This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of computer games from the real IELTS exam.
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IELTS Essay: Computer Games
Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful for children.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Computer games have become increasingly popular in an age of mobile devices and advancing graphical interfaces. While some claim there is educational value in these games, I would side with those decrying the propagation of a passive lifestyle.
Supporters of gaming can point to its alleged benefits for cognitive functioning. It is difficult to do good research in this area, but many recent studies have found optimistic results not only related to hand-eye coordination but also mental development. This is also supported by common sense because as games have become more advanced, players must now follow intricate storylines, figure out difficult puzzles and outsmart progressively intelligent artificial intelligence. Depending on the age of the gamer and the game in question it is very likely there are legitimate cognitive gains that can be attributed to the extensive playing of games.
Nonetheless, the marginal advances listed above pale in comparison to the effects of a passive lifestyle on both physical and mental health. Mobile devices and the internet generally, but videogames in particular, are the leading causes of the more sedentary lifestyles that most children and teens now lead, often extending into adulthood. This leaves them at risk of developing bad habits that could later translate into more serious health conditions. Added to this is the mental aspect. Playing games is, next to watching televisions shows, one of the least active forms of entertainment. It would be more beneficial for people of all ages to play a team sport, read a book, spend more time with family, or take up a productive and creative hobby.
In short, computer games may offer a limited range of intellectual benefits but they also come at great physical and mental cost. It is therefore up to parents and individuals themselves to opt for more constructive pastimes.
Analysis
1. Computer games have become increasingly popular in an age of mobile devices and advancing graphical interfaces. 2. While some claim there is educational value in these games, I would side with those decrying the propagation of a passive lifestyle.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters of gaming can point to its alleged benefits for cognitive functioning. 2. It is difficult to do good research in this area, but many recent studies have found optimistic results not only related to hand-eye coordination but also mental development. 3. This is also supported by common sense because as games have become more advanced, players must now follow intricate storylines, figure out difficult puzzles and outsmart progressively intelligent artificial intelligence. 4. Depending on the age of the gamer and the game in question it is very likely there are legitimate cognitive gains that can be attributed to the extensive playing of games.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Continue to develop it as fully as possible.
1. Nonetheless, the marginal advances listed above pale in comparison to the effects of a passive lifestyle on both physical and mental health. 2. Mobile devices and the internet generally, but videogames in particular, are the leading causes of the more sedentary lifestyles that most children and teens now lead, often extending into adulthood. 3. This leaves them at risk of developing bad habits that could later translate into more serious health conditions. 4. Added to this is the mental aspect. 5. Playing games is, next to watching televisions shows, one of the least active forms of entertainment. 6. It would be more beneficial for people of all ages to play a team sport, read a book, spend more time with family, or take up a productive and creative hobby.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Switch to a second main idea if you have one.
And develop the second idea fully.
Conclude the paragraph or finish developing your last idea.
1. In short, computer games may offer a limited range of intellectual benefits but they also come at great physical and mental cost. 2. It is therefore up to parents and individuals themselves to opt for more constructive pastimes.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Computer games have become increasingly popular in an age of mobile devices and advancing graphical interfaces. While some claim there is educational value in these games, I would side with those decrying the propagation of a passive lifestyle.
Supporters of gaming can point to its alleged benefits for cognitive functioning. It is difficult to do good research in this area, but many recent studies have found optimistic results not only related to hand-eye coordination but also mental development. This is also supported by common sense because as games have become more advanced, players must now follow intricate storylines, figure out difficult puzzles and outsmart progressively intelligent artificial intelligence. Depending on the age of the gamer and the game in question it is very likely there are legitimate cognitive gains that can be attributed to the extensive playing of games.
Nonetheless, the marginal advanceslisted abovepale in comparison to the effects of a passive lifestyle on both physical and mental health. Mobile devices and the internet generally, but videogames in particular, are the leading causes of the more sedentary lifestyles that most children and teens now lead,often extending into adulthood. This leaves them at risk of developing bad habits that could later translate into more serious health conditions. Added to this is the mental aspect. Playing games is, next to watching televisions shows, one of the least active forms of entertainment. It would be more beneficial for people of all ages to play a team sport, read a book, spend more time with family, or take up a productive and creative hobby.
In short, computer games may offer a limited range of intellectual benefits but they also come at great physical and mental cost. It is therefore up to parents and individuals themselves to opt for more constructive pastimes.
