IELTS Essay: Working Longer Hours

IELTS Essay: Working Longer Hours

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of working longer hours from the real IELTS general training 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: Working Longer Hours

Many people are working longer hours.

Why is this happening?

What problems can this cause to people?

It is becoming increasingly common for the average employee to spend more time working. In my opinion, this is the result of structural changes and the resultant problems relate primarily to mental and physical well-being.

Longer modern workdays are largely due to technological innovations. In the past, an office employee might commute to work for a typical 9 to 5 shift, before returning home unencumbered by further assignments. Today, many employees are in near-constant contact with their job through messages, emails, and phone calls. As working hours become flexible and permeable, in some cases leading to remote working, individuals are more likely to spend extra time completing assignments or making an effort to impress their boss. For example, highly motivated employees will often answer emails late into the night or stay up past midnight to finalise reports.

The results of more time spent at work concern mental and physical health. First of all, research has shown that in order to lower levels of cortisol in the brain linked to periods of stressful activity, it is important to compartmentalise work. Since this is less possible today, there has been a concomitant rise in conditions related to depression, anxiety, and general unhappiness. Secondly, more time at work can also take a heavy toll on physical health. Most workers spend the majority of the day sitting at a desk, which, if they have poor posture, can lead to back pain. More importantly, if employees are working too much they might be cutting into their time for exercise. There is only so much that an individual can fit into a single day and exercise is a natural sacrifice when pressed for time.

In conclusion, the tendency to work longer results from fundamental changes to the structure of work due to advances in technology and this has both psychological and physical implications. Individuals must therefore strive for ways to strike a balance to maintain their health.

Analysis

1. It is becoming increasingly common for the average employee to spend more time working. 2. In my opinion, this is the result of structural changes and the resultant problems relate primarily to mental and physical well-being.

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

1. Longer modern workdays are largely due to technological innovations. 2. In the past, an office employee might commute to work for a typical 9 to 5 shift, before returning home unencumbered by further assignments. 3. Today, many employees are in near-constant contact with their job through messages, emails, and phone calls. 4. As working hours become flexible and permeable, in some cases leading to remote working, individuals are more likely to spend extra time completing assignments or making an effort to impress their boss. 5. For example, highly motivated employees will often answer emails late into the night or stay up past midnight to finalise reports.

  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. Give an example.

1. The results of more time spent at work concern mental and physical health. 2. First of all, research has shown that in order to lower levels of cortisol in the brain linked to periods of stressful activity, it is important to compartmentalise work. 3. Since this is less possible today, there has been a concomitant rise in conditions related to depression, anxiety, and general unhappiness. 4. Secondly, more time at work can also take a heavy toll on physical health. 5. Most workers spend the majority of the day sitting at a desk, which, if they have poor posture, can lead to back pain. 6. More importantly, if employees are working too much they might be cutting into their time for exercise. 7. There is only so much that an individual can fit into a single day and exercise is a natural sacrifice when pressed for time.

  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!
  7. Try to keep your vocabulary academic and conclude the paragraph.

1. In conclusion, the tendency to work longer results from fundamental changes to the structure of work due to advances in technology and this has both psychological and physical implications. 2. Individuals must therefore strive for ways to strike a balance to maintain their health.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

It is becoming increasingly common for the average employee to spend more time working. In my opinion, this is the result of structural changes and the resultant problems relate primarily to mental and physical well-being.

Longer modern workdays are largely due to technological innovations. In the past, an office employee might commute to work for a typical 9 to 5 shift, before returning home unencumbered by further assignments. Today, many employees are in near-constant contact with their job through messages, emails, and phone calls. As working hours become flexible and permeable, in some cases leading to remote working, individuals are more likely to spend extra time completing assignments or making an effort to impress their boss. For example, highly motivated employees will often answer emails late into the night or stay up past midnight to finalise reports.

The results of more time spent at work concern mental and physical health. First of all, research has shown that in order to lower levels of cortisol in the brain linked to periods of stressful activity, it is important to compartmentalise work. Since this is less possible today, there has been a concomitant rise in conditions related to depression, anxiety, and general unhappiness. Secondly, more time at work can also take a heavy toll on physical health. Most workers spend the majority of the day sitting at a desk, which, if they have poor posture, can lead to back pain. More importantly, if employees are working too much they might be cutting into their time for exercise. There is only so much that an individual can fit into a single day and exercise is a natural sacrifice when pressed for time.

