This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a table related to independent films released in the UK and Ireland by genre in 2012.
Tough one because there is so much data to describe in it!
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: Independent Films Table
The table shows independent film releases by genre in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2012.
The table gives information about films released independently according to genre in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in a single year, 2012. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of money was generated by comedy followed closely by horror, then more distantly biopic, and drama, while other genres earned far less. This contrasts with the total number of films in some areas as dramas, documentaries and comedies were most common.
Looking at the genres with the greatest disparity first of all, there were 70 documentaries and dramas released though their box office numbers accounted for just 2.9% and 8.3% of sales, respectively. A divergent trend can be seen for comedies and horror in particular with the former constituting 17.6% of all releases and 45.4% of sales and the latter at 9.5% and 20.2%
Differences in the remaining genres were more marginal as biopics were .7% of all releases and 9.1% of revenue. The totals for crime were proportionate at 4.7% each, action made up 2.7% of all releases and a slightly higher 4.1% of sales. Finally, thrillers were 8.8% of releases and just 1.3% of sales, romance stood at 3.4% and .8%, with other representing 5.4% of films and 3.2% of tickets sales tabulated.
Analysis
1. The table gives information about films released independently according to genre in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in a single year, 2012. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of money was generated by comedy followed closely by horror, then more distantly biopic, and drama, while other genres earned far less. 3. This contrasts with the total number of films in some areas as dramas, documentaries and comedies were most common.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
Add an extra sentence to be sure that you have covered everything.
1. Looking at the genres with the greatest disparity first of all, there were 70 documentaries and dramas released though their box office numbers accounted for just 2.9% and 8.3% of sales, respectively. 2. A divergent trend can be seen for comedies and horror in particular with the former constituting 17.6% of all releases and 45.4% of sales and the latter at 9.5% and 20.2%
Begin writing about the differences.
Compare as much as possible.
1. Differences in the remaining genres were more marginal as biopics were .7% of all releases and 9.1% of revenue. 2. The totals for crime were proportionate at 4.7% each, action made up 2.7% of all releases and a slightly higher 4.1% of sales. 3. Finally, thrillers were 8.8% of releases and just 1.3% of sales, romance stood at 3.4% and .8%, with other representing 5.4% of films and 3.2% of tickets sales tabulated.
Write about the rest of the information.
Make sure you have detailed all the information.
If you miss any, it will hurt your task achievement score.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The table gives information about films released independently according togenre in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in a single year, 2012. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of money was generated by comedy followed closely byhorror, then more distantly biopic, and drama, while other genres earned far less. This contrasts with the total number of films in some areas as dramas, documentaries and comedies were most common.
Looking at the genres with the greatest disparity first of all, there were 70 documentaries and dramas released though their box office numbersaccounted for just 2.9% and 8.3% of sales, respectively. A divergent trend can be seen for comedies and horror in particular with the former constituting 17.6% of all releases and 45.4% of sales and the latter at 9.5% and 20.2%
Differences in the remaining genres were more marginal as biopics were .7% of all releases and 9.1% of revenue. The totals for crime were proportionate at 4.7% each, action made up 2.7% of all releases and a slightly higher 4.1% of sales. Finally, thrillers were 8.8% of releases and just 1.3% of sales, romance stood at 3.4% and .8%, with other representing 5.4% of films and 3.2% of tickets sales tabulated.
Answers
gives information about illustrates
independently on its own
according to by
genre type of film
in a single year over 1 year
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
vast majority most of
generated created
comedy funny movie
followed closely by right after it
horror scary movie
distantly far behind
biopic movie about a person
drama serious movie
earned far less made less money
contrasts shows the difference
documentaries about reality
common popular
looking at the genres with the greatest disparity first of all considering the kinds of films showing the biggest differences to begin with
The table g_____________________t films released i___________________y a__________________og______e in the UK and the Republic of Ireland i_________________r, 2012. L______________________________________________t the v_______________y of money was g______________d by c_________y f_________________yh_________r, then more d__________y b__________c, and d________a, while other genres e_________________s. This c____________s with the total number of films in some areas as dramas, d__________________s and comedies were most c_________n.