Answers
increasingly popular more and more common
an age of mobile devices people using smartphones
advancing graphical interfaces newer machines and graphics
Computer games have become i__________________r in a_________________________s and a_____________________________s. While some claim there is e___________________e in these games, I would s_____________h those d_________g the p__________n of a p________________e.
S______________s of gaming can p________o its a________________s for c_________________________g. It is difficult to do good r_______h in this area, but many r___________________s have found o_____________________s not only related to h____________________n but also m_______________________t. This is also s____________d by c________________e because as games have become more advanced, players must now f_______________________________s, f____________t difficult puzzles and o________________t p____________________________________________________e. D_________________n the age of the g_______r and the game i________________n it is very likely there are l____________________________s that can be a_____________________o the e_____________e playing of games.
N__________________s, the m___________________sl___________________ep_________________________n to the effects of a p_____________________e on both p________________________________h. M____________________s and the internet g_____________y, but videogames i____________________r, are the l__________________s of the more s_______________________s that most children and teens now l______d,often e__________________________________d. This leaves them a______k of developing bad habits that could l________________________e into more s_______________________________s. A_______________________s the mental a________t. Playing games is, n______o watching televisions shows, one of the l______________________s of entertainment. It would be more beneficial for people of a____________s to play a team sport, read a book, spend more time with family, or t________p a p___________________e and c______________e hobby.
In short, computer games m___________________________e of intellectual benefits but they also c_________________________________t. It is t_______________e up to parents and individuals themselves to o________r more c__________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of climate change and business 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)!
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IELTS Essay: Climate Change and Business
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.
Some are of the belief that any prospective reforms to combat climate change will necessarily be injurious to businesses. In my opinion, despite the marginal market for eco-friendly companies, this is largely true.
Environmentalists often argue that green businesses can be profitable. There are numerous examples from all over the world of corporations excelling in fields such as eco-friendly foods, cars, energy and fashion. For instance, Tesla has become one of the largest automobile manufacturers over the last decade with a unique focus on stylish electronic cars. Their success is by far the greatest so far in the emerging sector of green energy consumer products and will doubtlessly inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to view protecting the environment as a potential catalyst for growth rather than a deterrent to profits.
However, the examples above are still dwarfed by most industries and governmental regulation will surely hurt large and small businesses. In the past, well-intentioned environmental policy has failed to take into account the far-reaching impact of even the simplest stipulations. For example, when nations band together to sign treaties such as the recent Paris Accords, nearly all countries eventually fail to live up to the standards laid out because of the economic downsides and how that could affect their popularity domestically. As soon as one nation begins to fall short of their commitment, other countries have no choice but to also prioritise corporations over the environment for fear of losing power in later elections.
In conclusion, though there is some potential in green business models, they will always have dire economic repercussions. This does not make them less justified but it is an important consideration to temper expectations of progress.
Analysis
1. Some are of the belief that any prospective reforms to combat climate change will necessarily be injurious to businesses. 2. In my opinion, despite the marginal market for eco-friendly companies, this is largely true.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Learn more about introductions here.
1. Environmentalists often argue that green businesses can be profitable. 2. There are numerous examples from all over the world of corporations excelling in fields such as eco-friendly foods, cars, energy and fashion. 3. For instance, Tesla has become one of the largest automobile manufacturers over the last decade with a unique focus on stylish electronic cars. 4. Their success is by far the greatest so far in the emerging sector of green energy consumer products and will doubtlessly inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to view protecting the environment as a potential catalyst for growth rather than a deterrent to profits.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Write a specific example.
Develop it fully.
1. However, the examples above are still dwarfed by most industries and governmental regulation will surely hurt large and small businesses. 2. In the past, well-intentioned environmental policy has failed to take into account the far-reaching impact of even the simplest stipulations. 3. For example, when nations band together to sign treaties such as the recent Paris Accords, nearly all countries eventually fail to live up to the standards laid out because of the economic downsides and how that could affect their popularity domestically. 4. As soon as one nation begins to fall short of their commitment, other countries have no choice but to also prioritise corporations over the environment for fear of losing power in later elections.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain the new main idea.
Write another example.
Develop that example fully as well.
1. In conclusion, though there is some potential in green business models, they will always have dire economic repercussions. 2. This does not make them less justified but it is an important consideration to temper expectations of progress.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Write a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some are of the belief that any prospective reforms to combat climate change will necessarily be injurious to businesses. In my opinion, despite the marginal market for eco-friendly companies, this is largely true.