In conclusion, the tendency to work longer results from fundamental changes to the structure of work due to advances in technology and this has both psychological and physical implications. Individuals must therefore strive for ways to strike a balance to maintain their health.

Answers

increasingly common more and more popular

average employee normal person

structural changes alterations to the shape of the workday

resultant problems issues resulting from this

primarily mostly

mental and physical well-being emotional and body health

longer modern workdays more time working these days

largely mostly

technological innovations new devices

commute travelling to work/school

typical 9 to 5 shift normal workday

returning home unencumbered going back home with no worries/work

further extra

near-constant contact always in communications

flexible can change

permeable goes through barriers

in some cases sometimes

leading to causing

remote working working from home

completing assignments finishing your work

making an effort to impress their boss trying to show off

highly very

answer emails late into the night stay up late at night to respond

stay up past midnight don’t sleep until late

finalise reports finish work

concern worry

research has shown that studies indicate

cortisol the thing in the brain that relates to stress

linked to periods of stressful activity times when you feel stressed

compartmentalise keep in its place

concomitant rise related increase

conditions contexts

anxiety stressful feelings

take a heavy toll on hurts a lot

majority most of

poor posture don’t sit properly

back pain when your back hurts

cutting into reducing

there is only so much that only a limited amount can be done

fit into be part of

natural sacrifice obvious area to limit

pressed for time don’t have much time

tendency inclination

results from fundamental what happens from the basic

implications ramifications

strive try hard

strike a balance keep everything equal

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən 
ˈævərɪʤ ˌɛmplɔɪˈiː 
ˈstrʌkʧərəl ˈʧeɪnʤɪz 
rɪˈzʌltənt ˈprɒbləmz 
ˈpraɪmərɪli 
ˈmɛntl ænd ˈfɪzɪkəl wɛl-ˈbiːɪŋ
ˈlɒŋgə ˈmɒdən ˈwɜːkdeɪz 
ˈlɑːʤli 
ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪk(ə)l ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃənz
kəˈmjuːt 
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)l 9 tuː 5 ʃɪft,
rɪˈtɜːnɪŋ həʊm ˌʌnɪnˈkʌmbəd 
ˈfɜːðə 
nɪə-ˈkɒnstənt ˈkɒntækt 
ˈflɛksəbl 
ˈpɜːmiəb(ə)l
ɪn sʌm ˈkeɪsɪz 
ˈliːdɪŋ tuː 
rɪˈməʊt ˈwɜːkɪŋ
kəmˈpliːtɪŋ əˈsaɪnmənts 
ˈmeɪkɪŋ ən ˈɛfət tuː ˈɪmprɛs ðeə bɒs
ˈhaɪli 
ˈɑːnsər ˈiːmeɪlz leɪt ˈɪntuː ðə naɪt 
steɪ ʌp pɑːst ˈmɪdnaɪt 
ˈfaɪnəlaɪz rɪˈpɔːts
kənˈsɜːn 
rɪˈsɜːʧ hæz ʃəʊn ðæt 
kɔːtisəʊl
lɪŋkt tuː ˈpɪərɪədz ɒv ˈstrɛsf(ə)l ækˈtɪvɪti
kəmˈpɑːtməntəlaɪz 
kənˈkɒmɪtənt raɪz 
kənˈdɪʃənz 
æŋˈzaɪəti
teɪk ə ˈhɛvi təʊl ɒn 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
pʊə ˈpɒsʧə
bæk peɪn
ˈkʌtɪŋ ˈɪntuː 
ðeər ɪz ˈəʊnli səʊ mʌʧ ðæt 
fɪt ˈɪntuː 
ˈnæʧrəl ˈsækrɪfaɪs 
prɛst fɔː taɪm
ˈtɛndənsi 
rɪˈzʌlts frɒm ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl 
ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz
straɪv 
straɪk ə ˈbæləns 

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 the a_____________________e to spend more time working. In my opinion, this is the result of s__________________s and the r___________________s relate p___________y to m___________________________g.

