IELTS Essay: Neighbors

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of neighbors.

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Dave

Today, many people do not know their neighbors.

Why is this?

What can be done about this?

These days, there is increasing disconnect among neighbors, leading to a situation where many individuals are unfamiliar with those living nearby. In my opinion, this is largely a result of advanced technologies and the optimal solution relates to fostering community interaction.

One primary reason for this lack of acquaintance is the rise of technology and social media. In today’s digital age, many people prefer to interact online rather than face-to-face. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow individuals to connect with friends and family from a distance, often at the expense of local relationships. For instance, a person may spend hours engaging in online discussions while neglecting the opportunity to engage with their neighbors over a cup of coffee. This virtual interaction, while beneficial in certain respects, can lead to social isolation in physical neighborhoods. There is supporting statistical data that evidences the contention that more time spent on addictive digital devices fulfills a human’s social needs to a bare minimum and discourages in-person meetings.

One effective solution for this modern phenomenon would be organizing community events. Local councils or neighborhood associations could host gatherings such as block parties, picnics, or holiday celebrations. For example, a community could set up a monthly potluck dinner, where residents bring a dish to share. This not only provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. Another related example would be community gardening, which could serve to encourage collaboration among residents, as they work together to cultivate plants and vegetables. This type of initiative not only enhances a neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership among its members. A community garden can become a focal point where neighbors meet regularly, share gardening tips, and even exchange produce, further strengthening local bonds.

In conclusion, the disconnect among neighbors is a multifaceted issue stemming largely from technological reliance. However, by implementing community-oriented initiatives such as social events and gardening projects, it is possible to cultivate a more connected and engaged neighborhood. In doing so, we can foster a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of individuals and enhances communal well-being.

Analysis

1. These days, there is increasing disconnect among neighbors, leading to a situation where many individuals are unfamiliar with those living nearby. 2. In my opinion, this is largely a result of advanced technologies and the optimal solution relates to fostering community interaction.

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

1. One primary reason for this lack of acquaintance is the rise of technology and social media. 2. In today’s digital age, many people prefer to interact online rather than face-to-face. 3. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow individuals to connect with friends and family from a distance, often at the expense of local relationships. 4. For instance, a person may spend hours engaging in online discussions while neglecting the opportunity to engage with their neighbors over a cup of coffee. 5. This virtual interaction, while beneficial in certain respects, can lead to social isolation in physical neighborhoods. 6. There is supporting statistical data that evidences the contention that more time spent on addictive digital devices fulfills a human’s social needs to a bare minimum and discourages in-person meetings.

Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Better to have more detail.
Don’t write too long.

1. One effective solution for this modern phenomenon would be organizing community events. 2. Local councils or neighborhood associations could host gatherings such as block parties, picnics, or holiday celebrations. 3. For example, a community could set up a monthly potluck dinner, where residents bring a dish to share. 4. This not only provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. 5. Another related example would be community gardening, which could serve to encourage collaboration among residents, as they work together to cultivate plants and vegetables. 6. This type of initiative not only enhances a neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership among its members. 7. A community garden can become a focal point where neighbors meet regularly, share gardening tips, and even exchange produce, further strengthening local bonds.

Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Keep adding detail.
Be specific instead of general.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.

1. In conclusion, the disconnect among neighbors is a multifaceted issue stemming largely from technological reliance. 2. However, by implementing community-oriented initiatives such as social events and gardening projects, it is possible to cultivate a more connected and engaged neighborhood. 3. In doing so, we can foster a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of individuals and enhances communal well-being.

Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
No more than 3 sentences.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

These days, there is increasing disconnect among neighbors, leading to a situation where many individuals are unfamiliar with those living nearby. In my opinion, this is largely a result of advanced technologies and the optimal solution relates to fostering community interaction.

One primary reason for this lack of acquaintance is the rise of technology and social media. In today’s digital age, many people prefer to interact online rather than face-to-face. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow individuals to connect with friends and family from a distance, often at the expense of local relationships. For instance, a person may spend hours engaging in online discussions while neglecting the opportunity to engage with their neighbors over a cup of coffee. This virtual interaction, while beneficial in certain respects, can lead to social isolation in physical neighborhoods. There is supporting statistical data that evidences the contention that more time spent on addictive digital devices fulfills a human’s social needs to a bare minimum and discourages in-person meetings.

One effective solution for this modern phenomenon would be organizing community events. Local councils or neighborhood associations could host gatherings such as block parties, picnics, or holiday celebrations. For example, a community could set up a monthly potluck dinner, where residents bring a dish to share. This not only provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. Another related example would be community gardening, which could serve to encourage collaboration among residents, as they work together to cultivate plants and vegetables. This type of initiative not only enhances a neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership among its members. A community garden can become a focal point where neighbors meet regularly, share gardening tips, and even exchange produce, further strengthening local bonds.

