IELTS Essay: Letter to a Colleague

IELTS Essay: Letter to a Colleague

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.

  1. Address the letter to someone.
  2. Include your purpose for writing.
  3. Add in some more detail if you want.
  4. 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.

  1. Begin to develop the first point.
  2. Add more detail to it.
  3. 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

  1. Develop the last point.
  2. Keep developing it.
  3. Finish developing it.
  4. Write a goodbye statement.
  5. 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

regards sincerely

Pronunciation

gɛt ə ʧɑːns tuː tɔːk 
ˈfeɪvə
ˈkʌmɪŋ ʌp 
ˈmɒdən ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən ɪn keɪs juː fəˈgɒt
teɪk pleɪs 
ɪn ðə ˈmɔːnɪŋ
ˈʃɛdjuːld ˈpænlɪsts 
ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪtɪŋ 
ˈkænsəl djuː tuː ˈkəʊvɪd-19 rɪsˈtrɪkʃənz 
maɪ maɪnd ɪˈmiːdiətli tɜːnd tuː juː
ˈɛkspɜːt 
æps 
ˈpɜːsnl laɪf 
ˈɪntɪgreɪt 
ˈplætfɔːmz 
biː pɑːt ɒv 
ˈpænl 
ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən 
ˈnɛsɪsəri
əˈreɪnʤ 
pɪk juː ʌp 
prəˈvaɪd ə ˈspiːkəz fiː 
ˈsɛrɪməni 
ɪnˈvaɪtɪd
pliːz lɛt miː nəʊ ɪf juː wʊd laɪk tuː 
rɪˈgɑːdz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Hi Donald,

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:

Reading Practice

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

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/pre-intermediate-a2/an-email-to-ask-a-colleague-to-do-something

Speaking Practice

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

Work (Model answer available on my Patreon)

  1. Do you work or are you a student?
  2. Do you like your current job?
  3. In the future, do you want to change jobs?

Writing Practice

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

Your friend is going to stay in your apartment while you are away. Write a letter to your friend and include:

Where the key is

Instructions to look after the apartment

What should he/ she do on the day of your return

IELTS Essay: Private Information Online

IELTS Essay: Private Information Online

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  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, 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.

  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.

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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 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.

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

online market trading platforms banks, stock brokerages online

willing will do it

divulge give over information

confidential secret

conducting transactions making purchases, etc.

tradeoffs downsides

associated with related to

on the whole overall

take steps begin to

ensure safety make sure it is secure

being mindful being aware of

two of the more fundamental human priorities basic to human nature

Pronunciation

ˈædvənt 
ˈdɪʤɪtl səˈsaɪəti 
ˈgreɪtə ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈpɜːsn ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən stɔːd ˈɒnˌlaɪn
əˈsəʊʃɪeɪtɪd ˈdeɪnʤəz 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt 
aʊtˈweɪ 
kənˈviːniənt ˈjuːzər ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
kənˈsɜːnd ˈpɒlɪsi ˈmeɪkəz 
ˈsɛnsɪtɪv ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən ˈrɛʤɪstəd 
ˈfɒstəz ˈwaɪdsprɛd frɔːd
məˈʤɒrɪti 
sʌm dɪˈgriː ɒv 
ˈdeɪtə 
ˈsəʊʃəl sɪˈkjʊərɪti ˈnʌmbəz 
ˈbæŋkɪŋ ˈdiːteɪlz
ˈnæʧrəli
ˈstəʊlən
vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈmɛθədz 
phishing ˈiːmeɪlz 
ˈhækɪŋ 
pəʊz ˈʧælɪnʤɪz 
lɔː ɪnˈfɔːsmənt 
aɪˈdɛntɪti θɛft
ˈnɒvəl ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪtiz 
bɪˈkʌm əˈweər ɒv 
rɪˈmeɪn 
ˈpɜːmənənt ˈfɪkstʧə 
ˈɒnˌlaɪn laɪf
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
reə 
ˈgreɪtər iːz ɒv ˈæksɛs
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti ɒv 
dɪsˈpaɪt ˈgrəʊɪŋ ˈkɒgnɪzəns ɒv 
ˈɑːftəθɔːt 
əkˈsɛpt ðə ˈkʊkiz 
ˈprəʊsɛs 
smɔːl ˈseɪvɪŋz 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪəbli ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt
ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈmɑːkɪt ˈtreɪdɪŋ ˈplætfɔːmz 
ˈwɪlɪŋ 
daɪˈvʌlʤ 
ˌkɒnfɪˈdɛnʃəl 
kənˈdʌktɪŋ trænˈzækʃənz 
treɪd ɒf
əˈsəʊʃɪeɪtɪd wɪð 
ɒn ðə həʊl
teɪk stɛps 
ɪnˈʃʊə ˈseɪfti
ˈbiːɪŋ ˈmaɪndfʊl 
tuː ɒv ðə mɔː ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl ˈhjuːmən praɪˈɒrɪtiz

