This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of an exports table in Hong Kong.
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: Exports Table
The table below shows the changes in exports in HK billions between 2009 and 2010.
$HK billions
2009
2010
Changes
Equipment
10.3
11.6
13%
Telecommunications
7.9
12.7
61%
Clothing
6
5
-17%
Manufacturing
5.5
4
-27%
Metals
2.3
5.1
122%
Overall
32
38.4
20%
IELTS Exports Table April 2021
The table details the rise and fall of exports in billions of Hong Kong dollars from 2009 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that exports displayed an upward trajectory in all categories except clothing and manufacturing. Telecommunications and metals rose the most, with the former and equipment constituting the most substantial export quantities overall.
In 2009, equipment and telecommunications were the largest exports at 10.3 and 7.9 $HK billions, respectively. By 2010, Telecommunications had overtaken equipment with a 61% surge to 12.7, while equipment grew marginally by 13% to 11.6.
In terms of less robust exports, both clothing and manufacturing declined slightly (from 6 to 5 and 5.5 to 4, in turn), while this trend was reversed for metals, which more than doubled to 5.1 $HK billions. General growth was reflected in an increase for exports in the aggregate of 20% and a total figure of 38.4 $HK billions.
Analysis
1. The table details the rise and fall of exports in billions of Hong Kong dollars from 2009 to 2010. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that exports displayed an upward trajectory in all categories except clothing and manufacturing. 3. Telecommunications and metals rose the most, with the former and equipment constituting the most substantial export quantities overall.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
1. In 2009, equipment and telecommunications were the largest exports at 10.3 and 7.9 $HK billions, respectively. 2. By 2010, Telecommunications had overtaken equipment with a 61% surge to 12.7, while equipment grew marginally by 13% to 11.6.
Begin writing about the bar chart.
Compare as much as possible.
1. In terms of less robust exports, both clothing and manufacturing declined slightly (from 6 to 5 and 5.5 to 4, in turn), while this trend was reversed for metals, which more than doubled to 5.1 $HK billions. 2. General growth was reflected in an increase for exports in the aggregate of 20% and a total figure of 38.4 $HK billions.
Write about the rest of the data from the bar chart.
Make sure you have detailed all the information.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The table details the rise and fall of exports in billions of Hong Kong dollars from 2009 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that exports displayed an upward trajectory in all categories except clothing and manufacturing. Telecommunications and metals rose the most, with the former and equipment constituting the most substantial export quantities overall.
In 2009, equipment and telecommunications were the largest exports at 10.3 and 7.9 $HK billions, respectively. By 2010, Telecommunications had overtaken equipment with a 61% surge to 12.7, while equipment grew marginally by 13% to 11.6.
In terms of less robust exports, both clothing and manufacturing declined slightly (from 6 to 5 and 5.5 to 4, in turn), while this trend was reversed for metals, which more than doubled to 5.1 $HK billions. General growth was reflected in an increase for exports in the aggregate of 20% and a total figure of 38.4 $HK billions.
Answers
details describes
rise and fall increase and decline
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that in general
displayed an upward trajectory increasing
except not including
former mentioned first
constituting made up of
substantial large
quantities amounts
largest exports most sent abroad
respectively in turn
overtaken surpassed
surge increased a lot
grew marginally increased a little
in terms of less robust exports when it comes to the smaller exports
The table d________s the r______________l of exports in billions of Hong Kong dollars from 2009 to 2010. L____________________________________________t exports d__________________________y in all categories e________t clothing and manufacturing. Telecommunications and metals rose the most, with the f________r and equipment c______________g the most s________________l export q____________s overall.
In 2009, equipment and telecommunications were the l_________________s at 10.3 and 7.9 $HK billions, r_____________y. By 2010, Telecommunications had o_____________n equipment with a 61% s______e to 12.7, while equipment g_______________________y by 13% to 11.6.
I_______________________________s, both clothing and manufacturing d________________y (from 6 to 5 and 5.5 to 4, i________n), while this t_____d was r____________d for metals, which m_______________d to 5.1 $HK billions. General growth was r____________d in an increase for exports i____________________e of 20% and a t_____________e of 38.4 $HK billions.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
Some believe it is important for cities and towns to invest heavily in building large outdoor public spaces.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today claim that cities and towns have a responsibility to erect communal, outdoor spaces for residents. I am in agreement with this viewpoint, though I concede there are other important areas requiring attention.