L__________________________________________________________l, there were 70 documentaries and dramas released though their b____________________sa________________r just 2.9% and 8.3% of sales, r_____________y. A d___________________d can be seen for comedies and horror i________________r with the f_________r c__________________g 17.6% of all releases and 45.4% of sales and the l_______r at 9.5% and 20.2%
Differences in the r________________g genres were more m____________l as biopics were .7% of all releases and 9.1% of r__________e. The totals for crime were p____________________e at 4.7% each, action made up 2.7% of all releases and a s________________r 4.1% of sales. Finally, t_____________s were 8.8% of releases and just 1.3% of sales, r__________e s__________t 3.4% and .8%, with other r___________g 5.4% of films and 3.2% of tickets sales t___________d.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of taking care of parents from the real IELTS general training exam.
Tough one for me to write about it – let me know what you think in the comments!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts so that I can continue publishing these essays!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Taking Care of Parents
Fewer and fewer children are willing to look after their parents as they get olderthese days.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Many people today believe that since children are less and less likely to look after their parents, this has a negative impact on society. In my opinion, though there are decided social drawbacks, the advantages for both the elderly and younger people are greater.
Those who decry the perceived selfishness of children these days point out the vulnerability of the elderly. Firstly, many elderly people suffer from chronic, degenerative conditions such as declining eyesight, arthritis, dementia, and more serious diseases such as cancer. They therefore rely on the support of those around them and may not still have a spouse capable of looking after them. Secondly, those on fixed incomes might need financial assistance. In many countries, the social welfare systems are weak and elderly people who have not been able to save for retirement can find themselves living in destitute conditions or relying on soup kitchens and, in extreme cases, driven to homelessness.
However, the cases above are exceptions and it is more important for both parents and children to be independent. Many children end up in a situation where they must neglect their own plans and family in order to spend time and pay exorbitant medical bills for the elderly. This has an impact disproportionate with its benefits and younger people would be better off prioritising their own lives. Moreover, the elderly themselves may come to think of themselves as burdens. If they are constantly asking for help and impairing the progress of their children, then they have not done an adequate job as a parent to begin with. A greater degree of self-reliance will preserve their dignity and allow their children to prosper.
In conclusion, despite the necessity of aid from children in specific instances, most families benefit valuing independence. Therefore, looking after ones parents ought to be a last resort option.
Analysis
1. Many people today believe that since children are less and less likely to look after their parents, this has a negative impact on society. 2. In my opinion, though there are decided social drawbacks, the advantages for both the elderly and younger people are greater.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who decry the perceived selfishness of children these days point out the vulnerability of the elderly. 2. Firstly, many elderly people suffer from chronic, degenerative conditions such as declining eyesight, arthritis, dementia, and more serious diseases such as cancer. 3. They therefore rely on the support of those around them and may not still have a spouse capable of looking after them. 4. Secondly, those on fixed incomes might need financial assistance. 5. In many countries, the social welfare systems are weak and elderly people who have not been able to save for retirement can find themselves living in destitute conditions or relying on soup kitchens and, in extreme cases, driven to homelessness.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific detail.
Continue to develop it.
Develop it as fully as possible.
1. However, the cases above are exceptions and it is more important for both parents and children to be independent. 2. Many children end up in a situation where they must neglect their own plans and family in order to spend time and pay exorbitant medical bills for the elderly. 3. This has an impact disproportionate with its benefits and younger people would be better off prioritising their own lives. 4. Moreover, the elderly themselves may come to think of themselves as burdens. 5. If they are constantly asking for help and impairing the progress of their children, then they have not done an adequate job as a parent to begin with. 6. A greater degree of self-reliance will preserve their dignity and allow their children to prosper.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
The more specific, the better.
Add on any extra detail that you can that is related for a better task achievement score.
This paragraph can be slightly longer but not too much!
1. In conclusion, despite the necessity of aid from children in specific instances, most families benefit valuing independence. 2. Therefore, looking after ones parents ought to be a last resort option.
Summarise your main ideas.
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:
Many people today believe that since children are less and less likely to look after their parents, this has a negative impact on society. In my opinion, though there are decided social drawbacks, the advantages for both the elderly and younger people are greater.