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:

The a___________t of a d_____________________y has led to g________________________y i____________________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:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.wired.com/tag/identity-theft/

Speaking Practice

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

Emails

  1. Do you communicate via emails?
  2. Do you prefer getting texts or emails?
  3. Have you ever received an email that made you happy?
  4. Is email popular in your country?

Writing Practice

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

In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

IELTS Essay: Sports Facilities (Ebook)

IELTS Essay: Sports Facilities (Ebook)

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

The topic has come up on IELTS a few times before so I decided to write about it again!

It is only available as a full Ebook on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts.

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.

You can sign up and get access for as little as $1 a month!

Contributing to Patreon helps me to publish these essays for students every week, so please consider signing up for my Patreon!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Imported Foods

IELTS Essay: Imported Foods

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the pros and cons of importing foods from the real IELTS exam.

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: Imported Foods

Some countries import a large amount of food from other parts of the world.

To what extent is this a postive or negative trend?

Nations are increasingly importing food products and relying less on domestic supplies. In my opinion, though this has narrow economic drawbacks, it is a net positive.

The negative aspects of increased imports relate to domestic agriculture. In the United States, for example, there are trade agreements with a variety of countries enabling customers to purchase foreign products that cannot be locally grown, are only available seasonally or are prohibitively expensive. Any local farmers who rely on higher prices for specialised crops or expect a surge in sales when the seasons change, must now account for the global nature of agriculture. If they are not in a position to begin exporting to other countries themselves, there is a strong likelihood they will suffer a serious decline in their living standards and may have to consider the possibility of new employment.

However, the cases above are often mitigated with government subsidies and the benefits of imports for the average shopper are substantial. In the past, customers resigned themselves to a limited range of local produce, restricted by both geography and the seasons. Nowadays, imports make it possible to eat exotic fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown in one’s own country. Aside from the luxuries now available, there are also more utilitarian benefits. Countries with large populations and limited arable land, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, can make deals that leverage their more abundant natural resources. The tangible result is that previously malnourished residents now have greater access to nutritious foods, which in turn raises both life expectancy and quality of life.

In conclusion, the limited economic collateral of a thriving import and export agricultural market do not outweigh the advantages gained for both affluent and underprivileged segments of a population.

Analysis

1. Nations are increasingly importing food products and relying less on domestic supplies. 2. In my opinion, though this has narrow economic drawbacks, it is a net positive.

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

1. The negative aspects of increased imports relate to domestic agriculture. 2. In the United States, for example, there are trade agreements with a variety of countries enabling customers to purchase foreign products that cannot be locally grown, are only available seasonally or are prohibitively expensive. 3. Any local farmers who rely on higher prices for specialised crops or expect a surge in sales when the seasons change, must now account for the global nature of agriculture. 4. If they are not in a position to begin exporting to other countries themselves, there is a strong likelihood they will suffer a serious decline in their living standards and may have to consider the possibility of new employment.

  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 fully.

1. However, the cases above are often mitigated with government subsidies and the benefits of imports for the average shopper are substantial. 2. In the past, customers resigned themselves to a limited range of local produce, restricted by both geography and the seasons. 3. Nowadays, imports make it possible to eat exotic fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown in one’s own country. 4. Aside from the luxuries now available, there are also more utilitarian benefits. 5. Countries with large populations and limited arable land, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, can make deals that leverage their more abundant natural resources. 6. The tangible result is that previously malnourished residents now have greater access to nutritious foods, which in turn raises both life expectancy and quality of 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. Keep adding more specific and examples.
  6. And develop them fully.