Detractors to significant funding for public spaces argue there are more pressing budgetary concerns. All governments must balance allocations between key areas ranging from healthcare and education to housing and economic growth. One common policy proposal is that the majority of problems could be dealt with through more robust governmental economic intervention. The standout examples underpinning such a contention are developed countries in North America, the United States and East Asia. Once the economies of those nations started to grow rapidly, citizens were able to provide for themselves and their families, lessening the burden on governments to fight crime, fund education, extend healthcare benefits, and so on.
Nonetheless, public spaces meet a wide variety of needs for the average city or town resident. Sufficient public space is typically considered one with high quality of life. Take New York City for example. Before Central Park was constructed, the island was mainly a place of business and people lived outside the city. Central Park’s development now allows residents to go for runs in the park, attend cultural events such as outdoor plays, hang out with friends in nature, and play various sports. These activities are some of the chief reasons to live in a densely populated city and they bring a vitality to the city that, more than any other single factor other than perhaps employment opportunities, justifies urban life.
In conclusion, despite legitimate doubts, it is my belief that heavy investment into public spaces is warranted due to the diverse range of ramifications for a citizenry. Governments should endeavour to prioritise such investment.
Analysis
1. Many today claim that cities and towns have a responsibility to erect communal, outdoor spaces for residents. 2. I am in agreement with this viewpoint, though I concede there are other important areas requiring attention.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Detractors to significant funding for public spaces argue there are more pressing budgetary concerns. 2. All governments must balance allocations between key areas ranging from healthcare and education to housing and economic growth. 3. One common policy proposal is that the majority of problems could be dealt with through more robust governmental economic intervention. 4. The standout examples underpinning such a contention are developed countries in North America, the United States and East Asia. 5. Once the economies of those nations started to grow rapidly, citizens were able to provide for themselves and their families, lessening the burden on governments to fight crime, fund education, extend healthcare benefits, and so on.
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. Nonetheless, public spaces meet a wide variety of needs for the average city or town resident. 2. Sufficient public space is typically considered one with high quality of life. 3. Take New York City for example. 4. Before Central Park was constructed, the island was mainly a place of business and people lived outside the city. 5. Central Park’s development now allows residents to go for runs in the park, attend cultural events such as outdoor plays, hang out with friends in nature, and play various sports. 6. These activities are some of the chief reasons to live in a densely populated city and they bring a vitality to the city that, more than any other single factor other than perhaps employment opportunities, justifies urban life.
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.
Add on any extra detail that you can that is related for a better task achievement score.
1. In conclusion, despite legitimate doubts, it is my belief that heavy investment into public spaces is warranted due to the diverse range of ramifications for a citizenry. 2. Governments should endeavour to prioritise such investment.
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 claim that cities and towns have a responsibility to erect communal, outdoor spaces for residents. I am in agreement with this viewpoint, though I concede there are other important areas requiring attention.
Detractors to significant funding for public spaces argue there are more pressing budgetary concerns. All governments must balance allocations between key areas ranging from healthcare and education to housing and economic growth. One common policy proposal is that the majority of problems could be dealt with through more robust governmental economic intervention. The standout examples underpinning such a contention are developed countries in North America, the United States and East Asia. Once the economies of those nations started to grow rapidly, citizens were able to provide for themselves and their families, lessening the burden on governments to fight crime, fund education, extend healthcare benefits, and so on.
Nonetheless, public spaces meet a wide variety of needs for the average city or town resident. Sufficient public space is typically considered one with high quality of life. Take New York City for example. Before Central Park was constructed, the island was mainly a place of business and people lived outside the city. Central Park’s development now allows residents to go for runs in the park, attendcultural events such as outdoor plays, hang out with friends in nature, and play various sports. These activities are some of the chief reasons to live in a densely populated city and they bring a vitality to the city that, more than any other single factor other than perhaps employment opportunities, justifies urban life.
In conclusion, despite legitimate doubts, it is my belief that heavy investment into public spaces is warranted due to the diverse range of ramifications for a citizenry. Governments should endeavour to prioritise such investment.
