11/1/2021

Writing Task 2
Essay

Writing an essay for IELTS

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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 1

 THE ESSAY
Writing an Essay

An essay is a piece of writing several paragraphs long instead of just one or two
paragraphs. It is written about one topic, just as a paragraph is. However, the
topic of an essay is too long and too complex to discuss in one paragraph.
Therefore, you must divide the topic into several paragraphs, one for each major
point. Then you must tie all of the separate paragraphs together by adding an
introduction and a conclusion.
Writing an essay is no more difficult than writing a paragraph, except that an
essay is longer. The principles of organization are the same for both; so if you
can write a good paragraph, you can write a good essay.

An essay has three main parts:

1. An introductory paragraph
2. A body (at least one, but usually two or more paragraphs)
3. A concluding paragraph

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 2

Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph consists of two parts: a few general statements about
your subject to attract your reader’s attention, and a thesis statement to state the
specific subdivisions of your topic and/or the “plan” of your paper. A thesis
statement for an essay is just like a topic sentence for a paragraph: it names the
specific topic and the controlling ideas or major subdivisions of the topic.
An introductory paragraph is like a funnel: very wide at the top, increasingly
narrow in the middle, and very small at the neck or bottom.

General Statements

Thesis Statement

A funnel

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 3

 INTRODUCTION

General Statement
--------------------------
Thesis statement
Paragraph topic sentence
A. support
B. support
topic sentence
C. support
A. Support (concluding sentence)
B. support topic sentence
C. support A. Support
B. Support
( concluding sentence) C. Support
(concluding sentence)

topic sentence
A. support
B. support
C. support
(concluding sentence)

Conclusion
Restatement or Summary of the
main points : Final comment

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 4

The first sentence in an introductory paragraph should be a very general
comment about the subject. Its purpose is to attract the reader’s attention and to
give background information on the topic. Each subsequent sentence should
become more specific than the previous one and finally lead into the thesis
statement.

General statements:

1. introduce the topic of the essay.

2. give background information on the topic.

The thesis statement is the most important sentence in the introduction. It states
the specific topic and lists the major subtopics that will be discussed in the body
of the essay. Furthermore it often indicates the method of organization such as
chronological order, or order of importance.

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 5

Model 1: The introductory paragraph

We are all aware that American culture is, in fact, a combination of the
contributions of all of those who have settled within its borders. From the
founding of the country to the present day, immigrants have brought with them
the traditions of their native lands, many of which have been interwoven into the
cultural patterns of their new homeland. Immigrants from Latin America, who
currently comprise about 8 percent of the total population, are no exception to
this rule. Hispanic contributions to American culture are reflected in the words
we speak, the foods we consume, and the music we enjoy.

General Statements:
Specific Sentence:
More Specific Sentence:
Thesis Statement:

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 6

 STEP 1 Read the following introductory paragraphs, each of which is in incorrect
order.
STEP 2 Rewrite each paragraph, beginning with the most general statement first.
Then add each sentence in the correct order until the introduction becomes
more specific. Write the thesis statement last.

Paragraph 1
(1) The heavy traffic problem can be solved by building rapid transit
systems from the suburbs to the cities, by improving public transportation
systems within the cities, and by forming car pools. (2) Traffic congestion
is caused by the thousands of cars that come into the cities from the
suburban areas as well as from the thousands of cars within the city limits.
(3) One of the most serious problems that most big cities are faced with is
traffic congestion. (4) This mammoth problem must be resolved before it
gets worse.

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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 7

Paragraph 2
(1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and
young children sharing the same house. (2) People in different cultures all over
the world have different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live
in extended families in which several generations share the same house. (4) If
this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on
American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might reduce the
divorce rate in the United States: on the negative side, it might lead to the
eventual disintegration of the family altogether. (6) In the United States, young
people are experimenting with still another system of family life: living together
without marriage.
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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 8

Paragraph 3
(1) Although scientists have experimented with different methods of prediction,
from observing animal behavior to measuring radio signals from quasars *, They
have not proven successful. (2) Earthquakes are the most destructive natural
disasters known to man, in terms of the millions of deaths and billions of dollars
in property loss that they cause. (3) Despite these heavy losses, scientists are still
unable to predict earthquakes. (4) This paper will review the history of the
science of earthquake prediction, then discuss each of the methods in more detail,
and finally present data indicating the success-failure ratios of each method.

