IELTS Essay: Watching TV

IELTS Essay: Watching TV

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not television programmes should be aimed at educating viewers about important social issues 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: Watching TV

Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues.

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

Critics of the quality of televisions shows these days argue that more educational programming related to key social issues is needed. In my opinion, though there are legitimate reasons to support such reforms, I believe television should be mainly for entertainment.

Those in favour of raising awareness of social problems claim that television is not currently serving a socially viable purpose. The most popular shows are dramas, comedies, and reality TV, all of which are purely for entertainment. If the time wasted on such shows was diverted towards educational programs, this would have a ripple effect on society at large. For example, more informed news shows about underprivileged segments of society could lead to outpourings of empathy and encourage a nuanced understanding of the causes of poverty. This greater awareness would translate to real action in many cases. Powerful figures and small activists alike could contribute to socially beneficial causes.

Nonetheless, the actual impact of the proposed changes is questionable and most people do not watch TV out of altruism. Raising awareness of social issues, depending on how it is handled and the self-righteousness of the programs, is just as likely to provoke a negative backlash and hinder progress. Moreover, people watch TV in order to relax and let their minds rest or to experience a feeling of excitement. Forcing viewers to think about complex societal problems would simply discourage them and they would instead watch videos on YouTube or Netflix. It would be impossible to regulate all media and there would be public uproar at the attempt.

In conclusion, though it would be ideal for television to inform citizens of social problems, this solution is not practical. Individuals will always seek out the pastimes that entertain, not educate, them the most.

Analysis

1. Critics of the quality of televisions shows these days argue that more educational programming related to key social issues is needed. 2. In my opinion, though there are legitimate reasons to support such reforms, I believe television should be mainly for entertainment.

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

1. Those in favour of raising awareness of social problems claim that television is not currently serving a socially viable purpose. 2. The most popular shows are dramas, comedies, and reality TV, all of which are purely for entertainment. 3. If the time wasted on such shows was diverted towards educational programs, this would have a ripple effect on society at large. 4. For example, more informed news shows about underprivileged segments of society could lead to outpourings of empathy and encourage a nuanced understanding of the causes of poverty. 5. This greater awareness would translate to real action in many cases. 6. Powerful figures and small activists alike could contribute to socially beneficial causes.

  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 fully.

1. Nonetheless, the actual impact of the proposed changes is questionable and most people do not watch TV out of altruism. 2. Raising awareness of social issues, depending on how it is handled and the self-righteousness of the programs, is just as likely to provoke a negative backlash and hinder progress. 3. Moreover, people watch TV in order to relax and let their minds rest or to experience a feeling of excitement. 4. Forcing viewers to think about complex societal problems would simply discourage them and they would instead watch videos on YouTube or Netflix. 5. It would be impossible to regulate all media and there would be public uproar at the attempt.

  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. Develop the example fully by stating the result.

1. In conclusion, though it would be ideal for television to inform citizens of social problems, this solution is not practical. 2. Individuals will always seek out the pastimes that entertain, not educate, them the most.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Critics of the quality of televisions shows these days argue that more educational programming related to key social issues is needed. In my opinion, though there are legitimate reasons to support such reforms, I believe television should be mainly for entertainment.

Those in favour of raising awareness of social problems claim that television is not currently serving a socially viable purpose. The most popular shows are dramas, comedies, and reality TV, all of which are purely for entertainment. If the time wasted on such shows was diverted towards educational programs, this would have a ripple effect on society at large. For example, more informed news shows about underprivileged segments of society could lead to outpourings of empathy and encourage a nuanced understanding of the causes of poverty. This greater awareness would translate to real action in many cases. Powerful figures and small activists alike could contribute to socially beneficial causes.

Nonetheless, the actual impact of the proposed changes is questionable and most people do not watch TV out of altruism. Raising awareness of social issues, depending on how it is handled and the self-righteousness of the programs, is just as likely to provoke a negative backlash and hinder progress. Moreover, people watch TV in order to relax and let their minds rest or to experience a feeling of excitement. Forcing viewers to think about complex societal problems would simply discourage them and they would instead watch videos on YouTube or Netflix. It would be impossible to regulate all media and there would be public uproar at the attempt.

In conclusion, though it would be ideal for television to inform citizens of social problems, this solution is not practical. Individuals will always seek out the pastimes that entertain, not educate, them the most.

