SAMPLE IELTS WRITING TASK 2 BAND 9 SIMON

1.Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages
together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is often said that music has the power to unite and connect people, regardless of their cultural
backgrounds or ages. I completely agree with this view, and will give my reasons below.
Music can certainly reach across cultural and national boundaries and bring people together. Perhaps the
best example of this would be the Live Aid concerts that took place back in the 1980s, and which were
broadcast to a global audience. Two live events were held simultaneously in the UK and the US, and the
objective was to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The concerts were a huge success, both in
terms of the number of people around the world who watched them and their impact on international
public awareness of the famine. They demonstrated, I believe, that music truly is the planet’s global
language.
Just as it transcends cultures, music also has the ability to connect people from different generations.
Regardless of age, we can all enjoy a memorable melody, a strong rhythm or a beautiful singing voice,
and the best songs seem to have the same magical effect on all of us. This would explain why televised
music competitions, such as ‘The X Factor’ or ‘The Voice’, are such popular prime-time shows. These
programmes attract incredibly broad audiences because singing and popular songs appeal to children,
parents and grandparents alike. I would argue that no other form of entertainment can bring families
together in this way.
In conclusion, I believe that music is unique in its capacity to create shared experiences between people,
irrespective of culture and age.
(265 words band 9)
2.Genetic engineering is an important issue in society today. Some people think that it will
improve people’s lives in many ways. Others feel that it may be a threat to life on earth. Discuss
both these views and give your own opinion.
It is true that genetic engineering is a key area of modern scientific research, with broad implications for
all human societies. While I accept that this field of technology may have its dangers, I believe that the
benefits of genetic engineering outweigh the drawbacks.
The negative implications of genetic engineering are often discussed in terms of two key areas, which
are food production and the cloning of humans. Genetically modified crops are already being grown,
and people are concerned that they may damage whole ecosystems as foods become resistant to diseases
and natural predators. But perhaps even more worrying is the possibility that humans could be modified
or cloned. Some people imagine a world in which cloned humans are used to fight wars or to provide
body part replacements. Although perhaps not a threat to life on earth, the implications of such practices
would be unprecedented.
A more optimistic prediction, and one that I favour, is that humans will find ways to mitigate the risks
and use genetic technologies in a responsible way. From the food production perspective, genetic
engineering could be the solution to famine in developing countries, if, for instance, crops can be grown
more reliably in harsh conditions. From a medical perspective, scientists may use genetic engineering to
produce vaccines, to cure diseases, or to correct a genetic defect before a child is born. If properly
regulated, even cloning can be done in a way that improves lives. For example, the cloning of individual
organs, such as a heart or kidney, could be permitted for transplant purposes.
In conclusion, I am convinced that genetic engineering will have a positive impact on our lives, and that
people's fears will be unwarranted.
(283 words, band 9)

3.In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or in small family units, rather than in
large, extended family groups. Is this a positive or negative trend?

It is true that cities are seeing a rise in smaller families and one-person households, while the extended
family is becoming a rarity. In my opinion, this is a negative development.

As families become smaller, the traditional family support network is disappearing, and this can have a
negative impact on children as they grow up. In a nuclear family or single-parent household, childcare
becomes an expensive and stressful part of daily life. Without the help of grandparents or aunts and
uncles, busy parents must rely on babysitters, nannies and after-school clubs to take care of younger
children, while older children may be left alone after school and during holidays. The absence of adult
family members can mean that friends, television and the Internet become the primary influences on
children’s behaviour. It is no surprise that the decline of the extended family has been linked to a rise in
psychological and behavioural problems amongst young people.

The trend towards people living alone is perhaps even more damaging because of the psychological
effects of reduced human interaction. Individuals who live on their own have nobody to talk to in
person, so they cannot share problems or discuss the highs and lows of daily life. They forgo the
constant stimulation and hustle and bustle of a large family, and are left to their own devices for
extended periods of time. The lack of human contact in the home is necessarily replaced by passive
distractions, such as television, video games, online chat rooms or Internet surfing. This type of
existence is associated with boredom, loneliness, and feelings of isolation or even alienation, all of
which are factors that are known to increase the risk of mental illness.

In conclusion, I believe that individuals thrive when they are part of larger family groups, and so it is
worrying that many people are choosing to live alone or in such small family units.

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---1. Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as
painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative
sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about the funding of creative artists. While some people disagree with the
idea of government support for artists, I believe that money for art projects should come from both
governments and other sources.

Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in public
spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues
and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks
represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks
or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to
produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and
attractive.

On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for art. The main reason
for this view is that governments have more important concerns. For example, state budgets need to be
spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public services are
vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public places, is a
luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists do a job like any other professional, and they
should therefore earn their own money by selling their work.