Environmentalists often argue that green businesses can be profitable. There are numerous examples from all over the world of corporations excelling in fields such as eco-friendly foods, cars, energy and fashion. For instance, Tesla has become one of the largest automobile manufacturers over the last decade with a unique focus on stylish electronic cars. Their success is by far the greatest so far in the emerging sector of green energy consumer products and will doubtlessly inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to view protecting the environment as a potential catalyst for growth rather than a deterrent to profits.
However, the examples above are still dwarfed by most industries and governmental regulation will surely hurt large and small businesses. In the past, well-intentioned environmental policy has failed to take into account the far-reaching impact of even the simplest stipulations. For example, when nations band together to sign treaties such as the recent Paris Accords, nearly all countries eventually fail to live up to the standards laid out because of the economic downsides and how that could affect their popularity domestically. As soon as one nation begins to fall short of their commitment, other countries have no choice but to also prioritise corporationsover the environment for fear of losing power in later elections.
In conclusion, though there is some potential in green business models, they will always have dire economic repercussions. This does not make them less justified but it is an important consideration to temper expectations of progress.
Answers
of the belief believe
prospective reforms possible changes
combat climate change fight global warming
necessarily must happen
injurious hurts
marginal market not big business
eco-friendly companies green corporations
largely mostly
environmentalists people who care about the environment
green businesses eco-friendly businesses
profitable make money
numerous examples many instances
all over the world globally
excelling doing really well
fields areas
eco-friendly foods foods that don’t hurt the environment
energy fuel
Tesla a company that makes electric cars
largest automobile manufacturers biggest car companies
Some are o______________f that any p_____________________s to c________________________e will n____________y be i_____________s to businesses. In my opinion, despite the m_______________t for e________________________s, this is l__________y true.
E_______________________s often argue that g___________________s can be p____________e. There are n____________________s from a________________d of corporations e_____________g in f_____s such as e___________________s, cars, e________y and fashion. For instance, T______a has become one of the l___________________________________s o___________________e with a u________________s on s________________________s. Their success is b_____________________________r in the e________________r of g__________________________________s and will d__________________e a g___________n of e___________________s to view protecting the environment as a p___________________t for growth rather than a d_____________t to profits.
However, the examples above are still d_________________y most industries and g____________________________n will s______y hurt large and s___________________________s. In the past, w_____________________________________y has failed to t_________________t the f_____________________t of even the s______________________s. For example, when nations b_______________r to s_________________s such as the r___________________________s, nearly all countries e__________________________p to the s___________________t because of the e____________________s and how that could affect their popularity d______________________y. A_________s one nation begins to f___________t of their c_______________t, other countries h_____________________o also p__________________________________r the environment f_____________f losing power in later e_____________s.
In conclusion, though there is some potential in g_________________________s, they will always have d______________________s. This does not make them less j_____________d but it is an i______________________n to t______________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
Is it better to live in a place with 4 seasons or just 1?
What is the weather like in your city?
How do people in your country deal with bad weather?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related topic below and then check with my sample answer:
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a prehistoric tool.
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)!
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IELTS Essay Task 1: Prehistoric Tools
The diagrams below illustrate early toos from 1.4 million years ago and 800,000 years ago. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
The diagram presents a comparison of prehistoric tools dating back 1.4 and 0.8 million years ago. Overall, the older tool is less refined with rougher edges, while the newer one appears smoother and better preserved.
Comparing the two tools from the frontal view, the one from 1.4 million years ago is slightly narrower, displaying a less defined shape. The more recent one comes to a sharper point with clearly rounded sides.
The side view reveals that the older tool is also bulkier with more jagged indents than the much smoother one from 800,000 years ago. Finally, in terms of the back view there is a distinctive contrast as the newer has fewer major cracks and closely mirrors its front side. The older tool, on the other hand, is approximately half the size overall and is chipped down greatly in the back.
Analysis
1. The diagram presents a comparison of prehistoric tools dating back 1.4 and 0.8 million years ago. 2. Overall, the older tool is less refined with rougher edges, while the newer one appears smoother and better preserved.
Paraphrase what the essay shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major trends and differences.
1. Comparing the two tools from the frontal view, the one from 1.4 million years ago is slightly narrower, displaying a less defined shape. 2. The more recent one comes to a sharper point with clearly rounded sides.
Write in more detail about the first view.
Be sure that you are always comparing them.