In conclusion, the disconnect among neighbors is a multifaceted issue stemming largely from technological reliance. However, by implementing community-oriented initiatives such as social events and gardening projects, it is possible to cultivate a more connected and engaged neighborhood. In doing so, we can foster a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of individuals and enhances communal well-being.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

Original and Synonymous Rewrite

Original: These days
Synonymous: Nowadays
Original: Increasing disconnect among
Synonymous: Growing detachment among people
Original: Leading to a situation where
Synonymous: Resulting in circumstances where
Original: Unfamiliar
Synonymous: Unknown to one another
Original: Living nearby
Synonymous: Residing in proximity
Original: This is largely a result of advanced technologies
Synonymous: This is primarily due to modern technological advancements
Original: Optimal solution relates to fostering community interaction
Synonymous: The best approach involves promoting community connections
Original: One primary reason for this lack of acquaintance
Synonymous: A key factor behind this unfamiliarity
Original: The rise of technology and social media
Synonymous: The proliferation of digital tools and social networks
Original: In today’s digital age
Synonymous: In the current era of technology
Original: Interact online rather than face-to-face
Synonymous: Engage online rather than meeting in person
Original: Platforms
Synonymous: Applications
Original: Connect with friends and family from a distance
Synonymous: Stay in touch with distant friends and relatives
Original: Often at the expense of local relationships
Synonymous: Often at the cost of local bonds
Original: Engaging in online discussions
Synonymous: Participating in virtual conversations
Original: Neglecting the opportunity to engage with their neighbors over a cup of coffee
Synonymous: Ignoring the chance to connect with neighbors over a casual chat
Original: Virtual interaction
Synonymous: Online communication
Original: While beneficial in certain respects
Synonymous: Though advantageous in some ways
Original: Social isolation in physical neighborhoods
Synonymous: Physical isolation within neighborhoods
Original: There is supporting statistical data
Synonymous: Statistical evidence supports the claim
Original: Evidences
Synonymous: Proves the argument
Original: Time spent on addictive digital devices fulfills a human’s social needs to a bare minimum and discourages in-person meetings
Synonymous: Time spent on engrossing digital platforms barely satisfies social needs and discourages face-to-face interaction
Original: One effective solution for this modern phenomenon would be organizing community events
Synonymous: A practical remedy for this contemporary challenge could be arranging community activities
Original: Local councils
Synonymous: Municipal authorities
Original: Neighborhood associations
Synonymous: Local groups
Original: Host gatherings
Synonymous: Organize events
Original: Block parties
Synonymous: Neighborhood celebrations
Original: Set up a monthly potluck dinner
Synonymous: Plan a monthly shared meal
Original: Residents bring a dish to share
Synonymous: Where individuals contribute a dish
Original: Provides an opportunity for
Synonymous: Creates an avenue for
Original: Fosters a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie
Synonymous: Promotes teamwork and friendship
Original: Community gardening
Synonymous: Shared gardening projects
Original: Could serve to encourage collaboration among residents
Synonymous: Could inspire collaboration among neighbors
Original: Cultivate plants and vegetables
Synonymous: Grow crops and greens
Original: This type of initiative not only enhances
Synonymous: Such activities not only improve
Original: Aesthetic appeal
Synonymous: Visual charm
Original: Instills
Synonymous: Encourages
Original: Ownership
Synonymous: A sense of responsibility
Original: Members
Synonymous: Participants
Original: A focal point
Synonymous: A central gathering spot
Original: Meet regularly
Synonymous: Assemble frequently
Original: Share gardening tips
Synonymous: Exchange cultivation ideas
Original: Exchange produce
Synonymous: Trade homegrown crops
Original: Further strengthening
Synonymous: Deepening
Original: Disconnect
Synonymous: Division
Original: Multifaceted issue stemming largely from
Synonymous: Complex problem arising mainly from
Original: Implementing community-oriented initiatives
Synonymous: Adopting neighborhood-focused programs
Original: Cultivate
Synonymous: Foster
Original: Connected and engaged neighborhood
Synonymous: United and interactive community
Original: In doing so
Synonymous: By taking this approach
Original: Enriches
Synonymous: Improves
Original: Enhances communal well-being
Synonymous: Boosts collective harmony