In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial support,
but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary.

2.Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic
accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving
road safety. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads safer. In my view,
both punishments and a range of other measures can be used together to promote better driving habits.

On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more safely.
Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating the same
offence. There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension, driver
awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these punishments is to show dangerous
drivers that their actions have negative consequences. As a result, we would hope that drivers become
more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully.

On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways that do not
punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before they start to drive, and
this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test. Secondly,
more attention could be paid to safe road design. For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed
bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from
driving too quickly. Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing in
better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to travel by car.

In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety
measures should also be introduced.
(269 words, band 9)

3.Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to do whatever
they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences could this style of parenting
have for children as they get older?

It is true that some parents are overly permissive and tend to spoil their children. In my opinion, this is
not a good parenting style, and it can have a range of negative long-term consequences.

If parents want to raise respectful and well-behaved children, I believe that a certain amount of
discipline is necessary. Having worked with children myself, I have learnt that clear expectations and
boundaries are necessary, and it is important to be able to say ‘no’ to children when they misbehave or
try to push against these boundaries. This is the only way to help young people to regulate their desires
and develop self-control. In my view, parents who do the opposite and constantly give in to their
children’s demands, are actually doing more harm than good. They are failing their children rather than
being kind to them.

The children of indulgent or lenient parents are likely to grow up with several negative personality traits.
The first and most obvious danger is that these children will become self-centred adults who show little
consideration for the feelings or needs of others. One consequence of such an attitude could be that these
adults are unable to work successfully in teams with other colleagues. A second negative trait in such
people could be impulsiveness. A person who has never lived with any boundaries is likely to lack the
patience to carefully consider options before making decisions. This may lead, for example, to
compulsive shopping, unwise financial decisions, or even criminal activity.

In conclusion, parents should help their children to develop self-control and respect for others, and I do
not believe that the permissive parenting style supports this objective. (283 words, band 9)

4.There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the
traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard
everywhere nowadays?

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all
human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than
modern, international music.

Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by
our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children
delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection
between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we
come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in
a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life without it.

In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so
popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product that
is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs
and history of a country. Traditional styles, such as ...(example)..., connect us to the past and form part
of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these national
styles disappeared.

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should
be given more importance than international music.

(261 words, band 9)

5.It is inevitable that traditional cultures will be lost as technology develops. Technology and
traditional cultures are incompatible. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Some people believe that technological developments lead to the loss of traditional cultures. I partly
agree with this assertion; while it may be true in the case of some societies, others seem to be unaffected
by technology and the modern world.

On the one hand, the advances in technology that have driven industrialisation in developed countries
have certainly contributed to the disappearance of traditional ways of life. For example, in pre-industrial
Britain, generations of families grew up in the same small village communities. These communities had
a strong sense of identity, due to their shared customs and beliefs. However, developments in transport,
communications and manufacturing led to the dispersal of families and village communities as people
moved to the cities in search of work. Nowadays most British villages are inhabited by commuters,
many of whom do not know their closest neighbours.

On the other hand, in some parts of the world traditional cultures still thrive. There are tribes in the
Amazon Rainforest, for example, that have been completely untouched by the technological
developments of the developed world. These tribal communities continue to hunt and gather food from
the forest, and traditional skills are passed on to children by parents and elders. Other traditional
cultures, such as farming communities in parts of Africa, are embracing communications technologies.
Mobile phones give farmers access to information, from weather predictions to market prices, which
helps them to prosper and therefore supports their culture.

In conclusion, many traditional ways of life have been lost as a result of advances in technology, but
other traditional communities have survived and even flourished.

(266 words, band 9)

6.Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others,
however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. In
your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these games
can sometimes have A POSITIVE EFFECT ON the user, I believe that they ARE MORE LIKELY
TO have A HARMFUL IMPACT. On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and
educational. .
Users, or gamers, ARE TRANSPORTED INTO VIRTUAL WORLDS which are often more exciting
and engaging than REAL-LIFE PASTIMES. From an educational perspective, these games
ENCOURAGE IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY, as well as concentration, logical thinking and
problem solving, all of which are useful skills OUTSIDE THE GAMING CONTEXT.  Furthermore,
it has been shown that COMPUTER SIMULATION GAMES can improve users’ motor skills and
help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane. However, I would argue that these
benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks.

Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent
rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day TRYING TO PROGRESS
THROUGH THE LEVELS OF A GAME or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of
addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is
SACRIFICED FOR A FEW MORE HOURS ON THE COMPUTER OR CONSOLE. The rise in
obesity in recent years has also BEEN LINKED IN PART TO THE SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE and
lack of exercise that often ACCOMPANY GAMING ADDICTION.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the POTENTIAL DANGERS of video games are more significant
than the possible benefits.

