This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of cities and exercise 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: Cities and Exercise
Many people living in cities these days do not get enough physical exercise.
What are the causes of this?
What are some possible solutions?
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average citizen living in an urban area to set aside enough time for exercise. This is largely because of the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the best solutions involve moderate, individual changes.
The main causes of reduced physical activity by city residents is more modern ways of living. This relates first of all to technology. In the past, people were more likely to go out to meet with friends or take a trip to the cinema and now it is more common to chat with friends online and watch TV shows on Netflix at home. Combined with this is the widespread use of other technologies that reduce activity such as washing machines, apps for ordering food, and self-cleaning robots. All these factors together constitute a trend towards more passive lifestyles dependent on the modern comforts of 21st century technology.
Solutions for these problems ought to all involve individual initiative. Most people today are at least dimly aware of the dangers of addiction to and reliance on technology. Some possible remedies include allocating time every day to doing exercise or joining a sports team or socially reinforcing group activity such as yoga. There are also potential counters related to new technologies. Many companies are meeting consumer demand with wearable technologies, like the Fitbit or Apple Watch, that track advanced biometric data ranging from heartbeat to quality of sleep. These devices implicitly encourage a more active lifestyle.
In conclusion, technology is at the root of less exercise among city residents and this can be fixed by individuals taking up the burden of improving their own lives. These solutions are advisable since individual responsibility is a habit with myriad benefits.
Analysis
1. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average citizen living in an urban area to set aside enough time for exercise. 2. This is largely because of the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the best solutions involve moderate, individual changes.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The main causes of reduced physical activity by city residents is more modern ways of living. 2. This relates first of all to technology. 3. In the past, people were more likely to go out to meet with friends or take a trip to the cinema and now it is more common to chat with friends online and watch TV shows on Netflix at home. 4. Combined with this is the widespread use of other technologies that reduce activity such as washing machines, apps for ordering food, and self-cleaning robots. 5. All these factors together constitute a trend towards more passive lifestyles dependent on the modern comforts of 21st century technology.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Move on to a second cause.
Finish developing both ideas.
1. Solutions for these problems ought to all involve individual initiative. 2. Most people today are at least dimly aware of the dangers of addiction to and reliance on technology. 3. Some possible remedies include allocating time every day to doing exercise or joining a sports team or socially reinforcing group activity such as yoga. 4. There are also potential counters related to new technologies. 5. Many companies are meeting consumer demand with wearable technologies, like the Fitbit or Apple Watch, that track advanced biometric data ranging from heartbeat to quality of sleep. 6. These devices implicitly encourage a more active lifestyle.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Make sure you have 2 solutions.
And you develop the second solution fully.
Conclude the paragraph or finish developing your last idea.
1. In conclusion, technology is at the root of less exercise among city residents and this can be fixed by individuals taking up the burden of improving their own lives. 2. These solutions are advisable since individual responsibility is a habit with myriad benefits.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average citizen living in an urban area to set aside enough time for exercise. This is largely because of the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the best solutions involve moderate, individual changes.
The main causes of reduced physical activity by city residents is more modern ways of living. This relates first of all to technology. In the past, people were more likely to go out to meet with friends or take a trip to the cinema and now it is more common to chat with friends online and watch TV shows on Netflix at home. Combined with this is the widespread use of other technologies that reduce activity such as washing machines, apps for ordering food, and self-cleaning robots. All these factors together constitute a trend towards more passive lifestyles dependent on the modern comforts of 21st century technology.
Solutions for these problems ought to all involve individual initiative. Most people today are at least dimly aware of the dangers of addiction to and reliance on technology. Some possible remedies include allocating time every day to doing exercise or joining a sports team or socially reinforcing group activity such as yoga. There are also potential counters related to new technologies. Many companies are meeting consumer demand with wearable technologies, like the Fitbit or Apple Watch, that track advanced biometric data ranging from heartbeat to quality of sleep. These devices implicitly encourage a more active lifestyle.
In conclusion, technology is at the root of less exercise among city residents and this can be fixed by individuals taking up the burden of improving their own lives. These solutions are advisable since individual responsibility is a habit with myriad benefits.