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*
quasars: star-like objects in space

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 9

1. Beginning in World War II and continuing through the period of economic
boom, the status of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably.

Method of organization: ……………………………………

2. Although the status of women in Xanadu has improved remarkably in recent

years, it is still very low when compared to the status of women in the countries
of the Western world.

Method of organization: …………………………

3. The status of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably in recent years due to
increased educational opportunities and changes in the country’s laws.

Probable number of paragraphs: ……….

4. The status of women in Xanadu has improved remarkably in recent years in the
areas of economic independence, political rights, educational opportunities, and
social status.

Probable number of paragraphs: ………..

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 10

Analyze the following thesis statements.

STEP 1 Locate the main topic and the subtopics in each of the following
thesis statements.
STEP 2 Underline the subtopics.
STEP 3 Draw a circle around the words or punctuation marks that are used
to introduce the subtopics.

Example
Capital punishment should be abolished not only because it deprives another

person of life, but also because it does not stop crime.

1. Women generally live longer than men for two main reasons: they tend to

take better care of their health, and they lead less stressful lives.

2. Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers can be traced to the following

causes: lack of parental supervision, lax enforcement of drug laws, and the

social and psychological problems of teenagers themselves.

3. In choosing a major, a student has to consider various factors, such as

personal interest, job opportunities, and the availability of training institutions.

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 11

 STEP 1Complete the following thesis statements by adding topics to them.

STEP2 Circle your topics.

If you use correlative conjunctions (both . .. and, not only . . . but also,

etc.) be sure your structures are parallel.

1. Technology is changing our lives in three important areas: -----------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Foreign students have a difficult time taking notes in class due to ---------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. A teacher must have the following qualities: ----------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. The basic causes of inflation are ------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Poverty creates negative consequences for society, such as -----------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.Living together without marriage is becoming increasingly popular for three

reasons: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 12

WRITING PRACTICE
Write a good introductory paragraph for essays on each of the following topics:

1) Foreign travel
2) Choosing a career
3) Culture shock
4) Space exploration
5) Technology

Body

The body consists of one or more paragraphs. Each paragraph develops a

subdivision of your topic, so the number of paragraphs in the body will vary with
the number of subdivisions. The paragraphs of the body are like the main
supporting points of a paragraph. Furthermore, just as you can organize the ideas
in a paragraph by chronological order or by order of importance, you can
organize the paragraphs in an essay in the same ways.

Conclusion
The conclusion in an essay, like the concluding sentence in a paragraph, is a
summary or review of the main points discussed in the body. The only additional
element in an essay is the linking expressions between the paragraphs of the
body. These are just like transitions within paragraph. You use transitions within
a paragraph to connect the ideas between two sentences. Similarly, you use
transitions between paragraphs to connect the ideas between them.

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 13

THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
The final paragraph is the conclusion, a very important part of the essay. In this
paragraph, you tell the reader that you have completed the essay. This is achieved
by either writing a summary of the main points discussed in the body of the essay
or by rewriting the thesis statement in different words. Then you add your final
comments on the subject.

Write concluding paragraphs for the following introductions.

STEP 1 Summarize the main points or paraphrase the thesis statement.
STEP 2 Add your own comments as a final message to the reader.

Paragraph 1
The busy schedules that most Americans face from day to day have created a
rising health problem in the United States. Stress affects almost everyone, from
the highly pressured executive to the busy homemaker or student. It can cause a
variety of physical disorders, ranging from headaches to stomach ulcers and even
alcoholism. Stress is not a problem that can be cured like a common cold;
however, it can be controlled. A person can learn to control stress by setting
realistic goals, enjoying a hobby and/or physical exercise, and by maintaining a
good, warm relationship with family and friends.
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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 14

Paragraph 2
Television is the most popular form of entertainment in the American household.

