IELTS Essay

HURRAY IELTS IELTS ESSAY
Section 2: Writing
There are 2 tasks in the IELTS General Writing test. The salient points of the
test are:
 The test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks--one of 150 words
and the other of 250 words.

 Task 1 would be Report Writing – 150 words – It is of 20 Minutes
duration, and this task expects the test-taker to respond to a situation like
requesting information or explaining a situation.

 Task 2is Essay writing—which is of 40 minutes duration. This task remains the
same for both versions of IELTS (Academic and General).

Points to remember:


1) Avoid using bullets points or notes etc as these can result in lowering your
scores.
2) It is alright if you exceed the word limit by 10 words, but if your word count
for any of the task is less than the prescribed word limit then your score will
come down.
3) You can also lose marks if you have copied the question partly or wholly or if
you have gone off-topic.
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Important Tips: Writing Task 2 (Essays)
Writing Task 2 asks that you to write an essay in response to a statement or

statements about a given topic. There is a broad range of topics which usually
range from:
Government and the Law
Education
Health
Travel and Tourism
Science and Technology
The Environment
Media and Entertainment
The Economy
Work/Leisure
Family/Social issues
This broad range of topics should not intimidate you. IELTS is not a test of
knowledge. It is testing your ability to choose appropriate words and to link and
extend in a grammatical and structured manner, while you do not need to be an
expert on the topic, but having some knowledge on the topic certainly helps.
Therefore, we suggest that you read ‘The Hindu’ from the first to the last page
every day to keep your mind fit. It will help to increase your vocabulary and you
will have a range of ideas on the topic. Use your experience of reading
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the newspaper to enhance your knowledge and therefore allow you to show
your knowledge of the subject.
As discussed before, you need not have a lot of ideas but rather talk about a few
ideas and develop them in a structured manner. The quality of ideas are not
judged but it should have some sort of a logical connection to the topic.
What are the exam rules?
 Write AT LEAST 250 words


 Address all parts of the task

 Present a clear position throughout the task

 Present, extend and support your main ideas
The 4 Cs of essay writing: conciseness, cohesion, coherence and composition.
Each needs to be employed properly if you want to score well on your Task 2
Essay. In this short article, which I am writing exclusively, I would like to touch
on each of the 4 Cs and describe how you can use these powerful ideas to
heighten your IELTS score.
The 4Cs of essay writing
a. The first C is conciseness. Unlike other languages which prize long and very
elaborate sentences, proper written English is a language that says a lot in a few
words. Students often falsely believe that the longer a sentence is the more
academic it sounds. An ideal sentence usually has a range of eight to fifteen
words.
Remember: Writing longer sentences in your response is problematic for two

reasons.
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Firstly, it heightens the chances of errors related to coherence.
Secondly, it makes it more difficult for you to control the grammar of the
sentence, leading to silly grammatical mistakes. Too often, students receive
disappointing marks on their IELTS essay simply because their long sentences
led them to issues with coherence and grammar.
b. The second C is cohesion. Cohesion refers to words and phrases that help
ideas link together.
Some examples of cohesive phrases include:…
Because of this,
As this shows,
As can clearly be seen from this example,
It is clear that…
Thus, the idea that…
To illustrate this,
After analysing both points of view, …
To provide a summary …
Without a doubt, this causes…
c. The third C is coherence, which is the notion that all ideas you present in your
essay should be easily understood by your reader. As you can probably guess,
using the cohesive phrases above correctly can really help to boost the
coherence in your essay as they clarify your ideas. Coherence is also greatly
improved by proper grammar, so make an effort to brush up on this prior to
your examination.
d. The fourth C is composition: Composition refers to employing a proper
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essay structure.
The structure of an essay

Introduction paragraph
• A background sentence giving some background information on the essay

topic.
• A more detailed sentence linking the background sentence to the thesis.
• A thesis that presents your point of view on your given topic.
• An outline sentence declaring the 2 points you are going to use to support
your thesis.
Supporting paragraph1
• A topic sentence illustrating the first point to support your thesis (this point
can be taken from your outline sentence).
• A sentence showing a real-life example of this topic in action.
• A discussion sentence that shows how your example links or proves your
topic sentence.
• A conclusion sentence that links this entire paragraph back to your thesis.
Supporting paragraph2
• A topic sentence illustrating the second point you will be presenting to

support your thesis (this point taken from your outline sentence).
• A sentence showing a real-life example of this topic in action.
• A discussion sentence that shows how your example links or proves your
topic sentence.
• A conclusion sentence that links this entire paragraph back to your thesis.
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Conclusion Paragraph
• A summary sentence that briefly states the 2 points you discussed in

yoursupporting paragraphs.
• A restatement of your thesis using different words.
TYPES OF ESSAYS
The different types of essays for Task 2 are
1. Agree or Disagree
2. Discussion
3. Compare and Contrast
4. Cause and Effects
5. Problems, Reasons and Solutions
Some trainers also divide IELTS essay topics in the categories of

Argumentative, Discursive, Persuasive and so on.
Simple tips to get good scores in IELTS Writing:
 Analyse each task properly and spend some time making notes

 Highlight or underline key words in the tasks to make sure that you focus
on what you must do

 Plan your answers

 Use paragraphs clearly; put one idea in each paragraph

 Do not repeat ideas using different words

 Do not copy whole sentences from the question – you will receive no
marks for this

 Keep to the topic; do not write about unrelated subjects

 Manage your time; remember, Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1
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 Spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40

minutes on Task 2

 Pay attention to the number of words required for each task; you will lose
marks if you do not write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250
words for Task 2

 Learn to recognise how long 150 and 250 words look in your
handwriting; you will not have time to count during the test

 You must write your answers in full; answers written in note form or in
bullet points will lose marks

 Pay attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation; you will lose marks
for mistakes

 Avoid informal language like “my dad, mom, and bro…”

 Do not memorize model answers; examiners are trained to recognize
them, and your test will be invalid
Length of Answer
You are supposed to write at least 250 words in order to avoid losing marks. A
lot of students fall into the habit of counting the number of words during the
exam which is a waste of time. Learn to practise on an appropriate answer sheet
and check approximately how many words you write in a sentence on the sheet.
Your target length should be 270-300 words, because it is likely to provide a full
coverage of the task and is more than the number which would have the student
losing marks. Please do not write beyond this as some students feel that they
would be eligible for more marks. Also, the more you write, the more the
chances of making mistakes, given the complexities of long sentence structures
and over-worded paragraphs.
Please do not use the same words as the task statement and instead change the
verbs, word forms and word order within the sentence.
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Repeating the whole sentence would result in a penalty, but the student
should keep in mind that the meaning of the key words is not lost.
How to approach the essay
 ADRESS ALL THE PARTS OF THE TASK


Understand the task and all its parts. Write a brief outline plan, with key
points. If a task has more than one question/instruction make sure that
both are answered.

Give adequate reasons if it is asked for. If the questions asks for your own
experience/knowledge, give it. You are not expected to be an expert on
the topic but it would help if you can answer any adequate questions with
the help of your own experience and knowledge.


Know the difference between ‘causes’ / ‘reasons’ and ‘effects’ &
’problems’.

‘causes’ / ‘reasons’ occurs before an event
‘effects’ & ’problems’ occurs after an event


Also give two examples of each at least if the question asks for causes or
problems




  PRESENT A CLEAR POSITION THROUGHOUT
Make sure that your statements are not contradictory or contain
ambiguities. The examiner should not have any doubts whether the views
expressed in the essay are your own or are those of other people. You
must be consistent in your approach. If you write an ambiguous or
inconsistent statement, you will be penalised.
 Present, Extend and Support Main Ideas


You do not need to show many ideas, but it is important that when you
do, you must follow it up with some explanation or evidence. The support
of your idea can come from:
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Personal experience
Expert opinion
Research study
Logical Argument
Statistical Evidence
How to put relevant details in the body paragraph

As soon as a certain idea develops in your head ask yourself ‘So What’ and
‘Why’?
For example, in problems and solutions type essays, do NOT list out
several solutions. Instead write two or three and explain them in detail.
There should be adequate depth in each one of the examples. IELTS
examiners won’t evaluate your ideas, but they should have relevance to
the topic.
How to effectively plan out your essay (Time management)
 5 minutes (MAPPING)
READ the task and what it This is essential.
requires you to do adequately.
Make brief notes on the task Do NOT write the full sentence.
sheet against the question(s)/ Uses single words, phrases,
statement(s) numbers, arrows etc.
Decide on what type of essay it is Use point form
 30 minutes (WRITING): Apply the appropriate paragraph

structure and organisation and write.


 5 minutes: Identification of mistakes in tenses,
repetition, length, grammar, etc.
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40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch
Essays General explaining
Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose
of an argument.
2. In other words
Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a
different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise
or expand on a point.
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used
in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of
wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its
significance.
4. That is to say
Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your
explanation, or to be more precise.
5. To that end
Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or
“so”.
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time
they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making,
or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
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6. Moreover
Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information

in support of a point you’re making.
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add

extra information.
8. What’s more
Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”.
9. Likewise
Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with
what you’ve just mentioned.
10. Similarly
Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”.
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to
remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”.
12. As well as
Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”.
13. Not only… but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often

something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the
first piece of information.
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time.
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15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly

one after the other.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add
extra information with a bit of emphasis.
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present

contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could
also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words
you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing
sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what

you’ve just said.
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation

of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests
something else, or an opposing opinion.
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”.
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and
contrasting pieces of evidence.
21. But then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion.
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22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”.
23. Yet
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point
that stands regardless of a shortfall in the evidence.
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the
knowledge of something else.
26. Provided that
Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that”
or just “providing” to mean the same thing.
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on
something else.
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to “despite this”.
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”.
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”.
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Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring
if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other
ways of saying the same thing.
32. To give an illustration
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there

are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not
be immediately apparent.
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be
used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates
the first of these ways of using it).
35. Importantly
Usage: Use “importantly” in a similar way as “significantly”.
Summarising
You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet.
You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing
that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most
likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you:
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an

essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview.
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and
the main takeaway from the essay.
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38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you
find most convincing.
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” (above).
40. All things considered
Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All

things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”
Learn the usage of these transition words:
1. When you want to add Information:

besides and along with
moreover likewise also
another as well for example
together with furthermore equally
additionally important
further
2. Conclude or Summarize:
in short consequently accordingly
finally due to to sum up
in summary all in all thus
in conclusion as a result therefore
3. Contrast two things or show a difference:
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but yet in the meantime

otherwise however on the contrary
even though on the other hand still
conversely as opposed to even so
4. Emphasize a point:
indeed truly for this reason
to repeat in fact with this in mind
to emphasize
5. Show similarities:
in the same manner likewise as
in the same way like similarly
also both
6. Clarify:
that is put another way to clarify
in other words stated differently
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Vocabulary for use in essays
Topic-wise vocabulary
Advertisement
 advertising agency: a company that creates adverts for other companies


 advertising budget: the amount of money a company decides to spend

on advertising
 brand awareness: how well people know a particular brand

 brand loyalty: the degree to which people continue to buy from
the same brand or company

 buy and sell: often used to refer to the buying and selling of
items between individuals

 call to action: something that encourages someone to take a particular

action, such as making a purchase or clicking a link on a website
 celebrity endorsement: to have a well-known person promote a product

 classified ads: small advertisements often put in a newspaper
or magazine by individuals

 to cold call: to call someone with the aim of selling something
without them asking you to do so

 commercial break: the short period during TV programmes
when advertisements are shown

 commercial channel: TV channels that make money from showing
advertisements

 to go viral: to quickly become extremely popular on the Internet

through social media

 junk mail: unwanted promotional leaflets and letters
 to launch a product: to introduce a new product

 mailing list: a list of names and contact details used by a company to

send information and advertisements

 mass media: large media outlets like TV, newspapers and magazines

 niche product: a product that is aimed at a distinct group of people
 to place an advert: to put an advert somewhere
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 press release: something written by a company for newspapers

and magazines and websites to share and publish

 prime time: the time during the viewing schedule when most people
watch TV or listen to a broadcast

 product placement: to advertise a product by using it as a prop in a

TV show or film

 sales page: a page specifically used to promote a product or service
 to show adverts: to display adverts on TV

 social media: websites that enable users to create and share content or

to participate in social networking.
 spam email: unwanted, promotional email

 target audience: the people a company want to sell their product
or service to

 word of mouth: recommendations made by individuals to
other individuals about a product of service
Environment
 air quality: the cleanliness of the air we breathe
 to become extinct: to no longer exist
 to be under threat: to be in danger of becoming extinct
 climate change: the change in worldwide weather patterns
 to die out: see ‘to become extinct’

endangered species: categories of animals or plants that are in danger
of becoming extinct
 energy conservation: the careful management of energy resources to
ensure they last if possible

environmentally friendly: behaviour and products that do not harm the
environment
 exhaust fumes: the toxic gases given off by vehicles powered by petrol
 flash floods: floods that happen quickly

fossil fuels: energy resources like gas and oil that are produced deep
below the ground over millions of years
 future generations: the people who live after us
 to get back to nature: to live a life that is closer to nature
 global warming: the increasing temperature of the world brought about
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by gases such as carbon dioxide

 heavy industry: the manufacture of heavy articles and materials in large
numbers

 humanitarian aid: the act of showing support to people struggling to

survive
 impact on: the effect on

 loss of habitat: the decline in areas of land where animals and plants
would normally exist

 man-made disaster: widespread damage or loss of life brought about by
the action of humans

 natural disaster: an event such as an earthquake, flood or hurricane
which causes widespread damage or loss of life

 natural environment: the place where animals and plants would

normally be found in nature
 the natural world: the world of nature

 oil spill: waste usually deposited in the seas and oceans after an accident

at sea

 poaching: to hunt and kill wild animals illegally
 pollution levels: the amount of toxic waste

 pressure group: a group of people who try to raise awareness of issues
and try to affect the views and actions of people and organisations

 toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted rubbish often produced by industrial

processes
 wildlife conservation: to protect animals and plants and their habitats
Education

 to attend classes: to go to classes

 bachelors degree: an undergraduate course
 boarding school: a school where pupils live during term time

 distance learning: a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the
Internet or by post
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 face-to-face classes: as opposed to distance learning the traditional way


of studying in a classroom with colleagues and a teacher

 to fall behind with your studies: to progress less quickly than others
 to give feedback: to offer guidance on a student’s work

 a graduation ceremony: an event where a successful student receives his
or her academic degree

 higher education: education, usually in a college or university, that is
followed after high school or secondary school

 an intensive course: a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a

goal in as short a time as possible

 to keep up with your studies: to not fall behind
 to learn something by heart: to memorize it

 a mature student: a student who is older than average and who has
usually returned to education after a period at work

 master’s degree: a period of study which often follows the completion of
a bachelor’s degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of

a higher-level academic course

 to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed

 to play truant: to stay away from classes without permission

 private language school: an independent school run as a business concern
 public schools: exclusive independent schools in the UK

 a single-sex school: a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed

to a mixed-sex school)

 to sit an exam: to take an exam
 state school: a school paid for by public funds and available to the public

 Subject specialist: a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the
subject they teach.

 to take a year out: to spend a year working or travelling before starting

university
 tuition fees: the money paid for a course of study
Technology
  back-up files: to make a copy of files in case of a computer problem
  boot up: to start a computer
 bookmark a webpage: to mark a webpage for future reference
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  browse websites: to look at websites

  computer buff: an expert computer user
 crash: to suddenly stop working

 cut and paste: to move text or images from one place in a document to
 another place
  desktop PC: a computer that isn’t portable
  digital editing: to edit digital materials like audio or video files
 download: to save a copy of a file from the internet to your own device

 enter a web address: to type the address of a website into the address bar
 of your browser
  gadget: a technological tool like a mobile phone or camera
 to go online: to start using the Internet

 intranet: a network of connected computers within an organisation that is
 not accessible by unauthorised visitors
  to navigate a website: to find your way around a website
  operating system: the software that tells the computer how to work
 send an attachment: send an email with an accompanying file

 social media: media used to interact with other people such as Facebook
 or Twitter
 surf the web: to look at a series of websites one after the other

 upgrade: to obtain a more powerful or feature-rich computer or piece of
software

 video conferencing: to see and hear people from different locations using
 the Internet
 wireless hotspot: a public place where you can access the Internet

 wireless network: a network where users can access the Internet
 without the use of fixed cables
 word processing:producing written texts on a computer
Holidays
 all-inclusive package: a holiday where you purchase the travel and

accommodation together
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  breath-taking view: an extremely beautiful view

 charter-flight: a cheaper form of flying than a scheduled flight

 check-in desk: place at the airport where you register for your flight and
 deposit your luggage
  departure lounge: where you wait for your flight to be called
 far-off destination: somewhere a long way away

 get away from it all: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful
lifestyle

 guided tour: an organised group shown around a place of interest by an
 expert
  holiday brochure: a glossy publication with details of holiday packages
  holiday of a lifetime: a special holiday that you are unlikely to repeat
  holiday resort: a place where lots of people go for a holiday
  hordes of tourists: crowds of tourists
  local crafts: objects produced locally
  long weekend: an extended weekend holiday including Friday or Monday
  out of season: outside of the main holiday period
  picturesque village: very pretty village
  passport control: the place where your passport is checked
  places of interest: sites of interest to tourists
  wildlife safari: a holiday, often in Africa, to observe wild animals
  self-catering: a holiday where you supply your own food
  short break: a short holiday
  to go sightseeing: to look around the tourist sites
  stunning landscape: extremely beautiful countryside
  travel agent: a shop that specialises in booking holidays
  tourist trap: somewhere where too many tourists go
 youth hostel: a cheap form of accommodation
Sports
  a football fan: someone who likes football

  a fitness programme: a schedule of activities to keep fit
 a football match: a game of football
62
 a football pitch: the surface on which you play football (as opposed to a
 stadium, which is the building)
  a football season: a period in the year when football is played
  to get into shape: to become fit
  to go jogging: to run around the streets
  a home game: a football match played in the teams own stadium
  to keep fit: to stay in good physical condition
  to be out of condition: to not be physically fit
  a personal best: to achieve the best personal result so far in a sport
 a personal trainer: a sports coach that helps you on a one-to-one basis

 a season ticket: a ticket that gives you entry to most of a team’s home
 games during the sporting year.
  to set a record: to achieve the best result in a sport
  a sports centre: a public building where people can do various sports
 sports facilities: the equipment and services needed to do a sport

 a squash/tennis/badminton court: the surface where you play these
 sports
  strenuous exercise: exercise that needs a lot of physical effort
  a strong swimmer: a good swimmer
  a swimming pool: the place where you swim
  to take up exercise: to start doing exercise
 to train hard: to train with a lot of effort