Those who decry the perceived selfishness of children these days point out the vulnerability of the elderly. Firstly, many elderly people suffer from chronic, degenerative conditions such as declining eyesight, arthritis, dementia, and more serious diseases such as cancer. They therefore rely on the support of those around them and may not still have a spouse capable of looking after them. Secondly, those on fixed incomes might need financial assistance. In many countries, the social welfare systems are weak and elderly people who have not been able to save for retirement can find themselves living in destitute conditions or relying on soup kitchens and, in extreme cases, driven to homelessness.
However, the cases above are exceptions and it is more important for both parents and children to be independent. Many children end up in a situation where they must neglect their own plans and family in order to spend time and pay exorbitant medical bills for the elderly. This has an impact disproportionate with its benefits and younger people would be better offprioritising their own lives. Moreover, the elderly themselves may come to think of themselves asburdens. If they are constantly asking for help and impairing the progress of their children, then they have not done an adequate job as a parent to begin with. A greater degree of self-reliance will preserve their dignity and allow their children to prosper.
In conclusion, despite the necessity of aid from children in specific instances, most families benefit valuing independence. Therefore, looking after ones parents ought to be a last resort option.
Answers
less and less likely not as common
look after take care of
decided definite
drawbacks downsides
greater more important
decry question
perceived selfishness apparently only caring about themselves
point out argue
vulnerability weakness
suffer hurt
chronic your whole life
degenerative conditions conditions that only get worse, not better
declining eyesight worse seeing
arthritis aching joints
dementia can’t remember, Alzheimer’s
rely depend on
support help
spouse capable significant other can
fixed incomes no extra money
financial assistance extra money
social welfare systems support from the government, housing, etc.
retirement stopping working after 65
find themselves end up
destitute conditions very poor
soup kitchens places that provide free meals
in extreme cases the worst examples
driven to homelessness have to live on the streets
exceptions outliers
independent self-reliant
end up finally become
neglect not pay attention to
pay exorbitant medical bills expensive medicine, treatments
impact disproportionate with its benefits not as much result as what it costs
better offprioritising should care about
may come to think of themselves asburdens feel they are a hindrance
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 people today believe that since children are l__________________y to l______________r their parents, this has a negative impact on society. In my opinion, though there are d__________d social d_____________s, the advantages for both the elderly and younger people are g_________r.
Those who d________y the p____________________s of children these days p__________t the v______________y of the elderly. Firstly, many elderly people s__________r from c__________c, d_______________________s such as d__________________t, a_____________s, d____________a, and more serious diseases such as cancer. They therefore r____y on the s____________t of those around them and may not still have a s______________e of looking after them. Secondly, those on f_________________s might need f_____________________e. In many countries, the s_______________________s are weak and elderly people who have not been able to save for r________________t can f_______________s living in d___________________s or relying on s_____________s and, i___________________s, d_____________________s.
However, the cases above are e_________________s and it is more important for both parents and children to be i______________t. Many children e_______p in a situation where they must n________t their own plans and family in order to spend time and p________________________s for the elderly. This has an i__________________________________s and younger people would be b__________________________g their own lives. Moreover, the elderly themselves m___________________________________________s. If they are c_____________y asking for help and i________________g the p_________s of their children, then they have not done an a_____________e job as a parent t___________________h. A____________________e of s_________________e will p__________e their d__________y and allow their children to p_________r.
In conclusion, despite the n____________y of aid from children in s___________________s, most families benefit valuing independence. Therefore, looking after ones parents ought to be a l__________________n.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the evolution of the horse and its hoof.
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: Horse Diagram
The diagram delineates the development of prehistoric and modern horses with special emphasis on the formation of the feet. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that as horses became larger in size, their feet elongated and broadened until they fused to become a distinctive hoof.
The prehistoric horse from 40 million years ago was termed an Eohippus and is distinguishable by its smaller body and paw containing 4 thin phalanges. The next stage of evolution (30 million years ago) resulted in the Mesohippis, which had a larger body more similar to today’s horse and three distinct digits, the middle one being bulkier and slightly longer.
By 15 million years ago, the Merychippus had emerged, recognizable by a still larger body and the increased size of the middle digit. This leads directly to the modern day horse which is the largest in size, has a full mane, and the separate digits had by this time merged into a single hoof capable of supporting a larger frame.