1. In conclusion, the limited economic collateral of a thriving import and export agricultural market do not outweigh the advantages gained for both affluent and underprivileged segments of a population.

  1. Summarise your main ideas. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Nations are increasingly importing food products and relying less on domestic supplies. In my opinion, though this has narrow economic drawbacks, it is a net positive.

The negative aspects of increased imports relate to domestic agriculture. In the United States, for example, there are trade agreements with a variety of countries enabling customers to purchase foreign products that cannot be locally grown, are only available seasonally or are prohibitively expensive. Any local farmers who rely on higher prices for specialised crops or expect a surge in sales when the seasons change, must now account for the global nature of agriculture. If they are not in a position to begin exporting to other countries themselves, there is a strong likelihood they will suffer a serious decline in their living standards and may have to consider the possibility of new employment.

However, the cases above are often mitigated with government subsidies and the benefits of imports for the average shopper are substantial. In the past, customers resigned themselves to a limited range of local produce, restricted by both geography and the seasons. Nowadays, imports make it possible to eat exotic fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown in one’s own country. Aside from the luxuries now available, there are also more utilitarian benefits. Countries with large populations and limited arable land, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, can make deals that leverage their more abundant natural resources. The tangible result is that previously malnourished residents now have greater access to nutritious foods, which in turn raises both life expectancy and quality of life.

In conclusion, the limited economic collateral of a thriving import and export agricultural market do not outweigh the advantages gained for both affluent and underprivileged segments of a population.

Answers

increasingly importing bring in more products from other countries

relying less not need as much

domestic supplies what is made in your country

narrow economic drawbacks small disadvantages for the economy

net positive overall good

negative aspects disadvantages

relate to concern

domestic agriculture farms in your country

trade agreements deal between countries

a variety of countries many nations

enabling allowing for

purchase buy

locally grown grown in your country

only available seasonally can only be bought sometimes

prohibitively expensive too much

rely on need

specialised crops rare, specific foods

surge increase a lot

now account for consider now

global nature all countries involved

not in a position can’t

strong likelihood good chance

suffer a serious decline decrease a lot

living standards how you are living

consider the possibility think about the chance

mitigated weakened

government subsidies government support/money

average shopper normal consumer

substantial a lot

resigned themselves given up and now happy with

limited range not many types

local produce grown in nearby farms

restricted by limited by

geography land, terrain

eat exotic fruits eat rare fruits

aside from besides

luxuries not necessary

utilitarian benefits real impact

limited arable land not much farming land

Sub-Saharan Africa countries in and below the Sahara desert

make deals sign constracts

leverage exploit

abundant natural resources lots of resources

tangible result real effect

previously malnourished residents starving before

greater access more ability to get

nutritious healthy

in turn then

life expectancy longevity

quality of life standards of living

limited economic collateral just hurts a bit

thriving doing well

outweigh stronger than

affluent rich

underprivileged segments of a population poorer residents

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ɪmˈpɔːtɪŋ 
rɪˈlaɪɪŋ lɛs 
dəʊˈmɛstɪk səˈplaɪz
ˈnærəʊ ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdrɔːbæks
nɛt ˈpɒzətɪv
ˈnɛgətɪv ˈæspɛkts 
rɪˈleɪt tuː 
dəʊˈmɛstɪk ˈægrɪkʌlʧə
treɪd əˈgriːmənts 
ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈkʌntriz 
ɪˈneɪblɪŋ 
ˈpɜːʧəs 
ˈləʊkəli grəʊn
ˈəʊnli əˈveɪləbl ˈsiːzənli 
prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli ɪksˈpɛnsɪv
rɪˈlaɪ ɒn 
ˈspɛʃ(ə)laɪzd krɒps 
sɜːʤ 
naʊ əˈkaʊnt fɔː 
ˈgləʊbəl ˈneɪʧə 
nɒt ɪn ə pəˈzɪʃən 
strɒŋ ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
ˈsʌfər ə ˈsɪərɪəs dɪˈklaɪn 
ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændədz 
kənˈsɪdə ðə ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti 
ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪd 
ˈgʌvnmənt ˈsʌbsɪdiz 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈʃɒpə 
səbˈstænʃəl
rɪˈzaɪnd ðəmˈsɛlvz 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd reɪnʤ 
ˈləʊkəl ˈprɒdjuːs
rɪsˈtrɪktɪd baɪ 
ʤɪˈɒgrəfi 
iːt ɪgˈzɒtɪk fruːts 
əˈsaɪd frɒm 
ˈlʌkʃəriz 
ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteərɪən ˈbɛnɪfɪts
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈærəbl lænd
sʌb-səˈhɑːrən ˈæfrɪkə 
meɪk diːlz 
ˈliːvərɪʤ 
əˈbʌndənt ˈnæʧrəl rɪˈsɔːsɪz
ˈtænʤəbl rɪˈzʌlt 
ˈpriːviəsli məˈnʌrɪʃt ˈrɛzɪdənts 
ˈgreɪtər ˈæksɛs 
nju(ː)ˈtrɪʃəs 
ɪn tɜːn 
laɪf ɪksˈpɛktənsi 
ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv laɪf
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk kɒˈlætərəl 
ˈθraɪvɪŋ 
aʊtˈweɪ 
ˈæflʊənt 
ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪʤd ˈsɛgmənts ɒv ə ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Nations are i______________________g food products and r______________s on d_____________________s. In my opinion, though this has n____________________________s, it is a n______________e.

