

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

Dave

IELTS Essay: Robots Helping at Home and Work

Today different types of robots are being developed which can serve as companions and workers to help at work and at home.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Nowadays, the robotics industry is beginning to penetrate both home and work environments. In my opinion, advances in robotics generally and artificial intelligence more specifically have their merits but are isolating.

Proponents of these innovations point to the eradication of inefficiencies. This applies to both workplaces and homes. At work, there are a range of responsibilities being carried out by humans that could be done by robots ranging from the transportation of goods and photocopying to slightly more robust tasks such as data input and security. As artificial intelligence becomes more self-sufficient it is likely that companies will be able to increase efficiency and humans can prioritise the areas where they most excel. In homes, the situation is similar as robots may be able to take over chores such as washing the dishing and cleaning, freeing up individuals to focus on more pleasurable pastimes.

Nonetheless, the growth of a robotics industry exacerbates a modern trend towards isolation. People today are seemingly more connected than ever before thanks to the internet and social media, however, real world connection is on the decline. The workplace and home are two of the last remaining spaces to build meaningful, interpersonal relationships. A rise in the number of robots, as is the case in Japan where it is now possible to purchase a robot companion, will lead to a concomitant decrease in human relations. It seems unlikely that people would completely stop talking to each other but the pervasiveness of online life can serve as a warning that humanity is only too willing to subsist on one-way, inauthentic relationships.

In conclusion, despite the benefits robots bring for productivity, their isolating effect will make them a negative on level. Individuals must therefore strive to maintain strong human relationships.

Analysis

1. Nowadays, the robotics industry is beginning to penetrate both home and work environments. 2. In my opinion, advances in robotics generally and artificial intelligence more specifically have their merits but are isolating.

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

1. Proponents of these innovations point to the eradication of inefficiencies. This applies to both workplaces and homes. 2. At work, there are a range of responsibilities being carried out by humans that could be done by robots ranging from the transportation of goods and photocopying to slightly more robust tasks such as data input and security. 3. As artificial intelligence becomes more self-sufficient it is likely that companies will be able to increase efficiency and humans can prioritise the areas where they most excel. 4. In homes, the situation is similar as robots may be able to take over chores such as washing the dishing and cleaning, freeing up individuals to focus on more pleasurable pastimes.

  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.

1. Nonetheless, the growth of a robotics industry exacerbates a modern trend towards isolation. 2. People today are seemingly more connected than ever before thanks to the internet and social media, however, real world connection is on the decline. 3. The workplace and home are two of the last remaining spaces to build meaningful, interpersonal relationships. 4. A rise in the number of robots, as is the case in Japan where it is now possible to purchase a robot companion, will lead to a concomitant decrease in human relations. 5. It seems unlikely that people would completely stop talking to each other but the pervasiveness of online life can serve as a warning that humanity is only too willing to subsist on one-way, inauthentic relationships.

  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!

1. In conclusion, despite the benefits robots bring for productivity, their isolating effect will make them a negative on level. 2. Individuals must therefore strive to maintain strong human relationships.

  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.

Nowadays, the robotics industry is beginning to penetrate both home and work environments. In my opinion, advances in robotics generally and artificial intelligence more specifically have their merits but are isolating.

Proponents of these innovations point to the eradication of inefficiencies. This applies to both workplaces and homes. At work, there are a range of responsibilities being carried out by humans that could be done by robots ranging from the transportation of goods and photocopying to slightly more robust tasks such as data input and security. As artificial intelligence becomes more self-sufficient it is likely that companies will be able to increase efficiency and humans can prioritise the areas where they most excel. In homes, the situation is similar as robots may be able to take over chores such as washing the dishing and cleaning, freeing up individuals to focus on more pleasurable pastimes.

Nonetheless, the growth of a robotics industry exacerbates a modern trend towards isolation. People today are seemingly more connected than ever before thanks to the internet and social media, however, real world connection is on the decline. The workplace and home are two of the last remaining spaces to build meaningful, interpersonal relationships. A rise in the number of robots, as is the case in Japan where it is now possible to purchase a robot companion, will lead to a concomitant decrease in human relations. It seems unlikely that people would completely stop talking to each other but the pervasiveness of online life can serve as a warning that humanity is only too willing to subsist on one-way, inauthentic relationships.

In conclusion, despite the benefits robots bring for productivity, their isolating effect will make them a negative on level. Individuals must therefore strive to maintain strong human relationships.