Analysis
1. The diagram delineates the development of prehistoric and modern horses with special emphasis on the formation of the feet. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that as horses became larger in size, their feet elongated and broadened until they fused to become a distinctive hoof.
Paraphrase what the map or floorplan shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
1. The prehistoric horse from 40 million years ago was termed an Eohippus and is distinguishable by its smaller body and paw containing 4 thin phalanges. 2. The next stage of evolution (30 million years ago) resulted in the Mesohippis, which had a larger body more similar to today’s horse and three distinct digits, the middle one being bulkier and slightly longer.
Begin writing about the changes.
Compare as much as possible.
1. By 15 million years ago, the Merychippus had emerged, recognizable by a still larger body and the increased size of the middle digit. 2. This leads directly to the modern day horse which is the largest in size, has a full mane, and the separate digits had by this time merged into a single hoof capable of supporting a larger frame.
Write about the rest of the changes for the last two evolutionary stages of the modern horse.
Make sure you have detailed all the changes.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The diagram delineates the development of prehistoric and modern horses with special emphasis on the formation of the feet. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that as horses became larger in size, their feet elongated and broadened until they fused to become a distinctive hoof.
The prehistoric horse from 40 million years ago was termed an Eohippus and is distinguishable by its smaller body and paw containing 4 thin phalanges. The next stage of evolution (30 million years ago) resulted in the Mesohippis, which had a larger body more similar to today’s horse and three distinct digits, the middle one being bulkier and slightly longer.
By 15 million years ago, the Merychippus had emerged, recognizable by a still larger body and the increased size of the middle digit. This leads directly to the modern day horse which is the largest in size, has a full mane, and the separate digits had by this time merged into a single hoof capable of supporting a larger frame.
Answers
delineates describes
prehistoric before recorded history
special emphasis extra focus
formation of the feet putting together of the hooves
looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
The diagram d_____________s the development of p____________c and modern horses with s_______________s on the f_________________t. L_________________________________t as horses became larger in size, their feet e_____________d and b____________d until they f________d to become a d_______________f.
The prehistoric horse from 40 million years ago was t________d an Eohippus and is d___________________e by its smaller body and p___w containing 4 thin p______________s. The next stage of e___________n (30 million years ago) r_____________n the Mesohippis, which had a larger body m_______________o today’s horse and t__________________s, the middle one being b___________r and s___________y longer.
By 15 million years ago, the Merychippus had e________d, r______________e by a s___________________y and the increased size of the middle digit. This l_______________y to the modern day horse which is the largest in size, has a f_____________e, and the separate digits had by this time m_______d into a single hoof c______________f supporting a l_______________e.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
The ability to travel to remote destinations such as the arctic and various islands contains advantages related to travel and research as well as disadvantages regarding environmental preservation. In my opinion, the pros decisively outweigh the cons.
On the one hand, the tradeoffs of being able to travel to remote areas are environmental. Most remote locations are untouched by the rapid industrialization of the last two centuries and despite the best efforts of local governments there is likely to be some contamination from tourism. A good example of this would be various South Pacific islands. The Philippine archipelago in particular is a popular tourist destination and this has resulted in increased litter and development of the natural environment for tourist friendly infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants. Similarly, the cultural environment for locals is at risk. Numerous indigenous cultures struggle to maintain their unique heritage as foreigners and modern products pour into previously isolated regions.
On the other hand, the main positives relate to travel for pleasure and research. Locations that are not currently occupied by traditional societies were effectively without purpose. Many of them, ranging from remote islands to terrain with inhospitable weather such as Mt. Everest, now offer attractive experiences for the intrepid traveller. For researchers, the benefits are even more tangible. The best known example of this was the Galapagos islands where Darwin sailed more than a hundred years ago conducted foundational research for his theory of evolution. Since then, the ability to explore new areas has resulted in thousands of discoveries and advances related to archaeology, medicine, marine life, and the environment.
In conclusion, despite the injurious impacts of tourism, it is my strong belief that the opening up of unexplored regions is a net positive. However, governments must still regulate such travel to mitigate the inherent dangers.