People of all ages use this medium to entertain themselves for an average of four

hours a day. Thus, television has had a tremendous influence on its viewers,

especially children. Scientists now say that children can be adversely affected by

constantly watching television. This is due to the fact that they participate less in

physical activities, spend less time reading and studying, and see a world of

violence that can affect their own feelings of security.

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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 15

Transition Signals Between Paragraphs

Transition signals are important not only within paragraphs but also between
paragraphs. If you write two or more paragraphs, you need to show the
relationship between your first and second paragraph, between your second and
third paragraph, and so on.

Think of transitions between paragraphs like the links of a chain. The links of a
chain connect the chain; they hold it together. Similarly, a transition signal
between two paragraphs links* your ideas together.

Two paragraphs are linked by adding a transition signal to the topic sentence of
the second paragraph. This transition signal may be a single word, a phrase, or
a dependent clause that repeats or summarizes the main idea in the first
paragraph.

*
link: join, connect

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 16

Paragraph Transitions

Flextime

One of the most important changes that management has made in industry in
recent years is the scheduling of flexible work hours for their employees.
Workers are given the option of choosing when they will work. This allows them
more leisure time for family and fun. Flextime has obvious advantages for both
workers and management although it may not be practical in all types of
businesses.

The first advantage is increased production per work-hour. ……………………

……………………………………….

A second advantage is that factory workers are happier. ……………………….

…………………………………………………

In addition to increased output and worker satisfaction, factory managers report

that absenteeism has declined. …………………………………………………...
………………………………………….

Although flextime has produced these three positive results in some industries, it
is not as advantageous as in all types of businesses. …………………………….
…………………………………………………………………

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 17

 Icebergs: A Potential Source of Water

The supply of fresh water has not been a major problem for most countries in the
world because a rainy season is part of their yearly climatic conditions. However,
in countries where the rainy season is very sparse, scientists must constantly seek
ways to increase fresh supplies of this precious element. Government planners in
South America and the Middle East have been trying to devise new ways of
increasing their nations’ supplies of fresh water. The first method being
considered is the use of desalination plants, which would remove salt from sea
water. Another method being considered is towing icebergs. According to this
method, large icebergs from Antarctica would be wrapped in cloth or plastic, tied
to powerful tugboats by strong ropes, and towed to the dry country. While this
plan may have some potential, there are certain practical problems that must be
solved

…………….. is the expense. According to estimates, it would cost between $50

and $100 million to tow a single 100-million-ton iceberg from Antarctica to, for
example, the coast of Saudi Arabia.

………………… is the possibility that the iceberg would melt en route. 1 No one
knows if an iceberg could be effectively insulated during such a long Journey. At
the very least, there is the possibility that it would break up into smaller pieces,
which would create still other problems.

1
en route: during the journey

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 18

…………………. there is the danger that a huge block of ice off an arid 2 coast
could have unexpected environmental effects. The ice could drastically change
the weather along the coast, and it would almost certainly affect the fish
population.

………………….. the cost of providing fresh water from icebergs would be less
than the cost of providing water by desalination, according to most estimates. It
would cost between $5 and $6 per cubic meter to get water from an iceberg, as
opposed to the $8 per cubic meter it costs to get the same amount by desalination.

2
arid: dry

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 19

 Opinion Essay

----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------. As a result, in choosing a major,
a student has to consider various factors such as: personal interest, job
opportunities, and the availability of training institutions.

The first and probably most important factor is personal interest ………………
……………………………………………………

Although personal interest is an important factor in choosing a job, it is not the

only factor which leads to / contributes to choose a job. job opportunity is another
factor. ………………………………………………………………..…………...
………………………………….

In addition to personal interest and job opportunity, still another factor is the
availability of training institutions. ………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
In a few words, it seems to be fair to say that………………………….………..
………………………………………From my standpoint,…...............................
…………………………………………………….