Answers

robotics industry companies working in making robots

penetrate enter the markets, spread into

work environments offices, factories, etc.

advances innovations

generally overall

artificial intelligence smart computers/robots

merits benefits

isolating staying all alone

proponents supporters

innovations advances

eradication getting rid of

inefficiencies not making good use of resources

range of responsibilities many different duties

carried out doing them

ranging from including

photocopying making copies of papers

slightly more robust tasks a little more complex duties

data input putting numbers into a computer

security protecting a place

self-sufficient can work on their own

efficiency not wasting resources

prioritise consider more important

most excel do their best work

situation context

take over replace

chores cleaning up at home

freeing up allowing for

focus on concentrate on

pleasurable pastimes hobbies

exacerbates makes it worse

modern trend pattern these days

towards in the direction of

isolation alone

seemingly ostensible

connected brought together

thanks to due to

real world connection talking in real life

on the decline getting worse

last remaining spaces final areas

build strengthen

interpersonal between people

as is the case in for example

now possible happens at the moment

concomitant related

human relations people together, bonds between people

pervasiveness common

can serve as a warning is a possible sign that this will happen

only too willing to too happy to settle to do this

subsist make do with

one-way not real interaction

inauthentic not real

isolating effect making people stay alone

on level in general

strive try for

maintain keep up

Pronunciation

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

rəʊˈbɒtɪks ˈɪndəstri 
ˈpɛnɪtreɪt 
wɜːk ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts
ədˈvɑːnsɪz 
ˈʤɛnərəli 
ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l ɪnˈtɛlɪʤəns 
ˈmɛrɪts 
ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃənz 
ɪˌrædɪˈkeɪʃən 
ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsiz
reɪnʤ ɒv rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪtiz 
ˈkærid aʊt 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˈfəʊtəʊˌkɒpiɪŋ 
ˈslaɪtli mɔː rəʊˈbʌst tɑːsks 
ˈdeɪtə ˈɪnpʊt 
sɪˈkjʊərɪti
sɛlf-səˈfɪʃənt 
ɪˈfɪʃənsi 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 
məʊst ɪkˈsɛl
ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən 
teɪk ˈəʊvə 
ʧɔːz 
ˈfriːɪŋ ʌp 
ˈfəʊkəs ɒn 
ˈplɛʒərəbl ˈpɑːstaɪmz
ɛksˈæsə(ː)beɪts 
ˈmɒdən trɛnd 
təˈwɔːdz 
ˌaɪsəʊˈleɪʃən
ˈsiːmɪŋli 
kəˈnɛktɪd 
θæŋks tuː 
rɪəl wɜːld kəˈnɛkʃən 
ɒn ðə dɪˈklaɪn
lɑːst rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ˈspeɪsɪz 
bɪld 
ˌɪntəˈpɜːsən(ə)l 
æz ɪz ðə keɪs ɪn 
naʊ ˈpɒsəbl 
kənˈkɒmɪtənt 
ˈhjuːmən rɪˈleɪʃənz
pɜːˈveɪsɪvnəs 
kæn sɜːv æz ə ˈwɔːnɪŋ 
ˈəʊnli tuː ˈwɪlɪŋ tuː 
səbˈsɪst 
wʌn-weɪ
ɪn ɔːˈθɛntɪk 
ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ ɪˈfɛkt 
ɒn ˈlɛvl
straɪv 
meɪnˈteɪn 

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:

Nowadays, the r__________________y is beginning to p___________e both home and w____________________s. In my opinion, a___________s in robotics g_____________y and a_______________________e more specifically have their m_______s but are i___________g.

P______________s of these i_______________s point to the e______________n of i_________________s. This applies to both workplaces and homes. At work, there are a r_________________________s being c_______________t by humans that could be done by robots r______________m the transportation of goods and p______________g to s_____________________________s such as d____________t and s__________y. As artificial intelligence becomes more s______________t it is likely that companies will be able to increase e___________y and humans can p____________e the areas where they m__________l. In homes, the s__________n is similar as robots may be able to t___________r c_______s such as washing the dishing and cleaning, f_____________p individuals to f__________n more p______________________s.

Nonetheless, the growth of a robotics industry e_____________s a m___________________________n. People today are s_____________y more c__________d than ever before t_____________o the internet and social media, however, r_________________________n is o_______________e. The workplace and home are two of the l______________________s to b_______d meaningful, i____________________l relationships. A rise in the number of robots, a______________________n Japan where it is n_____________________e to purchase a robot companion, will lead to a c_______________t decrease in h____________________s. It seems unlikely that people would completely stop talking to each other but the p_________________s of online life c_____________________g that humanity is o_________________________t on o______________y, i_____________c relationships.

In conclusion, despite the benefits robots bring for productivity, their i________________t will make them a negative o____________l. Individuals must therefore s_________e to m___________n strong human relationships.

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/covid-19-robot-companions/

Speaking Practice

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

Friends

  1. Do you talk about yourself to your friends?
  2. Do you like to listen or talk with your friends?
  3. Do you often change your mind about your friends?
  4. Is it important to have friends?

Writing Practice

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

Machines are taking over more and more jobs previously done by humans.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Walking

IELTS Essay: Walking

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

Here is the questions itself:

Despite the benefits for health, fewer people today than ever before exercise by walking.

Why is this?

What can be done to encourage more walking?

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

Dave