Answers
increasingly difficult more and more hard
average citizen normal person
urban area city
set aside keep safe
largely mostly
rise of sedentary lifestyles less active lives
involve related to
moderate minimal
individual changes not group reforms
reduced physical activity more passive
residents people who live there
modern ways of living new lifestyles
relates has to do with
more common more popular
combined with this altogether
widespread common
reduce activity make more passive
self-cleaning robots Roomba and other devices
factors together elements combined
constitute a trend add up to a pattern
passive not active
dependent reliant on
modern comforts conveniences
individual initiative people acting on their own
at least dimly aware at miniumum know to an extent
dangers risks
addiction to can’t stop using
reliance on dependent on
remedies fixes
allocating time giving time
socially reinforcing friends encouraging
potential counters possible solutions
meeting consumer demand giving customers what they want
It is becoming i__________________________t for the a_______________n living in an u___________a to s___________e enough time for exercise. This is l_______y because of the r________________________s and the best solutions i________e m__________e, i_____________________s.
The main causes of r_________________________y by city r____________s is more m______________________g. This r_________s first of all to technology. In the past, people were more likely to go out to meet with friends or take a trip to the cinema and now it is m________________n to chat with friends online and watch TV shows on Netflix at home. C______________________s is the w______________d use of other technologies that r_______________y such as washing machines, apps for ordering food, and s_____________________s. All these f______________________r c____________________d towards more p___________e lifestyles d______________t on the m___________________s of 21st century technology.
Solutions for these problems ought to all involve i_______________________e. Most people today are a_______________________e of the d____________s of a______________o and r_______________n technology. Some possible r_____________s include a________________e every day to doing exercise or joining a sports team or s____________________g group activity such as yoga. There are also p_________________________s related to new technologies. Many companies are m_________________________d with w____________e technologies, like the Fitbit or Apple Watch, that t_________________________________a ranging from h____________t to q_____________________p. These d_________s i____________________e a more active lifestyle.
In conclusion, technology is a__________________f less exercise among city residents and this can be f________d by individuals t________________________f improving their own lives. These solutions are a__________e since i_______________________y is a h________t with m________________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 rules and laws from the real IELTS writing 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: Rules and Laws
Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many believe that the rule of law is the only reason society does not descend into anarchy. I am in agreement as idealistic, revisionist views of human nature do not take into account the full pre-history of humanity.
Those who have a more hopeful view of mankind argue the modern progression towards compassion and tolerance. Humans are not necessarily violent and prone to criminal activity. The last hundred years has seen tremendous advances in areas ranging from civil rights to voting to more inclusive social policies. There is therefore a chance that even if society removed or reduced laws governing behaviour, individuals would continue to behave responsibly out of a renewed understanding of what it can mean to be human. These claims are bolstered by the existence of certain small communities in isolation where there is relatively little or no crime.
However, modern values are the product of a refinement of humanity over centuries that still requires reinforcement. The laws against violent crimes, for example, were enforced with brutal penalties for thousands of years in countries around the world. Only in the last two hundred years, have most nations reformed punishments to be either imprisonment or fines. The harsher penalties of the distant past might be outdated, but the current ones still deter potential criminals. The best evidence of this is that people today still attempt to commit crimes despite advances in forensic science and nearly ubiquitous surveillance cameras. It takes little imagination to see realise many more would lean towards breaking the rules in the absence of punishments altogether.
In conclusion, laws and regulations are crucial barriers to the excesses of human nature and cannot be wished away with a good conscience. This does not, however, imply they must be unnecessarily strict.
Analysis
1. Many believe that the rule of law is the only reason society does not descend into anarchy. 2. I am in agreement as idealistic, revisionist views of human nature do not take into account the full pre-history of humanity.
Paraphase the overall essay topic.
Write your opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who have a more hopeful view of mankind argue the modern progression towards compassion and tolerance. 2. Humans are not necessarily violent and prone to criminal activity. 3. The last hundred years has seen tremendous advances in areas ranging from civil rights to voting to more inclusive social policies. 4. There is therefore a chance that even if society removed or reduced laws governing behaviour, individuals would continue to behave responsibly out of a renewed understanding of what it can mean to be human. 5. These claims are bolstered by the existence of certain small communities in isolation where there is relatively little or no crime.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Include specific details.
Make a logical argument.
Support it with a specific example.
1. However, modern values are the product of a refinement of humanity over centuries that still requires reinforcement. 2. The laws against violent crimes, for example, were enforced with brutal penalties for thousands of years in countries around the world. 3. Only in the last two hundred years, have most nations reformed punishments to be either imprisonment or fines. 4. The harsher penalties of the distant past might be outdated, but the current ones still deter potential criminals. 5. The best evidence of this is that people today still attempt to commit crimes despite advances in forensic science and nearly ubiquitous surveillance cameras. 6. It takes little imagination to see realise many more would lean towards breaking the rules in the absence of punishments altogether.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Start an example.