Food

  to be full up: to eat to the point that you can no longer eat any more
  to be starving hungry: an exaggerated way of saying you are very hungry
  to bolt something down: to eat something very quickly
  to be dying of hunger: an exaggerated way of saying you are hungry
  to eat a balanced diet: to eat the correct types and amounts of food
  to eat like a horse: to eat a lot
  to follow a recipe: to cook a meal using instructions
 to foot the bill: to pay the bill

 a fussy eater: somebody who has their own very high standards about
what to eat
63
  to grab a bite to eat: to eat something quickly (when you’re in a rush)

  to have a sweet tooth: to enjoy sugary food
 home-cooked food: food cooked at home from individual ingredients

 the main meal: the most important meal of the day, usually eaten in the
 evening
  to make your mouth water: to make you feel very hungry for something
  to play with your food: to push food around the plate to avoid eating it
  processed food: commercially prepared food bought for convenience
  a quick snack: to eat a small amount of food between meals
  a ready meal: see ‘processed food’
 a slap up meal: a large meal

 to spoil your appetite: to eat something that will stop you feeling hungry
 when it’s meal-time.
  a take-away: a cooked meal prepared in a restaurant and eaten at home
 to tuck into: to eat something with pleasure

 to wine and dine: to entertain someone by treating them to food and
drink

 to work up an appetite: to do physical work that leads to you becoming
hungry
Newspapers
  Tabloids- Gossip newspapers

 Daily - newpapers which are printed once a day

 Gutter press- newspapers which focus on sensationalism, often about the
lives of famous people. (Times of India)
Accommodation
  apartment block: a large building made up of smaller units of apartments

 back garden: a garden at the rear of the house

 detached house: a house that is not physically connected to another
 property
  to do up a property: to repair an old building
 first-time buyer: someone buying a property for the first time, especially
64
when taking out a loan (mortgage)

 fully-furnished: a rented property with all furniture included

 to get on the property ladder: to buy a property with the aim of buying
 another bigger or more expensive one later in life
  hall of residence: a college or university building where students live
  home comforts: things that make a home feel comfortable to live in
  house-hunting: looking for a property to live in
  house-warming party: a party to celebrate moving into a new home
  ideal home: a perfect home
 to live on campus: to live on the university or college grounds

 mobile home: a home that can be moved by a vehicle or one that has
 its own engine
  to move into: to begin to live in a property
 to own your own home: to have bought the property you live in

 to pay rent in advance: weekly or monthly rent paid at the beginning of
 the week or month
  permanent address: a fixed address
 property market: the buying and selling of land or buildings

 to put down a deposit: to pay an amount of money as the first in a series
of future payments

 rented accommodation: property owned by someone else and for which
 a person pays a fixed amount to live in
  single room: a room for one person
  spacious room: a large room
  student digs: student accommodation
 the suburbs: a residential area on the edge of towns or cities

 to take out a mortgage: to borrow a large amount of money, paid
 back over several years, in order to buy a house
 terraced house: a house connected on both sides by other properties
Personality
 to be the life and soul of the party: a fun person, someone who is the
65
centre of activity
  to bend over backwards: to try very hard to help someone
  broad-minded: prepared to accept other views or behaviours
  easy-going: relaxed and not easily worried about anything
  extrovert: an energetic person who likes the company of others
  fair-minded: to treat people equally
  fun-loving: to enjoy having fun
  good company: enjoyable to socialise with
  good sense of humour: the ability to understand what is funny
  introvert: someone who is shy
  laid-back: see ‘easy-going’
  to lose one’s temper: to suddenly become angry
  narrow minded: opposite of ‘broad-minded’ (see above)
  painfully shy: very shy
  to put others first: to think of others before yourself
  quick-tempered: to become angry quickly
  reserved: shy
  self-assured: confident
  self-centred: thinks only of oneself
 self-confident: believes in one’s own ability or knowledge

 self-effacing: to not try to get the attention of others (especially in
 terms of hiding one’s skills or abilities)
  to take after: to be like (often another member of the family)
  thick-skinned: not easily affected by criticism
 trustworthy: can be trusted

 two-faced: not honest or sincere. Will say one thing to someone to their
face and another when they are not present.
Business
  to balance the books: to not spend more money than you are earning
 to be self-employed: to work for yourself/to not work for an employer

 to cold-call: to make a sales call to someone without asking them for
 permission first
 cut-throat competition: when one company lowers its prices, forcing
66
other companies to do the same, sometimes to a point where business

becomes unprofitable
 to do market research: to do research into what potential customers
 would or wouldn’t buy
  to draw up a business plan: to write a plan for a new business
  to drum up business: to try to get customers
  to earn a living: to earn money
  to go bust: when a business is forced to close because it is unsuccessful
 cash flow: the money coming in and going out of a business

 to go into business with: to join another person to start or expand a
 business
  to go it alone: to start your own business
 to go under: (see ‘to go bust’)

 web presence: to have a website or social media profile that showcases
 your business
 to launch a product: to start selling and promoting a new product

 to lay someone off: when a company ends an employee’s contract of
employment

 lifestyle business: a business that is set up to bring in a sufficient
 income and no more
  to make a profit: to earn more money than it costs to run the business
  niche business: a business that serves a small, particular market
  to raise a company profile: to make more people aware of a business
 to run your own business: to have a business of your own

 sales figures: a report of the income a company generates through sales
 of products or services
 to set up a business: to start a business

 stiff competition: strong competition from other companies in the same
area of work

Work

  to be your own boss: to have your own business
  a dead-end job: a job with no promotional opportunities
 a good team player: somebody who can work well with other people
67
 full-time: the number of hours that people usually work in a complete

 week
  a heavy workload: to have a lot of work to do
  a high-powered job: an important or powerful job
  holiday entitlement: the number of days holiday allowed
  job satisfaction: the feeling of enjoying a job
  manual work: work that requires physical activity
  maternity leave: time off work given to a woman about to have a baby
 to meet a deadline: to finish a job by an agreed time

 a nine-to-five job: a normal job that consists of an 8-hour day
 (approximately)
  one of the perks of the job: an extra benefit you get from a job
  part-time: working less than full-time
 sick leave: time allowed off work when sick

 to take early retirement: to retire early (retire: to reach an age when you
 are allowed to stop working for a living)
  temporary work: work done for a limited time only
  voluntary work: to work without pay
 to be well paid: to earn a good salary

 working conditions: the hours, salary and other entitlements that comes
 with the job
 to work with your hands: to do manual work
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Examples of Writing Task 2 (Essays)
1) Some people think that museums and art galleries should concentrate on
the history and art of their own country rather than the works of art of other
parts of the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Agree or disagree.
Museums and art galleries offer a versatile dimension to knowledge acquisition,

by the onlookers. Where a group of onlookers opine that the focus of such
places must be primarily the local art and history, others advocate an
amalgamation of such unique abstracts from all over the world. However, I
strongly disagree with the opinion, since I feel that a conglomeration of various
international excerpts of art and history, will benefit the masses.
The cultural heritage can be better understood by visiting museums and art
galleries. The local history or art, would offer a limitation to the onlookers and
their knowledge would be restricted only to the local level. On the contrary, if
the galleries and art museums exhibit art and history from all across the globe,
that would portray a multicultural existence. This will enable people to
comprehend diverse ethnicities, histories and cultures, ultimately contributing
towards globalization. For example, the Louvre Museum in Paris exhibits works
from several European artists, making this city in the world, an epitome of
conveying the cultural finery and important to several prominent nations.
Further, international history and cultural works allow every individual to

procure insights on sensitive issues that many countries experience
simultaneously. Several museums prefer to have instructive international
exhibitions of significant political and social issues, that are sometimes more
informative than the media. For instance, the Melbourne Art Gallery has
collections from across the globe, for the purpose of portraying views on
poverty, war and trade. In a survey, 88% visitors declared that they felt more
up-to-date about such issues from the museums than from the news.
To conclude, I disagree with the certainty that museums and art galleries should
focus on the history and art of their own country rather than international
works. As with the latter, these museums and galleries open up an arena for
globalization and multinational knowledge.
69
2) Some say you should always marry for love; others say that in an
uncertain world it is wiser to marry for money. Discuss both points of view
and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge and experience. Give reasons.
In today’s world, money is one of the elements of utmost importance in our

lives. Therefore, a lot of people find it appropriate to get married for the sake
of money and not for love. Money definitely plays a significant role in our lives.
Today, a partner without money is generally not acceIELTSd, the partner must
at least own a job to safeguard his future and family. Therefore, the term
‘marry for money’ is quite applicable to a certain extent. According to me, a
marriage must be a combination of both love and money.
Undoubtedly, love must be the basis of any marriage. Firstly, because love is
definitely a strong tie between two individuals, who even after owning their
own identities, yet remain united.
They share each other’s moments of grief and happiness, overcome every
challenge in their day-to-day lives. Love not only strengthens the bond but
even nurtures both individuals to be mature. As in a marriage, each
individual undertakes additional responsibility for their partners along with
their own. These are two of the many crucial purposes for encouraging adults
to marry for love.
In my view, both love and money are equally essential. Any marriage relying
merely on material aspects like money may swiftly crumble due to scarcity of
it. In the same manner, if a marriage relies only on love that may have a
possible end if the married couple does not earn adequately to even manage
the daily expenses. Therefore, love and money both must be prioritised in a
marriage, striving for equal stakes. There may be instances where the stakes of
money and love may be unequal in certain scenarios.
To conclude, it may be opined that any marriage deprived of either money or
love may not be successful. Due to this reason, I would like to reiterate that
they both money and love together are a dynamic influence to the formation
of a successful marriage and a contented family.
3) Some people prefer to directly help or support people who need it in the
local community. However, others prefer to give money to the national or
70
international charities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Give
your opinion.
In today’s world poverty is spreading all across the world, right from the
glittering and vivacious boulevards of Los Angeles to the less trendy locales
of Mumbai. Help is readily available when it comes to the fight against
poverty. But, a disagreement prevails regarding the direct support that can
be given to the down-trodden or donations must be made via charity. In the
following paragraphs, both the views will be presented.
Fund-raising committees help the poor themselves, mainly due to two reasons.
Firstly, help can be sought immediately due to absence of paperwork, or
absence of regular collection delivery tasks. But there can also be a possibility of
the money being absorbed by the corrupt government officials. Secondly, many
recipients of the aid programs spend the receipt on their children’s education or
healthcare, rather than intoxicants or in the promotion of those. Therefore,
expansions can be effortlessly endorsed.
However, the impression of offering direct cash to the poor is also looked upon
with disbelief by many. These people are of the opinion that money or any other
avenues of donation must be offered to the organisations of charity. They are of
the opinion that people living below the poverty lines do not have the exact
acumen to manage finances, as they have not even experienced the usage of
basic material properties.
There have been instances where those people had been aided with finances to
begin business and mismanagement or lack of knowledge has led to an evident
bankruptcy. Due to these reasons, charities that can dispense accurate funds in
better manner, demonstrate their distinct roles in refining the existing standards
of the disadvantaged.
To conclude, I would like to state that offering money to the charities is a

preferable way to terminate poverty. These organisations transact with deeper
sources of the matter in the long run.
71
4) In today’s world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value

our artists such as musicians, painters and writers. What can arts tell us
about life that science and technology cannot? Discuss.
Today, in this epoch of modernisation where scientific and technological

advancement is progressing in leaps and bounds, connoisseurs of performing
arts have retained their due respect all across the globe. Arts instil within us a
number of unique feelings that science or technology cannot fulfil. Arts
enable us to encounter the beauty of life which otherwise would seem to be
mundane.
Aspects of art, particularly literature, enable us to communicate our exact

feelings, while we appreciate life and its beauty. Innumerable literary tasks
portray melancholy, calamity and grief. As they continue to exist in different
corners of the world, every write-up conveys to the readers to appreciate the
gift of peace that is present in our lives. For example, "Memoirs of a Geisha",
vividly resonates a heart-touching story about the Geisha culture of Japan
before the world - war. It portrays the inner turmoil of a young geisha girl,
caught in between her ambitions to have a successful career and the desire to
lead a normal life by being with the person she loves, like any other Japanese
woman.
The novel portrays the competition that existed among rivals back then, the
natural ties amongst siblings, the destiny of the intense Japanese history and
tradition. No amount of technological advancement can truly portray
emotions, as it has been portrayed in writing in the novel. Every written
paragraph, brings forth a vivid image of the ongoing sequence, virtually, in the
minds of the readers.
Paintings, drawings, sculptures etc. instruct us to treasure the exquisiteness of

every culture in such a manner that they turn to ignite and propel our spiritual
lives indirectly. This is particularly significant in a world where science and
technology compel our thinking to be practical and very much related to the
real-time happenings. In fact, too much of modernisation in terms of scientific
development may even attempt to reduce our credence in the enormity of
ethos in our daily life. The association between arts and culture is a permanent
correlation, where we can see that traditional melodies and prehistoric images
remind us of our existence and evolution. Therefore, in other words we can
say that ethnic individuality is conserved via different art- forms.
72
To conclude, I would like to state that science and technology definitely fuels
our acceptance towards modern easy-to-use gadgets that improve our lives.
But, presence of arts can intrigue us to a much profound magnitude. They
assist us in valuing what we already possess, retelling us of the importance
of our values and culture.
5) Parents often give children everything they ask for and do what they like.
Is it good for children? What are the consequences when they grow up?
Discuss.
The approach of parents, these days in the upbringing of their children has a
significant role in their development. There are instances where children are
very often raised with tremendous lenience. In my opinion, this is one of the
approaches which can be a major deterrent to the children’s individual growth
and further, affect their adulthood.
Love towards one’s children is a basic human nature. But over-indulgence is not
a preferable method of upbringing. It is essential that children make mistakes or
errors and learn by the means of admonishments administered for committing
them. That means children must be punished for their wrong doings and must
be rewarded when they deserve to be. Penalties like removal of freedom, at
times even physical in nature, are essential to educate the children. If they are
allowed the freedom to do things as per their free will, they may go astray. As a
result, the children may not be able to comprehend the difference between the
correct and the wrong, which in turn may lead them to be oblivious,
inconsiderate personalities.
Complying with minors’ demands and longings will lead them to be individuals
who would not value the assets that they possess. For example, a child
continuously annoys parents to procure new toys, in spite of having a number
of them, only out of greed. This can have tremendous adverse effect on the
child’s character as he grows up, if this tendency is not checked early during
childhood.
Parental love for children must never be intermingled with indulgence. Excessive
indulgence will make the children needy and dependent on their parents.
Ultimately these children will be unable to fend for themselves. In some
societies, parents tend to help their children after they reach adulthood
73
by buying their clothes, even preparing their meals etc. In those societies,
children do not have to do anything. Therefore, this is one of the many reasons
why many of them are unable to live away from their parents and/or stay
independently even after they have crossed thirty.
To conclude, I would like to state that parental indulgence must be disciplinarian

in nature. Over-indulgence may negatively affect children’s behaviours and
confine their capability in decision-making or even at the beginning of an
independent life in future.
6) In recent years, the family structure and the role of its members are
gradually changing. What kinds of changes can occur? Do you think these
changes are positive and negative?
In today’s world, the structure of family has substantially changed. The tasks of
both males and females within the family have started getting aligned. There
are numerous new kinds of family configuration, and according to me, these
expansions are not constantly necessary.
Earlier, in the nuclear families, parents and children had lived together in the
same house. Nevertheless, in the race for modernization the statistics of single-
parents are on a rise, due to the increasing rates of divorce cases. We also find
that cohabiting couple families and step-families as a result of cohabitation and
remarriage are turning to be much more suitable. Additionally, the number of
single mothers have increased, as a lot of women prefer to have children out of
the wedlock. We also see parental roles being exchanged in a family. Over the
recent years, there is a steep increase in the number of stay-at-home fathers, as
women too, follow their aspirations and careers. This is a complete disparity
between the times now and the times of just about half a decade ago, when men
were the sole bread earners and women were homemakers.
According to me, the transformations mentioned can have both constructive

and damaging causes. Due to the dearth of emotional bonding and legal
obligations, non-traditional families like step-families and cohabiting parents
are more inclined to infringement. As a consequence, the children of these
families are on a higher possibility of being rebellious as their parents may suffer
from feelings of seclusion and anxiety. On the contrary, role-reversals
74
amongst family members are seen to lead to many progressive lifetsyles. This
occurs due to the fact that women do not have to stop their careers to take care
of their children or household tasks.
To conclude, I would like to state that the role-reversal of the family members
and transformation of the family structures have both positive and negative
effects.
7) Studies have suggested that nowadays children watch much more