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ðiːz deɪz
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt əˈmʌŋ
ˈliːdɪŋ tuː ə ˌsɪʧuˈeɪʃᵊn weə
ʌnfəˈmɪliə
ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈnɪəbaɪ
ðɪs ɪz ˈlɑːʤli ə rɪˈzʌlt ɒv ədˈvɑːnst tɛkˈnɒləʤiz
ˈɒptɪmᵊl səˈluːʃᵊn rɪˈleɪts tuː ˈfɒstərɪŋ kəˈmjuːnəti ˌɪntəˈrækʃᵊn
wʌn ˈpraɪmᵊri ˈriːzᵊn fɔː ðɪs læk ɒv əˈkweɪntᵊns
ðə raɪz ɒv tɛkˈnɒləʤi ænd ˈsəʊʃᵊl ˈmiːdiə
ɪn təˈdeɪz ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl eɪʤ
ˌɪntəˈrækt ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈrɑːðə ðæn feɪs-tuː-feɪs
ˈplætfɔːmz
kəˈnɛkt wɪð frɛndz ænd ˈfæmᵊli frɒm ə ˈdɪstᵊns
ˈɒfᵊn æt ði ɪkˈspɛns ɒv ˈləʊkᵊl rɪˈleɪʃᵊnʃɪps
ɪnˈɡeɪʤɪŋ ɪn ˈɒnˌlaɪn dɪˈskʌʃᵊnz
nɪˈɡlɛktɪŋ ði ˌɒpəˈʧuːnəti tuː ɪnˈɡeɪʤ wɪð ðeə ˈneɪbəz ˈəʊvər ə kʌp ɒv ˈkɒfi
ˈvɜːʧuəl ˌɪntəˈrækʃᵊn
waɪl ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃᵊl ɪn ˈsɜːtᵊn rɪˈspɛkts
ˈsəʊʃᵊl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃᵊn ɪn ˈfɪzɪkᵊl ˈneɪbəhʊdz
ðeər ɪz səˈpɔːtɪŋ stəˈtɪstɪkᵊl ˈdeɪtə
ˈɛvɪdᵊnsɪz
kənˈtɛnʃᵊn
taɪm spɛnt ɒn əˈdɪktɪv ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl dɪˈvaɪsɪz fʊlˈfɪlz ə ˈhjuːmənz ˈsəʊʃᵊl niːdz tuː ə beə ˈmɪnɪməm ænd dɪˈskʌrɪʤɪz ɪn-ˈpɜːsᵊn ˈmiːtɪŋz
wʌn ɪˈfɛktɪv səˈluːʃᵊn fɔː ðɪs ˈmɒdᵊn fəˈnɒmɪnən wʊd biː ˈɔːɡᵊnaɪzɪŋ kəˈmjuːnəti ɪˈvɛnts
ˈləʊkᵊl ˈkaʊnsᵊlz
ˈneɪbəhʊd əˌsəʊsiˈeɪʃᵊnz
həʊst ˈɡæðᵊrɪŋz
blɒk ˈpɑːtiz
sɛt ʌp ə ˈmʌnθli ˌpɒtˈlʌk ˈdɪnə
ˈrɛzɪdᵊnts brɪŋ ə dɪʃ tuː ʃeə
prəˈvaɪdz ən ˌɒpəˈʧuːnəti fɔː
ˈfɒstəz ə ˈspɪrɪt ɒv kəʊˌɒpᵊrˈeɪʃᵊn ænd ˌkæməˈrɑːdᵊri
kəˈmjuːnəti ˈɡɑːdᵊnɪŋ
kʊd sɜːv tuː ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃᵊn əˈmʌŋ ˈrɛzɪdᵊnts
ˈkʌltɪveɪt plɑːnts ænd ˈvɛʤtəbᵊlz
ðɪs taɪp ɒv ɪˈnɪʃətɪv nɒt ˈəʊnli ɪnˈhɑːnsɪz
iːsˈθɛtɪk əˈpiːl
ɪnˈstɪlz
ˈəʊnəʃɪp
ˈmɛmbəz
ə ˈfəʊkᵊl pɔɪnt
miːt ˈrɛɡjələli
ʃeə ˈɡɑːdᵊnɪŋ tɪps
ɪksˈʧeɪnʤ ˈprɒdjuːs
ˈfɜːðə ˈstrɛŋθᵊnɪŋ
ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt
ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd ˈɪʃuː ˈstɛmɪŋ ˈlɑːʤli frɒm
ˈɪmplɪmɛntɪŋ kəˈmjuːnəti-ˈɔːriɛntɪd ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz
ˈkʌltɪveɪt
kəˈnɛktɪd ænd ɪnˈɡeɪʤd ˈneɪbəhʊd
ɪn ˈduːɪŋ səʊ
ɪnˈrɪʧɪz
ɪnˈhɑːnsɪz ˈkɒmjənᵊl ˌwɛlˈbiːɪŋ

Vocabulary Practice

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