1. The side view reveals that the older tool is also bulkier with more jagged indents than the much smoother one from 800,000 years ago. 2. Finally, in terms of the back view there is a distinctive contrast as the newer has fewer major cracks and closely mirrors its front side. 3. The older tool, on the other hand, is approximately half the size overall and is chipped down greatly in the back.
Write about the next view and compare.
Switch to the final view.
Make sure you have detailed all the information.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The diagram presents a comparison of prehistoric toolsdating back 1.4 and 0.8 million years ago. Overall, the older tool is less refined with rougher edges, while the newer one appears smoother and better preserved.
Comparing the two tools from the frontal view, the one from 1.4 million years ago is slightly narrower, displaying a less defined shape. The more recent one comes to a sharper point with clearly rounded sides.
The side view reveals that the older tool is also bulkier with more jagged indents than the much smoother one from 800,000 years ago. Finally, in terms of the back view there is a distinctive contrast as the newer has fewer major cracks and closely mirrors its front side. The older tool, on the other hand, is approximately half the size overall and is chipped down greatly in the back.
Answers
presents shows
comparison differences
prehistoric tools tools made a very long time ago
dating back from a long time ago
less refined not as clear
rougher edges messy parts
appears smoother looks cleaner
preserved still in good shape
frontal view seen from the front
slightly narrower thinner a little bit
displaying showing
less defined shape not as clear of a shape
comes to a sharper point makes a point at the end
clearly rounded sides mosre circular sides
reveals shows
bulkier bigger
more jagged indents rougher
much smoother one cleaner, not jagged
in terms of the back view when it comes to the back
The diagram p__________s a c______________n of p________________sd_______________k 1.4 and 0.8 million years ago. Overall, the older tool is l__________________d with r_________________s, while the newer one a_________________r and better p___________d.
Comparing the two tools from the f____________w, the one from 1.4 million years ago is s___________________r, d_____________g a l_________________e. The more recent one c____________________t with c____________________s.
The side view r__________s that the older tool is also b_________r with m___________________s than the m________________e from 800,000 years ago. Finally, i_______________________w there is a d__________________t as the newer has f______________________s and c_________________s its front side. The older tool, o______________________d, is a________________y half the size overall and is c________________________y in the back.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of having children later in life from the real IELTS general training exam.
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IELTS Essay: Having Children Later
Many people nowadays tend to marry and have children in their thirties rather than at a younger age.
Is this a positive or negative development?
These days, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to marry and start a family later in life. Although there are risks associated with this trend, it is overwhelmingly positive as it allows individuals to lead fuller lives.
Those who decry these changes can justifiably point out the maturing effects of marriage and children. Just like going to school or getting a job, getting married and having children are milestones in life that both signal and push forward character development. A child is an especially important opportunity for growth as parents must subordinate their own needs to a greater good. If this occurs later, then a person may remain immature well into their 30s. It stands to reason that this lack of character development will permeate throughout one’s life and relationships and possibly become more fixed.
Nonetheless, the statements above cannot be generalised to all people and are greatly outweighed by the freedom gained. When a couple gets married and has children from a young age, they are sacrificing a great deal of freedom and opportunity. Assuming they were not born wealthy, it will be impossible to focus on a successful career and also be an attentive parent. The result is likely that they will either neglect their children, marriage, or career, all of which can instill resentment and foment future problems. On the other hand, those who delay marriage are naturally more experienced and ready for a long-term relationship with parental duties as well as likely more settled in a stable career that can relieve the financial strain most young parents must withstand.
In conclusion, though raising children later can lead to a protracted period of immaturity, the advantages related to lifestyle are undisputed. It is therefore important that companies and governments are receptive to this new reality.
Analysis
1. These days, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to marry and start a family later in life. 2. Although there are risks associated with this trend, it is overwhelmingly positive as it allows individuals to lead fuller lives.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Write a clear opinion and include your main ideas if possible. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who decry these changes can justifiably point out the maturing effects of marriage and children. 2. Just like going to school or getting a job, getting married and having children are milestones in life that both signal and push forward character development. 3. A child is an especially important opportunity for growth as parents must subordinate their own needs to a greater good. 4. If this occurs later, then a person may remain immature well into their 30s. 5. It stands to reason that this lack of character development will permeate throughout one’s life and relationships and possibly become more fixed.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop your idea with specific detail.