television than they did in the past and spend less time on active or creative
things. What are the reasons and what measures should be taken to encourage
children to spend more time on active or creative things? Give reasons.
It is a matter of grave concern today that children watch the television for a large
amount of time. They do not pursue much of sports or creative activities. This
inclination occurs due to a lot of reasons and must be addressed appropriately
for the desired results.
There may be various reasons for this inclination. One of the possible reasons is
that television programmes that telecast shows for children are broadcasted
throughout the day. These have addictive contents, eye-catching and colourful
computer graphics.
Channels like ‘Cartoon Network’, ‘Pogo’, ‘Disney’ etc. are shown throughout the
day. Another obvious reason is that parents do not have time to focus on their
children, due to their busy work schedules. Therefore, they tend to keep their
children focused on some activity that will not require much of their attention
and watching television is one of such. Majorly these are the two reasons that
tend to keep children away from pursuing any physical activity or creative
pursuit.
Different measures can be taken to solve this increasing issue. The first one may
be by setting a time frame for watching television. This can be done by altering
the settings in the television set. For example, the television may be setup with
timing to get switched off after a certain time. Secondly, parents must spend
enough time with their children. They must get together to participate in any
form of sports or creative task. Like, the parents could have a
75
family sports on a weekly basis, this would involve the children more than
television.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that there are noticeable details regarding
the children being addicted to the television, leaving no time for sports or
creative tasks. This downward trend can be handled by quite a number of
solutions, like the parents being personally involved in the upbringing of their
children.
8) Organized tour to remote community and other countries is

increasingly popular. Is it a positive or negative development for the local
people and environment? Discuss.
In the recent years, organised tours to secluded areas of the world have
increased incessantly. According to me, this activity has both positive and
negative consequences on the environment and natives.
The inherent demands of customised travels to the remote areas has

certain benefits. The natives can have the advantage of upgrading their
lifestyle. To increase the influx of tourists and satisfying their growing
demands, these destinations will have to improve their facilities in terms of
hospitality and infrastructure.
The available amenities must be upgraded to suit the requirements of the

tourists. Travel must be made hassle free by upgrading the modes of
communication. This will help in the inflow of more tourists to those areas.
Tourists generally prefer lavish and luxuriant locations, when they wish to
holiday in the countryside or that far away departures can offer. Therefore,
afforestation must be encouraged for the ample availability of fresh air.
But, there can arise certain disadvantages as well in this drift. Firstly, the
expansion of this tourism type may offer a threat to the degradation of the
environment. The tour operators generally bring a large number of tourists to
these untouched isolated and hitherto unspoilt zones.
This gives rise to both water and air pollution, also depleting the hygiene
factors. Secondly, tourists cause huge disturbances to the lives of natives.
Interested by the striking livelihood that the tourists do not ever come across
76
regularly, some tourists at times actually interfere with lives of the local
residents. Like visiting their house frequently only to explore or enquire
too much about their private lives.
To conclude, we can infer that there are both useful and harmful effects on
natives due to promotion of tourism in remote locations. Environment
pollution can also be seen as a resultant effect due to the increase of such
journeys to the distant provinces.
9) In today’s world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value

our artists such as musicians, painters and writers. What can arts tell us
about life that science and technology cannot? Discuss.
It cannot be completely denied that technical and scientific advancements

have benefited every individual’s life enormously, in numerous ways.
Nevertheless, artistic pursuits continue to instil within us profound insights
and ideals that technology has not been successful till date.
Undeniably, science and technology has impacted profoundly on our lives in

every facet. Time and again, science has presented humankind with
continuous trailblazing findings and creations. These discoveries and
inventions are an essential means of knowledge transfer in today’s world. Be it
in any field of science, beginning from physics, chemistry, biology to
astronomy. But science does not give the impression to satiate the seekers’
unlimited inquisitiveness around the other fields like social, cultural or even
traditional ideals. Here we find Humanities or Arts trying to quench the desire
to understand those philosophies successfully.
Arts portray and intimate us with the cultural and traditional qualities of a
particular province. ‘The Tibetan book of living and dying’, written by Sogyal
Rinpoche in 1992, is a presentation of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.The
book explores: the message of impermanence; evolution, karma and rebirth;
the nature of mind and how to train the mind through meditation; how to
follow a spiritual path in this day and age; the practice of compassion; how to
care for and show love to the dying and spiritual practices for the moment of
death. These aspects can hardly be debated within the boundaries of
science.
Additionally, artworks like paintings, crafts, handwork etc. can be evidenced to

impart lessons of history. With the aid of paintings, artists can bring forth a
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scene from an important historical era. These can create major historical
events and offer the desired impressions about those events in the minds of
the viewers. For example, ‘The Last Supper’, that was painted by Leonardo Da
Vinci, portrays an era prior to and the beginning of Christianity.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that, art has a wonderful implication in

educating people and broadening their perspectives on different topics. This
is an area which science or technology fail to intervene.
10) When designing a building, the most important factor is intended use of
the building rather than its outward appearance. To what extent do you agree
or disagree? Agree or Disagree
Certain individuals believe that the functionality of a building must be the most
vital aspect while designing a building rather than its external look. This point of
view may be agreed upon even though a building of an awe-inspiring
architecture magnifies the very outlook of its environment. But if the same
building does not fulfil its elementary purpose, it becomes impractical.
A building with an attractive outlook may encourage visitors to visit it, owing it
as basis of embellishment that can serve as enticement for tourism, holiday or
even business. For example, ‘The PETRONAS’ of Malaysia is the popular globally
for being an epitome of remarkable architecture promoting the tourism in the
capital city of Kuala Lumpur. In the similar manner beautiful academic buildings
and office campuses get popular for pursuing education or alluring work
environment among the younger generation.
In spite of the architectural beauty, a building’s functionality is of utmost

importance. A building must cater to the requirements of its proprietors,
inhabitants and investors. The most important factor is the safety. The building
must be well-made and sturdy.
But in today’s world to ensure that the building is eye-catching enough, the
building designs are negotiated over their durability and safety. For example, in
Nepal, several architectural structures had been popular for its unique styles but
collapsed to earth, due to recurring earthquakes that occurred over the recent
years. Therefore, we find that not only the resources used for constructing the
same was an absolute wastage, but even claimed several lives in an attempt to
beautify the exteriors of those buildings. On the contrary,
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Japan which experiences frequent earthquakes has hardly ever had any incident
of building collapse. There, the basic functionality of buildings has always been
a priority over external adornments and this results in the depletion of the
nation’s hazards.
In sum up, I agree to the fact that a building’s primary functions must be in place
before offering importance to the external designing. A building must not be
built exhausting the valuable resources and increasing its risk factors.
11) Some people believe that it is more important to teach children the
literature of their own country than other countries. Do you agree or
disagree? Agree or disagree
We upheld the belief that teaching our local literature must be emphasised
than teaching a foreign language. Although it may be advantageous to
train children in a native literature, yet they must learn the literature of
foreign countries as well.
Young children do derive enormous benefits by learning the literature of their

native country. By learning the native literature, students will comprehend
and cherish the history of their own country in a much better manner. For
example, all the poetries composed during wars, by famous poets of a
particular country are included in the curriculum for their education. These
instruct the students of the importance of peace and how wars can ruin
everything. Without the aid of native literature, history would not have been
an impactful study.
But educating the young students about the foreign literature is also
important. There may be various reasons for the same. Firstly, the repetitive
literature about their own country may be mundane, that may turn to be
exasperating. For example, memorizing study excerpts that hardly has any
relation to the lives of the students may lead them to be very reluctant about
accepting the course of the study.
Foreign literature, on the other hand, offers a whole new avenue for a
different experience that indirectly motivates them to study the excerpts.
Also, literature from foreign countries provides the students an experience of
diverse cultures. Therefore, studying those excerpts will increase their
information about other countries of the world.
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To conclude, I would like to reiterate that students may derive the benefit from
the wisdom of native narratives, but foreign literature must definitely be a part
of the syllabus.
12) People living in the 21st century have a better quality of life than the
previous centuries. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Agree or
disagree
Over centuries the quality of life led by human being has evolved enormously.
The significant features for such an alteration have occurred with the aid of
expensive infrastructure, sophisticated therapeutic amenities and diverse
enterprises engaged by the government to uplift the standard of people’s lives.
On the other hand, there are prevalent beliefs that environmental pollution or
deterioration in the food quality is menacing the mankind. I definitely agree to
the fact that the quality of life has improved compared to the earlier times. Let
us see how this fact can be agreed upon in the following passages.
The superior communications have helped people in leading a quality life.

Better transport and facilities reduce the travel duration; these privileges were
never enjoyed by people years ago. For instance, our great grandparents had
to take the trouble of travelling long hours to reach another city. Today, we
can reach a different corner of the country within a matter of few hours. This
is possible due to the improvised system of transportation. Additionally, the
food quality is under constant supervision of the government, in order to
provide nutritious edibles to the masses. Although it is debated that our
ancestors had a share of better food quality wise, yet it is acceIELTSd that the
quality of life today, in the 21st century is much better than the past.
With the advancement of medical science, the longevity of life has increased.
Solutions to different life-threatening ailments have been identified and
alleviated with ease. On the other hand, our ancestors died due to
unawareness and inappropriate drug usages. Therefore, the people of the
present generation benefit due to the exclusive medicinal amenities when
compared to people who lived centuries ago.
To conclude, I would like to state that, as the science develops it contributes to

the quality of life. This surely has manifold effects in the lives of the living
beings in this world.
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13) Research shows that business meetings and training are happening
online nowadays. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and disadvantages
Online platforms are on tremendous use in today’s world. We also see

business conferences, briefings, trainings etc. being held online. This provision
has substituted the customary practices in person contacts and information
substitutes, with both benefits and shortcomings in identical measure.
Companies are seen to hold trainings and corporate discussions via online
mode. This enables the workers to have ample flexibility and completely be in
charge of their schedule. This tends to reduce the redundant anxiety levels and
therefore enhance the job efficiency. For example, mothers who have the
work from home facility find it extremely supportive to multitask between
taking care of their children and attending office meetings as well as be up to
date regarding the developments of their company.
Additionally, this online mode of operation has helped organisations to cut

down on expenses by reduced usage of electricity, printing of texts or the
logistics cost for shifting equipment while conducting a real-time meeting
or training.
Conversely, this arrangement has major drawbacks as well. To name two of

them, firstly we find that communication through the internet may be an
obstruction due to disruption in the flow of information. Not many people in a
developing country can meet the expense of high-speed internet links, as a
result of which, wadding connectivity or systems crashing can occur. This will
reduce the grasp of the content amongst meeting attendees or the training
participants. Additionally, there is less scope for practice due to the absence of
direct guidance resulting in unclear concepts.
The productive level reduces as the attendees undertake training via internet and
cannot have a real-time experience or on the job training. This results in inferior
performances, and at times, the employees are unsure of the task at hand, since
practical application may be very different from theory.
To conclude, although there are certain advantages for the work-from- home
job facilities, but there are also a few disadvantages that show the flipside of
this expansion.
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14) Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out and
controlled by governments rather than private companies. Do you agree
or disagree?(Agree or disagree.)
Different views have been brought forth about shouldering the responsibility
for conducting scientific researches and its management. The government
definitely must have a prevailing role inthis process rather than private
companies.
Taking safety into concern, the government must manage scientific research
and all the pros and cons related to it. In an age of high materialism, there is a
definite opportunity that in order to make money, private concerns may
violate the ethics and carry out immoral scientific ventures like human cloning.
The risk can be eliminated with proper governmental intervention.
Government must take up the role of a dominant administrator and keep a
check on such untoward scientific experiments being conducted for
malpractices.
Replacing the private companies for scientific researches by the government

aided groups; one can significantly diminish the charges of technical
accomplishments. In reality, the worth of new technologies, devices and
medicines expanded by the private companies and institutes are extremely
high-priced, as they focus on revenue generation majorly. For example, the
consumer price of one oral chemotherapy pill for cancer treatment amounts to
hundreds of dollars; while its government defined cost is only few dollars.
Alternatively, if biomedical research is sustained by the tax revenue, as a
replacement for private funds, exclusive rights and undisclosed facts about
advanced medical technology will not belong to a single private company
anymore. Every social medical manufacturer would be authorized to
manufacture fresh medicines, with no payments to be done for excessive
patent fees. As a result, appropriate medications and treatments will be within
one’s means for all individuals, including the poor people.
To conclude, I would like to state that scientific research ventures must be put
into practice and monitored by the government rather than private companies.
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15) The only way to improve safety of our roads is to give much
stricter punishments on driving offenses. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? Agree or disagree.
Across the globe, traffic safety has been one of the chief schemes for the
government. There are people who opine that harsher penalties or
punishments imposed on the drivers for compromising traffic laws will make
the roads a safer place to travel. Although penalty can help in restricting road
transgressions to an extent, but this cannot be termed as the sole method to
cater to the problem.
Undeniably, a strict castigation is important bearing in mind its limiting

consequence on the ones who would probably violate road regulations. For
example, New Zealand being one of the safest countries in the world, traffic
violators are fined heavily than most of the countries. In any instance, drivers
are detained if found to be involved in drunken driving. Besides, a severe
fine may be imposed for speeding over limits instead of verbal warning in
certain places. Thus, both drivers and pedestrians of that country are
extremely responsible and are aware of traffic laws. This is proved by the
way they demonstrate the amended law compliances, as they are aware of
the grave penalties of their irresponsible movements.
Nevertheless, in spite of imposing strict rules and regulations and focussing on

the importance of it, the system must never oversee the additional
possibilities that may contribute towards achieving improved results. A
noticeable example could be raising the legal driving age of the masses. This
will immensely contribute to increase road safety. It has been observed that in
certain countries like the Philippines and the United Kingdom, individuals are
legally allowed to drive only after the age of sixteen or seventeen. Yet,
youngsters are generally more impulsive but relatively immature than adults.
Hence, they are more likely to violate the traffic rules and regulations. As a
consequence, increasing the legal driving age to twenty-one years in countries
with high rate of traffic accidents may improve the awareness amongst the
younger generation, since they will have an opportunity for more training.
To conclude, it is seen that the superficial success of harsh punishments on

traffic lawbreakers must be approved. But, this is not the sole means for
achieving improved and harmless practice of the roads. A cohesive method
ought to be implemented like rising the permissible driving age.
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16) People living in large cities today face many problems in their everyday
life. What are these problems? Should governments encourage people to
move to smaller regional towns? Discuss.
The fact that people residing in main cities are subjected to a large number
of problems in their day-to-day life, cannot be denied upon. Let us discuss a
few of these problems and understand how the residents can be advised to
shift their dwelling places to the suburbs or regional towns.
The population of the cities contend two major difficulties amongst several
others. The foremost being, low life quality as a result of the ever-increasing
heavier problem of the prevailing urban substructure. The major cause is due to
the influx of rural-dwellers to the cities for seeking jobs. This overcrowds the sub-
urban zones of almost all metro cities. For example, educational institutes,
health-centres often get overcrowded resulting in inaccessibility for most of the
people from the lower strata of the society. An ever-increasing number of four
wheelers have contributed to the terrible traffic condition of today. Four-
wheelers definitely have more space than a two-wheeler but far less passenger
capacity than a city bus, ultimately resulting in terrible congestion at every traffic
signal. This can be observed more often in the inner-city areas where the drivers
do not have the liberty to drive freely due to lack of space.
According to my opinion, the government must suggest the urban dwellers to

relocate to the semi-urban areas, in the metro cities. This may be a relieving
factor to the current stress on the urban infrastructure. This will result in less
usage of public transports and services like health care centres and
educational institutes. Also, there would be smooth traffic ensuring less of
accidents. Alternatively, possessions in the countryside or developing zones
would be better utilised due to the presence of dwellers. This can be cited with
an example, the population is bound to rise when there is an upsurge in the
number of labourers as the harvest time approaches, in the countryside. The
trained and educated masses can work in collaboration to proceed with the
building tasks in those zones, inciting the development of the native area
resulting in the growth of the entire nation.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that, since people living in the urban
areas are subjected to different issues on a day today basis, it will be
appropriate for the government to inspire the city dwellers to relocate to
the suburbs, in order to resolve these uprising complications.
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17) Some people think it is more important to spend money on roads and
motorways than on public transport systems. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? Agree or disagree.
Since quite some time, there has been a debate on the fact, if further funds must
be assigned to the roads and motorways or to the public transport systems. I
completely disagree with the statement.
Expenditure incurred for the road networks surely increases the backing of
several people. These people are of the opinion that improving the road
conditions will entail the safety and minimize the traffic overcrowding.
Improving the eminence of highways will lead to a substantial deterioration of
mortality and injury rates due to road accidents. Countries where roads are filled
with potholes and hindrances afflict people of hazards and anxiety.
Betterment of the unsafe road substructures would safeguard the protection of

commuters. Also, broadening the roads and refurbishing several highways and
motorways would ultimately reduce the day today traffic congestions. Traffic
jam is a chief area of concern in metro cities as large number of vehicles are on
the roads amidst the peak working hours of the day. This unpleasant issue can
be handled by widening the roads to avoid any further traffic congestion.
Nevertheless, investing in public transport is a much better option due to a lot