7.Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people,
however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about how governments should measure their countries’ progress. While
economic progress is of course essential, I agree with those who believe that other measures of progress
are just as important.

There are three key reasons why economic growth is seen as a fundamental goal for countries. Firstly, a
healthy economy results in job creation, a high level of employment, and better salaries for all citizens.
Secondly, economic progress ensures that more money is available for governments to spend on
infrastructure and public services. For example, a government with higher revenues can invest in the
country's transport network, its education system and its hospitals. Finally, a strong economy can help a
country’s standing on the global stage, in terms of its political influence and trading power.

However, I would argue that various other forms of progress are just as significant as the economic
factors mentioned above. In particular, we should consider the area of social justice, human rights,
equality and democracy itself. For example, the treatment of minority groups is often seen as a reflection
of the moral standards and level of development of a society. Perhaps another key consideration when
judging the progress of a modern country should be how well that country protects the natural
environment, and whether it is moving towards environmental sustainability. Alternatively, the success
of a nation could be measured by looking at the health, well-being and happiness of its residents.

In conclusion, the economy is obviously a key marker of a country’s success, but social, environmental
and health criteria are equally significant. (262 words, band 9)
8.We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be concerned with our
own communities and countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there are problems in
our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should try to help as many people as
possible.

On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow citizens. In most
communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find
homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about
this problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to support these people. In
the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from donating clothing to serving free food in a soup
kitchen. As the problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why
some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.

At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our national
borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious than those in our own
communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when children are dying from curable
diseases in African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives simply by
paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international charity might have a much
greater impact than helping in our local area.

In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should not
stop us from helping those who are in need.

(280 words, band 9)

9.Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a
positive or negative development? ( CAM 8)

It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people. Technology
has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and negative
effects.

Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life. Firstly, telephones
and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting each
other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and
teachers. For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or
country. Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people
who share common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.

On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between people in
different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or
telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face meetings,
and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or social contexts. On the other hand, the
availability of new communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people and
discouraging real interaction. For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather
than mixing with their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for
real friendships.

In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people, but not all of the
outcomes of this revolution have been positive.

(257 words, band 9)

10.Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to
help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual teenager and society
as a whole.

Do you agree or disagree? 

Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both the individual
and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid
work.

Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being given the added
responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers
expect their students to do homework and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When
young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to
spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when
they finish their studies.

At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young people to do
unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free and fair society to force a
group of people to do something against their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst
young people, who would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told
how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.

In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should not
make this compulsory.

(250 words, band 9)

11.In some countries, many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past. Do
you think this is a positive or negative development?

In recent years it has become far more normal for people to live alone, particularly in large cities in the
developed world. In my opinion, this trend could have both positive and negative consequences in equal
measure.
The rise in one-person households can be seen as positive for both personal and broader economic
reasons. On an individual level, people who choose to live alone may become more independent and
self-reliant than those who live with family members. A young adult who lives alone, for example, will
need to learn to cook, clean, pay bills and manage his or her budget, all of which are valuable life skills;
an increase in the number of such individuals can certainly be seen as a positive development. From an
economic perspective, the trend towards living alone will result in greater demand for housing. This is
likely to benefit the construction industry, estate agents and a whole host of other companies that rely on
homeowners to buy their products or services.

However, the personal and economic arguments given above can be considered from the opposite angle.
Firstly, rather than the positive feeling of increased independence, people who live alone may
experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and worry. They miss out on the emotional support and daily
conversation that family or flatmates can provide, and they must bear the weight of all household bills
and responsibilities; in this sense, perhaps the trend towards living alone is a negative one. Secondly,
from the financial point of view, a rise in demand for housing is likely to push up property prices and
rents. While this may benefit some businesses, the general population, including those who live alone,
will be faced with rising living costs.

In conclusion, the increase in one-person households will have both beneficial and detrimental effects on
individuals and on the economy.

( words, band 9)

12.Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can learn online. This is
a positive or negative development?

It is true that online courses are becoming a common feature of university education. Although there are
some drawbacks of Internet-based learning, I would argue that there are far more benefits.

The main drawback of the trend towards online university courses is that there is less direct interaction.
Students may not have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with their teachers, and will instead have
to rely on written forms of communication. Similarly, students who study online do not come into direct
contact with each other, and this could have a negative impact on peer support, discussion and exchange
of ideas. For example, whereas students on traditional courses can attend seminars and even discuss
their subjects over coffee after lessons, online learners are restricted to chatting through website forum
areas. These learners may also lack the motivation and element of competition that face-to-face group
work brings.