Answers
claim suppose
responsibility duty
erect communal build community
outdoor spaces places outside
I am in agreement with this viewpoint I agree
concede will grant that
requiring attention need people caring about
detractors critics
significant funding a lot of money
public spaces communal places such as libraries, sculptures, parks
more pressing budgetary concerns more important areas to fund
balance allocations giving money to
key areas essential sectors
ranging from including
housing where people live
economic growth more money being earned
common policy proposal often suggested
majority most of
dealt with handle
robust strong
intervention interfere with
standout outlier
underpinning foundational
contention opinion
grow rapidly increase a lot
provide for allow for
lessening reducing
burden duty
extend healthcare benefits improve hospitals and care
nonetheless regardless
public spaces outdoor public places
wide variety of needs many requirements
sufficient enough
high quality of life good standard of living
constructed built
go for runs take a jog
attendcultural events go to plays, museums, etc.
outdoor plays theater outside
chief reasons main justifications
densely populated crowded
vitality life
more than any other single factor the most important element
perhaps maybe
justifies urban life good reason for living in a city
despite legitimate doubts regardless of the valid criticisms
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many today c_________m that cities and towns have a r______________y to e__________________l, o________________s for residents. I___________________________________t, though I c___________e there are other important areas r__________________n.
D______________s to s______________________g for p______________s argue there are m______________________________s. All governments must b_______________________s between k_________________________m healthcare and education to h___________g and e___________________h. One c__________________________l is that the m_____________y of problems could be d_____________h through more r________t governmental economic i______________n. The s____________t examples u_________________g such a c_____________n are developed countries in North America, the United States and East Asia. Once the economies of those nations started to g____________y, citizens were able to p______________r themselves and their families, l_____________g the b___________n on governments to fight crime, fund education, e_____________________________s, and so on.
N__________________s, p________________s meet a w________________________s for the average city or town resident. S___________t public space is typically considered one with h_____________________e. Take New York City for example. Before Central Park was c_____________d, the island was mainly a place of business and people lived outside the city. Central Park’s development now allows residents to g________________s in the park, a_________________________s such as o______________s, hang out with friends in nature, and play various sports. These activities are some of the c__________________s to live in a d_______________________d city and they bring a v__________y to the city that, m______________________________r other than p____________s employment opportunities, j______________________e.
In conclusion, d_________________________s, it is my belief that h__________________________t into public spaces is w_____________d due to the d__________e range of r________________s for a c____________y. Governments should e_______________r to prioritise such investment.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of arranging a presentation at a conference with a colleague.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and don’t miss any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Letter to a Colleague
You want to arrange a conference for your company, and you need to ask one of your colleagues to give a presentation in this conference.
Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter include:
Details about the conference
Why you want your colleague to give presentation
What arrangement will you do for this conference
Hi Donald,
I’m writing because we didn’t get a chance to talk after work on Friday and I need a favour. The conference I’ve been planning is coming up next week (on the topic of ‘The Use of Technology in Modern Education’ in case you forgot). It will take place at the Gem Plaza on the 23rd beginning at 10:30 in the morning.
One of our scheduled panelists on the benefits of incorporating social media had to cancel due to Covid-19 restrictions and my mind immediately turned to you. You’re an expert about these apps in your personal life but I’ve also noticed how you try to integrate social media platforms into your lessons. You would be part of the panel but no preparation is necessary.
If you accept, then we will arrange for a taxi to pick you up for the conference at 9:30 am. We will provide a speaker’s fee for the day and there is a ceremony after the event during which we will have dinner and you are of course invited.
Please let me know if you would like to take part in this conference.
Regards,
Dave
Analysis
1. Hi Donald,
2. I’m writing because we didn’t get a chance to talk after work on Friday and I need a favour. 3. The conference I’ve been planning is coming up next week (on the topic of ‘The Use of Technology in Modern Education’ in case you forgot). 4. It will take place at the Gem Plaza on the 23rd beginning at 10:30 in the morning.
Address the letter to someone.
Include your purpose for writing.
Add in some more detail if you want.
Keep adding detail for a higher task achievement score.
1. One of our scheduled panelists on the benefits of incorporating social media had to cancel due to Covid-19 restrictions and my mind immediately turned to you. 2. You’re an expert about these apps in your personal life but I’ve also noticed how you try to integrate social media platforms into your lessons. 3. You would be part of the panel but no preparation is necessary.
Begin to develop the first point.
Add more detail to it.
Keep developing it.
1. If you accept, then we will arrange for a taxi to pick you up for the conference at 9:30 am. 2. We will provide a speaker’s fee for the day and there is a ceremony after the event during which we will have dinner and you are of course invited.
3. Please let me know if you would like to take part in this conference.
4. Regards,
5. Dave
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
Finish developing it.
Write a goodbye statement.
Write your name at the end.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Hi Donald,
I’m writing because we didn’t get a chance to talk after work on Friday and I need a favour. The conference I’ve been planning is coming up next week (on the topic of ‘The Use of Technology in Modern Education‘ in case you forgot). It will take place at the Gem Plaza on the 23rd beginning at 10:30 in the morning.