L_________________________s are l__________y due to t___________________________s. In the past, an office employee might c__________e to work for a t_______________________t, before r___________________________d by f_________r assignments. Today, many employees are in n_______________________t with their job through messages, emails, and phone calls. As working hours become f______________e and p______________e, i________________s l_________________o r____________________g, individuals are more likely to spend extra time c____________________s or m__________________________________s. For example, h__________y motivated employees will often a_____________________________t or s___________________t to f_________________s.

The results of more time spent at work c___________n mental and physical health. First of all, r________________________t in order to lower levels of c___________l in the brain l________________________________________y, it is important to c_________________e work. Since this is less possible today, there has been a c____________________e in c_______________s related to depression, a____________y, and general unhappiness. Secondly, more time at work can also t_______________________n physical health. Most workers spend the m_______________y of the day sitting at a desk, which, if they have p__________________e, can lead to b_____________n. More importantly, if employees are working too much they might be c_____________o their time for exercise. T_____________________________t an individual can f_______o a single day and exercise is a n_______________________e when p___________________e.

In conclusion, the t____________y to work longer r________________________l changes to the structure of work due to advances in technology and this has both psychological and physical i_________________s. Individuals must therefore s______e for ways to s__________________e to maintain their health.

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.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/business/measure-results-not-hours-to-improve-work-efficiency.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:

Some think that work and social friends should be kept separate.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Celebrities and Charity

IELTS Essay: Celebrities and Charity

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

Here is the questions itself:

Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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

Dave

IELTS Essay: Internet News

IELTS Essay: Internet News

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of internet news from the real IELTS exam.

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

Dave

IELTS Essay: Internet News

More and more people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programmes to get their news and instead read online.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Increasingly large segments of the population now receive their news online, rather than from the physical editions of newspapers. In my opinion, though the conveniences of technology are self-evident, this trend is a negative on the whole.

Proponents of modern habits of reading news argue it is more convenient. Examples of this abound. Consumers can search Google or Apple News and locate articles from thousands of online papers and websites, enabling them to access the news that matters the most to them more efficiently. Furthermore, they can do this while they are commuting to work or during various periods of inactivity throughout the day. It is even possible on most websites to listen to an audio version of the news, a tremendous advance for the visually impaired. All these modern features of online news only hint at the innovations to come and validate the decline of the publishing industry.

Nonetheless, the quality of online news is considerably lower on most websites. There are exceptions, such as websites that specialise in a given subject-area and employ intelligent contributors, however, the vast majority of the online news industry cynically pursues advertising revenue at any cost. Most stories are written hastily, the headlines are misleading, and the news articles themselves may be rife with unchecked facts and unprofessional prose. Retractions to reporting errors go unnoticed. The situation developing from this is that most individuals now read the news either to confirm their biases and gain a momentary burst of endorphins or out of outrage, so-called ‘hate-reading’, for the very same reason. It is therefore justified to claim that the relationship between publisher and audience is exploitive, not educational.

In conclusion, easier access to news does not outweigh the bad habits instilled by online news. Governments will likely never regulate this industry properly so it falls to individuals to make more informed choices when consuming media.

Analysis

1. Increasingly large segments of the population now receive their news online, rather than from the physical editions of newspapers. 2. In my opinion, though the conveniences of technology are self-evident, this trend is a negative on the whole.

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

1. Proponents of modern habits of reading news argue it is more convenient. 2. Examples of this abound. 3. Consumers can search Google or Apple News and locate articles from thousands of online papers and websites, enabling them to access the news that matters the most to them more efficiently. 4. Furthermore, they can do this while they are commuting to work or during various periods of inactivity throughout the day. 5. It is even possible on most websites to listen to an audio version of the news, a tremendous advance for the visually impaired. 6. All these modern features of online news only hint at the innovations to come and validate the decline of the publishing industry.

  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. Continue to develop it.
  5. State the result.
  6. Develop it even more fully if possible.

1. Nonetheless, the quality of online news is considerably lower on most websites. 2. There are exceptions, such as websites that specialise in a given subject-area and employ intelligent contributors, however, the vast majority of the online news industry cynically pursues advertising revenue at any cost. 3. Most stories are written hastily, the headlines are misleading, and the news articles themselves may be rife with unchecked facts and unprofessional prose. 4. Retractions to reporting errors go unnoticed. 5. The situation developing from this is that most individuals now read the news either to confirm their biases and gain a momentary burst of endorphins or out of outrage, so-called ‘hate-reading’, for the very same reason. 6. It is therefore justified to claim that the relationship between publisher and audience is exploitive, not educational.