Despite the negatives mentioned above, I believe that online university courses are a positive
development for various reasons. Firstly, they allow learners to study in a flexible way, meaning that
they can work whenever and wherever is convenient, and they can cover the material at their own pace.
Secondly, the cost of a university education can be greatly reduced, while revenues for institutions may
increase as more students can be taught. Finally, online learning offers open access to anybody who is
willing to study, regardless of age, location, ability and background. For example, my uncle, who is 65
years old, has recently enrolled on an online MBA course in a different country, which would have been
impossible in the days before Internet-based education.
In conclusion, while I recognize the possible disadvantages of online learning, I consider it to be a
positive development overall.

13.Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are
important in achieving happiness?

It is no doubt true that the majority of people would like to be happy in their lives. While the personal
nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to be some common needs that we all
share with regard to experiencing or achieving happiness.

Happiness is difficult to define because it means something different to each individual person. Nobody
can fully understand or experience another person’s feelings, and we all have our own particular
passions from which we take pleasure. Some people, for example, derive a sense of satisfaction from
earning money or achieving success, whereas for others, health and family are much more important. At
the same time, a range of other feelings, from excitement to peacefulness, may be associated with the
idea of happiness, and the same person may therefore feel happy in a variety of different ways.

Although it seems almost impossible to give a precise definition of happiness, most people would agree
that there are some basic preconditions to achieving it. Firstly, it is hard for a person to be happy if he or
she does not have a safe place to live and enough food to eat. Our basic survival needs must surely be
met before we can lead a pleasant life. Secondly, the greatest joy in life is usually found in shared
experiences with family and friends, and it is rare to find a person who is content to live in complete
isolation. Other key factors could be individual freedom and a sense of purpose in life.

In conclusion, happiness is difficult to define because it is particular to each individual, but I believe that
our basic needs for shelter, food and company need to be fulfilled before we can experience it.

(292 words, band 9)

14.Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers
of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these
languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can be argued that
governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages should be
protected and preserved.

There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of money. Firstly, if a
language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive education programmes will be needed
to make sure that more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and
marketing. This money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much
cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of
costs related to communicating with each minority group.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are less
widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a vital
connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it. If a language disappears, a whole way
of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes societies more
interesting. By spending money to protect minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions,
customs and behaviours that are part of a country’s history.

In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear, but in
the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage.

(258 words – band 9)

15.Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety
of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is
morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their
benefits to humanity.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for
human use. While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to
support a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines.

On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation. To use a common
example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug
can be measured. Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals to this
kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They believe that the benefits to
humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that scientists should use alternative methods of
research.

On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available.
Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on the
part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research
might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been
developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with the banning of animal
testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical
procedures are concerned.

In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical research
until equally effective alternatives have been developed. (270 words, band 9)

16.Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with
it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Climate change represents a major threat to life on Earth, but some people argue that we need to accept
it rather than try to stop it. I completely disagree with this opinion, because I believe that we still have
time to tackle this issue and reduce the human impact on the Earth's climate.
There are various measures that governments and individuals could take to prevent, or at least mitigate,
climate change. Governments could introduce laws to limit the carbon dioxide emissions that lead to
global warming. They could impose “green taxes” on drivers, airline companies and other polluters, and
they could invest in renewable energy production from solar, wind or water power. As individuals, we
should also try to limit our contribution to climate change, by becoming more energy efficient, by flying
less, and by using bicycles and public transport. Furthermore, the public can affect the actions of
governments by voting for politicians who propose to tackle climate change, rather than for those who
would prefer to ignore it.

If instead of taking the above measures we simply try to live with climate change, I believe that the
consequences will be disastrous. To give just one example, I am not optimistic that we would be able to
cope with even a small rise in sea levels. Millions of people would be displaced by flooding, particularly
in countries that do not have the means to safeguard low-lying areas. These people would lose their
homes and their jobs, and they would be forced to migrate to nearby cities or perhaps to other countries.
The potential for human suffering would be huge, and it is likely that we would see outbreaks of disease
and famine, as well as increased homelessness and poverty.

In conclusion, it is clear to me that we must address the problem of climate change, and I disagree with
those who argue that we can find ways to live with it.

(322 words, band 9)

17.In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for
individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing
populations.

It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there
will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these
potential problems.

As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several related problems
can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be more people of retirement age who will
be eligible to receive a pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and
governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other
words, an ageing population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will
include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after
their elderly relatives.

There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described above. Firstly, a
simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70.
Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. A second
measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase the number of
working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other
areas and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of
older citizens.
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the
populations of countries grow older.

(265 words, band 9)

18.In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce
crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I
understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that the benefits do outweigh the
drawbacks.