Analysis
1. The ability to travel to remote destinations such as the arctic and various islands contains advantages related to travel and research as well as disadvantages regarding environmental preservation. 2. In my opinion, the pros decisively outweigh the cons.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, the tradeoffs of being able to travel to remote areas are environmental. 2. Most remote locations are untouched by the rapid industrialization of the last two centuries and despite the best efforts of local governments there is likely to be some contamination from tourism. 3. A good example of this would be various South Pacific islands. 4. The Philippine archipelago in particular is a popular tourist destination and this has resulted in increased litter and development of the natural environment for tourist friendly infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants. 5. Similarly, the cultural environment for locals is at risk. 6. Numerous indigenous cultures struggle to maintain their unique heritage as foreigners and modern products pour into previously isolated regions.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Continue to develop it.
Switch to a second disadvantage.
Develop it even more fully if possible.
1. On the other hand, the main positives relate to travel for pleasure and research. 2. Locations that are not currently occupied by traditional societies were effectively without purpose. 3. Many of them, ranging from remote islands to terrain with inhospitable weather such as Mt. Everest, now offer attractive experiences for the intrepid traveller. 4. For researchers, the benefits are even more tangible. 5. The best known example of this was the Galapagos islands where Darwin sailed more than a hundred years ago conducted foundational research for his theory of evolution. 6. Since then, the ability to explore new areas has resulted in thousands of discoveries and advances related to archaeology, medicine, marine life, and the environment.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Swtich to the second advantage.
Develop this one.
Add on any extra detail that you can that is related for a better task achievement score.
1. In conclusion, despite the injurious impacts of tourism, it is my strong belief that the opening up of unexplored regions is a net positive. 2. However, governments must still regulate such travel to mitigate the inherent dangers.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes and then check below.
The ability to travel to remote destinations such as the arctic and various islands contains advantages related to travel and research as well as disadvantages regarding environmental preservation. In my opinion, the pros decisively outweigh the cons.
On the one hand, the tradeoffs of being able to travel to remote areas are environmental. Most remote locations are untouched by the rapid industrialization of the last two centuries and despite the best efforts of local governments there is likely to be some contamination from tourism. A good example of this would be various South Pacific islands. The Philippine archipelago in particular is a popular tourist destination and this has resulted in increased litter and development of the natural environment for tourist friendly infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants. Similarly, the cultural environment for locals is at risk. Numerous indigenous culturesstruggle to maintain their unique heritage as foreigners and modern products pour into previously isolated regions.
On the other hand, the main positives relate to travel for pleasure and research. Locations that are not currently occupied by traditional societies were effectively without purpose. Many of them, ranging from remote islands to terrain with inhospitable weather such as Mt. Everest, now offer attractive experiences for the intrepid traveller. For researchers, the benefits are even more tangible. The best known example of this was the Galapagos islands where Darwin sailed more than a hundred years ago conducted foundational research for his theory of evolution. Since then, the ability to explore new areas has resulted in thousands of discoveries and advances related to archaeology, medicine, marine life, and the environment.
In conclusion, despite the injurious impacts of tourism, it is my strong belief that the opening up of unexplored regions is a net positive. However, governments must still regulate such travel to mitigate the inherent dangers.
Answers
remote destinations places far away
arctic near Antarctica
contains has
regarding as it concerns
preservation keeping safe
pros advantages
decisively outweigh definitely stronger than
cons disadvantages
on the one hand on one side
tradeoffs downsides
untouched never developed
rapid industrialization lots of machines, etc.
best efforts trying their hardest
local governments the countries themselves
contamination hurting
various South Pacific islands small islands in the Pacific ocean
Philippine archipelago the islands around the Philippines
popular tourist destination place tourists go
infrastructure buildings, roads, etc.
similarly relatedly
cultural environment the culture, traditions
risk threat
numerous indigenous cultures many native peoples
struggle try hard
maintain their unique heritage preserve traditions
foreigners people from other countries
pour into put a lot into
isolated regions places far away
on the other hand however
positives advantages
research studies
currently occupied right now those living there
traditional societies old cultures
effectively without purpose essentially no reason
ranging from including
terrain land
inhospitable weather bad weather
offer attractive experiences make people want to go there
intrepid traveller adventurous people
researchers scientists
tangible real
Galapagos islands some remote islands
sailed went by boat
conducted foundational research important studies
theory of evolution idea that we evolved from animals
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:
The ability to travel to r____________________s such as the a______c and various islands c________s advantages related to travel and research as well as disadvantages r____________g environmental p_______________n. In my opinion, the p____________________________h the c___s.