Answers

critics those who argue against it

quality how good it is

these days recently

educational programming shows that are informative

key social issues imprtant problems related to society

legitimate reasons good justifications

reforms changes

those in favour of raising awareness supporters of this opinion

claim argue

not currently serving not helping

socially viable purpose good for society

reality TV shows without scripts about real people

purely entirely

wasted not used properly

diverted towards pushed in a different direction

ripple effect trickle down impact

at large in general

more informed news shows TV shows that report well

underprivileged segments poor parts

lead to outpourings of empathy cause people to feel bad

encourage motivate

nuanced understanding complex understanding of

poverty being poor

greater awareness know more about

translate means

powerful figures famous, rich people

small activists alike individuals as well

contribute add to

socially beneficial causes helps society

nonetheless regardless

actual impact real effect

proposed changes what they want to reform

questionable dubious

out of altruism not for personal gain

depending on has to do with

handled dealt with

self-righteousness feeling superior to others

provoke instigate

negative backlash overreaction

hinder progress hurt the movement

let their minds rest relax

experience watch

forcing have to

complex societal problems nuanced issues in society

discourage not motivate

instead in fact

regulate make laws about

public uproar people angry

attempttry

ideal perfect

inform give information about

not practical impractical, not realistic

pastimes hobbies

Pronunciation

ˈkrɪtɪks 
ˈkwɒlɪti 
ðiːz deɪz 
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl ˈprəʊgræmɪŋ 
kiː ˈsəʊʃəl ˈɪʃuːz 
lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt ˈriːznz 
ˌriːˈfɔːmz
ðəʊz ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv ˈreɪzɪŋ əˈweənəs 
kleɪm 
nɒt ˈkʌrəntli ˈsɜːvɪŋ 
ˈsəʊʃəli ˈvaɪəbl ˈpɜːpəs
ri(ː)ˈælɪti ˌtiːˈviː
ˈpjʊəli 
ˈweɪstɪd 
daɪˈvɜːtɪd təˈwɔːdz 
ˈrɪpl ɪˈfɛkt 
æt lɑːʤ
mɔːr ɪnˈfɔːmd njuːz ʃəʊz 
ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪʤd ˈsɛgmənts 
liːd tuː ˈaʊtˌpɔːrɪŋz ɒv ˈɛmpəθi 
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ 
nju(ː)ˈɑːnst ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
ˈpɒvəti
ˈgreɪtər əˈweənəs 
trænsˈleɪt 
ˈpaʊəfʊl ˈfɪgəz 
smɔːl ˈæktɪvɪsts əˈlaɪk 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t 
ˈsəʊʃəli ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl ˈkɔːzɪz
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈækʧʊəl ˈɪmpækt 
prəˈpəʊzd ˈʧeɪnʤɪz 
ˈkwɛsʧənəbl 
aʊt ɒv ˈæltrʊɪzm
dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ɒn 
ˈhændld 
sɛlf-ˈraɪʧəsnɪs 
prəˈvəʊk 
ˈnɛgətɪv ˈbæklæʃ 
ˈhaɪndə ˈprəʊgrəs
lɛt ðeə maɪndz rɛst 
ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
ˈfɔːsɪŋ 
ˈkɒmplɛks səˈsaɪətl ˈprɒbləmz 
dɪsˈkʌrɪʤ 
ɪnˈstɛd 
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt 
ˈpʌblɪk ˈʌprɔː 
əˈtɛmpt
aɪˈdɪəl 
ɪnˈfɔːm 
nɒt ˈpræktɪkəl
ˈpɑːstaɪmz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

C_________s of the q_________y of televisions shows t___________s argue that more e____________________________g related to k__________________s is needed. In my opinion, though there are l______________________s to support such r________s, I believe television should be mainly for entertainment.

T_____________________________________s of social problems c_____m that television is n__________________________g a s___________________e. The most popular shows are dramas, comedies, and r_________V, all of which are p________y for entertainment. If the time w________d on such shows was d__________________s educational programs, this would have a r_______________t on society a_________e. For example, m______________________s about u__________________________s of society could l__________________________________y and e_____________e a n___________________________g of the causes of p__________y. This g____________________s would t________________e to real action in many cases. P____________________s and s_______________________e could c______________e to s_____________________________s.

N________________s, the a________________t of the p____________________s is q____________________e and most people do not watch TV o__________________m. Raising awareness of social issues, d____________________n how it is h_____________d and the s______________________s of the programs, is just as likely to p___________e a n_______________________h and h_____________________s. Moreover, people watch TV in order to relax and l________________________t or to e____________e a feeling of excitement. F___________g viewers to think about c___________________________s would simply d___________e them and they would i__________d watch videos on YouTube or Netflix. It would be impossible to r___________e all media and there would be p_______________r at the a_____________t.

In conclusion, though it would be i_________l for television to i__________m citizens of social problems, this solution is n__________________l. Individuals will always seek out the p__________s that entertain, not educate, them the most.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uSHsac_-gI&ab_channel=linguamarina

Reading Practice

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

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1955/11/educational-television/305080/

Speaking Practice

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

Sports

  1. Which sport do you like to play?
  2. Have you ever been on a sports team?
  3. Do you like watching sports on TV?
  4. Which sport are popular to watch on TV in your country?