The n____________________s of increased imports r_______________o d______________________e. In the United States, for example, there are t___________________s with a__________________________s e_____________g customers to p_______________e foreign products that cannot be l__________________n, are o______________________________y or are p________________________e. Any local farmers who r_______n higher prices for s__________________________s or expect a s____e in sales when the seasons change, must n___________________r the g____________e of agriculture. If they are n__________________________n to begin exporting to other countries themselves, there is a s___________________d they will s______________________e in their l_______________________s and may have to c_________________________________y of new employment.

However, the cases above are often m______________d with g_______________________s and the benefits of imports for the a____________________r are s____________l. In the past, customers r______________________s to a l_______________e of l___________________e, r__________________y both g______________y and the seasons. Nowadays, imports make it possible to e____________________s and vegetables that cannot be grown in one’s own country. A_________m the l________s now available, there are also more u____________________________s. Countries with large populations and l_________________d, such as in S_______________________a and the Middle East, can m_________s that l__________e their more a_____________________________s. The t_______________t is that p________________________________________s now have g_________________s to n___________s foods, which i_______n raises both l______________________y and q__________________e.

In conclusion, the l________________________________l of a t________g import and export agricultural market do not o________h the advantages gained for both a_________t and u__________________________________________n.

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.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/china-pips-us-emerge-india-biggest-trade-partner-2020-despite-border-conflicts/story/432057.html

Speaking Practice

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

Food

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

Writing Practice

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

Some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Crime Prevention

IELTS Essay: Crime Prevention

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not crime prevention should receive more attention from the real IELTS exam.

A really interesting topic!

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Dave

IELTS Essay: Crime Prevention

Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Though crime rates have fallen to historic lows in most nations, there are many who feel further action is still required. In my opinion, there should always be criminal prevention efforts, however, on level, crime is being opposed adequately.

Those who believe crime requires greater prioritisation identify its effects, particularly in underserved segments of a population. Crime is still pervasive in areas rife with poverty, such as in neglected neighborhoods in inner cities. An illustrative example of this would be the infamous favelas of Brazil. Residents in these communities must remain constantly vigilant for muggings and robberies and there is a high likelihood that in their lifetime they will come into contact with criminal elements. The causes of such crime-ridden slums are complex but the results for millions of individuals in cities around the world deserve meaningful countermeasures.

Nonetheless, criminal activity already receives sufficient funding as evidenced by its decline. Crime is best tackled through a combination of economic, educational, and criminal justice reform and as developing countries become wealthier, there is a concomitant effect on crime. Criminality is therefore being addressed and it would be unrealistic to expect a world without crime given the realities of human nature. Instead of diverting more money towards an area on the mend already, governments can continue to also fund schools, hospitals, state universities, defense, infrastructure and a host of other areas that may themselves indirectly contribute to eradicating crime.

In conclusion, though crime impacts the daily lives of many citizens, it is already being successfully curbed and there are other key areas deserving of budgetary consideration. Governments must nonetheless balance these concerns and remain vigilant towards changes in this promising pattern.