Keep developing it and relating it back to the overall essay topic.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. Nonetheless, the statements above cannot be generalised to all people and are greatly outweighed by the freedom gained. 2. When a couple gets married and has children from a young age, they are sacrificing a great deal of freedom and opportunity. 3. Assuming they were not born wealthy, it will be impossible to focus on a successful career and also be an attentive parent. 4. The result is likely that they will either neglect their children, marriage, or career, all of which can instill resentment and foment future problems. 5. On the other hand, those who delay marriage are naturally more experienced and ready for a long-term relationship with parental duties as well as likely more settled in a stable career that can relieve the financial strain most young parents must withstand.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new idea.
Start an example or a hypothetical example.
Develop it by stating the results.
Continue to develop it fully.
1. In conclusion, though raising children later can lead to a protracted period of immaturity, the advantages related to lifestyle are undisputed. 2. It is therefore important that companies and governments are receptive to this new reality.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
These days, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to marry and start a family later in life. Although there are risks associated with this trend, it is overwhelmingly positive as it allows individuals to lead fuller lives.
Those who decry these changes can justifiably point out the maturing effects of marriage and children. Just like going to school or getting a job, getting married and having children are milestones in life that both signal and push forward character development. A child is an especially important opportunity for growth as parents must subordinate their own needs to a greater good. If this occurs later, then a person may remain immature well into their 30s. It stands to reason that this lack of character development will permeate throughout one’s life and relationships and possibly become more fixed.
Nonetheless, the statements above cannot be generalised to all people and are greatly outweighed by the freedom gained. When a couple gets married and has children from a young age, they are sacrificing a great deal of freedom and opportunity. Assuming they were not born wealthy, it will be impossible to focus on a successful career and also be an attentive parent. The result is likely that they will either neglect their children, marriage, or career, all of which can instill resentment and foment future problems. On the other hand, those who delay marriage are naturally more experienced and ready for a long-term relationship with parental duties as well as likely more settled in a stable career that can relieve the financial strain most young parents must withstand.
In conclusion, though raising children later can lead to a protracted period of immaturity, the advantages related to lifestyle are undisputed. It is therefore important that companies and governments are receptive to this new reality.
Answers
these days nowadays
increasingly common more and more popular
later in life as one gets older
risks associated with dangers inherent in
trend pattern
overwhelmingly positive definitely good
lead fuller lives more complete life
decry are critical of
justifiably point out good reason to claim
milestones important events
signal a sign of
push forward hasten
especially important opportunity in particular key chance
growth development
subordinate make weaker/less important
a greater good something more important
occurs happens
remain immature stay a child
well into deep into
it stands to reason it’s clear that
lack of character development not growing as a person
permeate spread through
fixed unchanged
nonetheless regardless
statements above claims stated before
generalised made general about everyone
greatly outweighed much weaker than
freedom gained opportunity allowed for
sacrificing giving up
assuming if it is true that
impossible can’t happen
focus on prioritise
attentive caring
neglect not pay attention to
instill resentment cause one to be angry about
foment create
on the other hand however
delay keep from happening
naturally obviously
long-term relationship being together a long time
parental duties taking care of a child
likely probably
settled not changed
stable career good job
relieve lessen
financial strain money troubles
withstand deal with
protracted period of immaturity long time remaining young
T___________s, it is becoming i___________________n for couples to marry and start a family l______________e. Although there are r________________________h this t________d, it is o___________________________e as it allows individuals to l________________s.
Those who d_______y these changes can j______________________t the maturing effects of marriage and children. Just like going to school or getting a job, getting married and having children are m______________s in life that both s_________l and p_____________________d character development. A child is an e____________________________y for g_____________h as parents must s________________e their own needs to a________________d. If this o_______s later, then a person may r____________________e w___________o their 30s. I_____________________n that this l______________________________t will p____________e throughout one’s life and relationships and possibly become more f_______d.
N_____________s, the s_______________________e cannot be g__________________d to all people and are g______________________d by the f___________________d. When a couple gets married and has children from a young age, they are s_________________g a great deal of freedom and opportunity. A_____________g they were not born wealthy, it will be i________________e to f__________n a successful career and also be an a____________e parent. The result is likely that they will either n____________t their children, marriage, or career, all of which can i______________________t and f__________t future problems. O_________________________d, those who d__________y marriage are n_________________y more experienced and ready for a l_________________________p with p__________________________s as well as l_________y more s_____________d in a s_______________r that can r_________e the f____________________n most young parents must w______________d.
In conclusion, though raising children later can lead to a p________________________________y, the advantages related to l________________e are u_________________d. It is therefore important that companies and governments are r___________________e to this n____________________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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