  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. Continue your development.
  6. Add on any extra detail that you can that is related for a better task achievement score.

1. In conclusion, easier access to news does not outweigh the bad habits instilled by online news. 2. Governments will likely never regulate this industry properly so it falls to individuals to make more informed choices when consuming media.

  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 and then check below.

Increasingly large segments of the population now receive their news online, rather than from the physical editions of newspapers. In my opinion, though the conveniences of technology are self-evident, this trend is a negative on the whole.

Proponents of modern habits of reading news argue it is more convenient. Examples of this abound. Consumers can search Google or Apple News and locate articles from thousands of online papers and websites, enabling them to access the news that matters the most to them more efficiently. Furthermore, they can do this while they are commuting to work or during various periods of inactivity throughout the day. It is even possible on most websites to listen to an audio version of the news, a tremendous advance for the visually impaired. All these modern features of online news only hint at the innovations to come and validate the decline of the publishing industry.

Nonetheless, the quality of online news is considerably lower on most websites. There are exceptions, such as websites that specialise in a given subject-area and employ intelligent contributors, however, the vast majority of the online news industry cynically pursues advertising revenue at any cost. Most stories are written hastily, the headlines are misleading, and the news articles themselves may be rife with unchecked facts and unprofessional prose. Retractions to reporting errors go unnoticed. The situation developing from this is that most individuals now read the news either to confirm their biases and gain a momentary burst of endorphins or out of outrage, so-called ‘hate-reading‘, for the very same reason. It is therefore justified to claim that the relationship between publisher and audience is exploitive, not educational.

In conclusion, easier access to news does not outweigh the bad habits instilled by online news. Governments will likely never regulate this industry properly so it falls to individuals to make more informed choices when consuming media.

Answers

increasingly large segments of the population more and more people

rather than instead of

physical editions real copies

conveniences easier to use

self-evident obvious

trend pattern

on the whole in general

proponents supporters

modern habits the way people act now

argue claim

convenient easy and simple to use

abound are common

consumers customers

locate articles find news

enabling allowing for

access get to

matters the most to them care about the most

efficiently without wasting energy

while at the same time

commuting travelling to work/school

during various periods of inactivity throughout the day when not doing something

possible could happen

audio version can be listened to

tremendous advance huge step forward

visually impaired hard to see

modern features new abilities

hint look forward to

innovations to come changes in the future

validate justify

decline decrease

publishing industry magazines, newspapers, books

nonetheless regardless

considerably lower much less

exceptions outliers

specialise focus on

subject-area field of work

employ intelligent contributors hire smart writers

vast majority most of

online news industry websites posting news

cynically pursues just trying to get

advertising revenue money from ads

at any cost unethically

written hastily written quickly

misleading not accurate

rife with unchecked facts full of mistakes

unprofessional prose badly written

retractions mistakes corrected later

reporting errors mistakes

unnoticed not seen

situation context

confirm their biases agree with their views

gain a momentary burst of endorphins feel happy for a minute

out of outrage in anger

so-called allegedly

‘hate-reading‘ reading just because you hate an article

very same reason exact same cause

therefore justified that’s why it should be so

claim argue

relationship interaction

publisher magazines, sites, etc.