One of our scheduled panelists on the benefits of incorporating social media had to cancel due to Covid-19 restrictions and my mind immediately turned to you. You’re an expert about these apps in your personal life but I’ve also noticed how you try to integrate social media platforms into your lessons. You would be part of the panel but no preparation is necessary.
If you accept, then we will arrange for a taxi to pick you up for the conference at 9:30 am. We will provide a speaker’s fee for the day and there is a ceremony after the event during which we will have dinner and you are of course invited.
Please let me know if you would like to take part in this conference.
Regards,
Dave
Answers
get a chance to talk have an opportunity to chat with
favour help
coming up upcoming
‘Modern Education‘ in case you forgot related to new ideas in education in the event you don’t remember
take place happening
in the morning am
scheduled panelists people who will speak / speakers
incorporating combining
cancel due to Covid-19 restrictions not happen because of travel limits
my mind immediately turned to you I thought of you right away
expert professional
apps applications
personal life private life
integrate combine
platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
be part of join in
panel group of speakers
preparation getting ready for
necessary needed
arrange set up
pick you up give you a ride
provide a speaker’s fee pay you money to join in
ceremony event
invited asked to come
please let me know if you would like to tell me if you can
I’m writing because we didn’t g________________________k after work on Friday and I need a f_________r. The conference I’ve been planning is c____________p next week (on the topic of ‘The Use of Technology in M________________n‘ i________________________t). It will t_______________e at the Gem Plaza on the 23rd beginning at 10:30 i_______________g.
One of our s_____________________s on the benefits of i_________________g social media had to c__________________________s and m_____________________________u. You’re an e_________t about these a_____s in your p________________e but I’ve also noticed how you try to i___________e social media p___________s into your lessons. You would b_____________f the p_________l but no p___________n is n______________y.
If you accept, then we will a_________e for a taxi to p____________p for the conference at 9:30 am. We will p____________________e for the day and there is a c_______________y after the event during which we will have dinner and you are of course i__________d.
P_____________________________________o take part in this conference.
R_________s,
Dave
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of private information online from the real IELTS exam.
An interesting and tricky IELTS topic!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts so that I can continue publishing these essays!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Private Information Online
Many people put their personal information online (address, telephone number, and so on) for purposes such as signing up for social networks or online banking.
Is this a positive or negative development?
The advent of a digital society has led to greater vulnerability in terms of the person information stored online. In my opinion, these associated dangers are significant but do not outweigh the benefits of a more convenient user experience.
Concerned policymakers often argue that sensitive information registered online fosters widespread fraud. The majority of individuals store some degree of information online whether it is as simple as their address and phone number or more important data such as social security numbers or banking details. Naturally, this information can be stolen. The variety of methods used to steal information, including phishing emails and actual hacking of websites, pose challenges for law enforcement and can lead to crimes such as identity theft. These novel vulnerabilities that all consumers must become aware of are likely to remain a permanent fixture of online life.
Nonetheless, the above instances are rare and storing information online allows for greater ease of access. The best evidence for this is that the vast majority of individuals have decided to store personal information online despite growing cognizance of the risks. For example, it is an afterthought to log in to a website, accept the cookies and store a username, and password. The next time the user logs in, the process only takes seconds and this small savings in terms of effort and time is justifiably meaningful in the aggregate. Moreover, in the case of online market trading platforms and banking websites, consumers are willing to divulge more confidential information to enjoy the conveniences of conducting transactions faster.
In conclusion, the tradeoffs associated with storing important data online do not make it a negative on the whole. Consumers, corporations, and governments must take steps to ensure safety, while being mindful that saving time and effort are two of the more fundamental human priorities.
Analysis
1. The advent of a digital society has led to greater vulnerability in terms of the person information stored online. 2. In my opinion, these associated dangers are significant but do not outweigh the benefits of a more convenient user experience.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Concerned policymakers often argue that sensitive information registered online fosters widespread fraud. 2. The majority of individuals store some degree of information online whether it is as simple as their address and phone number or more important data such as social security numbers or banking details. 3. Naturally, this information can be stolen. 4. The variety of methods used to steal information, including phishing emails and actual hacking of websites, pose challenges for law enforcement and can lead to crimes such as identity theft. 5. These novel vulnerabilities that all consumers must become aware of are likely to remain a permanent fixture of online life.