Writing Practice

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

Nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative.

What is the reason for this?

What measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active?

IELTS Essay: Maths

IELTS Essay: Maths

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of maths 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: Maths

To succeed in a business, one needs to know maths.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people claim that a key ingredient to success in the business world is a firm understanding of math. In my opinion, although there is some truth to this, it is not a crucial factor.

Proponents of the importance of math argue its usefulness in a variety of business contexts. For all business majors, mathematics courses in university are a requirement for graduation. This is because it is essential not only for those running a small business or shop to be able to do good book-keeping but also as a foundational skill for Wall Street brokers, bankers, entrepreneurs, accountants, and marketers. Without a solid understanding of the mathematical principles underlying the decision-making in those fields it is difficult to truly innovate and excel.

Nonetheless, there are more vital elements to business success. The math a business needs to prosper can be handled by dedicated specialists. It is more important for a potential business person to understand the nuances of the market, display leadership qualities, be decisive, and possess generally above-average intelligence. A good example of this would be an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs. He famously only hired quality specialists and prioritised for himself learning how to be an effective leader and motivate his employees well. The key to success is therefore segmenting a business into different areas all under the capable hands of a visionary leader.

In conclusion, mathematical ability can help inform businesses but it is not as essential as other management qualities. The ideal business person has an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and brings together a team of strong complements.

Analysis

1. Many people claim that a key ingredient to success in the business world is a firm understanding of math. 2. In my opinion, although there is some truth to this, it is not a crucial factor.

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

1. Proponents of the importance of math argue its usefulness in a variety of business contexts. 2. For all business majors, mathematics courses in university are a requirement for graduation. 3. This is because it is essential not only for those running a small business or shop to be able to do good book-keeping but also as a foundational skill for Wall Street brokers, bankers, entrepreneurs, accountants, and marketers. 4. Without a solid understanding of the mathematical principles underlying the decision-making in those fields it is difficult to truly innovate and excel.

  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 as fully as possible.

1. Nonetheless, there are more vital elements to business success. 2. The math a business needs to prosper can be handled by dedicated specialists. 3. It is more important for a potential business person to understand the nuances of the market, display leadership qualities, be decisive, and possess generally above-average intelligence. 4. A good example of this would be an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs. 5. He famously only hired quality specialists and prioritised for himself learning how to be an effective leader and motivate his employees well. 6. The key to success is therefore segmenting a business into different areas all under the capable hands of a visionary leader.

  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. Develop the example.
  6. Conclude the paragraph or finish developing your last idea.

1. In conclusion, mathematical ability can help inform businesses but it is not as essential as other management qualities. 2. The ideal business person has an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and brings together a team of strong complements.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many people claim that a key ingredient to success in the business world is a firm understanding of math. In my opinion, although there is some truth to this, it is not a crucial factor.

Proponents of the importance of math argue its usefulness in a variety of business contexts. For all business majors, mathematics courses in university are a requirement for graduation. This is because it is essential not only for those running a small business or shop to be able to do good book-keeping but also as a foundational skill for Wall Street brokers, bankers, entrepreneurs, accountants, and marketers. Without a solid understanding of the mathematical principles underlying the decision-making in those fields it is difficult to truly innovate and excel.

Nonetheless, there are more vital elements to business success. The math a business needs to prosper can be handled by dedicated specialists. It is more important for a potential business person to understand the nuances of the market, display leadership qualities, be decisive, and possess generally above-average intelligence. A good example of this would be an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs. He famously only hired quality specialists and prioritised for himself learning how to be an effective leader and motivate his employees well. The key to success is therefore segmenting a business into different areas all under the capable hands of a visionary leader.

In conclusion, mathematical ability can help inform businesses but it is not as essential as other management qualities. The ideal business person has an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and brings together a team of strong complements.