Analysis

1. Though crime rates have fallen to historic lows in most nations, there are many who feel further action is still required. 2. In my opinion, there should always be criminal prevention efforts, however, on level, crime is being opposed adequately.

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

1. Those who believe crime requires greater prioritisation identify its effects, particularly in underserved segments of a population. 2. Crime is still pervasive in areas rife with poverty, such as in neglected neighborhoods in inner cities. 3. An illustrative example of this would be the infamous favelas of Brazil. 4. Residents in these communities must remain constantly vigilant for muggings and robberies and there is a high likelihood that in their lifetime they will come into contact with criminal elements. 5. The causes of such crime-ridden slums are complex but the results for millions of individuals in cities around the world deserve meaningful countermeasures.

  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, criminal activity already receives sufficient funding as evidenced by its decline. 2. Crime is best tackled through a combination of economic, educational, and criminal justice reform and as developing countries become wealthier, there is a concomitant effect on crime. 3. Criminality is therefore being addressed and it would be unrealistic to expect a world without crime given the realities of human nature. 4. Instead of diverting more money towards an area on the mend already, governments can continue to also fund schools, hospitals, state universities, defense, infrastructure and a host of other areas that may themselves indirectly contribute to eradicating crime.

  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.

1. In conclusion, though crime impacts the daily lives of many citizens, it is already being successfully curbed and there are other key areas deserving of budgetary consideration. 2. Governments must nonetheless balance these concerns and remain vigilant towards changes in this promising pattern.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Though crime rates have fallen to historic lows in most nations, there are many who feel further action is still required. In my opinion, there should always be criminal prevention efforts, however, on level, crime is being opposed adequately.

Those who believe crime requires greater prioritisation identify its effects, particularly in underserved segments of a population. Crime is still pervasive in areas rife with poverty, such as in neglected neighborhoods in inner cities. An illustrative example of this would be the infamous favelas of Brazil. Residents in these communities must remain constantly vigilant for muggings and robberies and there is a high likelihood that in their lifetime they will come into contact with criminal elements. The causes of such crime-ridden slums are complex but the results for millions of individuals in cities around the world deserve meaningful countermeasures.

Nonetheless, criminal activity already receives sufficient funding as evidenced by its decline. Crime is best tackled through a combination of economic, educational, and criminal justice reform and as developing countries become wealthier, there is a concomitant effect on crime. Criminality is therefore being addressed and it would be unrealistic to expect a world without crime given the realities of human nature. Instead of diverting more money towards an area on the mend already, governments can continue to also fund schools, hospitals, state universities, defense, infrastructure and a host of other areas that may themselves indirectly contribute to eradicating crime.

In conclusion, though crime impacts the daily lives of many citizens, it is already being successfully curbed and there are other key areas deserving of budgetary consideration. Governments must nonetheless balance these concerns and remain vigilant towards changes in this promising pattern.

Answers

crime rates how many people commit crimes

fallen going down

historic lows lowest points in history

further action more effort

required needed

criminal prevention efforts trying to stop crime

on level overall

opposed adequately being countered well

greater prioritisation identify need more resources focus on

underserved segments of a population poorer people

pervasive goes throughout

rife with poverty lots of poor people

neglected not payed attention to

inner cities deep in the city

illustrative example instance that shows this well

infamous favelas notorious slums of Brazil

residents people living there

remain constantly vigilant always pay attention

muggings stealing money

robberies taking things

high likelihood good chance of

lifetime whole life

come into contact with meet with

criminal elements people involved in crime

crime-ridden slums neighborhoods with a lot of crime

complex complicated

deserve meaningful countermeasures should be countered effectively

criminal activity committing crimes

sufficient funding enough money

evidenced by supported by

best tackled number 1 way to fix

combination joint

criminal justice reform changing laws related to crime

concomitant related/caused by

addressed dealt with

unrealistic not feasible

realities facts

human nature facts of how people are

diverting sending in another direction

on the mend getting better

fund give money to

defense military, etc.

infrastructure roads, buildings, etc.