Develop the example.
Continue developing the same example.
State any evidence related to your argument.
Conclude with a strong sentence.
1. In conclusion, laws and regulations are crucial barriers to the excesses of human nature and cannot be wished away with a good conscience. 2. This does not, however, imply they must be unnecessarily strict.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe that the rule of law is the only reason society does not descend into anarchy. I am in agreement as idealistic, revisionistviews of human nature do not take into account the full pre-history of humanity.
Those who have a more hopeful view of mankind argue the modern progression towards compassion and tolerance. Humans are not necessarilyviolent and prone to criminal activity. The last hundred years has seen tremendous advances in areas ranging fromcivil rights to voting to more inclusive social policies. There is therefore a chance that even if society removed or reduced laws governing behaviour, individuals would continue to behave responsibly out of a renewed understanding of what it can mean to be human. These claims are bolstered by the existence of certain small communities in isolation where there is relatively little or no crime.
However, modern values are the product of a refinement of humanity over centuries that still requires reinforcement. The laws against violent crimes, for example, were enforced with brutal penalties for thousands of years in countries around the world. Only in the last two hundred years, have most nations reformed punishments to be either imprisonment or fines. The harsherpenalties of the distant past might be outdated, but the current ones still deter potential criminals. The best evidence of this is that people today still attempt to commit crimes despite advances in forensic science and nearly ubiquitous surveillance cameras. It takes little imagination to see realise many more would lean towards breaking the rules in the absence of punishments altogether.
In conclusion, laws and regulations are crucial barriers to the excesses of human nature and cannot be wished away with a good conscience. This does not, however, imply they must be unnecessarily strict.
Answers
the rule of law laws, rules, and regulations
descend into anarchy havoc, no law
I am in agreement I agree
idealistic hopeful
revisionistviews opinions based on what happened already
human nature the way people are
take into account consider
full pre-history of humanity past of humans before it was recorded
hopeful view optimistic ideas
mankind humanity
progression advancements
compassion and tolerance caring
necessarilyviolent must be cruel
prone likely to
tremendous advances lots of progress
ranging from including
civil rights political rights within a society
voting choosing your government officials
more inclusive social policies laws including more types of people
removed or reduced gotten rid of or cut down on
governing controlling
behave responsibly act well
renewed understanding new conception of
claims arguments
bolstered supported
existence appearance
certain small communities in isolation small, untouched societies
relatively little comparably small
modern values contemporary views
product result
refinement getting better
reinforcement make stronger
enforced made to work
brutal penalties cruel repercussions
reformed changes
imprisonment put in prison
fines have to pay money
harsherpenalties more severe punishments
distant past a long time ago
outdated no longer relevant
deter potential criminals stop people from committing crimes
despite regardless of
forensic science crime scene science
nearly ubiquitous surveillance cameras cameras all around
it takes little imagination to easy to imagine
lean towards breaking the rules inclined to not follow rules
Many believe that t___________________w is the only reason society does not d___________________y. I_________________t as i_________c, r_________________s of h______________e do not t_________________t the f____________________________y.
Those who have a more h_________________w of m___________d argue the modern p__________________n towards c______________________________e. Humans are not n___________________t and p________e to criminal activity. The last hundred years has seen t_________________________s in areas r_________________________________s to v_______g to m______________________________s. There is therefore a chance that even if society r________________________d laws g_________________g behaviour, individuals would continue to b_____________________y out of a r_________________________g of what it can mean to be human. These c_________s are b_______________d by the e______________e of c________________________________________n where there is r_______________e or no crime.
However, m_______________s are the p____________t of a r_____________t of humanity over centuries that still requires r_______________t. The laws against violent crimes, for example, were e___________d with b____________________s for thousands of years in countries around the world. Only in the last two hundred years, have most nations r_____________d punishments to be either i________________t or f________s. The h___________________s of the d_______________t might be o____________d, but the current ones still d___________________________s. The best evidence of this is that people today still attempt to commit crimes d________e advances in f___________________e and n________________________________________s. I_____________________________o see realise many more would l___________________________________s in the a_____________e of punishments a_______________r.