Answers

key ingredient essential part

business world where business people work

firm understanding of math know math well

crucial factor important element

proponents supporters

usefulness practicality

variety of business contexts many different jobs

majors studying

requirement must do

graduation finishing school

running a small business having your own business

book-keeping keeping track of your earnings/spending

foundational skill needed

Wall Street brokers people who trade stocks

bankers people who work in banks

entrepreneurs people starting their own business

accountants people working with finances

marketers people working in advertising

solid understanding good grasp

mathematical principles underlying the math that underpins/supports

decision-making making decisions

fields jobs, areas

truly innovate think of new ideas

excel do better than others

nonetheless regardless

vital elements key parts

prosper do rewally well

handled by dedicated specialists dealt with by people who know it well

potential business person will get into business someday

nuances complexity

display leadership qualities are good leaders

decisive can make decisions

possess generally above-average intelligence are smart

entrepreneur person who starts a business

famously well-known

hired quality specialists employed experts

prioritised placed value on

effective leader good boss

motivate his employees well encourage those who work for him

key to success ingredient to doing well

segmenting a business dividing up a company

under the capable hands of under good leadership

visionary leader boss who can see the future

inform contribute to

not as essential as not as important as

management qualities leadership qualities

ideal perfect

strengths and weaknesses what you’re good and bad at

brings together combines

strong complements those who can support you

Pronunciation

kiː ɪnˈgriːdiənt 
ˈbɪznɪs wɜːld 
fɜːm ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ ɒv mæθ
ˈkruːʃəl ˈfæktə
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˈjuːsfʊlnəs 
vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈbɪznɪs ˈkɒntɛksts
ˈmeɪʤəz
rɪˈkwaɪəmənt 
ˌgrædjʊˈeɪʃən
ˈrʌnɪŋ ə smɔːl ˈbɪznɪs 
ˈbʊkˌkiːpɪŋ 
faʊnˈdeɪʃən(ə)l skɪl 
wɔːl striːt ˈbrəʊkəz
ˈbæŋkəz
ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːz
əˈkaʊntənts
ˈmɑːkɪtəz
ˈsɒlɪd ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
ˌmæθɪˈmætɪkəl ˈprɪnsəplz ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ 
dɪˈsɪʒən-ˈmeɪkɪŋ 
fiːldz 
ˈtruːli ˈɪnəʊveɪt 
ɪkˈsɛl
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈvaɪtl ˈɛlɪmənts 
ˈprɒspə 
ˈhændld baɪ ˈdɛdɪkeɪtɪd ˈspɛʃəlɪsts
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈbɪznɪs ˈpɜːsn 
nju(ː)ˈɑːnsɪz
dɪsˈpleɪ ˈliːdəʃɪp ˈkwɒlɪtiz
dɪˈsaɪsɪv
pəˈzɛs ˈʤɛnərəli əˈbʌv-ˈævərɪʤ ɪnˈtɛlɪʤəns
ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː 
ˈfeɪməsli 
ˈhaɪəd ˈkwɒlɪti ˈspɛʃəlɪsts 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzd 
ɪˈfɛktɪv ˈliːdə 
ˈməʊtɪveɪt hɪz ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz wɛl
kiː tuː səkˈsɛs 
sɛgˈmɛntɪŋ ə ˈbɪznɪs 
ˈʌndə ðə ˈkeɪpəbl hændz ɒv 
ˈvɪʒnəri ˈliːdə
ɪnˈfɔːm 
nɒt æz ɪˈsɛnʃəl æz 
ˈmænɪʤmənt ˈkwɒlɪtiz
aɪˈdɪəl 
strɛŋθs ænd ˈwiːknɪsɪz 
brɪŋz təˈgɛðə 
strɒŋ ˈkɒmplɪmənts

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many people claim that a k___________________t to success in the b___________________d is a f_________________________________h. In my opinion, although there is some truth to this, it is not a c___________________r.

P_____________________________s of the importance of math argue its u______________s in a v_____________________________s. For all business m__________s, mathematics courses in university are a r__________________t for g_____________________n. This is because it is essential not only for those r_________________________s or shop to be able to do good b__________________g but also as a f__________________________l for W______________________s, b_________s, e________________s, a_______________s, and m___________s. Without a s______________________g of the m_________________________________g the d____________________g in those f__________s it is difficult to t___________________e and e_____l.

N________________s, there are more v______________s to business success. The math a business needs to p___________r can be h___________________________s. It is more important for a p______________________n to understand the n____________s of the market, d________________________s, be d___________e, and p___________________________________________e. A good example of this would be an e____________r like Steve Jobs. He f____________y only h__________________________s and p_______________d for himself learning how to be an e_______________r and m______________________l. The k________________s is therefore s_____________________s into different areas all u_______________________________f a v________________r.

In conclusion, mathematical ability can help i__________m businesses but it is n________________________s other m_________________________s. The i______l business person has an understanding of their s________________________________s and b________________r a team of s________________________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.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/10/the-myth-of-im-bad-at-math/280914/

Speaking Practice

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

Numbers

  1. Do you have a favourite number?
  2. Will you use numbers at work in the future?
  3. Were you good at math when you were younger?
  4. Do you think numbers are important?

Writing Practice

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

Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Advertising

IELTS Essay: Advertising

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of advertising 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 so you won’t miss out on any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Advertising

Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

As advertising becomes increasingly invasive, there has been an increase in debates concerning its effects. In my opinion, advertising is on the whole a negative due to its impact on the average individual, though it is clearly beneficial for businesses.