of reasons. In comparison with small four or two wheelers, public transports
have much higher capacity. They can house a greater number of travellers at
any given point of time. For example, the bullet trains in Japan have been
estimated to have replaced roughly 1000 four wheelers from the roads. It has
been a real integration and expansive mode of transport for the public. Hence,
we see that a change from private to public transport will definitely uplift the
traffic blockages and ultimately lead to better productivity in the developing
countries. This would also contribute to a less polluted environment by having
a check on the carbon emissions.
Overall, implementation of such a strategy will not only reduce air pollution but
will also alleviate the consequences of environmental changes. We can have a
much cleaner and greener environment as a result of effective traffic
management.
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18) There have been many inventions in human history, such as the wheel.
Some people think the most important thing is the internet. To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Agree or disagree.
During the pre-historic era, it was humans who discovered the process of
creating fire, formulated the wheel and set up the groundwork for the marvels
of today’s technology. With the advent of the industrial revolution, further
advanced technologies were devised including motor-powered vehicles. These
inventions have tremendous importance in our day-to-day lives, but one
powerful invention single-handedly equates the rest of it. That is, the marvellous
invention of the Internet. This may be referred to as an exaggeration in spite of
the fact that we derive enormous benefits from it.
In today’s digital age, the Internet helps us in multiple ways. It has enabled us
with accumulation, communication and to circulate information in a quick and
appropriate way. Being a crucial technique for reserving data, this has enabled
millions of users to upload information onto the Internet. For example, Google
Drive, a cloud storage, provides file storage services for hundreds of handlers,
being the prime mode of communication. The Internet has made the world a
smaller place.
Today, connecting with people across the world is no longer a challenge. We can
cite the example of WhatsApp, a messaging application, with the help of which,
billions of users connect on a day-to-day basis. Overall, the Internet aids as a
significant means enabling the propagation of data. Here we can cite the
outstanding example of the most popular social-networking site, ‘Facebook’.
This is a simulated podium that helps in connection and aids in popularising
one’s concepts at any given point of time, anywhere.
But there are other invaluable inventions, too, apart from the internet. For
example, the invention by Edison --- electricity. It is such an invention in the
absence of which electrical devices fail to function. Therefore, the Internet
becomes obsolete without electricity.
We also have the wonderful invention of the engines, that can be considered as
an inordinate assortment of amenities. In the absence of longstanding
hydropower engines to the latest extravagance of solar-power aided flights,
people would have had to resort to animal or human-aided
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automobiles. These would have been much sluggish than the motor-aided ones.
The most important discovery, according to my viewpoint, in today’s world is
the introduction of mobile phones. This invention has revolutionised the
countless methods of digital communication. Today, innumerable people use
mobile phones for calls, text messages on every minute basis. The number of
mobile users is higher than that of internet users for the equivalent resolve.
To conclude, the Internet has many advantages for the human beings, but the
discoveries like electricity, engines and mobile phones have also contributed
enormously in the race for modernisation. Therefore, not only the Internet, the
other three inventions too will have an enduring presence in the future.
19) Some people think that it is more beneficial to take part in sports which
are played in teams, like football. While other people think that taking part
in individual sports is better, like tennis or swimming. Discuss both views and
give your own opinion. Discuss both views:
We find a number of people advocating the fact that team involving sports like
soccer or volley ball benefit the players. Whereas, the remaining lot are of the
opinion that sports which have solo players are particularly advantageous.
However, according to my estimation, both kinds of sports are equally

rewarding.
In one of the aspects, we find that by getting involved in sports that require team
activities, players learn to coordinate a lot. On the grounds, team objective is a
priority than one’s individual achievements. Team members work for a universal
goal that includes tremendous cooperation and management.
Sports-persons must be united, exert as a team and accomplish the most for
their team even at the cost of individual sacrifices. For instance, a footballer
may be in the leading position for the first half of the game and then steps
back. He ensures that his team wins by passing the ball to his team player, if
the chance of a goal scoring is higher by his teammate, even if it means
losing his own glory by not scoring a goal.
Conversely, individual sports also do have a lot of benefits for its players. The
development and expansion of one’s individual competence can reach its zenith
with apt practice. Inevitably, when left to one’s own assistance, players
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generally strive harder to win by challenging their own limits. For example, in
chess, the player must strategize his moves on the chess board, estimate his
opponent’s movement and foresee the outcome using all permutations and
combinations within the short time-period.
Moreover, in individual sports, sports-persons are liberated from the

limitation of strictly adhering to a formerly arranged preparation. They have
ample liberty to try-out innovative techniques of sports. Ultimately, this offers
the players an optimum sagacity of fulfilment.
To conclude, I would like to state that, different types of sports are endowed
with its intrinsic worth in refining the players’ individuality. It generally
depends on each sports-person to decide the kind of sport they wish to
prefer and proceed with.
20) Scientists say that in the future, humanity will speak the same language.
Do you think this is a positive or negative social development? Discuss.
It is of utmost importance to learn a language, for the upholding the expansion

of every intercontinental society. Numerous people are of the opinion that a
single language, in all possibility will be considered as a global language in the
future. Such a mandate will surely be rewarding.
A common myth is prevalent, that with the use of a single language as a

standard, one may have a negative impact on many countries. Different
language experts allege that a common language may result in the extinction
of the local dialects, especially those languages that are on the verge on being
obsolete or face a threat where international language diversity is concerned.
But such a claim may as well be an overstatement. This may be because
practically, regardless of the role English has, being a familiar language in many
countries globally, the unpopular languages are also well preserved till date.
For example, Welch was spoken by only 15% of the population of Britain in the
second half of the 20th century. This language is gradually gaining popularity due
to the diligent hard work done by the members of the Welch Assembly to
promote this language in the recent past. The recognition of any international
language does not essentially indicate the declining practice of other languages.
We have the wonderful example of English language being a second
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language in many countries where the native language is still considered as

a primary language.
A single language can be of immense advantage towards global advancement.

This can be substantiated with the fact that in the race of globalisation
and intercontinental amalgamation, a single language will promote mutual
understanding amongst people from diverse geographical and cultural
backgrounds. This will result in the growth of international trade benefitting
all the nations that may opt to be engaged in this progression.
Also, when language barriers will be done away with, learners will have a right
to use to a wide range of knowledge bank written exclusively in other
languages. Users will have the prospect to be proficient in several areas.
Gradually, this will help all the nations to construct well-built intellectual
personnel, which can contribute towards the long-term global development by
acting as a catalyst.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that the usage of one international

language, that will definitely be advantageous. There will be an expansion of
international trade and a strong rational workforce can be developed in
every country.
21) Some people think that the increasing business and cultural contact
between countries bring many positive developments. Others say it can
cause the loss of national identities. Discuss both views and give your own
opinions. Discuss both views
People have diverse opinions about the effects of globalization. Though this
expansion could wield constructive stimuli on the nation’s economy, I have a
prodigious apprehension that the conservation of national identities would
be dissuaded.
On one hand, it is contended that cross-border economic and cultural

collaboration could be the foremost initiative of national progress. The
augmented international trade could generate situations for an economy to
raise by leveraging their inexpensive recompenses and enhancing their export
earnings. For example, the benefit is best revealed through vigorous
economic expansion of net exporters like X country.
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With the eradication of economic blockades between countries, X country, a

hub of farming products, has received an enormous flow of foreign exchange
by evolving as the second largest rice exporter worldwide. Enhancement in
individuals’ spiritual lives would also follow. In addition to that, boundary-less
cultural interaction means that people have chances to get visible to foreign
cultures, whose multiplicity could enable them to enhance their information
and have more selections of entertainment. The popularity of Korean and US
music possessions in Y country could demonstrate this point.
On the other hand, I believe that the exclusivity of specific countries could be
under risk as a consequence of rising global assistance. International
establishments could put them in a situation to impact native ethnic morals
and endorse Western ones in countries having their presence. This is because
these Western philosophies could be effortlessly integrated into resident
beliefs when Western-standard products are promoted and patrons acquaint
themselves with new lifestyles these goods create. This might, in the long run,
result in a consistent set of views and morals acceIELTSd and the attrition of
cultural diversity worldwide.
In conclusion, it is undisputable that globalization has assisted economic and

social expansions in many countries. Nevertheless, the threat of losing national
identities is also obvious. To evade such a moment, I believe that countries
require to take actions to reserve their ethnic self through proper instruction
and reinforced social consistency.
22) Over the last centuries, reading, writing and maths are the three
recognized traditional subjects. Nowadays, as computer becomes more
important, some people believe that every child should be taught computer
skills as the fourth subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Agree
or Disagree.
In the framework of the ever-changing world, it is believed that conservative

subjects like reading, writing, and maths are no longer adequate for children’s
growth. Computer skills are proposed to be measured correspondingly vital. I
believe that these four subjects play an imperative role in children’s education.
It is indisputable that outmoded subjects are indispensable for children’s

complete growth. Through olden times, numerous facets of life demanded
people’s aptitude to read, write and solve mathematics with the purpose of
survival and to lead a normal life. Knowledge has continuously been crucial for
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individuals to access information through written foundations, direct their

thoughts, or communicate with others through writing fragments. In addition,
expertise is adequate for traders, retailers, and buyers to conduct trading. This
was purely since evidence was shared and stockpiled in handwritten books or
pieces and only simple mathematic calculations were essential to perform
dealings in the real life.
In addition, computer skills are also likewise vital for children’s growth in the
present digitalized biosphere. It is apparent that technology has altered all
facets of our life enormously, transporting all manoeuvres, transactions, and
tasks to perform on computer systems or online. Consequently, attaining
computer skills is a requirement in the fluctuating world. Rarely does any
company recruit an employee, who are unable to do basic tasks like sending
emails or using excel to calculate. As a result, early acquaintance to computer
literacy at school will allow children to be familiar with and master these
critical computer skills for forthcoming job necessities. Lacking such training,
even with an exceptional capacity to read, write or calculate, might lead them
to face challenges while dealing with common computer-based tasks in
different fields of study and work situations, thus losing their competitive
advantages in the long run.
In conclusion, I am of the belief that a syllabus integrating predictably essential

topics related to literateness and numeracy together with the fourth most
significant field – computer learning is a deliberate instructive method for
children in the current milieu.
23) In some countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy.

Some people think that the government should be responsible for solving
this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Agree or disagree.
Children in certain areas of the world are turning fat and unhealthy. I agree
with the role of the government in undertaking responsibility for this issue.
Yet, I also am certain of that the role of parenting and schoolingshould also
have sufficient contribution.
Obesity in childrenand other health problems should be somewhat held

responsible against the authority. We cannot repudiate the circumstance that
weighty children havehigh chancesof being defenceless toseveral serious
diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This posesto be an awful threat
tothe national growth of any country as they are the future’s human resources.
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Consequently, the authority should be responsible for controlling this problem. Let
us take China as an example, the government has been acting to lower the obesity
rate among children by organizing boot camps where children
are physically trained to lose weightand inculcate daily healthy habits. This is
for the reason that China’s dogmatic objectors are petrified of the situation
that these overheavy children will not be able to meet the physical structure
mandates to join the army.
In addition, parents and school teachers are also accountable for the children’s
fitness. Concerning the former, working parents nowadays tend to devote
almost the whole their time to office work, in order to warrant material well-
being, which means that they may spend less time carefully taking care of
their children’s diet. Consequently, without regulation, children might
consume unhealthy food or lead an inactive daily routine. This clarifies why
close parental care and control is critical in safeguarding the children’s diet
and healthy lifestyle.
In terms of the role of education in educating children about healthy living,

some schools opt to emphasize on academic subjects like maths and
literature, forgoing the need for physical education.This diminishes their
students’ workout regularity. Schools’ efforts to introduce healthy diet and
involve students in physical exercises are matchless, in undertaking the issue
of child obesity.
In conclusion, the government, parents and schools should take on the

responsibility for shielding their children from obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
24)Some people say that zoos have no useful purpose. Others believe that
zoos are beneficial in many ways. Discuss and give your opinion.(Discuss)
A variety of animal types from tigers, birds to reptiles have been captured and
reserved in zoos across the world for eras. While this exercise is well thought-
out as futile to some, I am certain of the real recompenses of it.
Zoos, according to some, are insignificant. There is a mutual certainty that the
act of caging animal is already against the animal rights. The matter can be even
worse when some caged animals are exploited and they are forced to do tricks
to attract visitors. Zoologists may also argue that these creatures may
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lose their normal character during the course of being enslaved; therefore, they
can be incompetent of returning to the wild in the future. For example, a lion
may lose its hunting nature when it is fed on a daily basis, within the zoo
premises.
Nevertheless, I believe that zoological gardens are vital not only for human but
also for the animals. First, for young children and biology students, these sites
can offer a learning milieu, where understanding of and the love for nature may
effortlessly progress as interaction with animals is possible. Consequently, fauna
from the furthermost environments such as kiwis and penguins from the South
Pole can be learnt about and treasured. Second, zoos have been presenting a
household to thousands of rare species, where they can flourish and breed. This
is vital when over-hunting, deforestation and global warming have demolished
the usual territories of nearly all rare animals.
To conclude, I strongly believe that the benefits of zoos overshadow the

shortcomings. All the above-mentioned difficulties can be narrowed if
investment is increased in zoos to manage the animals’ living habitats.
25) Society would benefit from a complete ban on all forms of

advertisement. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Agree or disagree)
Apprehensions about the frequency of commercials and their effects have

stretched an extreme terrain currently. While it might look helpful that the
government should call a stringent ban on all networks of advertisements, I
strongly refute such an act since marketing does offer crucial aids to the modern
society.
It looks totally irrational to ban all categories of commercials. Supporters of

prohibiting advertisements may contend that supporters adopt corrupt
methods to heighten the customers’ requirements to buy products that they do
not want, thereby making individuals spoil their money habits continuously. In
addition, even more grave penalties would hit the consumers in cases when they
purchase cheap and fake goods whose purposes are extravagant in adverts.
Nevertheless, such reasoning is an unacceptable overemphasis, since buyers

currently have become more watchful to advertising than ever before due to
their continuous experience. Consequently, customers are inclined to consider
and study more carefully before purchasing any object. In short, the suggestion
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of imposing a ban on all types of advertising based on presumed yet faulty

rebuffs of adverts are irrational.
On the other hand, it is seen that advertisements are enormously informative

for the society in many ways. The most noticeable benefit is that many
customers could gain knowledge about the original products or services due to
the everyday exposure to a variety of commercials. For example, visual adverts
can aid parents regarding the updated info about different milk products,
serving them to have better buying selections for their children.
Additional benefits are that advertising can make the most of consumers’ gains
by generating stricter competition between companies. Precisely, the
obtainability of publicizing, trailed by consumers’ improved prospects to
compare products, would coerce firms to continuously improve their products
and offer things with advanced class yet more realistic charges, which in turn
could monetarily benefit consumers.
In conclusion, I believe that advertisement brings individuals massive

advantages and thus the recommendation of a total prohibition on all methods
of advertising must be ignored.
26) Some people believe that anyone can create art such as painting, poetry,
music and so on. Others think that a person should have special abilities to
create art. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Art is an assorted choice of imaginative activities that prompts the creator’s

imaginations. Certainly, one can assume that to generate art, all you want is
good imagination. Though, some individuals believe that your requirement of
learning special skills to become an artist is imperative. This essay shall discuss
both the views in detail.
Any individual with an artistic vision and resourcefulness can create art forms
like writing poetry, painting, or composing a song or dance. Portrayal of a mental
picture of one’s emotional state and articulating them successfully on paper will
make one an artist. For example, some individuals are from time to time driven
by yearning or anguish for someone, which makes them express their feelings
through a song or a painting. This is the reason why people sense that generating
art is not that tough and can be endeavoured effortlessly.
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On the contrary, there are people who resolutely claim that without knowledge,
creativity or imagination alone cannot help one become an artist. It requires
years of training for people to turn out to be great artists. To become a musician,
for instance, one needs to absorb all the rudiments of rhythms and melodies; to
play a violin one needs to learn all the right chords. It does not help if the
imagination is intense; one must have the correct procedure of articulating the
same to differentiate the creations from regular mediocrities.
To conclude, I would like to say that although it sounds convenient, creating art
is definitely an arduous task. One might be born with some art forms, but
enhancing that talent is of utmost important to create masterpieces.
27)Homes provide much better environment for education to the college –

going students than hostels. Do you agree or disagree?
As young adults join colleges, they have the choice of living in boarding school
or living with their parents. This essay is going to focus on the fact that student
housing is the best choice for undergraduates. This opinion will be exemplified
by observing how living at home is simply impractical for most students and by
citing the benefits of staying in a dormitory.
Today, very few students join local colleges or university, therefore the idea of
them staying at home during school term is quite unlikely. This is seen in
developing nations, where most colleges are concentrated in urban centres.
Travelling daily would be difficult for those who live in rural areas or even in the
suburbs. To these students, staying on campus is apparently the more practical
option. For example, in India, rural citizens shift to the city for college and share
a hostel room instead of travelling from their houses.
The choice of living at school is highlighted by the fact that it nurtures personal
growth in ways that are otherwise not possible while living at home. For
example, when staying at a dormitory, students with various choices would learn
compromise. This is not necessary if they live with their parents who are
generally more accepting. In addition, living away from home also teaches
students to be more independent, because they must manage their finance as
well as take care of their own dietary requirements. In fact, Americans who
livedin hostels during college have described that they became more
independent as a result of having to budget and cook for themselves.
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In conclusion, I strongly agree that it is logical for college students to live on