In conclusion, laws and regulations are c________________s to the e____________s of human nature and cannot be w_____________y with a g___________________e. This does not, however, i__________y they must be u____________________________t.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below and use these activities to practice:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of music and relaxation 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: Music and Relaxation
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many believe that music serves primarily as a means of relaxation while others think it is more than that. I am in agreement with the former as there are other purposes for music but they can all be roughly defined as ways of relaxing.
Those who feel music is more than just relaxation point out its other stated uses. For example, many people listen to music in more active settings, such as in night clubs, and dance along. In difficult emotional periods, including after a bad breakup or the loss of a loved one, some individuals turn to music to cope or lift up their spirits. There are also those who view music as an art form no different from literature, painting, and poetry. For them, music serves the myriad purposes of artistic appreciation that include offering insights into life and the artistic expression of others.
Nonetheless, the reasons detailed above can all be generally categorised as forms of relaxation and the most common purpose of music is unadorned enjoyment. People relax in different ways and that can include dancing, connecting with music emotionally or enjoying art. The majority of people, however, simply listen to music throughout the day as a way of escaping from the pressures and demands of work and family. Studies have shown that listening to music regularly can reduce blood pressure and ease the burdens that modern life places on mental health. This is the reason why workers, students, and parents gravitate towards music, in addition to other kinds of light entertainment, at the end of a long day and explains the enduring success of the industry.
In conclusion, music is mainly for relaxation, though this takes on different variations depending on the person in question. This desire to relax is part of a shared humanity that unites all peoples.
Analysis
1. Many believe that music serves primarily as a means of relaxation while others think it is more than that. 2. I am in agreement with the former as there are other purposes for music but they can all be roughly defined as ways of relaxing.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who feel music is more than just relaxation point out its other stated uses. 2. For example, many people listen to music in more active settings, such as in night clubs, and dance along. 3. In difficult emotional periods, including after a bad breakup or the loss of a loved one, some individuals turn to music to cope or lift up their spirits. 4. There are also those who view music as an art form no different from literature, painting, and poetry. 5. For them, music serves the myriad purposes of artistic appreciation that include offering insights into life and the artistic expression of others.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea or start an example.
Develop the example.
Develop it as fully as possible with specific details.
State the furthest possible result.
1. Nonetheless, the reasons detailed above can all be generally categorised as forms of relaxation and the most common purpose of music is unadorned enjoyment. 2. People relax in different ways and that can include dancing, connecting with music emotionally or enjoying art. 3. The majority of people, however, simply listen to music throughout the day as a way of escaping from the pressures and demands of work and family. 4. Studies have shown that listening to music regularly can reduce blood pressure and ease the burdens that modern life places on mental health. 5. This is the reason why workers, students, and parents gravitate towards music, in addition to other kinds of light entertainment, at the end of a long day and explains the enduring success of the industry.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Develop it.
Keep adding specific support such as research.
Conclude with a strong statement at the end.
1. In conclusion, music is mainly for relaxation, though this takes on different variations depending on the person in question. 2. This desire to relax is part of a shared humanity that unites all peoples.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe that music serves primarily as a means of relaxation while others think it is more than that. I am in agreement with the former as there are other purposes for music but they can all be roughly defined as ways of relaxing.
Those who feel music is more than just relaxation point out its other stated uses. For example, many people listen to music in more active settings, such as in night clubs, and dance along. In difficult emotional periods, including after a bad breakup or the loss of a loved one, some individuals turn to music to cope or lift up their spirits. There are also those who view music as an art formno different from literature, painting, and poetry. For them, music serves the myriad purposes of artistic appreciation that include offering insights into life and the artistic expression of others.
Nonetheless, the reasons detailed above can all be generally categorised as forms of relaxation and the most common purpose of music is unadorned enjoyment. People relax in different ways and that can include dancing, connecting with music emotionally or enjoying art. The majority of people, however, simply listen to music throughout the day as a way of escaping from the pressures and demands of work and family. Studies have shown that listening to music regularly can reduce blood pressure and ease the burdens that modern life places on mental health. This is the reason why workers, students, and parents gravitate towards music, in addition to other kinds of light entertainment, at the end of a long day and explains the enduring success of the industry.
In conclusion, music is mainly for relaxation, though this takes on different variations depending on the person in question. This desire to relax is part of a shared humanity that unites all peoples.