It is hard to argue against the positive boon that advertising has brought to a variety of industries. In the 1950s and 60s, the growth of American advertising in particular ushered in an age of rampant commercial opportunity. Corporations ranging from automoblie manufacturers to airlines to soft drink companies took advantage of the emerging medium of television to reach wider audiences. By appealing to basic human psychology, they were able to tap into a nearly limitless market that eventually expanded globally and is now supported by ruthlessly efficient and profitable online marketing methods.

Nonetheless, advertising mainly serves to distract and entice. The purpose of advertisements is not simply to inform. Consumers can find information about products from a number of sources of their own volition. Advertising attracts individuals and creates new desires that distract from healthier modes of living. For example, the average person would be better served by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. However, ubiquitous advertisements for fast food make this difficult, in some cases impossible, to achieve. Generalised across a range of consumer products, it is clear that people are being drawn unhealthily towards their worst impulses.

In conclusion, the benefits of advertising for the business world do not outweigh its psychological impact on the average citizen. A world without advertising is not feasible but it is still possible to limit one’s exposure.

Analysis

1. As advertising becomes increasingly invasive, there has been an increase in debates concerning its effects. 2. In my opinion, advertising is on the whole a negative due to its impact on the average individual, though it is clearly beneficial for businesses.

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

1. It is hard to argue against the positive boon that advertising has brought to a variety of industries. 2. In the 1950s and 60s, the growth of American advertising in particular ushered in an age of rampant commercial opportunity. 3. Corporations ranging from automoblie manufacturers to airlines to soft drink companies took advantage of the emerging medium of television to reach wider audiences. 4. By appealing to basic human psychology, they were able to tap into a nearly limitless market that eventually expanded globally and is now supported by ruthlessly efficient and profitable online marketing methods.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific detail as fully as possible.
  4. Continue to develop it and don’t change to a new idea.

1. Nonetheless, advertising mainly serves to distract and entice. 2. The purpose of advertisements is not simply to inform. 3. Consumers can find information about products from a number of sources of their own volition. 4. Advertising attracts individuals and creates new desires that distract from healthier modes of living. 5. For example, the average person would be better served by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. 6. However, ubiquitous advertisements for fast food make this difficult, in some cases impossible, to achieve. 7. Generalised across a range of consumer products, it is clear that people are being drawn unhealthily towards their worst impulses.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Continue with your explanation if you need to.
  4. Start developing your idea.
  5. Use a specific example.
  6. Develop the example.
  7. Fully.

1. In conclusion, the benefits of advertising for the business world do not outweigh its psychological impact on the average citizen. 2. A world without advertising is not feasible but it is still possible to limit one’s exposure.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

As advertising becomes increasingly invasive, there has been an increase in debates concerning its effects. In my opinion, advertising is on the whole a negative due to its impact on the average individual, though it is clearly beneficial for businesses.

It is hard to argue against the positive boon that advertising has brought to a variety of industries. In the 1950s and 60s, the growth of American advertising in particular ushered in an age of rampant commercial opportunity. Corporations ranging from automoblie manufacturers to airlines to soft drink companies took advantage of the emerging medium of television to reach wider audiences. By appealing to basic human psychology, they were able to tap into a nearly limitless market that eventually expanded globally and is now supported by ruthlessly efficient and profitable online marketing methods.

Nonetheless, advertising mainly serves to distract and entice. The purpose of advertisements is not simply to inform. Consumers can find information about products from a number of sources of their own volition. Advertising attracts individuals and creates new desires that distract from healthier modes of living. For example, the average person would be better served by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. However, ubiquitous advertisements for fast food make this difficult, in some cases impossible, to achieve. Generalised across a range of consumer products, it is clear that people are being drawn unhealthily towards their worst impulses.

In conclusion, the benefits of advertising for the business world do not outweigh its psychological impact on the average citizen. A world without advertising is not feasible but it is still possible to limit one’s exposure.

Answers

increasingly invasive more and more personal

debates concerning controversy around

on the whole in general

average individual normal person

clearly beneficial definitely good for

hard to argue against difficult to disagree with

boon good for

variety of industries many types of

ushered in an age of rampant commercial opportunity started an era of more business