There are two main reasons why people might disapprove of the use of video cameras in public places.
The first objection is that these cameras invade our privacy, in the sense that we are constantly being
watched by the authorities or by private security firms. Many people find this intrusive and feel that the
recording of their movements is a form of state control that curtails their individual freedom. The second
argument against the proliferation of CCTV cameras is that they are being used as an alternative to
police officers patrolling the streets. If this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely that members of the
public will feel safer.

In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to monitor public
areas is a positive measure. The key objective of video surveillance is to deter criminals and to prevent
crime. For example, petty criminals like shoplifters and pickpockets are less likely to operate in parts of
cities where they know that they are being watched. At the same time, when crimes are committed, the
police can use video evidence to catch and prosecute offenders. Therefore, in my view, video cameras
offer valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and visitors
alike.

In conclusion, it seems to me that we gain more than we lose from the enhanced security that CCTV
cameras bring to our cities.

(275 words)

19.Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers,
whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss
both of these views and give your own opinion.

People’s opinions differ as to whether or not school children should be given homework. While there are
some strong arguments against the setting of homework, I still believe that it is a necessary aspect of
education.

There are several reasons why people might argue that homework is an unnecessary burden on children.
Firstly, there is evidence to support the idea that homework does nothing to improve educational
outcomes. Countries such as Finland, where school children are not given homework, regularly top
international educational league tables and outperform nations where setting homework is the norm.
Secondly, many parents would agree that the school day is already long enough, and leaves their
children too tired to do further study when they return home. Finally, it is recognised that play time is
just as beneficial as study time from the perspective of brain development.

In spite of the above arguments, I support the view that homework has an important role to play in the
schooling of children. The main benefit of homework is that it encourages independent learning and
problem solving, as children are challenged to work through tasks alone and at their own pace. In doing
so, students must apply the knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom. For example, by doing
mathematics exercises at home, students consolidate their understanding of the concepts taught by their
teacher at school. In my view, it is important for children to develop an independent study habit because
this prepares them to work alone as adults.

In conclusion, homework certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe that the benefits outweigh them in
the long term.

(270 words, band 9)

20.Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only
way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household waste. Although I accept that new legislation to
force people to recycle could help this situation, I do not agree that a recycling law is the only measure
that governments should take.

In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste problem.
Governments could make it a legal obligation for householders to separate all waste into different bins.
There could be punishments for people who fail to adhere to this law, ranging from a small fine to
community service, or even perhaps prison sentences for repeat offenders. These measures would act as
a deterrent and encourage people to obey the recycling law. As a result, the improved behaviour of
homeowners could lead to a clean, waste-free environment for everyone.

However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a recycling law. It might be
more effective if politicians put education, rather than punishment, at the centre of a recycling campaign.
For example, children could be taught about recycling in schools, and homeowners could be informed
about the environmental impact of household waste. Another tactic that governments could use would
be to create stricter regulations for the companies that produce the packaging for household products.
Finally, money could also be spent to improve recycling facilities and systems, so that waste is
processed more effectively, regardless of whether or not people separate it correctly in the home.

In conclusion, perhaps we do need to make recycling a legal requirement, but this would certainly not be
the only way to encourage people to dispose of their waste more responsibly.

(279 words, band 9)

It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit
important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.

The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical
attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident population
already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very
shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money they
spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The
governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and
encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.

If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in a
particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an
example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places
like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of
nationality, and this helps to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming
due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important
buildings.

In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would
be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.

(269 words, band 9)

22.Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe
that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those
related to science and technology.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about how much choice students should have with regard to what they can
study at university. While some argue that it would be better for students to be forced into certain key
subject areas, I believe that everyone should be able to study the course of their choice.

There are various reasons why people believe that universities should only offer subjects that will be
useful in the future. They may assert that university courses like medicine, engineering and information
technology are more likely to be beneficial than certain art degrees. From a personal perspective, it can
be argued that these courses provide more job opportunities, career progression, better salaries, and
therefore an improved quality of life for students who take them. On the societal level, by forcing people
to choose particular university subjects, governments can ensure that any knowledge and skill gaps in
the economy are covered. Finally, a focus on technology in higher education could lead to new
inventions, economic growth, and greater future prosperity.
In spite of these arguments, I believe that university students should be free to choose their preferred
areas of study. In my opinion, society will benefit more if our students are passionate about what they
are learning. Besides, nobody can really predict which areas of knowledge will be most useful to society
in the future, and it may be that employers begin to value creative thinking skills above practical or
technical skills. If this were the case, perhaps we would need more students of art, history and
philosophy than of science or technology.

In conclusion, although it might seem sensible for universities to focus only on the most useful subjects,
I personally prefer the current system in which people have the right to study whatever they like.