Answers
serves primarily as is mainly for
means of relaxation a way to chill out
I am in agreement with I agree with
former mentioned before
purposes methods
roughly defined generally grouped as
ways of relaxing means of chilling out
point out argue
other stated uses different purposes claimed
more active settings lively places
night clubs places to dance at night
difficult emotional periods tough times
bad breakup breaking up with a significant other
loss of a loved one someone dying
turn to music depend on music
cope deal with
lift up raise
spirits feelings, emotions
art formno different from kind of art the same as
serves the myriad purposes works for multiple reasons
Many believe that music s________________________s a m___________________n while others think it is more than that. I________________________h the f__________r as there are other p___________s for music but they can all be r__________________d as w___________________g.
Those who feel music is more than just relaxation p__________t its o_________________s. For example, many people listen to music in m____________________s, such as in n____________s, and dance along. In d_________________________s, including after a b_____________p or the l_______________________________e, some individuals t_____________c to c____e or l___________p their s__________s. There are also those who view music as an a_____________________________m literature, painting, and poetry. For them, music s___________________________s of a_______________________n that include o___________________________e and the a__________________n of others.
N________________s, the reasons d_______________e can all be g______________________d as f________s of relaxation and the m______________________e of music is u______________________t. People relax in different ways and that can include dancing, c_____________g with music e________________y or enjoying art. The m_____________y of people, however, simply listen to music t________________t the day as a___________________g from the p_____________s and d____________s of work and family. S_____________________n that listening to music r___________y can r_____________________e and e____________________s that m_______________e p___________________________h. This is the reason why workers, students, and parents g_____________e towards music, i_________________o other kinds of l_____________________t, a_____________________________y and e____________s the e_____________________s of the industry.
In conclusion, music is m___________y for relaxation, though this takes on different v_____________s d_________________n the person in question. This d________e to relax is part of a s_________________y that u_______s all peoples.
Listening Practice
Listen more about this topic below and practice with these ideas:
And a related speaking test here:
Reading Practice
Read more and practice with these news reading activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer from the general training exam on the topic of choosing a job.
Jobs come up all the time in the general training 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: Choosing a Job
Some people say young people should be completely free to choose their future job but others think young people must be more realistic in their choice.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many are of the view that young people should prioritise pragmatic career choices over their passions. In my opinion, youth is an opportunity to follow pursuits with a low probability of success.
Many parents in particular are heavily invested in the idea of security. This is often the case if they had a difficult upbringing or were born into times of national upheaval. For example, many parents in Vietnam who grew up immediately after the American War, are still scarred by their experiences of deprivation. As a result, it is a common refrain in Vietnam these days for young people to complain about how much control their parents have over their choice of a major or career. Most students consequently work in safe, tedious fields like finance, banking, advertising, and law. They have job security and a basic floor on their earning potential in the event of an economic downturn.
However, failing at a particular career path early in life does not foreclose future success. Most can major in a subject they love, work for several years in that field and the likely results will either be some degree of success or modest failure. If they fail, it is possible to move on in one’s twenties to study or work towards a safer, more lucrative position. This attempt is also justified by the rare instances of tremendous achievement including famous actors, directors, singers, and other artists. Therefore, choosing a career freely can be vindicated by the combination of potential fame, less transcendent but still respectable jobs, and the ability to transition to a new career before middle age.
In conclusion, the allure of security does not outweigh the myriad advantages of freely choosing a career one. Parents and students should both heed this advice or risk regretting the missed opportunity.
Analysis
1. Many are of the view that young people should prioritise pragmatic career choices over their passions. 2. In my opinion, youth is an opportunity to follow pursuits with a low probability of success.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Many parents in particular are heavily invested in the idea of security. 2. This is often the case if they had a difficult upbringing or were born into times of national upheaval. 3. For example, many parents in Vietnam who grew up immediately after the American War, are still scarred by their experiences of deprivation. 4. As a result, it is a common refrain in Vietnam these days for young people to complain about how much control their parents have over their choice of a major or career. 5. Most students consequently work in safe, tedious fields like finance, banking, advertising, and law. 6. They have job security and a basic floor on their earning potential in the event of an economic downturn.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Begin a specific example.
Develop it.
Continue developing it by stating the results.
Finish developing the example.
1. However, failing at a particular career path early in life does not foreclose future success. 2. Most can major in a subject they love, work for several years in that field and the likely results will either be some degree of success or modest failure. 3. If they fail, it is possible to move on in one’s twenties to study or work towards a safer, more lucrative position. 4. This attempt is also justified by the rare instances of tremendous achievement including famous actors, directors, singers, and other artists. 5. Therefore, choosing a career freely can be vindicated by the combination of potential fame, less transcendent but still respectable jobs, and the ability to transition to a new career before middle age.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Develop a hypothetical example.