O______________________d, the t______________s of being able to travel to remote areas are environmental. Most remote locations are u____________d by the r_______________________n of the last two centuries and despite the b________________s of l__________________s there is likely to be some c_________________n from tourism. A good example of this would be v__________________________s. The P_____________________o in particular is a p______________________n and this has resulted in increased litter and development of the natural environment for tourist friendly i_____________________e such as hotels and restaurants. S____________y, the c__________________________t for locals is at r_____k. N___________________________________ss___________e to m_________________________________e as f_____________s and modern products p_____________o previously i___________________s.
O________________________d, the main p______________s relate to travel for pleasure and r_________________h. Locations that are not c_______________________________d by t______________________________s were e______________________________e. Many of them, r_________________m remote islands to t_________n with i______________________________r such as Mt. Everest, now o_____________________________s for the i______________________r. For r___________________s, the benefits are even more t_____________e. The best known example of this was the G________________s where Darwin s__________d more than a hundred years ago c____________________________________h for his t___________________n. Since then, the ability to explore new areas has r______________n thousands of d____________________s and advances related to a___________________y, m__________e, m____________e, and the e_________________t.
In conclusion, despite the i_______________s impacts of tourism, it is my s________________f that the o__________________p of u_______________________s is a n_____________________e. However, governments must still r____________e such travel to m___________e the i______________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think that they should be free to behave as individuals.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many today feel that it is crucial for younger generations to follow the traditions of their country rather than their own individual inclinations. In my opinion, though there is value to such self-expression, upholding tradition is more important.
Those who are in support of younger people prioritising their individuality argue this is key to happiness. The true pursuit of happiness requires an individual to define their goals and accomplish them on their own terms. A counterexample illustrating this point would be the rigid, hierarchical societies of the past wherein women had fewer rights of self-expression. Most women in the past did not receive an education and were effectively blocked from having a career or life outside the traditional confines of a housewife. The narrow range of experiences on offer meant that most women were unable to struggle to find their own version of happiness.
However, since the stigmas of society today are less in conflict with individuals, it is logical to prioritise tradition. Traditions themselves may be forgotten if not respected and adhered to. For example, in many indigenous cultures, younger people are more interested in migrating from their ancestral homes to the cities to lead a modern life. If this occurs in enough numbers, then thousands of unique, distinct cultures will fade into the seemingly inevitable global monoculture. Once this happens, there will be no way to retrieve and enliven past traditions and they will become relics of history rather than living monuments to diversity, creativity, and human ingenuity.
In conclusion, though individual freedom is important, particularly for repressed segments of society, there is greater value in preserving past ways of life. This is difficult to enforce but governments should seek to encourage the latter instead of the former.
Analysis
1. Many today feel that it is crucial for younger generations to follow the traditions of their country rather than their own individual inclinations. 2. In my opinion, though there is value to such self-expression, upholding tradition is more important.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who are in support of younger people prioritising their individuality argue this is key to happiness. 2. The true pursuit of happiness requires an individual to define their goals and accomplish them on their own terms. 3. A counterexample illustrating this point would be the rigid, hierarchical societies of the past wherein women had fewer rights of self-expression. 4. Most women in the past did not receive an education and were effectively blocked from having a career or life outside the traditional confines of a housewife. 5. The narrow range of experiences on offer meant that most women were unable to struggle to find their own version of happiness.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Continue to develop it.
State the result.
1. However, since the stigmas of society today are less in conflict with individuals, it is logical to prioritise tradition. 2. Traditions themselves may be forgotten if not respected and adhered to. 3. For example, in many indigenous cultures, younger people are more interested in migrating from their ancestral homes to the cities to lead a modern life. 4. If this occurs in enough numbers, then thousands of unique, distinct cultures will fade into the seemingly inevitable global monoculture. 5. Once this happens, there will be no way to retrieve and enliven past traditions and they will become relics of history rather than living monuments to diversity, creativity, and human ingenuity.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
The more specific, the better.