exploitive taking advantage of

educational making your smarter

outweigh stronger than

instilled encouraged

regulate make laws about

properly well

falls to lies with

make more informed choices make better choices

consuming media reading/listening to news

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli lɑːʤ ˈsɛgmənts ɒv ðə ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən 
ˈrɑːðə ðæn 
ˈfɪzɪkəl ɪˈdɪʃənz 
kənˈviːniənsɪz 
sɛlf-ˈɛvɪdənt
trɛnd 
ɒn ðə həʊl
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˈmɒdən ˈhæbɪts 
ˈɑːgjuː 
kənˈviːniənt
əˈbaʊnd
kənˈsjuːməz 
ləʊˈkeɪt ˈɑːtɪklz 
ɪˈneɪblɪŋ 
ˈæksɛs 
ˈmætəz ðə məʊst tuː ðɛm 
ɪˈfɪʃəntli
waɪl 
kəˈmjuːtɪŋ 
ˈdjʊərɪŋ ˈveərɪəs ˈpɪərɪədz ɒv ˌɪnækˈtɪvɪti θru(ː)ˈaʊt ðə deɪ
ˈpɒsəbl 
ˈɔːdɪˌəʊ ˈvɜːʃən 
trɪˈmɛndəs ədˈvɑːns 
ˈvɪzjʊəli ɪmˈpeəd
ˈmɒdən ˈfiːʧəz 
hɪnt 
ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃənz tuː kʌm 
ˈvælɪdeɪt 
dɪˈklaɪn 
ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ ˈɪndəstri
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
kənˈsɪdərəbli ˈləʊə 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz
ˈspɛʃ(ə)laɪz 
ˈsʌbʤɪkt-ˈeərɪə 
ɪmˈplɔɪ ɪnˈtɛlɪʤənt kənˈtrɪbjʊtəz
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈɒnˌlaɪn njuːz ˈɪndəstri 
ˈsɪnɪkəli pəˈsjuːz 
ˈædvətaɪzɪŋ ˈrɛvɪnjuː 
æt ˈɛni kɒst
ˈrɪtn ˈheɪstɪli
mɪsˈliːdɪŋ
raɪf wɪð ʌnˈʧɛkt fækts 
ˌʌnprəˈfɛʃənl prəʊz
rɪˈtrækʃənz 
rɪˈpɔːtɪŋ ˈɛrəz 
ʌnˈnəʊtɪst
ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən 
kənˈfɜːm ðeə ˈbaɪəsɪz 
geɪn ə ˈməʊməntəri bɜːst ɒv endəʊfins 
aʊt ɒv ˈaʊtreɪʤ
ˈsəʊˈkɔːld 
heɪt-ˈriːdɪŋ
ˈvɛri seɪm ˈriːzn
ˈðeəfɔː ˈʤʌstɪfaɪd 
kleɪm 
rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp 
ˈpʌblɪʃə 
ˈɛksplɔɪtɪv
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl
aʊtˈweɪ 
ɪnˈstɪld 
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt 
ˈprɒpəli 
fɔːlz tuː 
meɪk mɔːr ɪnˈfɔːmd ˈʧɔɪsɪz 
kənˈsjuːmɪŋ ˈmiːdiə

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:

I________________________________________n now receive their news online, r_______________n from the p__________________s of newspapers. In my opinion, though the c________________s of technology are s____________t, this t______d is a negative o______________e.

P________________s of m_____________s of reading news a_____e it is more c_______________t. Examples of this a__________d. C__________s can search Google or Apple News and l______________s from thousands of online papers and websites, e__________g them to a_______s the news that m_______________________m more e______________y. Furthermore, they can do this w_______e they are c_____________g to work or d___________________________________________________y. It is even p__________e on most websites to listen to an a______________n of the news, a t____________________e for the v__________________d. All these m__________________s of online news only h____t at the i_______________________e and v____________e the d_________e of the p______________________y.

N____________s, the quality of online news is c____________________r on most websites. There are e_____________s, such as websites that s____________e in a given s________________a and e_________________________s, however, the v___________________y of the o_____________________y c_________________________s a______________________e a______________t. Most stories are w_______________y, the headlines are m_____________g, and the news articles themselves may be r____________________s and u_______________________e. R____________s to r__________________s go u_______________d. The s_____________n developing from this is that most individuals now read the news either to c________________s and g__________________________________s or o________________e, s__________________________g‘, for the v_________________n. It is t____________________d to c_____m that the r_______________p between p_________________r and audience is e______________e, not e_________________l.

In conclusion, easier access to news does not o_______________h the bad habits i___________d by online news. Governments will likely never r____________e this industry p____________y so it f________o individuals to m________________s when c___________________a.

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.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/business/media/ny-post-aggregation-fake-news.html

Speaking Practice

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

Newspapers/Magazines

  1. Do you prefer to read newspapers or magazines?
  2. Do you like reading the news online?
  3. Is it more convenient nowadays to read the news online?

Writing Practice

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

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

IELTS Essay Task 1: Exports Table

IELTS Essay Task 1: Exports Table

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 billions20092010Changes
Equipment10.311.613%
Telecommunications7.912.761%
Clothing65-17%
Manufacturing5.54-27%
Metals2.35.1122%
Overall3238.420%
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.

  1. Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
  3. You may need a second sentence for your general overview.