ranging from including

manufacturers makers

took advantage exploited

emerging medium new type

reach wider audiences find more people

appealing attractive

basic human psychology how people think

tap into exploit

nearly limitless market unlimited potential

eventually expanded globally after a while became international

supported by ruthlessly efficient backed up by useful

profitable making money

nonetheless regardless

distract take attention from

entice pull in

inform give information about

of their own volition their own choice

attracts entices

healthier modes of living ways of being healthy

better served is better for

regularly usually

ubiquitous common

in some cases impossible sometimes can’t be

achieve accomplish

generalised applies to lots of

drawn unhealthily towards their worst impulses enticed to do bad things

business world industry

outweigh stronger than

psychological impact effect on one’s mind

not feasible impossible

limit extent

exposure open to

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ɪnˈveɪsɪv 
dɪˈbeɪts kənˈsɜːnɪŋ 
ɒn ðə həʊl 
ˈævərɪʤ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl 
ˈklɪəli ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl 
hɑːd tuː ˈɑːgjuː əˈgɛnst 
buːn 
vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈɪndəstriz 
ˈʌʃəd ɪn ən eɪʤ ɒv ˈræmpənt kəˈmɜːʃəl ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərəz 
tʊk ədˈvɑːntɪʤ 
ɪˈmɜːʤɪŋ ˈmiːdiəm 
riːʧ ˈwaɪdər ˈɔːdiənsɪz 
əˈpiːlɪŋ 
ˈbeɪsɪk ˈhjuːmən saɪˈkɒləʤi 
tæp ˈɪntuː 
ˈnɪəli ˈlɪmɪtlɪs ˈmɑːkɪt 
ɪˈvɛnʧəli ɪksˈpændɪd ˈgləʊbəli 
səˈpɔːtɪd baɪ ˈruːθlɪsli ɪˈfɪʃənt 
ˈprɒfɪtəbl 
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs 
dɪsˈtrækt 
ɪnˈtaɪs 
ɪnˈfɔːm 
ɒv ðeər əʊn vəʊˈlɪʃən 
əˈtrækts 
ˈhɛlθɪə məʊdz ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ 
ˈbɛtə sɜːvd 
ˈrɛgjʊləli 
ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪtəs 
ɪn sʌm ˈkeɪsɪz ɪmˈpɒsəbl 
əˈʧiːv 
ˈʤɛnərəlaɪzd 
drɔːn ʌnˈhɛlθɪli təˈwɔːdz ðeə wɜːst ˈɪmpʌlsɪz 
ˈbɪznɪs wɜːld 
aʊtˈweɪ 
ˌsaɪkəˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈɪmpækt 
nɒt ˈfiːzəbl 
ˈlɪmɪt 
ɪksˈpəʊʒə 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

As advertising becomes i_____________________e, there has been an increase in d____________________g its effects. In my opinion, advertising is o_________________e a negative due to its impact on the a_________________l, though it is c_________________l for businesses.

It is h__________________t the positive b____n that advertising has brought to a v___________________s. In the 1950s and 60s, the growth of American advertising in particular u__________________________________________________y. Corporations r_________________m automoblie m________________s to airlines to soft drink companies t______________e of the e_________________m of television to r____________________s. By a_____________g to b__________________________y, they were able to t__________o a n______________________t that e_______________________y and is now s_________________________________t and p____________e online marketing methods.

N_____________s, advertising mainly serves to d_________t and e_______e. The purpose of advertisements is not simply to i_______urces o______________________n. Advertising a________s individuals and creates new desires that distract from h_________________________g. For example, the average person would be b_______________d by eating a healthy diet and exercising r_________y. However, u_____________s advertisements for fast food make this difficult, i____________________________e, to a_________e. G______________d across a range of consumer products, it is clear that people are being d____________________________________________________s.

In conclusion, the benefits of advertising for the b_____________d do not o_________h its p_____________________t on the average citizen. A world without advertising is n______________e but it is still possible to l________t one’s e___________e.

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/why-dont-we-just-ban-targeted-advertising/

Speaking Practice

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

Beauty

  1. What is beauty for you? 
  2. Do you think the media influences our idea of beauty? 
  3. Do you think advertisements portrayal of beauty is correct? 
  4. How has people’s idea of beauty changed over the last few decades?
  5. Do you think beauty only relates to a person’s appearance? 

Writing Practice

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

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Physical Exercise for Adults

IELTS Essay: Physical Exercise for Adults

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of physical exercise for adults.

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: Physical Exercise for Adults

Some people play sport when they are young but then stop doing physical exercise when they become adults.

Why is this?

What can be done to solve this problem?

It is more common for people to play sports and be physically active while in school than in adulthood. The reason for this is limited time and energy to devote to sporting activities and it can be alleviated by prioritising health.

The reason adults tend to engage in less physical exercise is they are overburdened with work and family commitments. It is true that some of the same pressures exist in school, but there are also allotted periods for exercise and easily available teams sports to join. As an adult, it is individual initiative that must spur on exercise and this is often in conflict with other demands. The average person works at least 40 hours a week and if they have a family, the majority of their time is already occupied. Any free time they have is more likely to be spent relaxing by hanging out with friends, watching TV, or another hobby. Therefore, exercise slowly becomes less valued and it is increasingly difficult to get back into the habit over time.