Continue your development.
1. In conclusion, though individual freedom is important, particularly for repressed segments of society, there is greater value in preserving past ways of life. 2. This is difficult to enforce but governments should seek to encourage the latter instead of the former.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes and then check below.
Many today feel that it is c__________l for y_____________________s to f____________________s of their country r_____________n their own i___________________s. In my opinion, though there is v______e to such s_______________________n, u___________g tradition is more important.
Those who are in support of younger people p_____________g their individuality a_______e this is k___y to happiness. The t_____________________sr___________s an individual to d________e their goals and a_____________h them o____________________s. A c_________________e illustrating this point would be the r________d, h_______________l societies of the past w___________n women had f___________________________n. Most women in the past did not receive an education and were e__________________d from having a career or life o________________________________________e. The n______________________________r m______t that most women were u________________e to find their own v________n of happiness.
However, since the s_________s of society today are l_________________h individuals, it is l_________l to p__________e tradition. Traditions themselves may be f______________n if not r_______________d and a____________d to. For example, in many i_________________________s, younger people are more interested in m_____________g from their a__________________s to the cities to l___________________e. If this occurs in e______________s, then thousands of u________e, d________t cultures will f_________o the s____________________________________e. Once this happens, there will be no way to r____________e and e___________n past traditions and they will become r__________________y rather than l_______________________s to d___________y, creativity, and h______________________y.
In conclusion, though individual freedom is important, p_________________r r_____________________________y, there is greater value in p__________________g past ways of life. This is difficult to e___________e but governments should s______k to encourage the l_________r instead of the f_________r.
Answers
crucial very important
younger generations young people
follow the traditions maintain ways of the past
rather than instead of
individual inclinations what people want to do
value consider important
self-expression individuality
upholding maintaining
prioritising considering more important
argue debate
key important
true pursuit of happiness real trying to be satisfied
requires needs
define make up
accomplish achieve
on their own terms as they want
counterexample example showing the opposite case
rigid strict, not flexible
hierarchical part of an ordering structure
wherein in which
fewer rights of self-expression less ability to do what they want
effectively blocked in essence stopped
outside the traditional confines of a housewife beyond the normal role of women
narrow range of experiences on offer limited amount of opportunities available
meant implied
unable to struggle can’t attempt
version kind of
stigmas negative stereotypes
less in conflict with not fighting against
logical rational
prioritise consider more important
forgotten not remembered
respected venerated
adhered respected
indigenous cultures native groups
migrating leaving to go to
ancestral homes places where you are from
lead a modern life result in new ways of living
enough numbers more than enough people
unique special
distinct unique
fade into disappear
seemingly inevitable global monoculture apparently unchangeable similarity of cultures
Remember and fill in the blanks on a separate piece of paper (to make your learning more memorable):
Many today feel that it is c__________l for y_______________________s to f_____________________s of their country r__________n their own i_______________________s. In my opinion, though there is v_______e to such s____________________n, u___________g tradition is more important.
Those who are in support of younger people p_____________g their individuality a______e this is k___y to happiness. The t___________________________sr_____________s an individual to d________e their goals and a_________________h them o___________________s. A c________________e illustrating this point would be the r_____d, h________________l societies of the past w_________n women had f______________________________n. Most women in the past did not receive an education and were e____________________d from having a career or life o___________________________________________e. The n____________________________________r m________t that most women were u_________________e to find their own v_________n of happiness.
However, since the s_________s of society today are l_________________h individuals, it is l__________l to p__________e tradition. Traditions themselves may be f__________n if not r___________d and a__________d to. For example, in many i______________________s, younger people are more interested in m__________g from their a____________________s to the cities to l_________________________e. If this occurs in e_________________s, then thousands of u__________e, d_________t cultures will f_____________o the s________________________________________________e. Once this happens, there will be no way to r__________e and e__________n past traditions and they will become r_______________________y rather than l____________________s to d___________y, creativity, and h_____________________y.
In conclusion, though individual freedom is important, p__________________r r______________________________y, there is greater value in p___________g past ways of life. This is difficult to e___________e but governments should s_____k to encourage the l_________r instead of the f__________r.
Reading Practice
Read more about a traditional culture below and practice with these activities:
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