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. Nonetheless, the above instances are rare and storing information online allows for greater ease of access. 2. The best evidence for this is that the vast majority of individuals have decided to store personal information online despite growing cognizance of the risks. 3. For example, it is an afterthought to log in to a website, accept the cookies and store a username, and password. 4. The next time the user logs in, the process only takes seconds and this small savings in terms of effort and time is justifiably meaningful in the aggregate. 5. Moreover, in the case of online market trading platforms and banking websites, consumers are willing to divulge more confidential information to enjoy the conveniences of conducting transactions faster.
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.
1. In conclusion, the tradeoffs associated with storing important data online do not make it a negative on the whole. 2. Consumers, corporations, and governments must take steps to ensure safety, while being mindful that saving time and effort are two of the more fundamental human priorities.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The advent of a digital society has led to greater vulnerabilityin terms of the person information stored online. In my opinion, these associated dangers are significant but do not outweigh the benefits of a more convenient user experience.
Concerned policymakers often argue that sensitive information registered online fosters widespread fraud. The majority of individuals store some degree of information online whether it is as simple as their address and phone number or more important data such as social security numbers or banking details. Naturally, this information can be stolen. The variety of methods used to steal information, including phishing emails and actual hacking of websites, pose challenges for law enforcement and can lead to crimes such as identity theft. These novel vulnerabilities that all consumers must become aware of are likely to remain a permanent fixture of online life.
Nonetheless, the above instances are rare and storing information online allows for greater ease of access. The best evidence for this is that the vast majority of individuals have decided to store personal information online despite growing cognizance of the risks. For example, it is an afterthought to log in to a website, accept the cookies and store a username, and password. The next time the user logs in, the process only takes seconds and this small savings in terms of effort and time is justifiably meaningful in the aggregate. Moreover, in the case of online market trading platforms and banking websites, consumers are willing to divulge more confidential information to enjoy the conveniences of conducting transactions faster.
In conclusion, the tradeoffs associated with storing important data online do not make it a negative on the whole. Consumers, corporations, and governments must take steps to ensure safety, while being mindful that saving time and effort are two of themore fundamental human priorities.
Answers
advent beginning
digital society people increasingly online
greater vulnerability more risk
in terms of regarding
person information stored online data about yourself on websites
associated dangers related risks
significant massive
outweigh stronger than
convenient user experience easy for users
concerned policymakers worried officials
sensitive information registered person information on websites
fosters widespread fraud creates a lot of online crime
majority most of
some degree of some level of
data information
social security numbers ID numbers
banking details data about your banking information
naturally of course
stolen taken
variety of methods many ways
phishing emails emails designed for fraud
hacking breaking into a website
pose challenges have risks
law enforcement police
identity theft stealing information about you
novel vulnerabilities new threats
become aware of now know about
remain still
permanent fixture unchanging part
online life the online world
nonetheless regardless
rare not common
greater ease of access easier to use
vast majority of most of
despite growing cognizance of regardless of more awareness of
afterthought not considered much
accept the cookies allow websites to track you
process logging in
small savings little advantage
justifiably meaningful in the aggregate really means something all added together
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 a___________t of a d_____________________y has led to g________________________yi____________________f the p____________________________e. In my opinion, these a__________________s are s________________t but do not o_____________h the benefits of a more c_________________________________e.
C_________________________s often argue that s____________________________________d online f________________________d. The m______________y of individuals store s__________________f information online whether it is as simple as their address and phone number or more important d_____a such as s_________________________s or b__________________s. N_______________y, this information can be s____________n. The v_______________________s used to steal information, including p_________________s and actual h____________g of websites, p_____________________s for l___________________t and can lead to crimes such as i_________________t. These n__________________________s that all consumers must b________________________f are likely to r___________n a p______________________e of o______________e.
N____________________s, the above instances are r____e and storing information online allows for g__________________________s. The best evidence for this is that the v___________________f individuals have decided to store personal information online d_________________________f the risks. For example, it is an a_________________t to log in to a website, a_____________________s and store a username, and password. The next time the user logs in, the p__________s only takes seconds and this s______________s in terms of effort and time is j__________________________________________e. Moreover, in the case of o______________________________s and banking websites, consumers are w__________g to d_________e more c_______________l information to enjoy the conveniences of c_______________________s faster.
In conclusion, the t___________s a__________________h storing important data online do not make it a negative o_____________e. Consumers, corporations, and governments must t___________s to e_____________y, while b________________l that saving time and effort are t______________________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes. others argue that this money should be spent for sports facilities for ordinary people.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
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