Keep adding specific detail.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, the allure of security does not outweigh the myriad advantages of freely choosing a career one. 2. Parents and students should both heed this advice or risk regretting the missed opportunity.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many are of the view that young people should prioritise pragmatic career choicesover their passions. In my opinion, youth is an opportunity to follow pursuits with a low probability of success.
Many parents in particular are heavily invested in the idea of security. This is often the case if they had a difficult upbringing or were born into times of national upheaval. For example, many parents in Vietnam who grew up immediately after the American War, are still scarred by their experiences of deprivation. As a result, it is a common refrain in Vietnam these days for young people to complain about how much control their parents have over their choice of a major or career. Most students consequently work in safe, tedious fields like finance, banking, advertising, and law. They have job security and a basic floor on their earning potentialin the event of an economic downturn.
However, failing at a particular career path early in life does not foreclose future success. Most can major in a subject they love, work for several years in that field and the likely results will either be some degree of success or modest failure. If they fail, it is possible to move on in one’s twenties to study or work towards a safer, more lucrative position. This attempt is also justified by the rare instances of tremendous achievement including famous actors, directors, singers, and other artists. Therefore, choosing a career freely can be vindicated by the combination of potential fame, less transcendent but still respectable jobs, and the ability to transition to a new career before middle age.
In conclusion, the allure of security does not outweigh the myriad advantages of freely choosing a career one. Parents and students should both heed this advice or risk regretting the missed opportunity.
Answers
many are of the view some think
prioritise pragmatic career choices value a safe job
over above
passions what they love
opportunity chance
follow pursuits try to do
low probability not much of a chance of
in particular especially
heavily invested put a lot into
idea of security concept of safety
often the case usually
difficult upbringing bad childhood
born into were kids when
times of national upheaval bad part of a country’s history
immediately after following
scarred traumatised
experiences of deprivation times of trauma
as a result consequently
common refrain usually said
complain not happy about
control have power over
consequently as a result
safe security
tedious fields boring jobs
finance related to money
banking related to banks
advertising ads for products
law legal field
job security safe employment
basic floor minimum
earning potential how much they can make
in the event of an economic downturn if the economy crashes
failing at a particular career path early in life not succeeding early on with a job
foreclose future success prevent success later
major in study
likely results probably will happen
some degree of success to an extent going well
modest failure small failure
move on do something new
twenties 20s
work towards try to
safer more secure
lucrative position rich job
attempt try
rare instances sometimes
tremendous achievement great success
vindicated justified
combination altogether
potential fame possibly being a celebrity
less transcendent not as great
still respectable jobs good employment
transition change to/move on
middle age 40 – 55 years old
allure attraction
outweigh stronger than
myriad advantages many benefits
heed listen to
advice suggestion
risk regretting afraid they will have wished they did it
M______________________w that young people should p_________________________________so_____r their p___________s. In my opinion, youth is an o_______________y to f_________________s with a l_____________________y of success.
Many parents i_________________r are h________________d in the i_________________________y. This is o________________e if they had a d_____________________g or were b_______________________________________l. For example, many parents in Vietnam who grew up i__________________r the American War, are still s___________d by their e_________________________n. As a________t, it is a c_______________n in Vietnam these days for young people to c____________n about how much c__________l their parents have over their choice of a major or career. Most students c_______________y work in s_____e, t_________________s like f___________e, b__________g, a____________g, and l__w. They have j_____________y and a b___________r on their e______________________li___________________________________n.
However, f_____________________________________________________e does not f___________________________s. Most can m__________n a subject they love, work for several years in that field and the l_______________s will either be s________________________s or m__________________e. If they fail, it is possible to m__________n in one’s t____________s to study or w________________s a s_______r, more l____________________n. This a____________t is also justified by the r__________________s of t_________________________t including famous actors, directors, singers, and other artists. Therefore, choosing a career freely can be v______________d by the c______________n of p_______________e, l__________________________t but s________________________s, and the ability to t________________n to a new career before m_______________e.
In conclusion, the a_________e of security does not o___________h the m___________________________s of freely choosing a career one. Parents and students should both h______d this a________e or r____________________g the m____________________________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