(297 words, band 9)

23.Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals; during festival
periods, people nowadays only want to enjoy themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?

Some people argue that we no longer remember the original meaning of festivals, and that most of us
treat them as opportunities to have fun. While I agree that enjoyment seems to be the priority during
festival times, I do not agree that people have forgotten what these festivals mean.

On the one hand, religious and traditional festivals have certainly become times for celebration. In the
UK, Christmas is a good example of a festival period when people are most concerned with shopping,
giving and receiving presents, decorating their homes and enjoying traditional meals with their families.
Most people look forward to Christmas as a holiday period, rather than a time to practise religion.
Similar behaviour can be seen during non-religious festivals, such as Bonfire Night. People associate
this occasion with making fires, watching firework displays, and perhaps going to large events in local
parks; in other words, enjoyment is people’s primary goal.

However, I disagree with the idea that the underlying meaning of such festivals has been forgotten. In
UK primary schools, children learn in detail about the religious reasons for celebrating Christmas, Easter
and a variety of festivals in other religions. For example, in late December, children sing Christmas
songs which have a religious content, and they may even perform nativity plays telling the story of
Jesus’ birth. Families also play a role in passing knowledge of religious festivals’ deeper significance on
to the next generation. The same is true for festivals that have a historical background, such as Bonfire
Night or Halloween, in the sense that people generally learn the stories behind these occasions at an
early age.

In conclusion, although people mainly want to enjoy themselves during festivals, I believe that they are
still aware of the reasons for these celebrations.

(296 words, band 9)

24.In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries. Some people believe
that this is good for the country, but others think that governments should not allow salaries
above a certain level.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether governments should introduce a maximum wage. While in
some ways it may seem reasonable to allow people to earn as much as companies are willing to pay, I
personally believe that employee remuneration should be capped at a certain level.

There are various reasons why it might be considered beneficial to allow people to be paid extremely
high salaries. If companies offer excellent pay packages, they can attract the most talented people in
their fields to work for them. For example, technology companies like Google are able to employ the
best programmers because of the huge sums that they are willing to pay. Furthermore, these well-paid
employees are likely to be highly motivated to work hard and therefore drive their businesses
successfully. In theory, this should result in a thriving economy and increased tax revenues, which
means that paying high salaries benefits everyone.

However, I agree with those who argue that there should be a maximum wage. By introducing a limit on
earnings, the pay-gap between bosses and employees can be reduced. Currently, the difference between
normal and top salaries is huge, and this can demotivate workers who feel that the situation is unfair.
With lower executive salaries, it might become feasible to introduce higher minimum wages, and
everybody would be better off. One possible consequence of greater equality could be that poverty and
crime rates fall because the general population will experience an improved standard of living.

In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be better, on balance, for governments to set a limit on the
wages of the highest earners in society.

(274 words, band 9)

25.As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

Businesses have always sought to make a profit, but it is becoming increasingly common to hear people
talk about the social obligations that companies have. I completely agree with the idea that businesses
should do more for society than simply make money.

On the one hand, I accept that businesses must make money in order to survive in a competitive world.
It seems logical that the priority of any company should be to cover its running costs, such as
employees’ wages and payments for buildings and utilities. On top of these costs, companies also need
to invest in improvements and innovations if they wish to remain successful. If a company is unable to
pay its bills or meet the changing needs of customers, any concerns about social responsibilities become
irrelevant. In other words, a company can only make a positive contribution to society if it is in good
financial health.

On the other hand, companies should not be run with the sole aim of maximising profit; they have a
wider role to play in society. One social obligation that owners and managers have is to treat their
employees well, rather than exploiting them. For example, they could pay a “living wage” to ensure that
workers have a good quality of life. I also like the idea that businesses could use a proportion of their
profits to support local charities, environmental projects or education initiatives. Finally, instead of
trying to minimise their tax payments by using accounting loopholes, I believe that company bosses
should be happy to contribute to society through the tax system.
In conclusion, I believe that companies should place as much importance on their social responsibilities
as they do on their financial objectives.

(285 words, band 9)

26.Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this
be?
Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

It is true that foreign films are more popular in many countries than domestically produced films. There
could be several reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should promote local film-
making by subsidising the industry.

There are various reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced
in their own countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries have huge budgets for
action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular locations. Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’
or the James Bond films are examples of such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable.
Another reason why these big-budget films are so successful is that they often star the most famous
actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished producers and directors. The poor
quality, low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in comparison.