The best solution for this situation is for adults to prioritise their health. Parents and schools can no longer exert control over adults so the individual must exercise their own reserves of willpower. For example, instead of getting up late, many health-conscious adults will go to bed early, wake up early, and get in some time at the gym before the workday begins. This sets the tone for the rest of the day and is a sustainable habit. It is also possible to join amateur sporting competitions, such as a casual pick-up basketball league, in order to encourage consistent participation. These actions require a concerted effort to relegate other tasks and organise one’s time with a view towards enhancing health, rather than reveling in the immediate gratification of less demanding pastimes.

In conclusion, hectic lives lay the foundation for less exercise in adulthood but these tendencies can be countered with determination. This is a key challenge each adult must face and overcome to lead a healthy life.

Analysis

1. It is more common for people to play sports and be physically active while in school than in adulthood. 2. The reason for this is limited time and energy to devote to sporting activities and it can be alleviated by prioritising health.

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

1. The reason adults tend to engage in less physical exercise is they are overburdened with work and family commitments. 2. It is true that some of the same pressures exist in school, but there are also allotted periods for exercise and easily available teams sports to join. 3. As an adult, it is individual initiative that must spur on exercise and this is often in conflict with other demands. 4. The average person works at least 40 hours a week and if they have a family, the majority of their time is already occupied. 5. Any free time they have is more likely to be spent relaxing by hanging out with friends, watching TV, or another hobby. 6. Therefore, exercise slowly becomes less valued and it is increasingly difficult to get back into the habit over time.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific detail as fully as possible.
  4. Continue to develop it with an example or a hypothetical example.
  5. Continue developing the same idea.
  6. State the furthest possible result.

1. The best solution for this situation is for adults to prioritise their health. 2. Parents and schools can no longer exert control over adults so the individual must exercise their own reserves of willpower. 3. For example, instead of getting up late, many health-conscious adults will go to bed early, wake up early, and get in some time at the gym before the workday begins. This sets the tone for the rest of the day and is a sustainable habit. 4. It is also possible to join amateur sporting competitions, such as a casual pick-up basketball league, in order to encourage consistent participation. 5. These actions require a concerted effort to relegate other tasks and organise one’s time with a view towards enhancing health, rather than reveling in the immediate gratification of less demanding pastimes.

  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. Make your example more specific.
  5. Develop this idea fully.

1. In conclusion, hectic lives lay the foundation for less exercise in adulthood but these tendencies can be countered with determination. 2. This is a key challenge each adult must face and overcome to lead a healthy life.

  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 more common for people to play sports and be physically active while in school than in adulthood. The reason for this is limited time and energy to devote to sporting activities and it can be alleviated by prioritising health.

The reason adults tend to engage in less physical exercise is they are overburdened with work and family commitments. It is true that some of the same pressures exist in school, but there are also allotted periods for exercise and easily available teams sports to join. As an adult, it is individual initiative that must spur on exercise and this is often in conflict with other demands. The average person works at least 40 hours a week and if they have a family, the majority of their time is already occupied. Any free time they have is more likely to be spent relaxing by hanging out with friends, watching TV, or another hobby. Therefore, exercise slowly becomes less valued and it is increasingly difficult to get back into the habit over time.

The best solution for this situation is for adults to prioritise their health. Parents and schools can no longer exert control over adults so the individual must exercise their own reserves of willpower. For example, instead of getting up late, many health-conscious adults will go to bed early, wake up early, and get in some time at the gym before the workday begins. This sets the tone for the rest of the day and is a sustainable habit. It is also possible to join amateur sporting competitions, such as a casual pick-up basketball league, in order to encourage consistent participation. These actions require a concerted effort to relegate other tasks and organise one’s time with a view towards enhancing health, rather than reveling in the immediate gratification of less demanding pastimes.

In conclusion, hectic lives lay the foundation for less exercise in adulthood but these tendencies can be countered with determination. This is a key challenge each adult must face and overcome to lead a healthy life.

Answers

common normal

physically active doing sports

adulthood over the age of 18

limited time not for long

devote give time to

sporting activities physical activity

alleviated fixed

prioritising making more valuable

tend to engage usually do

physical exercise working out, sports

overburdened have too much to do

commitments things you must do

it is true that no one doubts

pressures strains

allotted periods gym, P.E.