campus, for the reasons mentioned above.
28) In some countries old people are highly valued and in other countries the
young are considered to be more valuable. Discuss both views and give your
opinion. Discuss both views.
Or
Some cultures value old age while others value young age. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
People have diverse views about whether the elderly or the young are
more appreciated. This essay will discuss both viewpoints.
Elderly people have more experience with them. They have perceived more
life. As a result, they have a profounder understanding of the difficulties of the
world and are more accomplished in taking sensible decisions. In Australia,
the aged people command a high respect in the social order. Their words are
of utmost importance in decision-making. Younger individuals in the family
may have better educational qualifications, but they obey their aged parents
and grandparents.
Let us consider the case of world leaders. Most of them are men and women
in their sixties or seventies. They are selected leaders for their aptitude to
grapple with situations with more maturity. All over the globe, people who
occupy higher positions are not exactly young. Youngsters may be full of
energy and passion, but they lack experience and the maturity that emanates
from it. They are also more likely to get drawn by their emotions or
excitement.
On the other hand, old age is a period of growing requirements. As people

age, their abilities may get diminished. They may have trouble recalling facts
or taking wide-ranging decisions. Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable part of
the method of aging. People also become much less industrious in their aging
years.
After evaluating the situation, it is felt that both ages have their merits and
demerits. Age may fetch wisdom, but it also turns people dependent. The
truth is that no society can endure without the vigour and enthusiasm of its
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youngsters. And if they obtain the supervision of their aged counterparts,

they will be able to work wonders.
29) The use of mobile phones has increased dramatically in recent years.
What are the positive and negative effects of this trend? (Discuss)
Mobile phones are now so ordinary that it seems as though everyone

possesses one, in contrast to just a decade ago. There are both helpful and
adverse facets to this development.
On a positive note, mobile phones are amusing and enjoyable to use, with
games, messages, pictures, music, and even email existing as an application.
They are also extremely personalised, stating individual style and fashion
through colour, shape, and ringtones. Cellphones make communication
forthright and very suitable, whether they are used for business or pleasure.
Communication has become prompt and effective. The other positive
characteristic of cellphones is that they are a moderately inexpensive method
of communicating with others.
On the other hand, there are numerous negative influences due to the
improved cell phone usage. It has made people regularly available and
positioned high demands and expectations on response times,
predominantly for employees. It has also had a disadvantageous effect on
people’s social skills and manners as they are always watchful for their latest
call or message, even to the fact of insolence when fixing their phone while
having meals with others, for example.
Some young people have had problems with tedious stress injuries caused
by endless texting and there have also been concerns about the link between
cell phone use and certain types of cancer. Finally, there has been significant
public resistance to the building of mobile phone signal towers in their
neighbourhoods, on the grounds of safety and aesthetics.
On the whole, mobile phones have intensely changed the way we live and
communicate, which has both negative and positive values.
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30) It is neither possible nor useful for a country to provide university places
for a high proportion of young people. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?(Agree or Disagree)
It is claimed that providing tertiary education for a huge number of youths is

both incredible and not vital. I totally agree with this view.
On one hand, most young people entering a university is not practicable,

especially in developing nations. Firstly, individual financial difficulties may avert
any high school leavers from enduring university education. Education fees at
this level in several countries are enormously high, so not all the young and their
families can have enough money.
An example is England which charges a high university fee, leading to a quite low
university attendant number compared to Germany, whose university system is
free of cost. Secondly, facilities and infrastructure secure that a high percentage
of young people, can have tertiary placement requiring a massive investment
from the government. Unfortunately, some poor nations have to arrange basic
needs such as food or healthcare for their citizens, so education is not
sufficiently funded for a high percentage of the young.
On the other hand, it is also harmful to offer university education tomost

youngsters. The preliminary reason is that this policy can lead to the scarcity of
daily wage labourers. Because young generations would be all prepared with
professional knowledge and skills and if this policy were executed, the advanced
proportion of them studying in the university, the lower will work for some
unskilled positions. Consequently, vacancies such as taxi drivers and
construction workers will lack workers. Unpleasantly, this trend also means the
increase in unemployment rate in several modern section including technology
and science which have too many applicants. Ultimately, there will be an
irregularity in labour market.
In conclusion, I believe that it is not only impractical but also not important to
provide tertiary education spaces for too many youngsters.
31) Some people believe that using animals to test the safety of human
medicines is cruel and unwarranted, whereas others feel it is a medical
necessity. (Discuss)
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Animal testing has become a highly contentious dispute in recent years, with
robust and sensitive arguments offered on both sides.
The fact that testing medicines on animals is essential is supported by those who
contend that if not animals, then who else. Animals are seen as the only rational
testing lot close enough to humans to precisely classify and test the
effectiveness of different types of medicines, including those involved in cancer
treatment, and other hypothetically life-saving drugs. Additionally, there is the
concept that animals do not sense or experience pain and suffering in the same
manner that humans do, and that all investigation on animals is decently
conducted to minimise any pain that is felt.
However, the other side of the debate turns around the disagreement that
animals do experience pain and suffering, and it is simply offensive to subject
them to medical testing. Also, rivals of medical testing on animals draw
attention to that the results are not unavoidably consistent when applied to
human populations: even though as mammals we might be very similar, we are
not identical.
This fetches into question the entire logical base behind testing medicine on
animals. There is also the ethical question of whether we humans actually have
the authority to subject animals to testing and vicious experiments against their
will.
In my opinion, using animals for medical testing should be evaded at all costs,
as I feel that animals too deserve care and kindness. Substitutes to medical
testing on animals must be pursued.
32) Some universities offer online courses as an alternative to classes

delivered on campus. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
(Discuss.)
There has been a growing inclination for providing online courses in addition
to formal ones by universities globally. Regarding the effects of such an
inclination, I firmly believe that the accessibility of computer-based courses
should be considered as a completely advantageous movement.
To begin with, it is a misconception to consider the requirements of internet

courses as an adverse trend. In fact, some people claim that choosing online
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courses could lead to the likelihood of forming generations of students

who would lack serious social skills such as inter-personal and teamwork
competences. Though, such a claimed situation would not happen with the
provision of advanced online communication platforms.
Thanks to the introduction of operative communication tools such as Skype or

FaceTime, students can easily interact with each other for academic
discussions or team assignments, safeguarding their chances to enhance
indispensable communication skills. Therefore, it seems apparent that
assumed negative influences of visual classes would not be an issue.
Alternatively, I would strongly maintain that the running of online courses as

substitutes is helpful to both students and universities. Firstly, admission to
Internet-based courses would enable students, especially those who reside in
inaccessible provinces, to get access to higher education with eventual
flexibility and expediency.
Compared to traditional courses which require student attendance and fixed

class schedules, internet-based ones permit students to study at their own
pace by granting them full rights to choose their agendas and academic
progress. Secondly, with regards to universities, subscription to online courses
could help them reach more students globally with reduced funds. Since
classes could be conducted online with no geographic restrictions, colleges
would be secured from the costs of growing their schools yet still able to
provide courses for more national and international students.
To conclude, the presence of computer-based courses as substitute

possibilities to formal classes should be considered as a lucrative
education development in the modern world.
33) More and more prisons are being built to house the world’s criminals, and
many people believe long-term imprisonment is the answer to solving the
crime problem. However, others feel that psychological assistance is what is
required. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. (Discuss both views.)
Incarceration has long been the most widespread form of punishment for
criminals in society, but many also trust that rehabilitation should take the form
of psychosomatic treatment.
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Those in favour of longstanding imprisonment claim that criminals are not fit to
live together with normal members of society. The palpable reason for this is
that they characterize a threat to others’ personal safety, and it is true that
society would not bear vehement criminals living in its centre.
The rationale behind imprisonment is to take away prisoners’ rights to individual

freedom: this is their chastisement. In addition, it is supposed that prisoners use
their time in prison to think and consider their unlawful behaviour, hopefully
being repentant and feeling remorseful about their crimes.
However, some people argue that jails are not the best place for all criminals.
Advocates for psychological rehabilitation believe that psychological therapy
may be a better substitute to captivity for some offenders. Psychological therapy
may address the root causes of the criminal behaviour and bid approaches and
likelihoods for change in the future. This approach may be more effective in
preventing reoffending in the long run as it does not accept the same solution,
that prison works for all.
On the whole, I trust that prison unquestionably has its place as a form of
reprimand, as no one would wish to live in the fear of violent crime, and
criminals need to be detached from society for this reason. However, I think a
shared approach which has a strong focus on psychological treatment is
important in addressing the essential causes of crime, as prison alone bargains
no hope for future change and ultimately, almost all criminals are unrestricted
back into society.
34) Nowadays, celebrities increasingly have the status of role models, in

particular for younger people. Do you see this as a positive or negative
development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own experience. (Give reasons.)
Worldwide celebrities come from many diverse fields these days, with a
substantial number of them famed for little more than good looks and
exclusive fashion. However, they all aid to turn as role models for society.
There are positive and negative features to this marvel, but in general one sees
it as an unfavourable development.
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Firstly, many luminaries have attained their fame not through venerable
behaviour but for civic misbehaviour. For example, many young pop stars with
very little talent have oppressed media focus on their party lives, courting
pictures of them with minimal clothing or involvement in drugs or alcohol.
Affairs and celebrity scandal provide young individuals with unfortunate
examples of how to conduct themselves morally and with veracity in the
public eye, which is a highly disturbing trend that some of these celebrities
have impressed upon on young generations.
Furthermore, publicizing celebrities these days has become a billion-dollar

industry. Social networking pages such as Facebook and Twitter confirm that
people can emphasize on and keep their eyes fixated on their idols twenty-four
hours a day. This continuous following of celebrities only aids to disseminate
the idea that their shallow lives are worthy of this continuous attention. But in
reality, choices about which jewellery to wear and which premiere to attend
confuse young people about the actual issues confronting the modern society.
On the whole, being a celebrity emanates the responsibility of having others

look up to you. Unfortunately, in my opinion, very few celebrities take this
concern seriously, which has conforming undesirable effects for those who
take to admire them.
35) International travel has many advantages for both travellers and the
country that they visit. Do advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Give
reasons.
Travelling overseas undoubtedly exercises several positive effects on

vacationers as well as the host country. While there are disadvantages of
transnational travel, I think its benefits are more noteworthy.
On one hand, the problems of welcoming overseas guests are diverse.

Travel expenses for well-known tourist destinations, London for example, is
expensive, with many intricate and repetitive requirements such as visa
application, plane tickets reservation etc.
As for the countries that host the international tourists, the increase in the
expenses of living may stress the natives and thus turn to be a disadvantage
to the domestic travel. This is due to the growth in the number of tourists
from out of the country, who boost the charges of hotel rooms and other
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services to shoot up. Individuals in the neighbourhood and local visitors

would face contrasts.
Alternatively, I presume that the aids of international travel would conceal

those investigated drawbacks. First, travellers can have a number of
luxuries like experiencing exotic food and philosophy, they get to see
destinations that they have not seen before. A distinctive example of this is
when tourists from other countries come to China, they have the prospect
to use chopsticks, enjoy old-style meals and go sightseeing in the
countryside. Second, the enlarged number of foreign individuals
approaching to visit another country would visibly increase tourism
business, contributing significantly to the capital of that country. If tourists
enjoy their trips, they will recommend the destination to their friends or
possibly they would visit it a second time in the future.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the virtues of global tourism are more

prominent than its weaknesses.
36) With the increasing use and development of new technology, many
machines are now able to do the work which people used to perform. What
are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
The initiation of new technology has preordained that nowadays, machines

are more than proficient of doing many of the tasks and jobs that people
used to do. There are both benefits and drawbacks to this expansion.
One of the main benefits of having machines do tasks is related to speed and
proficiency. Machines tend to be much quicker and more competent at doing
monotonous tasks such as those completed in factories. In addition, the
human error factor is eradicated, additionally saving time and cost.
Although machines might need an additional exclusive original outlay, their

enduring usage is much more reasonable than paying human wages by the
time factors such as sick leave, annual leave, and wasted time are included.
Nevertheless, there are also numerous drawbacks. Machines cannot be used

for every task, as frequently as the “human touch” is essential in finishing
certain everyday jobs. For example, a machine cannot as yet interact with a
client in the same method as a human worker. Nor can they generate new
thoughts or notions in the pioneering way that human beings
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can. Machines are also incapable of initiating. In addition, many types of

apparatus require significant and occasionally overpriced maintenance
which can decrease their general cost-effectiveness.
In conclusion, machinery undoubtedly has its place in society, backing up and

relieving people of work time, so that the individuals are able to focus on
more stimulating work and exert their strengths. However, machinery also
has its restrictions and these require to be recognised in considering their
advantages and disadvantages.
37) Some people believe that the advent of economical air travel has been
very beneficial by making international travel more accessible, while others
argue that it has had a very negative impact.
Worldwide air travel has become more and more inexpensive over the past
decade. Consequently, more people are utilising this mode of conveyance
frequently.
Supporters of discounted air travel contend that it offers more chances in the
areas of business and tourism. For example, it is now economical for business
people to be present for meetings or conferences overseas, thus contributing
to a worldwide information economy and opening up business prospects and
monetary development.
Moreover, there has been enormous tourism growth as admittance to some

countries has become low-priced due to reduced aircraft fares. For these
countries, the monetary assistances of tourism are clear and more money is
spent locally.
Nevertheless, cheap air travel has been related to damaging ecological

charges. Firstly, aeroplanes use massive amounts of fuel, a non-renewable
reserve. They also discharge high levels of carbon dioxide, which is the
foremost contributor of climatic changes and global waning. At a more micro
level, air travel has an adverse effect on the air quality and noise levels. Cheap
airlines offering $5 flights from New York to Los Angeles and Alaska only
aggravate the problem by encouraging more people to fly for tinier stays,
thus compounding the environmental effects.
On the whole, it is certain that people will endure to utilise air travel, as it is
suitable for business and leisure. However, in my view, it would be helpful
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for travellers to be more conscious and well-versed of the actual charge of

their air travel in relation to the environment and to make their selections
accordingly.
38) Children nowadays watch significantly more television than those in

the past, which reduces their activity levels accordingly. Why is it the
case? What measures can you suggest to encourage higher levels of
activity among children? Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own experience.
Television has become an essential part of nearly every home in the world.
Consequently, children undeniably spend more time watching television than
earlier generations and less time being active.
There are numerous reasons for this phenomenon and also a number of
approaches to inspire children to be more active. Firstly, televisions have turned
out to be much more reachable through price drop. Also, exciting programmes
which target children like cartoons, have increased in number and upgraded in
quality. This entices a larger number of children spectators.
Another reason for the surge in television viewing is related to the amount of
time young people and children have these days. Often by the time they have
studied a full day, they are tired to go and play outdoor sports.
Nevertheless, it is important that children spend sufficient time outdoors playing

and being active. One method which could be taken to inspire young children is
to take the time to do fun open-air activities with them, such as ice-skating or
going to the beach for a swim. Conducting children’s outdoor fun-groups and
camps is an additional way to encourage young people to be energetic. Schools
can run physical education classes as part of their syllabus to confirm that the
suggested levels of activities are done each day. Finally, TV programmes can
build awareness and generate ideas for physical activities in the shows.
On the whole, the decrease in the price of televisions along with high quality of
children’s programmes and the time, has contributed to the issue. As discussed
above, there are numerous enterprises which could benefit to fight the issue of
amplified television viewing and reduced physical activities for today’s children.
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39) People in many countries spend more and more time far away from their
families. Why does this happen and what effects will it have on them and their
families?
There is now a growing tendency within people to spend time far away from
their families, which shoots from their hectic professional lives. In my opinion,
this change has adverse effects on both the individuals and their families.
People need to dedicate more time parted from their families due to their
tremendous job schedules that has come along with globalisation. As more
companies are becoming international, work-life has turn out to be more
challenging. Several people are required to work strenuously, travel abroad and
even work from home regularly to deliver results at their jobs. For example,
teams of multinational companies like Amazon and Facebook travel to several
countries to meet their foreign consumers as well as handle processes
worldwide which keeps them away from their families for long periods of time
regularly.
Furthermore, this lack of time with family will seriously affect people and their
families with mental and emotional anxiety. People living far from their families
would be devoid of their sustenance system, they feel secluded from their loved
ones and may end up feeling unhappy and dejected. Similarly, family members
would continuously be concerned and anxious about the individual’s well-being.
For example, parents whose children study or work abroad are worried about
their food habits, lifestyle, hygiene and illness, as well as personal and
professional lives along with numerous other things. This subjects the parents
to consistent pressure. Such stresses can result in numerous diseases in people,
such as high blood pressure, migraines, even cardiac problems, all of which will
sternly influence their lives.
In conclusion, people spend much more time away from their families due to
the inception of globalisation and their heavy work-lives, an expansion which
will result in emotional and mental stress for both.
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40) People are living longer. Some people think that it causes big problems.
Others, however, think the aging population has many advantages for
business, government and for society in general. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
There is no uncertainty that there has been an astounding development in

the quantity of elderly people in many countries. Personally, I believe that this
tendency brings both benefits and shortcomings to the society as a whole.
On one hand, it is foreseeable that the amazing upsurge in life expectancy has
some undesirable consequences for some reasons. Firstly, the aged population
can levy a hefty burden on the budget and the healthcare system as the more
individuals retire, the weightier the retirement pension burden the state has to
carry.
Hospitals will be flooded with weak and unwell elderly citizens probing for
medical treatments, while the labour force also agonizes due to the scarcity
of productive workers who often make the biggest influence to the society.
Secondly, more old people would position a burden to relations as parents
would have to take care of older members, and no doubt elderly citizens tend
to be intrusive and tenacious, causing recurrent skirmishes undoubtedly.
On the positive side, the benefits of this progress should not be undervalued.
First, they are able to contribute to some segments such as teaching,
management, scientific research and politics due to their widespread
knowledge.
We frequently see top executives in their middle-ages conducting consultation