In my view, governments should support local film industries financially. In every country, there may be
talented amateur film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to prove themselves. To
compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people need money to pay for film crews,
actors and a host of other costs related to producing high-quality films. If governments did help with
these costs, they would see an increase in employment in the film industry, income from film sales, and
perhaps even a rise in tourist numbers. New Zealand, for example, has seen an increase in tourism
related to the 'Lord of the Rings' films, which were partly funded by government subsidies.

In conclusion, I believe that increased financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made
films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the market.

(294 words, band 9)

27.Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that
support the state education system.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to
state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.

For a variety of reasons, it would be wrong to reduce taxes for families who pay for private education.
Firstly, it would be difficult to calculate the correct amount of tax reduction for these families, and staff
would be required to manage this complex process. Secondly, we all pay a certain amount of tax for
public services that we may not use. For example, most people are fortunate enough not to have to call
the police or fire brigade at any time in their lives, but they would not expect a tax reduction for this.
Finally, if wealthy families were given a tax discount for sending their children to private schools, we
might have a situation where poorer people pay higher taxes than the rich.

In my opinion, we should all be happy to pay our share of the money that supports public schools. It is
beneficial for all members of society to have a high quality education system with equal opportunities
for all young people. This will result in a well-educated workforce, and in turn a more productive and
prosperous nation. Parents of children in private schools may also see the advantages of this in their own
lives. For example, a company owner will need well qualified and competent staff, and a well-funded
education system can provide such employees.

In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose
private education.

(269 words, band 9)

28.Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent on each other, while
others think that people have become more independent. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.

People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on others nowadays. In my
view, modern life forces us to be more independent than people were in the past.

There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent on each other now.
Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because the cost of living has increased so
dramatically. For example, young adults tend to rely on their parents for help when buying a house.
Property prices are higher than ever, and without help it would be impossible for many people to pay a
deposit and a mortgage. Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious nowadays, and they want a better
quality of life for their families. This means that both parents usually need to work full-time, and they
depend on support from grandparents and babysitters for child care.

However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent these days. In most
countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed, which means that people cannot count on
relatives as much as they used to. We also have more freedom to travel and live far away from our home
towns. For example, many students choose to study abroad instead of going to their local university, and
this experience makes them more independent as they learn to live alone. Another factor in this growing
independence is technology, which allows us to work alone and from any part of the world.

In conclusion, while there are some reasons to believe that people now depend on each other more, my
own view is that we are more independent than ever.

29.Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and it is often argued that
these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of committing a crime.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that ex-prisoners can become normal, productive members of society. I completely agree with
the idea that allowing such people to speak to teenagers about their experiences is the best way to
discourage them from breaking the law.

In my opinion, teenagers are more likely to accept advice from someone who can speak from
experience. Reformed offenders can tell young people about how they became involved in crime, the
dangers of a criminal lifestyle, and what life in prison is really like. They can also dispel any ideas that
teenagers may have about criminals leading glamorous lives. While adolescents are often indifferent to
the guidance given by older people, I imagine that most of them would be extremely keen to hear the
stories of an ex-offender. The vivid and perhaps shocking nature of these stories is likely to have a
powerful impact.

The alternatives to using reformed criminals to educate teenagers about crime would be much less
effective. One option would be for police officers to visit schools and talk to young people. This could
be useful in terms of informing teens about what happens to lawbreakers when they are caught, but
young people are often reluctant to take advice from figures of authority. A second option would be for
school teachers to speak to their students about crime, but I doubt that students would see teachers as
credible sources of information about this topic. Finally, educational films might be informative, but
there would be no opportunity for young people to interact and ask questions.

In conclusion, I fully support the view that people who have turned their lives around after serving a
prison sentence could help to deter teenagers from committing crimes.

(287 words, band 9)

30.Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do not
agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.

Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic. Student
numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a university decided to
fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender.
In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be practical
to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it
would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty per cent of the places needed to go to males.

Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base
admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best candidates for
each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same
opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good grades
at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it is surely wrong to reject her
in favour of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both
impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.

(265 words, band 9)

31.Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others
believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion, museums can and
should be both entertaining and educational.

On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain. Museums are tourist
attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many people will want to
see. The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational
content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This type of
museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part
of its exhibitions.

On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim of any
exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know. Usually this means
that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various
ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums offer
headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition. In this way, museums
can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of
life.

In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting, enjoyable and
educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same time.

(253 words, band 9)

32.When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

Many people choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. Personally, I disagree with the
idea that money is the key consideration when deciding on a career, because I believe that other factors
are equally important.