host of other areas many other places

indirectly not directly

eradicating crime getting rid of crime

daily lives everyday life

citizens residents

successfully curbed adequately cut down on

key areas main parts

budgetary consideration thinking about money

nonetheless regardless

balance these concerns keep everything in perspective

remain vigilant keep paying attention

promising pattern hopeful trend

Pronunciation

kraɪm reɪts 
ˈfɔːlən 
hɪsˈtɒrɪk ləʊz 
ˈfɜːðər ˈækʃ(ə)n 
rɪˈkwaɪəd
ˈkrɪmɪnl prɪˈvɛnʃən ˈɛfəts
ɒn ˈlɛvl
əˈpəʊzd ˈædɪkwɪtli
ˈgreɪtə praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzeɪʃən aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ 
ˈʌndə sɜːvd ˈsɛgmənts ɒv ə ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən
pɜːˈveɪsɪv 
raɪf wɪð ˈpɒvəti
nɪˈglɛktɪd 
ˈɪnə ˈsɪtiz
ˈɪləstreɪtɪv ɪgˈzɑːmpl 
ˈɪnfəməs ˈfeɪvələ
ˈrɛzɪdənts 
rɪˈmeɪn ˈkɒnstəntli ˈvɪʤɪlənt 
ˈmʌgɪŋz 
ˈrɒbəriz 
haɪ ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
ˈlaɪftaɪm 
kʌm ˈɪntuː ˈkɒntækt wɪð 
ˈkrɪmɪnl ˈɛlɪmənts
kraɪm-ˈrɪdn slʌmz 
ˈkɒmplɛks 
dɪˈzɜːv ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl ˈkaʊntəˌmɛʒəz
ˈkrɪmɪnl ækˈtɪvɪti 
səˈfɪʃənt ˈfʌndɪŋ 
ˈɛvɪdənst baɪ 
bɛst ˈtækld 
ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən 
ˈkrɪmɪnl ˈʤʌstɪs ˌriːˈfɔːm 
kənˈkɒmɪtənt 
əˈdrɛst 
ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk 
ri(ː)ˈælɪtiz 
ˈhjuːmən ˈneɪʧə
daɪˈvɜːtɪŋ 
ɒn ðə mɛnd 
fʌnd 
dɪˈfɛns
ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə 
həʊst ɒv ˈʌðər ˈeərɪəz 
ˌɪndɪˈrɛktli 
ɪˈrædɪkeɪtɪŋ kraɪm
ˈdeɪli lɪvz 
ˈsɪtɪznz
səkˈsɛsfʊli kɜːbd 
kiː ˈeərɪəz 
ˈbʌʤɪtəri kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs 
ˈbæləns ðiːz kənˈsɜːnz 
rɪˈmeɪn ˈvɪʤɪlənt 
ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ ˈpætən

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Though c______________s have f__________n to h________________s in most nations, there are many who feel f_____________n is still r_____________d. In my opinion, there should always be c_________________________s, however, o_________l, crime is being o_____________________y.

Those who believe crime requires g_______________________________y its effects, particularly in u_________________________________n. Crime is still p_____________e in areas r____________________y, such as in n____________d neighborhoods in i_____________s. An i_____________________e of this would be the i___________________________s of Brazil. R__________s in these communities must r_____________________________t for m__________s and r__________s and there is a h___________________d that in their l_________e they will c___________________________________________s. The causes of such c________________________s are c____________x but the results for millions of individuals in cities around the world d_____________________________________s.

Nonetheless, c____________________y already receives s___________________g as e____________________y its decline. Crime is b_________________d through a c_______________n of economic, educational, and c________________________m and as developing countries become wealthier, there is a c______________t effect on crime. Criminality is therefore being a_______________d and it would be u______________c to expect a world without crime given the r___________s of h___________________e. Instead of d______________g more money towards an area o_________________d already, governments can continue to also f_____d schools, hospitals, state universities, d_________e, i_______________e and a h__________________s that may themselves i____________y contribute to e____________________e.

In conclusion, though crime impacts the d______________s of many c____________s, it is already being s_________________d and there are other k_____________s deserving of b____________________n. Governments must n________________________________________s and r________________t towards changes in this p____________________n.

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.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/04/what-caused-the-crime-decline/477408/

Speaking Practice

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

Truth in Crime

  1. Why do witnesses of crimes sometimes disagree in their accounts?
  2. How can modern technology help solve crimes?
  3. Will teaching children to be honest reduce crime in the future?
  4. Should there be more severe penalties for crimes like libel?
  5. How will the detection of lies change in the future?

Writing Practice

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

Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.