sessions and helping companies run more professionally, or old teachers
tutoring students for competitions because of their massive knowledge and
hands-on experience. Second, as most people in modern times are full with
tasks at the offices, grandparents can do the babysitting, discharging parents’
uncertainties of their children deficient in moral support or leisure activities.
In conclusion, it appears to me that an aged population has both advantages

and disadvantages on the society, basically depending on how we respond to
it.
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41) It is better for college students to live in schools than live at home with
their parents. Do you agree or disagree?
Various students face the predicament of whether to live in a university

dormitory or at home with their parents. From my viewpoint, a dormitory
is obviously a better option for most of the students.
Firstly, there is a common belief that living with their parents is better for
students’ individual growth. Many individuals contend that students living at
home may completely focus on their academics since their parents are expected
to support them in numerous ways, such as by doing household tasks.
Nevertheless, I believe some students may become over-reliant on their parents

consequently, and therefore do not develop the capability to live self-sufficiently
in the future.
On the other hand, students who live in dormitories must assume responsibility
in all aspects of life. Therefore, they may acquire the skills necessary for self-
reliance, ranging from financial management and problem-solving to meal
planning and home management, all of which are essential to foster the all-
round personal development of this group of students.
Furthermore, there are numerous compensations of selecting on-campus

residences. The most apparent advantage is that students who choose this type
of accommodation would have easy access to libraries and various learning
resources that are readily accessible at the university.
Additional advantage is that individuals living in student accommodation are

exposed to a diverse environment with people from numerous social and
cultural backgrounds. As a result, students are better prepared to live in today’s
multi-cultural world.
From the issues mentioned above, one can conclude that living in a university
campus is a preferable option for students than living at home with their
parents. I assume that the quantity of students selecting to dwell in university
accommodation will be high in the future.
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42) Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and
more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons
and specific examples to explain your answer.
All parents across the globe devote time reading with their children to prepare
them for school where their learning skills are additionally developed.
However, current research shows that concentrating on reading at an early age

can be disadvantageous and partaking in fun activities would be much more
helpful. I am a strong believer of this method.
An important purpose for this is that there is no age for reading and
pressurizing toddlers to obtain this skill before time could have consequences.
For example, in the US, many children are unenthusiastic readers probably
because of being forced to read. By concentrating on other actions and
evolving additional skills such as creativity and imagination, when they are
prepared to read, they generally obtain this skill quickly.
In addition, the importance of reassuring creativity and evolving a child’s

thoughts must be accredited. Through games children develop societal and
reasoning skills. For example, they are more probable to learn terminologies
through context rather than learning it textual.
Additionally, play consents young people to evolve emotionally and gain

confidence. There is no scientific study which proposes that reading at an early
age is indispensable for a child’s growth. Actually, the reverse is true. In
Sweden, initial years’ education emphases on playing. Reading is invigorating
only if a child displays interest in developing this skill. This self-directed
method positively does not result in Swedish school-leavers lagging behind
their overseas counterparts. In fact, Sweden was ranked the fifth best in the
world in terms of education.
In spite of being an enthusiast of this non-reading style, I certainly acclaim

that including bedtime stories for children will be an advantage. Though,
reading as a consistent day activity must be exchanged for some solution
which permits the child to progress in other services.
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43) Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you
think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums
outweigh the disadvantages?
Several museums have an entry fee while others do not. In my opinion, the
downsides of an entry fee are hidden by its aids, in the sense that, the
revenue will be tilled back into process and development of the museums.
A chief shortcoming of an admission fee is the option of plummeting the

quantity of visitors. Museums hold exhibitions and articles of great instructive
and historical worth. If the prime purpose of a museum is to familiarize the
native community, entry fee should be waived for the public and guests. For
example, folk museums in Seoul, which preserve historic remnants and exhibit
folk traditions, are free of entry charges. If they had an entrance fee, several
visitors might have turned to other activities.
Decided that an admission fee might have an undesirable effect on the visitors’
numbers, but revenue is promising to museums in terms of operation.
Museums feature instructive demonstrations at times, and this is not possible
without money being used for hiring professionals and buying gadgets. The
New Zealand Antarctic Museum, for example, has monthly exhibitions on
various topics and professionals are employed to take visitors on a guided tour
around the museum. This example speaks dimensions about how a practical
entrance charge is beneficial to the process of a museum.
In conclusion, the drawbacks of an entry fee are dominated by the welfares

accumulating from an unchanging source of income. Consequently, having
measured the pros and cons, I am of the opinion that museums should impose
an entry fee for the sake of operation and expansion.
44) Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world’s
forests amounts to death of the world we currently know.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
your own knowledge or experience.
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I agree with the statement that, the Earth’s natural green reserves purify its
atmosphere and are crucial for the survival of all living things. I also advocate
the view that forest destruction will ruin our present world.
Firstly, from our basic knowledge of plants, it can be stated that, plants by the
process of photosynthesis convert the harmful carbon-dioxide gas into oxygen,
without which life cannot exist. Thus in a wider perspective, the earth’s forests
purify the atmosphere and thereby help in sustaining life. Secondly,
environmentalists have proven that, the cutting down of trees is also a leading
cause of global warming. Hence, destruction of the natural green reserves may
lead to an increase in global temperature. Thirdly, forests also house diverse
forms of life and these would become extinct if we continue to destroy their
natural habitats.
Furthermore, scientific research have proven that by the process of

biodegradation, forest ecology helps in producing crude oil, which fuels our
modern world and its scarcity is unimaginable as this will lead to a global crisis.
Finally forests are also a source of numerous medicinal plants, from which
varieties of modern medicines are produced; Quinine, an antimalarial drug,
produced from the barks of Cinchona trees is the best possible example. Hence
forest destruction will have a negative impact on the medical community.
Thus the harmony of the present world will be ruined if our natural green
reserves are continuously destroyed and there is a possibility that the blue
planet might become lifeless if these green lungs are totally wiped out.
45) Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a

compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a
charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger
children).To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum.

This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it
brings to students. The essay will first look at how voluntary work can help
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students develop soft skills and then discuss how these

extracurricular activities are valued by universities and employers.
Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits People who are a
part of the education system should also develop life skills, such as teamwork,
empathy and perspective, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is
through community service. Serving those who are less fortunate teaches us
many lessons and the value of hard work. We develop respect for the
destitute and the disabled. We put ourselves in their shoes and envision their
world. For example, I personally volunteered to spend in an orphanages for
two weeks. I learnt of their suffering and ways in which I could help.
Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of
experience. Most school leavers have the same grades and charitable works
can help set you apart from the herd. For example, Cambridge and Oxford
receive thousands of applications from straight-A students every year and can
only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside
the classroom is often the thing that differentiates you from everyone else
and gets you that coveted spot.
In conclusion, teenagers should be made to take part in unpaid work as part of

their schooling because it will help them learn things they would not ordinarily
learn from their teachers. Apart from this, they are given an opportunity to
contribute to the community as a whole.
46) Some people believe the aim of university education is to help

graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of
university education for both individuals and society. Discuss both views
and give your opinion.
your own knowledge or experience.
To many, the primary goal of tertiary education is to enable individuals to secure

a job. However others strongly believe that the goal of higher education
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is to serve both the individual and society. I strongly believe that the
purpose of university education is far beyond job prospects and in the
course of the essay I will discuss both the viewpoints.
There are specific reasons why people believe that university education is the
path to a profitable job. Firstly market researches in the United States and
other developed countries have shown that post graduates are able to
command a considerable higher salary at workplace when compared to
graduates or simple high school diploma holders. Moreover, white – collared
professional jobs, like those of physicians, engineers, scientists can only be
pursued, after graduating from the respective university courses. Furthermore,
in certain fields like administration, the credibility of various universities is
judged by their ability to generate well-paid employment offers for their fresh
graduates. Hence university education is definitely perceived as a means of
better employability.
In this context it is worth mentioning that, apart from generating rewarding

jobs for students, educational bodies serve the nation by creating educated
societies, , who can contribute towards social development through their
respective knowledge. Individuals graduating from universities also
additionally benefit from the multicultural environments that promote
fraternity and brotherhood.
In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that apart from generating

respectable employment, there are numerous associated positive aspects
of university education, which are of great social and individual significance.
47) Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the
development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations
should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas.
Today’s world has been divided into developing and developed countries with
the main difference between them being the amount of money their
respective governments apply in important sectors such as education, health
and commerce. Most of the poorer nations are suppressed in debts as a result
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of their unbalanced finances which are reflect in futile health care, an

unstructured education system and weak international trade. This vicious
cycle will continue indefinitely unless wealthier nations show interest in
minimizing the worldwide economic differences, as well as taking more
responsibility for assisting the less fortunate countries.
Most of the third world countries live in sub-human conditions because of the
extreme poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment, lack of education and both
inexperienced and corrupt administrations. The devastating consequences of
the AIDS epidemic in some of these countries could improve if the infected
population were to receive free drugs to control the disease, have access to
health professionals and get information on how to prevent its spread. But this
can only be achieved through international help programs in which leaders of
the world’s richest countries provide medical assistance and financial facilities.
Moreover, most of the poor countries rely on selling agricultural products

and raw materials to rich nations and buying industrialized products from
them resulting in a huge financial deficit. Consequently, they borrow a
significant amount of money from the World Bank to try to improve their
broken economies, but sometimes the money disappears with no significant
changes and they cannot even pay the interest to the bank.
In conclusion, leaders of the industrialised countries play an indispensable role

in assisting developing nations in dealing with essential areas such as health,
education and trade. Also, their aid is the key to breaking the vicious cycle,
which results in poverty and death.
48) The internet has transformed the way information is shared and
consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and
what solutions can you suggest?
The linear growth in the use of the internet over the last decade has led to
extreme changes to the way that people consume and share data.
Although serious problems arise as a result of this, there are solutions.
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One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children can
attain information on dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites are
easily accessible to them because they can easily claim to be an adult. There is
no doubt that this affects their thoughts and actions, which can lead to a
negative impact for the children and for the community. Another issue is the
growth of online theft and hacking. These days, news about sensitive
government and company information being leaked into the hands of the
public or criminals keep popping up.
Action needs to be taken to defeat problems like these. Governments should

place appropriate amounts of legislation to enable adequate controls which
will prevent young people from accessing potentially dangerous. Parents also
need to play their part. They need to sufficiently monitor the activities of their
children and restrict their access, which can be achieved through various
technologies. Companies must also improve their security systems and back
end operations to make hacking much more difficult by analysing their
current systems for weaknesses.
To conclude, the internet is an amazing technical progression that has

transformed the lives of all human beings, but not without adverse effects.
However, with the right action by the general public, governments and
businesses, it can be made a safe place for all users.
49) Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say
that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative
consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
Technology has taken a major hold over classroom teaching. There is a surge
in the use of tablets and laptops in the classroom. Many assert that this is a
positive development, while many others disagree and believe this
phenomenon will lead to negative impacts. This essay agrees that an increase
in technology is beneficial to students and teachers. This essay will discuss
both points of view.
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Evidently, internet has given students access to more information than ever
before. Things that were more time-consuming, such as researching and
learning about any subject, can now be done at the click of the mouse!
These advancements make technology a very useful tool for education.

Wikipedia, for example, is an apt example where students can simply type in
any keyword and have easy access to in-depth knowledge on almost any
subject matter, much easily and quickly.
On the contrary, many believe that technology strips people off real-world
human interaction. Many invaluable skills emerge in the space where students
interact in persons—be in the form of discourse, debate or empathy. However,
Internet can also drive human interaction. Social media platforms like Skype
and Facebook, for example, enable people to interact in ways that were never
before possible. Hence, the premise that technology is making people isolated
from one another and should be shunned cannot be considered a fully
practicable argument.
To sum up, while technology, the internet specifically, allow students to tap
into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be
cautious of this new phenomenon and not allow it to overpower face-to-face
interaction. However, as long as we are mindful of the paramount importance
of human communication in education, the educational benefits of Internet
would be undoubtedly positive.
50) Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.

Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways in which governments
and individuals can tackle these problems?
your own experience or knowledge.
Among the problems that plague society environmentally and

economically, overpopulation in urban areas can be considered a major
area of concern. Given the dreadful nature of the effects of overpopulation,
it has become imperative to discover these problems and identify ways
towards mitigating their effects.
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Firstly, overpopulation calls for excess supply. With the rise in human
population, there is a depletion on limited resources such as fossil fuels
and cultivable lands.
So, let’s see what challenges come with overpopulation.
Firstly, overpopulation results in reduction of natural resources like trees,
water. For example, the reckless cutting of trees to facilitate the housing needs
of a large population leaves a huge negative impact on ecology. Additionally, it
becomes challenging to meet the ever-growing requirements of an
overpopulated nation and that leads one to opt for a low quality of life, and
compromise on the quality of life in terms of health and hygiene facilities,
education and career opportunities.
All these reasons call for an urgent need to stabilize the rampant population
growth. Efforts rest with individuals and government equally. Government, on
its part, must execute measures through policies and awareness programmers.
Family planning programs and hassle-free access to safe and effective
contraceptive methods could be some of the effective ways to approaching the
problem of overpopulation.
Individuals, on the other hand, can take steps to be proactive and well-
informed about the adverse impacts of overpopulation. Awareness about
effective birth control methods and co-operation with the government to
regulate overpopulation are some of the actions that rest on individuals.
51) Considering the problems of pollution and traffic jams, some people
argue that cars should be banned from Centre of big cities. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of it. Also, suggest what actions can be taken
to solve this problem.
Downtown of metropolises are usually historic city centers the roads of which
are narrower and the habitation is denser as compared to the new urban
development. Thus vehicular movement here is far more congested. My
opinion is that we need to find a middle way as banning cars completely is
not very feasible and allowing them at all times can be very difficult also.
Banning cars from entering this area can resolve a lot of problems such as
frequent traffic jams, pollution, accidents, the streets of driving in such
congested environs etc. Also there are many historically important sites which
are at risk when pollution levels rise or when there is a higher chance of
impact from accidents.
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Yet, a car is a comfort vehicle which takes one right from the boarding point to
the exact destination. To park it somewhere on the way and take another
transport or walk to the city Centre would be very uncomfortable for most city
dwellers. Also people not being able to drive right to the footstep of a shop or
a market might mean that there is reduced customer flow.
Therefore, in this case, a sheer back and white solution is not possible and we
need to take the middle path. One option could be that there are fixed hours
every day during which cars can enter breakdown, thereby limiting their
presence in there. Secondly, specific arteries could be identified where cars are
allowed and adequate parking should be provided in such a way that from
these carefully picked nodal points most areas of the downtown are accessible.
Thirdly, a possible solution could be that there is a public transport system
with very frequent service specifically for the downtown areas, at the
peripheries of which there are comfortable parking lots. People can park the
car, board the transport and thereby much less time and comfort is thus
compromised.
52) It is seen that older adults are not given enough respect and facilities in
many countries. What could be the reasons for this? What are the effects of
this?
It is true that some people do not offer due respect to the older people. This
is not a wise approach as a whole, because it creates many difficulties for
both elderly people and governments.
The prime factor is that older people are weak physically and cannot do a full-
time job. Since their contribution to the economy of the country is often
negligible. What is more, because of reduced income, they expect tax rebates,
pension, discount on public transport and so forth. Next, with the increasing
age, they require higher and intensive health care facilities. All these issues
contribute negatively to the economy of the country. Therefore, some
countries show reluctance in offering support and respect to old people.
On the other hand, there are negative consequences of lack of support from
governments to the ageing population. Neglect of elders leads to
dissatisfaction in their minds for the system and the country.
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They become frustrated and turn pessimistic about life. Furthermore, lack of
healthcare support from governments creates financial burden on their
family members, which creates problems among them. Consequently, such
developments lead to imbalance in the society and people perceive old age as
a curse.
Finally, deficiency in respect and support towards elderly people can be

disastrous for many countries. According to me, such countries must change
their approach towards older people and try to use their skills in
constructive and useful ways to achieve and maintain positive growth in all
age groups of the country.
53) Too little actions have been taken to prevent species of plants and
animals from dying out and becoming extinct. The world knows this problem
for many years. What actions should be taken to stop it.
It is a fact that many plant and animals species have gone extinct due to
rampant exploitation by humans and this activity has not been stopped.
However, now awareness to protect the world from the adverse effects
of such activities is fast spreading.
History reveals that the ignorance and the lack of awareness among the
people are prime reasons behind the carrying out of such activities. We have
always targeted short-term benefits without bothering about the long-term
consequences. In addition, for centuries, countries around the world have
always been rushing behind the economic and industrial growth. Hence,
authorities have misguided the people and diverted their focus on such areas
only. However, few political parties like the Green Party in the UK tried to raise
the awareness but majority of the politicians exploited this issue only to earn
publicity.
54) Should working parents leave their children under the care of a daycare
center or grandparents when they are out for work? Discuss both sides and
give your opinion.
The rising cost of livings has necessitated that parents find a trustworthy
support system for their children. While some parents prefer keeping them
under the care of their parents or other kith and kin, some parents entrust
them with daycare centers.
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In my opinion, both the options have their positive and negative sides.
However, I would rather prefer them being kept under the care of their
grandparents or other family members.
Specially, in countries like India, most parents choose to leave their children in
the care of their grandparents. The most positive side to this arrangement is
the utmost love and care children get from their grandparents. They also get to
imbibe a lot of family values and moral principles. It also ensures that there is
no carelessness in their food habits, in terms of nutrition.
On the other hand, grandparents are also prone to be overly possessive and
irrationally affectionate about their grandchildren. This could lead them to
turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of their children, and drive them to
becoming spoilt brats. Nevertheless, this challenge could be addressed with
parental intervention at the right stage.
Entrusting a child under the care of a daycare center has its own positives and
negatives. On the positive side, a child gets to communicate with children of
their ages—which helps them improve their communication skills. Many
daycare facilities also act as playschools, and children get the knowledge about
numbers and alphabets in the process. On the flip side, caretakers at childcare
centres may lack emotional attachment with children, even though they may
have an academic degree in childcare. Additionally, most daycare centers are
driven by an urge to make profit than to take good care of children.
In conclusion, judging the pros and cons of both the arrangements it is evident
that children should rather remain under the care of their grandparents than
childcare centres. However, parents should not hesitate to go for daycare
centers in case their relatives are not easily available for the task.
55) These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular
despite a big number of sport facilities. This essay will discuss the main
problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible
solutions to avoid them.
The main problems caused by an inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine
disorders. A growing number of body research shows that long periods of
physical inactivity raises a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people
burn fewer calories and easily gain weight. What’s more, a lot of studies show
that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems.
Due to constant sitting, a person loses muscle tissue and curves spine,
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developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven