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.

  1. Begin writing about the bar chart.
  2. 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.

  1. Write about the rest of the data from the bar chart.
  2. 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

declined slightly went down a little

in turn respectively

trend pattern

reversed opposite direction

more than doubled more than 200%

reflected mirrored

in the aggregate overall

total figure complete number

Pronunciation

ˈdiːteɪlz 
raɪz ænd fɔːl 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
dɪsˈpleɪd ən ˈʌpwəd ˈtræʤɪktəri 
ɪkˈsɛpt 
ˈfɔːmə 
ˈkɒnstɪtjuːtɪŋ 
səbˈstænʃəl 
ˈkwɒntɪtiz 
ˈlɑːʤɪst ˈɛkspɔːts 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli
ˌəʊvəˈteɪkən 
sɜːʤ 
gruː ˈmɑːʤɪnəli 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv lɛs rəʊˈbʌst ˈɛkspɔːts
dɪˈklaɪnd ˈslaɪtli 
ɪn tɜːn
trɛnd 
rɪˈvɜːst 
mɔː ðæn ˈdʌbld 
rɪˈflɛktɪd 
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt 
ˈtəʊtl ˈfɪgə 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEAAeXEMsErNFmQ1VWVI0ZKIqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowief2CjCJ2dUCMNegxwU?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

Speaking Practice

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

Buying

  1. Which item do you buy the most?
  2. Do you care about the price when buying an item?
  3. What was the last thing you bought?
  4. Are good products always expensive?

Writing Practice

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

IELTS Essay: Building Public Places

IELTS Essay: Building Public Places

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of building public spaces from the real IELTS exam.

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

Dave

IELTS Essay: Building Public Places

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  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. Continue to develop it.
  5. 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.

  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. Continue your development.
  6. 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.

  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 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, 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.

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

attend cultural 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

heavy investment lots of money put into it

warranted deserved

diverse variety

ramifications results

citizenry people, residents

endeavour try

Pronunciation

kleɪm 
rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti 
ɪˈrɛkt ˈkɒmjʊnl 
ˈaʊtdɔː ˈspeɪsɪz 
aɪ æm ɪn əˈgriːmənt wɪð ðɪs ˈvjuːpɔɪnt 
kənˈsiːd 
rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n 
dɪˈtræktəz 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈfʌndɪŋ 
ˈpʌblɪk ˈspeɪsɪz 
mɔː ˈprɛsɪŋ ˈbʌʤɪtəri kənˈsɜːnz 
ˈbæləns ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)nz 
kiː ˈeərɪəz 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˈhaʊzɪŋ 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk grəʊθ
ˈkɒmən ˈpɒlɪsi prəˈpəʊzəl 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
dɛlt wɪð 
rəʊˈbʌst 
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈvɛnʃən
ˈstændaʊt 
ˌʌndəˈpɪnɪŋ 
kənˈtɛnʃən 
grəʊ ˈræpɪdli
prəˈvaɪd fɔː 
ˈlɛsnɪŋ 
ˈbɜːdn 
ɪksˈtɛnd ˈhɛlθkeə ˈbɛnɪfɪts
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈpʌblɪk ˈspeɪsɪz 
waɪd vəˈraɪəti ɒv niːdz 
səˈfɪʃənt 
haɪ ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv laɪf
kənˈstrʌktɪd
gəʊ fɔː rʌnz 
əˈtɛnd ˈkʌlʧərəl ɪˈvɛnts 
ˈaʊtdɔː pleɪz
ʧiːf ˈriːznz 
ˈdɛnsli ˈpɒpjʊleɪtɪd 
vaɪˈtælɪti 
mɔː ðæn ˈɛni ˈʌðə ˈsɪŋgl ˈfæktə 
pəˈhæps 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪz ˈɜːbən laɪf
dɪsˈpaɪt lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt daʊts
ˈhɛvi ɪnˈvɛstmənt 
ˈwɒrəntɪd 
daɪˈvɜːs 
ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz 
ˈsɪtɪznri
ɪnˈdɛvə 

Vocabulary Practice

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

Many 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:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.wired.com/story/to-mend-a-broken-internet-create-online-parks/

Speaking Practice

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

Talk about a public building that you would like to visit

Include:

Where it is

Why you want to visit

If you will visit it

Writing Practice

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

Too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?