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 20

 Agree / Disagree Essay

--------------
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………I tend to partially (dis) agree with
this opinion and in this essay, I will support my view with some examples and
details.

The first and probably most important argument against/in favor of [......]
……………………………………………………………………………………
………………………..
Another reason why I (dis) agree with [........]……………………………………
…………………………………………..

Turning to the other side of the argument,……………….....................................

…………………………………………………………..

In a few words, it seems to be fair to say that…………………………………….

………………………………………………..

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 21

 Discuss both views Essay

----------------

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-------------------------------------------------. In this essay, I will explore these
two viewpoints and then give my opinion.

Many people hold the view that ---------------------------------------------------

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------------------------------------------. They claim that -------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------.
Turning to the other side of the argument, There are a growing number of people
who feel that--------------------------------------------------- This is because they say
it is -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------.

In a few words, it seems to be fair to say that------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------ From my standpoint, ---------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 22

Advantage / Disadvantage Essay

--------------
…………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………However, is this development
positive, or are there more drawbacks than advantages? In this essay, I will
explore the pros and cons of [……] and then try to draw some conclusions.

One of the major plus points of ………………………………………………

…………………………………………………

Secondly, …………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………

Turning to the other side of the argument, …………………………………

…………………………………………………………

Another major disadvantage ………………………………………………

…………………………………………………

In a few words, it seems to be fair to say that………………................................

………………………..From my standpoint, ……………………………………
………………………………

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 23

Problem & Solution Essay

----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------This essay will examine some of these
problems in detail, and then propose some solutions.

One of the main causes of the problem is that -----------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------. To solve this problem, --------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------.

Another problem is that -------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------. To tackle this issue,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----.

A third cause of the problem is that -----------------------------------------------------

------------------------. The way forward could be ------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

In a few words, it seems to be fair to say that…………………………………..

……………………………………………….. From my standpoint, ………….
……………………………………………..

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 24

 Table of Contents
Topics ---------------------------------------------------------------- pages

Opinion Topics ----------------------------------------------------- 26-27

Agree & Disagree -------------------------------------------------- 28-30

Discuss both views ------------------------------------------------- 31-32

Advantage & Disadvantage ------------------------------------------- 33

Problem & Solution ------------------------------------------------ 34-35

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 25

Opinion Topics
Modern technology now allows rapid and uncontrolled access to and exchange
of information. Far from beneficial, this is a danger to our societies. What do you
think?

Many modern films and television programme about past events and people
contain a mixture of fact and fiction. Some people say this distorts the public’s
view of history and should therefore be discouraged. What are your views?

Some people feel that young people face more pressures today than the
equivalent age groups did in previous generations. Others think that they have a
much easier life than their parents did. What is your opinion?

Young people are much more aware of and concerned about issues like the
environment, poverty, and animal welfare than previous generations. What is
your own opinion?

The money spent on space research has brought enormous benefits to mankind,
but it could be more usefully applied. How far do you agree?

Particular cultures are under threat nowadays due to the fact that we are living in
a global village. What do you think can be done to protect a society’s traditional
values and culture?

Research has shown that technology is having more influence on people’s

lifestyles than any other factors in our lives? What do you consider to be the
major influence?

Young people are much more aware of and concerned about issues like the
environment, poverty, and animal welfare than previous generations. What is
your own opinion?

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building
them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect
the countryside and not build new homes there. What is your opinion about this?
In some areas of the US, a ‘curfew ‘is imposed, in which teenagers are not
allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are
accompanied by an adult. What is your opinion about this?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 26

Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy, with
everything organized and in the correct place. What is your opinion about this?

Scientists and the news media are presenting ever more evidence of climate
change. Governments cannot be expected to solve this problem. It is the
responsibility of individuals to change their lifestyle to prevent further damage.
What are your views?

There is evidence that inhaling cigarette smoke causes health problems not only
for smokers but for non-smokers who inhale other people’s smoke. In view of
this, smoking should be banned in all public places, even though this would
restrict some people’s freedom of action. What are your views?

In many countries today, increasing numbers of young people study at university.