that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.
In my opinion, the best solution to these problems is promoting active lifestyle.
Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of
walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to
advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized
transport. Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays
a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to
avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical
activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level
of activity.
In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems,
including obesity and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase
the level of fitness among the society by advertising physical activity.
56) Organized tours to remote locales and other countries is getting

increasingly popular. Is it a positive or negative development for the
local people and environment?
There has been a sharp rise in the number of organized tours to many isolated
parts of the world. In my view, this trend has both positive and adverse
outcomes on the locals and the environment. To talk of the positive sides, the
rising popularity of package tours to remote rural areas does come with perks
for the locals, in some ways. The locals can enjoy better living standard with
tourists inflow, as more transport infrastructure and entertainment facilities
within these locations are often established and improved.
One can imagine how much the locals stand to benefit with such smooth and
easier access to improved amenities. Another positive side is that with tourists
preferring naturally-rich surroundings and locations, there could be a growth in
the number of pants and trees being grown in those spaces.
However, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of negative impacts that
come with this trend. Firstly, the regular inflow of tourists to these areas may
give rise to environmental degradation. For instance, tourists may carelessly
litter the streets of these previously unspoilt areas with plastics and other
disposable materials that they use during the trips. It is also common for
tourists to spit on the streets of the otherwise beautiful spots on the streets.
Additionally, tourists should also be held accountable for causing enormous
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disturbance to the life of locals. Attracted by the luxury and the comfort of
living that they miss out in their daily life, they may tend to over-indulge and
spoil the ecological balance of the area. Some tourists may also intrude into
the private and closely guarded lives of the locals by randomly going into
locals’ homes and indulge in asking too many questions over their private
lives. In conclusion, there are both beneficial and harmful effects on locales
and the environment as a result of the rise in trips to remote regions.
57) A lot of waste generation is happening of late. Why do you think this is
happening? What can governments do to help reduce the amount of waste
produced? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples
from your own knowledge or experience.
The modern society is producing an alarmingly high amount of waste
resulting in the pressing need for waste management worldwide. It is only
natural that this problem would only aggravate with rise in population and
industrialisation. The government can help reduce waste production by
educating the public and by promoting recycling.
The global population has reached a shockingly high seven billion recently. This
has led to solid waste being produced as a by-product. This number is
expected to soar to nine billion by 2050, in light of the current trend. Likewise,
the amount of trash produced is expected to rise. Another factor that
contribute to this accumulation of waste is the rise of manufacturing
industries. As market demands rise higher, the number of factories that come
up as a result also grows to satisfy this demand.
This problem has been brought to the centre stage with the world being
focused on tackling global warming. One way that the government can help
lessen this burden on the environment is by educating the general public. By
promoting the use of reusable bags when shopping, the amount of plastic bags
can be brought down to a large extent. Furthermore, the government can also
come up with advertisements and posters in ways that a household can reduce
the trash it generates.
Sound recycling is another step that the government may undertake. Towards
that, the government must invest in a technology that can be managed at the
municipal level. To inspire its citizens to adhere to this program, the collection
points for recyclable materials must be made accessible. Sweden, for instance,
has set these areas within 300 meters from residential areas. The success rate
has been fairly satisfactory.
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To sum up, population rise will remain a continuous phenomenon. In order

for the world’s natural resources to be preserved for eternity, both the
government and the public must cooperate to find a solution to this ever-
present problem.
58. The percentage of overweight children in western society has

increased by almost 20% in the last ten years.
Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
your own experience or knowledge.
The western society is seeing a drastic rise in the number of obese people. This essay will
discuss the main reasons of this epidemic and then describe the possible effects of the problem.
I would like to posit that the primary cause of obesity are a sedentary lifestyle and the foremost
causes of obesity are inactive lifestyle and insalubrious eating habits.
There has been a rising trend in people relying more and more on cars rather than walking
on foot. They also prefer less physical pressure at work and would rather prefer sluggish
leisure activities. This could result in a high accumulation of calorie owing to less scope for
calorie-burning.
The problem is also made intense by the growing number of people, who eat irregularly and eat
large portions of high-calorie food. Research shows over 50% of the adult population in
Europe— with disordered eating habits-- suffer from obesity.
Obesity, in general, results in both physical health related issues and a dip in the productivity level
of an individual. There have been studies about obesity leading to incorrect functioning of the
human body and resulting in some chronic illnesses. For example, as body fat percentage
increases, the person’s metabolism worsens, which in turn may result in diabetes or heart
diseases. Secondly, people who are overweight are very often prone to suffer from lerthargy and
stress. This may result in lower productivity. In fact, it has been been proven that an obese
person requires more labour to execute some tasks than a person with standard weight.
In conclusion, obesity has become more common today and affects a lot of people nowadays.
The primary causes can be traced to an inactive lifestyle and eating disorders and results in
severe health problems and loss of productivity.
59. In quite a few countries, youth are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the merits and demerits for youngsters who decide to do this.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
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In some countries, it is a policy that students should take a year off from studies upon
completion of their high school—before joining universities. The students are encouraged to work
or to travel during that period. Although seemingly an impressive concept, this has its own merits
and demerits. Some of these will be exemplified in this essay.
To begin with, taking a year off, upon completion of years of a long-term school education is a
relaxation for students and is well deserved too. This break can also be a period of quality family
time for students who might have been schooled within the confines of boarding schools. Again,
this period offers plenty of opportunities to young people, to experience the workings of the
modern world. Students who opt for a break can also consider work opportunities and get
direction for their career goals, based on their experiences.
Youth who take to vacationing can also acquaint themselves with getting familiar with cutures and
customs of different countries—an expansion of their outlook that could lead to cultural tolerance.
The holidaymakers, on the other hand, can familiarise with the customs and cultures of various
countries, which in turn will widen their outlook and will also promote cultural tolerance. Hence,
in the long run, such breaks help the young minds in gearing up for the highly challenging
university life.
On the flip side, the concept of also comes with some demerits. Many academics assert these
periods of pauses in the middle of student life impacts further education. They maintain that
these breaks can result in the young minds losing interest in learning or getting dissuaded due
to various reasons, and may eventually get demotivated from pursuing varsity education.
Secondly, the employed youth, due to an abrupt raise in their buying power, might also get
attracted to many social evils like alcoholism, gambling and substance abuse.
Hence, to sum up, even though policies such as this may exist in some academic institutions, they
should not be made compulsory at a national scale, given that these activities are also associated
with substantial negative results.
60. Some people claim that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research for the
benefit of human beings, while others argue that it is wrong. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
Different perspectives prevail over how medical research should be conducted and tested.
Notwithstanding the fact there are many supporters for the use of animal experimentations
towards developing medicines, I personally believe that animal testing is morally wrong.
The principal reason why some people consider animal experimentations as a means to conduct
medical research is because testing on animals has an immense role to play in many life-saving
cures and treatments. It cannot be denied that almost every medical breakthrough in the last 100
years has been a direct result of research using animals. For instance, clinical experiments in
which dogs had their pancreases removed directly led to the discovery of insulin—which is vital to
saving the lives of diabetics. Additionally, it is impossible to launch new drugs in the market before
proving it has no harmful effects on humans; hence, laboratory mice makes for appropriate
research subjects, considering they are similar to human beings in a lot of ways.
However, I have a different take on it. My support is primarily with people who consider medical
development involving the use of animals as brutal and unacceptable. I am of the view that the
lives of all creatures should be held in high regard and humans have no right to use animals for
their own benefits. Government has a vital role to play in this area by investing in alternative
procedures that can replace using animal experimentations when doing medical research. A
software program, for example, can be worked upon to build a mockup of a human immune
system, and new drugs can be tested on the software rather than on animals. These methods
will make sure that no animals suffer from the medical experimentations and the society can still
benefit from advancement in the field of medical development.
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61. Some products can be made quickly by a machine. Other items take a long time to be
made by hand. As a buyer, which do you prefer and why? Give adequate reasons and
substantiate your views.
The Industrial revolution has led to the flooding of consumer markets with mass-produced goods.
Although such goods have found popularity, it is now becoming increasingly clear that handmade
items are more appropriate for the informed consumers of contemporary times. In this essay, I
shall look at some of the ethical and quality-based reasons for this re-evaluation.
To begin with, handmade goods can be made with far more care and attention to detail than easily
accessible mass-produced goods. This is also because machines lack the sensitivity that
experienced craftsman lend to the making of goods. For example, a study by the International
Consumerist Society--a consumerist society dedicated to global production of goods--found that
handmade furniture, musical instruments and jewellery were consistently rated as being more
attractive (by consumers) than the artificial procedures of manufacturing mass-made items.
Therefore, it is clear that buyers prefer handmade goods for reasons that relate to quality of
workmanship.
Secondly, companies dealing in handmade products have far more ethical attitudes towards the
environment. This is because factories and chemical processes provide a big boost to mass
industrial production. For example, the British Green Party found that the levels of toxicity and
environmental damage outside handmade production centres were measly when compared to
the levels found outside factories used for mass production. Since modern consumers are more
environmentally conscious than ever before, these findings have clearly contributed to their
preference for handmade goods.
In light of the above, I would like to posit my preference for handmade goods over machine-
induced production.
62. Pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect the
environment. What are the possible causes of water pollution, and what effects does this have on
animal life and human society?
Water pollution is a serious form of contamination, and can be challenging to resolve. There seem to
be two main causes linked to it that leave a diverse range of damaging impacts on people and the
biosphere. The main factors could range from car emission, to factory air pollutants and a string of
other human activities. These emissions comprise environmentally harmful pollutant particles which
can contaminate rainwater surplus and thus enter the water cycle, by transferring through the water
table into underground layer of streams, water-bearing permeable rock and rivers. The usual
methods of filtration and processing are not fundamentally viable options for such large capacities
of water, which results in water table remaining polluted with these elements over long periods, as
we see in Eastern Europe today. In situations where soil erosion and logging have already spoiled the
local environment, the buildup can lead to serious consequences.
The other primary cause is deliberate dumping of waste products in places outside of controlled
landfills or waste-processing centres. Even seemingly ignorable amounts of abandoned waste can
enter water supplies through the ground, often unnoticed. The impacts on animal life can be
intense too, especially for species which are already endangered by such risks as poaching, habitat
loss and food chain disruption.
The impact on human society of these environmental anomalies can also be distressing. The poisoning
of drinking water, famine or drought due to lack of safe irrigation, and land loss over a long period of
time are also to a great extent a result of the reckless attitude of people towards protection of lakes
and rivers. Such phenomena especially leave a grave impact on the very poorest in society, with the lack
of adequate resources to counter such environmental effects. Overall, we see that emissions and
dumping are central to the origins of the problem, and that the effects on
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both humans and animals are exacerbated by the existing environmental, criminal or social
problems.
63. There has been a large-scale depletion of natural resources to sustain current levels of
economic growth. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The growth in population has led to a dramatic rise in the demands of natural resources. Some
people ascribe this to paucity of natural resources. However, there are some who disagree with
this opinion. Let us examine some of the issues behind this phenomenon. On one hand, some
people state that if the number of natural resource will continue to dwindle we cannot lead a
comfortable life because natural resources are limited. According to a research in the US, this
gradual decline in natural resources can lead to a high-level depletion of petrol by 2050. This could
be a massive crisis given the continual rise in the population graph! One cannot but only imagine a
dreary state of affairs with depletion of natural resources.
On the contrary, there are some individuals who disagree with the above-mentioned perception.
They posit that the enhancement in technology would result in reduced use of natural resources.
For example, the developments of technology such as electronic cars have a positive impact in the
society. By using technologies such as this, we can reduce the pressure on natural resources.
Eventually, there would be almost no use of natural fuel. In my opinion, the drastic reduction in
natural resources would be quite a crisis, and I think the loss of it would only make life more
miserable and uncomfortable.
In conclusion, I agree with the idea that there is no longer enough natural resources to sustain
this situation. In order to sustain lives of our future generations, the government of every country
should be determined efforts, in partnership with citizens, tackle this issue.
64. Doctors recommend that older people should have a daily exercise regimen.
However many older people do not like to exercise. What are some of the causes of
their avoiding exercise. What steps can help encourage them to adopt this practice?
Older people are often advised by doctors to conduct physical trainings at regular periods. But
many people of that age would rather skip exercises and do not follow the guidance. In this
essay, let us delve into the main causes of the problem will discuss the main cause of the problem
and secondly give some suggestions on how to encourage them to have more regular activity.
Older people are often prone to suffer from various aches and pains, physically. The primary
reason behind older people not completing enough exercise can be ascribed to the above premise.
Again, older people could also be associating exercise with strenuous activity, unaware that many
exercise programs can be tailored for their age group. Having a weaker constitution can also be a
demotivating factor for them to be attracted to physical exercises. This withdrawal symptom
follows from their fear of injuring themselves while doing certain movements. In fact, many
studies substantiate that a major cause of older people getting hospitalized is because of
accidents involving strenuous activities.
Now, let us look at some of the ways of encouraging the older people to adopt an exercise routine.
One of the effective ways would definitely be proper instruction from experienced instructors that
could inspire older people to exercise. Exercise methodologies like Zumba gold are popular
amongst old people because they offer flexibility of movement--with music and fun group activities
integrated into it. Another engaging way for old people to be encouraged for exercise is by
attending group classes with their peers. They can see this more as a social meet.
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In conclusion, although older people are usually reluctant to undertake any exercise, they can be
encouraged to move their bodies, through fun and flexible group fitness programs. Many of them
may feel motivated through regular fitness programs with encouragement from peers.
65. Even though globalization impacts the world’s economies in a positive way,
its negative side should not be ignored either. Discuss.
Globalisation has taken on a whole new character in contemporary times. Parallel to this is the debate
whether globalization is a blessing or a curse. Two opposing voices are doing the rounds around this
nature of globalization. Some people argue that globalization has a fundamentally beneficial influence on
our lives, while many others contend that it has a detrimental effect as well.
A strong argument can be made about globalization not only playing a central role in the
development of technology and economy, but also in promoting inter-cultural exchanges between
different countries. To start with, it is globalization that compelled many corporates to become
international groups, thereby making a contribution to local technology and employment. To put
things in perspective, when a multinational group establishes a factory in a developing country,
the new machinery, the introduction of effective management skills and new job openings are all
in the best interest of the local society. Moreover, people worldwide can get to know each other
better through globalization.
Admittedly, the revenue-driven side of globalization has affected young people in the most brutal
ways. Today, in the megapolises in different countries, it is common to see youth and teenagers
wearing Adidas footwear and NIKE T-shirts, listening to trendy music on Apple iPods and dining at
global restaurants. The culture that took a thousand years to appear just seems similar in these
cities; it seems as though you can only characterise them by their languages. On the contrary, in
many developing nations, people are treated like slaves in work factories, thereby creating a huge
cause of concern in the global work culture. For example, some reports of the past had revealed
that some teenagers employed by NIKE’s contractors work in foul-smelling factories over 14 hours
a day, but are only paid fifty cents per hour.
To sum up, I would acknowledge that globalization does come with some adverse effects.
Nevertheless, I would also agree that advantages created by globalisation far outgrow the
negative effects. In a nutshell, I can strongly suggest that we should look at further advancing
globalization, and additionally, the local government should take measures to come up with
policies where sweat workshops no longer flourish and human dignity is kept intact.
66. Some people maintain that e-books and contemporary technology will fully replace
traditional newspaper and magazines. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Technology is booming at a heady pace and they provide us with new avenues while helping us
keep up-to-date with latest news and current affairs. This booming of technology, which has also
extended to the publishing industry, has led many people to believing that conventional ways of
reading newspapers would disappear. However, I do not completely agree with this perspective as
newspapers are easiest and cheapest way to get news.
There are multiple reasons why the traditional ways of getting news are still popular. First of all,
reading newspaper has become ardent habit of many people. Be it from a wealthy section or middle
class families, they eagerly wait for their morning doses of news, in a printed form---along with a cup
of tea. Moreover, newspapers are also portable, cheapest and easiest way of knowing about the global
activities. It can be carried from one place to other in bags and are available at economical prices.
Besides, newspapers can take you through the whole world by mere flipping of pages, without any
dependency on the availability or inavailability of wireless technology. That newspapers come with a
bunch of supplements like culinary art, fashion and technology, career guides, etc. that you can
preserve as cut-outs make them even more alluring for purchase.
It is also undeniable, though, that technology has changed the fundamental ways of viewing news. For
example, e-books and e-magazines can be accessed from any place, at any time…on your electronic
devices. Additionally, one can download, share and forward any interesting material to
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one’s relatives and friends. Needless to say that the technophobic will be having no place in
this ever-advanced modern world.
To sum up, although the lives of people have undergone radical changes with the use of
technology, in my opinion, though, these advanced versions of technology cannot lead to
the extinction existing modes of communication.
67. Every year several languages die out. Some people maintain that too many
languages are not important to the sustenance of a healthy language culture, and
rather fewer languages would be better. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this opinion?
Language is a fundamental tool of communication. However, it is seen that many languages are
facing disappearance in the modern era. There are people who believe that it will be convenient if
there are less languages across the globe. I also support this opinion to a large extent.
To begin with, the less the languages, the easier the communication. There will be no
language barrier and lack of exchange of ideas among people that will ultimately help in
developing harmonious relationships. Additionally, it will not only result in flourishing
relationships among masses but also make political relations strong as there will be more
chances of exchanging scientific research and invention.
Moreover, having fewer languages will prove a blessing for students and business people alike.
People would not have to struggle over knowing a thousand languages to communicate with
people of a certain country---assuming that they have an adequate hold over the popular language
of that country. However, it is also an undisputable fact that language diversity shows the richness
of the tradition and culture of that country. One of the most negative sides to a diminishing
language culture is the decline in the linguistic heritage of certain communities. Fewer languages
mean less linguistic tools in the hands of the people who once preserved an endangered language.
Inasmuch as languages are closely associated with the identity and culture of a certain
community, destruction of these vernacular languages will take a toll on diverse culture.
In a nutshell, although it seems necessary to save regional languages and dialects yet the
diminishing barriers of languages will lead to good psychological relationships among people.
68. Could children be made to behave well through physical punishment or rewards?
Children are the future of the nation and how they should be , is a debatable issue. While some
people believe that they should be exposed to corporal punishment while other say constant
appreciation is required for them. According to me, these arguments need proper scrutinisation
before forming any opinion.
To begin with, there are many benefits of conferring rewards to children. Appreciation and verbal praise
can leave enchanting effect on the behavior of the children because when they are praised for things
done well, they come to know about the value of good behavior and hence continue those behaviour.
The more they shine with positive comments, the more confident they become. On the other hand,
children who are subjected to physical punishment are more prone to becoming less self-confident. A
study conducted on behavior of children revealed that children who are subjected to punitive actions by
parents are more aggressive and furious than others of their age—who could have been raised by praise
and pat. Hence, punishing a child can never be fruitful.
On the contrary, there are definitely some behavioural patterns in children that could be corrected
only with the rod. In fact, training the uncontrollable and impulsive child with physical punishment
could be the last yet best approach to be resorted to. That most children repeat the same mistakes
for which they were punished only force the parents and guardians to beat them. Needless to say,
over-pampering may have adverse effect on children.
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To sum up, children are like those sensitive buds whose nurturing entails a major responsibility.
Therefore, a fair judgment on the behavior of children is required for good upbringing.
69. Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity. Some people
think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Art is the expression of the inherent skills of an artist. Therefore, there are people who are in favor
to impart full liberty to the artists; however, others oppose this opinion freely. In my opinion,
freedom is necessary up to greater extent but there should be proper surveillance on their work to
avoid any unpleasant situation.
To begin with, there are a slew of reasons why many people are in favour of giving full freedom to
artists. Firstly, if they are free from any suppression that helps them to explore all the social issues
of the society without any fear. They can bring out the cancerous spots in the society and ignite
the society towards rooting it out from the society. Hence, any type of restriction will not let them
express their thoughts. Secondly, these creative minds are central to every nation’s creative
nourishment because of their extraordinary skills; if artists get the breathing space to work freely,
they can undoubtedly create masterpieces that can bring recognition to every country on the map
of world.
However, I also feel that granting full autonomy to artists may have adverse effect on the
individual and on the society in that many times artists have brought themselves disrepute
through painting objectionable pictures, or creating films that were known to spark riots and hurt
the sentiments of the people of certain communities. Not to forget the death of people following
those riots. To sum up, although artists are required to give full liberty for exploring their creativity
yet the government of any geography should ensure that that very act of giving full expression to
creativity should not hurt the feelings of a society or community or nation.
70. What are the main reasons and solutions for re-offend?
Every country has its own laws to combat with crime and criminals. However, nowadays, it is
quite apparent that many criminals repeat crime even after being punished. It has really become
a matter of concern because of multiple reasons and according to me this kind of problem should
be addressed immediately.
To start with, undoubtedly, these criminals get influenced by many reasons like social isolation,
unemployment, psychological disabilities and lack of education. Unfortunately, they are subjected
to humiliations very frequently by society people that disturb them mentally and pull them in
constant stage of depression. The imbalanced mental condition never let them get rid of criminal
record. Moreover, their past criminal background leaves them in the lurch of unemployment.
While finding no way to meet their both ends, they start following same path of destruction. Lack
of knowledge and skills is the other most contributing factor.
It is true that there is no problem without solution. The government should get up from long
slumber and initiate rehabilitation programs for them in which they should be given vocational
training for self-employment. The other sustainable approach is the psychological nourishment
where they can be exposed to regular spiritual and religious lecture. That will help them to keep
them away from criminal activities. Moreover, the individual should do something on grass root
level by remaining sympathic towards them as Gandhi ji said; Hate the sin, not the sinner.
Indeed, the aforesaid measures are highly required to curb this problem as stitch on time
saves nine.
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71. Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important
because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Language is the best way of communication. However, it is seen that many languages
are getting disappear in this modern era. There are the people who believe that it will be
convenient if there are less languages across the globe. I also support this opinion up to
greater extent.
To start with, in the justification of my notion, first of all, the less the languages, the easier
the communication. There will be no language barrier and exchange of ideas among people
that will ultimately helps in developing harmonious relationships. Besides that, it will not
only result in flourished relationship among masses but also make political relation strong as
there will be more chances of exchanging scientific research and invention.
Moreover, having fewer languages will prove boon for students and business men. The
survival in other countries will be convenient. Hence, the disappearance of some certain
languages seems to have more positive impact on the world.
However, up to some extent, it is irrefutable fact that language diversity shows the richness
of culture and tradition. Fewer languages mean less linguistic skills. These languages are the
identity of some certain community and tribe because languages are closely associated with
culture of individual and devastation of these vernacular languages will take toll on diversed
culture.
To sum up, although, it seems to be necessary to save regional languages yet the declined
barriers of languages will results in good psychological relationships among people.
72. Some people say that Government should break down all the historic
building and replace them with modern buildings. Do you agree or disagree?
It is an undeniable fact that every country’s monuments and historic sites are their heritage.
Surprisingly, there are some who feel it less valued and want the government to pull it
down. In my opinion, these are the greatest assets of every country and deserve respectful
attitudes by citizens.
To embark on, in the justification of my notion, every country has its own cultural history
that exhibits old civilization. These historic sites are priceless and irreplaceable. This is the
only way to apprise the next generation about our ancestors and their sacrifices. Moreover,
visiting on these locations will help us to learn from our ancestor’s lapse and provide better
course of action.
Furthermore, these locations are the best source of revenue income for the government.
Tourists visit on different places and their spending help the government to improve
Infrastructure of the country. Moreover, tourists show their interest in purchasing handicraft
that result in the growth of small scale industry. It increases the flow of foreign money.
Above all questions, it is quite apparent that tourists’ visit leads to good bonding among the
people across the world.
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In conclusion, I feel that preserving historical sites means saving history of the country. It
has Paramount importance because of its array of benefits for existing and fourth coming
generation.
73. Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans are facing in the 21st
Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates. What problems are
associated with this and what are some of the possible solutions?
Climate change is among the principal threats that is faced by the people of this millennium,
and ocean levels are increasing dramatically. In this essay, we will first look at a fundamental
problem caused by this phenomenon—flooding of homes—to be specific. And then look at a
primal solution—flood protection.
The problem caused by sea levels rising is the flooding of peoples’ houses. Millions of people
all over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will be
swamped with water and lose their property. Shelter is one of the primary needs of human
beings and widespread flooding would drive millions of people to homelessness, not to mention
their losing all their possessions. The wreckages brought about by this natural calamities were
clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were led to
homelessness.
A possible solution to this natural catastrophe would be to build flood barriers. Flood defence
mechanisms such as dams, floodgates, and dikes could be built along coasts and waterways,
thereby preventing the water reaching populated areas. To cite an example, the Netherlands
is one of the most populated areas in the world and among the most susceptible nations when
it comes to floods. The country has now successfully employed various flood defence systems.
To sum up, controlling the rising tides caused by a rising global temperatures is one of the
fundamental challenges we face and it will ultimately result in many of the worlds’ cities go
underwater, but a probable resolution could be to utilise the flood prevention methods already
used by countries like Holland. It is presupposed that more and more countries will be forced
to take such measures to avoid a catastrophe created by the alarming rise in the sea level and
the subsequent flooding.
74. Universities should accept equal numbers of men and women in every
subject. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Issues around the subject of gender have been gaining significance over the centuries. In
almost every sphere of human activity, there has been a shift towards greater egalitarianism
between women and men. Although I concur with the view that universities should open their
doors to students across genders, I also believe they should not set a pre-determined limit on
the number of men and women they can accept in each subject matter. I will present some of
the psychological and personal reasons to support my perspective.
At a psychological level, women and men are simply different, though they have the equal
potential for greatness. Women, for instance, tend to be more thoughtful, sensitive and caring
by nature. For the same reasons, women may feel attracted to professions such as nursing,
teaching, or psychology, even though all fields are open to them. In this regard, it is best for
universities to accept the best applicants in terms of merits and capabilities, regardless of
gender.
At an individual level, students need to discover their true calling. However, these decisions
rest with individuals. This is, however, an individual matter and is not influenced by the
universities reserving seats for men or women. For example, if the majority of women shy
away from math or engineering, perhaps it has to do with their upbringing, which has influenced
their interests. The universities will not be able to reverse this trend, though they should always
look out for the most qualified candidates.
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In conclusion, equality cannot be forced upon people – not in the area of education,
employment or family life. Equality is about having choices and those who prove themselves
capable will qualify for university, regardless of gender. It is only right that universities reflect
and respect these free and natural choices being exercised by their students.
75. Some people aver that globalization will result in a loss of cultural identity.
Others maintain that globalization will result in world peace and harmony. To what
extent do you agree with either thesis?
With the advent of globalization, its merits and demerits have become a topic of intense debate.
Many people assert that globalization will result in the loss of cultural identity while others
maintain that globalisation will play a pivotal role in maintaining global peace and harmony. In
my opinion, globalization will definitely have some negative impact on local culture although it
will have positive influence in restoring world peace.
To begin with, globalization opens up the society to a wide array of cultures and this
intermingling of cultures can make the local cultures lose their original identity. As globalization
spreads, it not only leads to economic growth of a country but also allows intermingling of
different cultures. This sometimes makes a society prone to be heavily influenced by other
culture. For instance, due to development of tourism post globalization, Goa, this Indian city
recorded a 20 percent decrease in celebration of local festivals as people were more influenced
by western culture .
However, globalization also aids in fostering global harmony as mutual business interest compel
countries to keep peaceful relations. The economies of most of the countries are dependent on
each other, therefore they try to resolve any clash with bilateral talks rather than resorting to
war. Thus, it helps in building peaceful atmosphere across the world.
To conclude, I reiterate my opinion that globalization might have some deleterious impact on
local culture, but the interdependence of economies due to business helps in avoiding tense
situations because of mutual interests.
76. A country uses nuclear weapon to maintain world peace. Nuclear power also
provides low-priced and clean energy. The benefits of nuclear technology far
ovsershadow the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nuclear power has many beneficial sides to it. From the standpoint of military
strength or defence purposes, nuclear power has been used to end wars and are still
being used as preventive measures. Again, when used for civilian purposes, nuclear
energy can help generate electricity, with almost no negative impact on the
environment. Some people, therefore, believe that the benefits of nuclear power
overshadow the disadvantages. However, I am personally not in favour of nuclear
power, and would like to present my views in support of my statement.
When used as a weapon, nuclear power can wreak havoc of a highly destructive
nature. The effects of radiation have consequences for years to come. Nuclear
radiation also leaves damaging impacts on human lives and plants and other
creatures.
A nuclear attack can make it difficult to restore peace and even more challenging is
rebuilding the country in the aftermath of a nuclear attack. The radiation can even
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affect people living in neighbouring countries. Additionally, nuclear weapons could