easily available can go to without much effort

individual initiative person’s own willpower

spur on be a catalyst for

in conflict with in contrast to

demands requirements

majority most of

occupied took the place of

increasingly difficult more and more hard

get back into the habit starting exercising again

best solution for best way to counter

prioritise make more important

no longer exert control have no more power over

exercise use

reserves stores

willpower strength of will, determination

get in do

workday the time at work

sets the tone for begins the day

sustainable habit can keep doing it

amateur sporting competitions not professional games

casual pick-up basketball league friendly games

encourage consistent participation force you to go

require need

concerted effort try hard

relegate place lower

organise put in place

with a view towards looking to

reveling in enjoying

immediate gratification pleasure right away

less demanding pastimes takes up less effort, time

hectic busy

lay the foundation the source of

tendencies inclinations

countered fought

determination persistence

key challenge main obstacle

face deal with

overcome get over

lead a healthy life be healthy

Pronunciation

ˈkɒmən 
ˈfɪzɪkəli ˈæktɪv 
əˈdʌlthʊd
ˈlɪmɪtɪd taɪm 
dɪˈvəʊt 
ˈspɔːtɪŋ ækˈtɪvɪtiz 
əˈliːvɪeɪtɪd 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzɪŋ 
tɛnd tuː ɪnˈgeɪʤ 
ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈɛksəsaɪz 
ˌəʊvəˈbɜːdnd 
kəˈmɪtmənts
ɪt ɪz truː ðæt 
ˈprɛʃəz 
əˈlɒtɪd ˈpɪərɪədz 
ˈiːzɪli əˈveɪləbl 
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv 
spɜːr ɒn 
ɪn ˈkɒnflɪkt wɪð 
dɪˈmɑːndz
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈɒkjʊpaɪd
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈdɪfɪkəlt 
gɛt bæk ˈɪntuː ðə ˈhæbɪt 
bɛst səˈluːʃən fɔː 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 
nəʊ ˈlɒŋgər ɪgˈzɜːt kənˈtrəʊl 
ˈɛksəsaɪz 
rɪˈzɜːvz 
ˈwɪlˌpaʊə
gɛt ɪn 
ˈwɜːkdeɪ 
sɛts ðə təʊn fɔː 
səsˈteɪnəbl ˈhæbɪt
ˈæmətə(ː) ˈspɔːtɪŋ ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃənz
ˈkæʒjʊəl pɪk-ʌp ˈbɑːskɪtˌbɔːl liːg
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ kənˈsɪstənt pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən
rɪˈkwaɪə 
kənˈsɜːtɪd ˈɛfət 
ˈrɛlɪgeɪt 
ˈɔːgənaɪz 
wɪð ə vjuː təˈwɔːdz 
ˈrɛvlɪŋ ɪn 
ɪˈmiːdiət ˌgrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən 
lɛs dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ ˈpɑːstaɪmz
ˈhɛktɪk 
leɪ ðə faʊnˈdeɪʃən 
ˈtɛndənsiz 
ˈkaʊntəd 
dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən
kiː ˈʧælɪnʤ 
feɪs 
ˌəʊvəˈkʌm 
liːd ə ˈhɛlθi laɪf

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

It is more c_________n for people to play sports and be p____________e while in school than in a____________d. The reason for this is l___________e and energy to d_______e to s_________________s and it can be a_____________d by p________________g health.

The reason adults t________________e in less p_____________e is they are o_________________d with work and family c________________s. I_______________t some of the same p____________s exist in school, but there are also a_______________s for exercise and e__________________e teams sports to join. As an adult, it is i____________________e that must s________n exercise and this is often i________________h other d__________s. The average person works at least 40 hours a week and if they have a family, the m_________y of their time is already o__________d. Any free time they have is more likely to be spent relaxing by hanging out with friends, watching TV, or another hobby. Therefore, exercise slowly becomes less valued and it is i_________________t to g_____________________t over time.

The b______________________r this situation is for adults to p______________e their health. Parents and schools can n_____________________l over adults so the individual must e_____________e their own r_____________s of w_____________r. For example, instead of getting up late, many health-conscious adults will go to bed early, wake up early, and g_______n some time at the gym before the w__________y begins. This s___________________r the rest of the day and is a s_____________________t. It is also possible to join a____________________s, such as a c_______________________e, in order to e_____________________________n. These actions r_________e a c_________________t to r______________e other tasks and o____________e one’s time w____________________s enhancing health, rather than r____________________n the i__________________n of l___________________s.

In conclusion, h________c lives l___________________n for less exercise in adulthood but these t________________s can be c____________d with d_____________________n. This is a k________________________e each adult must f____e and o___________e to l______________________e.

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/2020/01/01/well/move/exercise-physical-activity-workout-time.html

Speaking Practice

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

Sports

  1. Which sport do you like to play?
  2. Have you ever been on a sports team?
  3. Do you like watching sports on TV?
  4. Which sports are popular in your country?

Writing Practice

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

Many people living in cities these days do not get enough physical exercise.

What are the causes of this?

What are some possible solutions?

IELTS Essay: Rural and Urban Areas

IELTS Essay: Rural and Urban Areas

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of more and more people living in cities these days.

The full Ebook for this question is only available on my Patreon here.

Sign up and support me in writing these essays!

Here is the question by the way:

Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.

Why is this?

What problems does this cause?

Dave