Students, who will probably earn higher than average salaries after graduating,
should pay for their own higher education, rather than the state. What are your
views?

In the context of today’s competitive global economy, the main purpose of a

country’s education system is to prepare young people for particular types of
work rather than to help them develop into independent-thinking individuals.
What are your views?

Many children are forced to stay at school and study subjects that will be of little
value to them in the future. These children may disrupt the education of the
majority and should be allowed to leave school early to find themselves a job.
What are your views?

Rapid technological change has shaped the world we live in today. Far from
having a positive influence, living in a high-tech world dependent on computers
and mobile devices has distanced us from what is really important in life. How
far do you agree?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 27

Agree or Disagree Topics
The current interest in famous people’s private lives has negative effects both for
those people and for society as a whole. Newspapers should not be allowed to
publish details of people’s private lives unless it is clearly in the public interest.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Too much emphasis is put on earning money rather than looking for a good
quality of life. To what extent do you agree with this idea?

Individuals can do nothing to change society. Any new developments can only
be brought about by governments and large institutions. How far do you agree
or disagree?

University education should be restricted to the very best academic students,

rather than being available to a large proportion of young people. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?

Employers should ensure that there are equal numbers of males and females in
managerial posts in companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Education is the only means to improve the social and psychological well-being
of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Teaching children and young people how to behave is the responsibility of

parents, not schools or the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Advances in Technology have meant that machines are increasingly used to do

jobs that were previously done by humans. The benefits far outweigh the
disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the future, written exams will no longer exist. Instead, people will only learn
practical skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The most valuable skills learned are practical, rather than the ones we learn while
in education. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Emails are the most valuable tool for communication in the twenty-first century.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 28

When a country becomes richer, the natural environment will suffer. It is not
possible for a country to both develop its economy and protect the environment.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Employers should pay young people the same salary as older colleagues doing
the same job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that competitive sports, both team and individual, have no
place in the school curriculum. How far do you agree or disagree?

Although societies around the world are richer and more advanced than ever
before, people are not as happy as they used to be. Some people, therefore, feel
that in order to be happy it is better for people to be poor and less advanced. Do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Advertising is made more and more appealing to the general public nowadays.
How beautiful it is, it serves no useful purpose and encourages people to spend
too much money on things they do not really need. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?

Too much money is spent by individuals and governments on making themselves

and the areas they live in look beautiful. This is wasteful and it has no useful
purpose. Instead, the money should be spent on improving individuals’ health.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Children should not be encouraged to learn about the arts. Time in school should
be purely devoted to academic subjects like language and maths. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?

Future plans to design prisons for learning and working, with bigger cells
containing computers that will enable study and communication have been
criticized for trying to turn prisons into “holiday camps” and for “wasting tax
payers’ money”. To what extent do you agree or disagree with these views?

The desire for higher status or greater wealth than others is what motivates most
people to succeed in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?

In recent years, many countries have become extremely concerned about the
increase in crimes committed by young people. Tough measures and strict
punishments are necessary to stop youths from r-offending. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?
WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 29
A second language is regarded as essential to success in the modern world. It
should be compulsory for all children to study a second language as soon as they
start school. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
In the last 20 years, there have been significant developments in the fields of
information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and
communication by email. However, future developments in IT are likely to have
more negative effects than positive. To what extent do you agree with this view?

We are becoming more and more dependent on machines to function in the

modern world. Some people think this is a very negative development. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that advances in technology designed to reduce crime, such
as closed-circuit television systems, invade the personal privacy of innocent
people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyles of children are different
from those of previous generations. Some people say this has had a negative
effect on their health. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In some societies it is increasingly common to try to achieve good health and

fitness through physically demanding sports, special diets, or preventative
medicine- conventional or alternative. Some people, however, believe that the
best way to stay fit and healthy is simply to lead a normal life. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Museums often contain objects of great value from ancient civilizations around
the world. Some people say these items should be returned to their countries of
origin. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 30