On the one hand, I agree that money is necessary in order for people to meet their basic needs. For
example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills, health care, and education. Most people
consider it a priority to at least earn a salary that allows them to cover these needs and have a reasonable
quality of life. If people chose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial factors, they might
find it difficult to support themselves. Artists and musicians, for instance, are known for choosing a
career path that they love, but that does not always provide them with enough money to live comfortably
and raise a family.
Nevertheless, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we earn in our jobs.
Firstly, personal relationships and the atmosphere in a workplace are extremely important when
choosing a job. Having a good manager or friendly colleagues, for example, can make a huge difference
to workers’ levels of happiness and general quality of life. Secondly, many people’s feelings of job
satisfaction come from their professional achievements, the skills they learn, and the position they reach,
rather than the money they earn. Finally, some people choose a career because they want to help others
and contribute something positive to society.

In conclusion, while salaries certainly affect people’s choice of profession, I do not believe that money
outweighs all other motivators.

(275 words, band 9)

33.Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful
career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education.
While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to
college or university.

The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young people want
to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be
able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find
work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain
real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions
and a successful career.

On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly,
academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a
doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have
access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer
qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are
hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications
from a university or college will not be able to compete.

For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their
careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.

(271 words, band 9)

34.In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and
personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian
societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals
are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits.
What is your view of the relationship between equality and personal success?
In my opinion, an egalitarian society is one in which everyone has the same rights and the same
opportunities. I completely agree that people can achieve more in this kind of society.

Education is an important factor with regard to personal success in life. I believe that all children should
have access to free schooling, and higher education should be either free or affordable for all those who
chose to pursue a university degree. In a society without free schooling or affordable higher education,
only children and young adults from wealthier families would have access to the best learning
opportunities, and they would therefore be better prepared for the job market. This kind of inequality
would ensure the success of some but harm the prospects of others.

I would argue that equal rights and opportunities are not in conflict with people’s freedom to succeed or
fail. In other words, equality does not mean that people lose their motivation to succeed, or that they are
not allowed to fail. On the contrary, I believe that most people would feel more motivated to work hard
and reach their potential if they thought that they lived in a fair society. Those who did not make the
same effort would know that they had wasted their opportunity. Inequality, on the other hand, would be
more likely to demotivate people because they would know that the odds of success were stacked in
favour of those from privileged backgrounds.

In conclusion, it seems to me that there is a positive relationship between equality and personal success.

(260 words – band 9)

35. The older generations tend to have very traditional ideas about how people should live, think
and behave. However, some people believe that these ideas are not helpful in preparing younger
generations for modern life.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

It is true that many older people believe in traditional values that often seem incompatible with the needs
of younger people. While I agree that some traditional ideas are outdated, I believe that others are still
useful and should not be forgotten.

On the one hand, many of the ideas that elderly people have about life are becoming less relevant for
younger people. In the past, for example, people were advised to learn a profession and find a secure job
for life, but today’s workers expect much more variety and diversity from their careers. At the same
time, the ‘rules’ around relationships are being eroded as young adults make their own choices about
who and when to marry. But perhaps the greatest disparity between the generations can be seen in their
attitudes towards gender roles. The traditional roles of men and women, as breadwinners and
housewives, are no longer accepted as necessary or appropriate by most younger people.

On the other hand, some traditional views and values are certainly applicable to the modern world. For
example, older generations attach great importance to working hard, doing one’s best, and taking pride
in one’s work, and these behaviours can surely benefit young people as they enter today’s competitive
job market. Other characteristics that are perhaps seen as traditional are politeness and good manners. In
our globalised world, young adults can expect to come into contact with people from a huge variety of
backgrounds, and it is more important than ever to treat others with respect. Finally, I believe that young
people would lead happier lives if they had a more ‘old-fashioned’ sense of community and
neighbourliness.

In conclusion, although the views of older people may sometimes seem unhelpful in today’s world, we
should not dismiss all traditional ideas as irrelevant.

(299 words, band 9)

36. Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others PRESENT MORE OF A CHALLENGE. Personally, I
believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies
need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an activity that is easy for most
people is swimming. This hobby REQUIRES VERY LITTLE EQUIPMENT, it is simple to learn,
and it is inexpensive. I remember learning to swim at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and
IT NEVER FELT LIKE a demanding or challenging experience.

Another hobby that I find easy and fun is photography. In my opinion, anyone can take interesting
pictures without knowing too much about the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being
STRAIGHTFORWARD, taking photos is a satisfying activity.

On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an activity is more challenging,
we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we manage to do it successfully. For example, film
editing is a hobby that REQUIRES A HIGH LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE. In my
case, it took me around two years before I BECAME COMPETENT at this activity, but now I enjoy it
much more than I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when we
REACH A HIGHER LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE because the results are better and the feeling of
achievement is greater.

In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally pleasurable
for different reasons.

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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuBEhoDQ10ucNIAncGHWGHXVpmfK26trb

(intensive IELTS LISTENING)