fall in the hands of rogue states or terrorist groups. History, as is evident, has been
a witness to large-scale destruction of human habitats over use of nuclear weapons.
Accidents are also common in nuclear power plants. The accidents at the Chernobyl
plant (1986) and in Fukushima (2011) are cases in point. Both released a high
amount of radioactive material into the air that led to the destruction of the
surrounding zones. For the above mentioned reasons, I believe that even if nuclear
power has immense benefits, the dangers inherent in these technologies are so
high that they offset all other probable benefits.
77. In this age of globalisation how can companies keep their

employees motivated and satisfied. State your view with examples.
In today’s global landscape, where employees are faced with local as well as
international opportunities, companies are investing more than ever in controlling
their attrition rates. It has become extremely crucial for the human resource
department to retain workforce and keep them continuously engaged and happy.
One of the challenges in doing so is to keep employees constantly motivated.
Motivated employees are more efficient and productive; they take ownership of work
and generally outperform resulting in a sense of satisfaction. Many people argue
that if employees are compensated well, they will always be motivated whereas,
others think that it is not just about money. To exemplify, Daniel Pink, who is a
renowned psychologist, has done various studies and researches on this matter and
found that it is when people are given a sense of purpose at work, that they feel
motivated to accomplish their tasks. Through his studies, he discovered that even
though money is imperative for stability, it doesn’t keep employees motivated for too
long. Hence, companies should constantly try to challenge their employees with
good work, give them ownership and responsibility and ensure that they understand
the overall goals of the organisation and their role in helping achieve them.
There is also the social factor which plays an important role in engaging employees.
After all, humans are social animals. Companies should organise weekly fun
activities or occasional team building trips. For instance, many companies have
introduced the concept of fun Fridays where people can socialise, watch a movie
together, have drinks and make a conversation with people outside of their work
teams. Companies also benefit from such activities as it encourages team bonding.
In addition, it has also been observed that companies which invest in coaching and
training their employees are likely to have a much satisfied workforce.
To conclude, retaining workforce requires a multipronged approach. In my opinion,
companies should focus on creating a friendly workplace and giving their employees
a sense of purpose. Organizations that are invested in their people’s growth will
have no difficulty retaining them.
78. Some people say that self-employment is better than a job in a company or an
institution. Discuss your opinion and give reasons to support your answer.
A thought prevailing among a large section of people is that self-employment is a more
fulfilling and better way of earning one’s livelihood rather than being employed
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in any organisation. I support this perspective to an extent, as there are definitely

certain benefits that could be derived from one’s entrepreneurship. However, it may
not always be advisable to be self-employed as it is also considered to be a risky
venture.
To look at the pros or benefits, a self-employed person works independently and
enjoys freedom from bondage, while a salaried employee labours hard under the
terms of his contract in an organization. As the only caretaker of his business, he
takes pleasure in earning profits from his operations and also takes pride in being the
independent decision-maker.
Additionally, supple working hours and unplanned leaves are all freedoms availed only
by a self-employed individual. These benefits also allow one to exercise creative liberty
which results in better productivity.
Nevertheless, being the sole owner of one’s business is subject to doubts and
speculation, and comes with a higher risk of loss, which is to be shouldered by the
owner alone. Again, self-employment doesn’t entitle one to paid leaves and fixed
income. For instance, a salaried man can rely on a fixed paycheck at the end of the
month, irrespective of the profit earned or losses incurred by the organisation, which is
more than can be said for a self-employed individual.
To sum up, the belief that self-employment is better than working for an organization
remains ever debatable with both comprising their equally applicable pros and cons.
However, choosing a course of action among the two ultimately depends on individual
choices and fittingness.

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HURRAY IELTS IELTS ESSAY

Important Tips: Writing Task 2 (Essays)

Writing Task 2 asks that you to write an essay in response to a statement or

Government and the Law

Travel and Tourism

Science and Technology

Media and Entertainment

What are the exam rules?

 Write AT LEAST 250 words

The 4 Cs of essay writing: conciseness, cohesion, coherence and composition.

The 4Cs of essay writing

Remember: Writing longer sentences in your response is problematic for two

Firstly, it heightens the chances of errors related to coherence.

d. The fourth C is composition: Composition refers to employing a proper

The structure of an essay

• A background sentence giving some background information on the essay

• A topic sentence illustrating the second point you will be presenting to

• A summary sentence that briefly states the 2 points you discussed in

The different types of essays for Task 2 are

3. Compare and Contrast

4. Cause and Effects

5. Problems, Reasons and Solutions

Some trainers also divide IELTS essay topics in the categories of

Simple tips to get good scores in IELTS Writing:

 Spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40

How to approach the essay

 ADRESS ALL THE PARTS OF THE TASK

 Present, Extend and Support Main Ideas

How to put relevant details in the body paragraph

How to effectively plan out your essay (Time management)

 30 minutes (WRITING): Apply the appropriate paragraph

40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch

Essays General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

3. To put it another way

Adding additional information to support a point

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”.

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”.

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”.

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time.

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”.

20. By contrast/in comparison

21. But then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion.

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”.

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea.

24. Despite this

25. With this in mind