Discuss both views
Some people feel that technology is gradually taking over control of our lives,
while others think that It has led to many positive developments in all aspects of
their lives. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think it is better to give donations to local charitable organizations,
while others choose to give to national or international bodies. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
Some people think that the world is now one large village and we are all
responsible for each other. Others, however, argue that people in other countries
should look after their own people and not be concerned with other countries.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that the arts should receive subsidies or sponsorships from
government and big companies. Others feel such spending is a luxury and that it
would be better if it were invested in scientific projects. Discuss both views and
give your own opinion.
Some people think that managerial posts in private companies and in government
are more suitable for men. Others think that given the opportunity women can be
successful managers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that children should be encouraged to travel more while at
school to broaden their experience. Others think that not enough time is spent in
the classroom learning the basics of a good education. Discuss both views and
give your own opinion.

Some people believe that travelling alone is far better than travelling with a
group. Others believe that this is dangerous and should not be encouraged by the
parents of young people. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Modern lifestyles are completely different from the way people lived in the past.
Some people think the changes have been very positive, while others believe they
have been negative. Discuss both these points of view and give your own opinion.

Some people argue that historic buildings should be preserved in their original
forms. Others argue that this is both inadvisable and impossible. Discuss both
these views and give your own opinion.

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 31

Some people think that genetically modified (GM) crops are a positive
development. Others, however, argue that they are potentially dangerous.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 32

Advantage and Disadvantage Topics
In the modern world there is a movement away from written exams to more
practical assessment. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

In the modern world, more and more emphasis is being placed on the acquisition
of practical skills rather than knowledge from textbooks or other sources. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

In some families there is more than one television in the home, with each family
member even having their own TV. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of having more than one TV set per home.

Some people think that health care is a basic human necessity that should not be
provided by the private companies, but should be provided by the state. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of health care being provided by the private
sector.

E-mail has had a huge impact on professional and social communication, but this
impact has been negative as well as positive.
Do the disadvantages of using e-mail outweigh the advantages?

Portable entertainment devices, such as MP3 or DVD-players, which allow

people to listen to music or watch films on the move, are now commonplace.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of this
development?

It is important for travelers and business people to understand the cultures they
come into contact with, however briefly. What are the main advantages of doing
so? What do you think is the main disadvantage of not doing so?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 33

Problem / Solution Topics
Many people believe that the high levels of violence in films today are causing
serious social problems. What are these problems and how could they be
reduced?

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify the serious
ones and suggest ways that governments and individual tackle these problems.

The migration of people to cities is one of the biggest problems facing the world’s
cities today. Discuss the main causes. What solutions could be used to tackle the
situation?

It is generally agreed that the amount of rubbish created by humans today is a

worldwide problem. What do you think are the main causes of this situation?
What measures can be used to tackle the problem?

Millions of people in the world do not have enough to eat. What do you think are
some of the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to reduce
it?

Although many countries are becoming richer, these societies still have members
who are poor and struggle each day to survive. Why do you think this happens
and what can wealthy societies do to help their poorer citizens?

One of the most serious problems that cities now face is crime. What are the most
effective measures to tackle crime in urban areas?

Despite health warnings, a large number of people continue to smoke all over the
world. Why should we be concerned about this? What solutions would you
suggest?

Many cities have become less pleasant places to live in recent years. What do you
think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

More and more people claim that modern work patterns are a source of stress.
What do you think are the causes of this? Can you suggest some possible
solutions?
People naturally resist making changes in their lives. What kind of problems can
this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 34

A recent survey has shown that people of all ages are losing the ability to perform
basic practical tasks and processes at work. What do you think are the main causes
of this? What solutions can you suggest?

The widespread use of the Internet has brought many problems. What do you think
are the main problems associated with the use of the web? What solutions can
you suggest?

More and more city workers are deciding to live in the country and travel into
work every day. The result is increased traffic congestion and damage to the
environment. What measures do you think could be taken to encourage people
not to travel such long distances into work?

It is better to reform criminals instead of just punishing them. What measures

could be taken to attempt to integrate law-breakers back into society?

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WRITING AN ESSAY FOR IELTS 35