ielts sample answers writing
SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR SELECTED WRITING TASKS Useful Tips to Help You Succeed in IELST Essay Writing 1. When writing an essay during your IELTS exam, be sure to check your essay in terms of the following criteria: • tense agreement; • word order; • vocabulary; • punctuation; • structure of the sentences. 2. Though IELST essay writing has a time limit, you should spend some time (not more than 5-10 minutes) planning your essay. Otherwise, you risk losing your way while writing and distracting from the topic. It is inadmissible in IELST essay writing. 3. Be sure to present your ideas in separate paragraphs. IELST essay writing demands clear expression of your ideas, clear structure of your essay will make it readable. 4. IELST essay writing establishes a word limit for the essays. You should observe the word-limit for IELST essay writing, it is a must. 5. Getting ready for an exam, you should search the Internet for sample topics for IELST essay writing to improve your writing. There are several large categories IELST essay writing topics belong to: • Education; • Society; • Gender Issues; • Government, etc. Practice WRITING TEST 1 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS) The diagram shows there has been a remarkable rise in the power output of basic machines during the past 300 years. The maximum power output of a modem steam turbine is in excess of 1 million kilowatts, in stark contrast with the 1 kilowatt output from the early steam engines produced just after 1700. From the beginning of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century there were steady improvements in the power output of water wheels and steam engines. Around 1850 the water turbine was introduced and developed rapidly. The power output of water turbines has improved from less than 1,000 kilowatts in 1850 to more than 100,000 kilowatts in the late 20th century. The steam turbine was introduced around 1900, and its power output has improved rapidly from a figure of just over 1,000 kilowatts, i.e. around the point where development of the steam engine stopped. By the late 20th century the maximum power output of steam turbines had increased by a factor of three to over 1 million 1 kilowatts. The most spectacular improvement has been with the internal-combustion engine. From its early days in the late 19th century and a maximum power output of around 5 kilowatts, by the middle of the 20th century internal-combustion engines were delivering more than 10,000 kilowatts. The recent development of gas turbine engines has pushed this figure even higher. Practice WRITING TEST 2 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS) The two graphs show the situation with and without treatment for two types of cancer in women - cancer of the alimentary tract and lymph sarcoma. Without treatment, the life expectancy for both types of cancer is poor - fewer than 25% of patients survive for five years after diagnosis. For cancer of the alimentary tract, treatment can be reasonably effective. Whereas only 35-40% of patients survive one year after diagnosis without treatment, when treatment is applied about 75% of patients survive one year, and the survival rate after five years is just under 50%. For lymph sarcoma, however, treatment can literally be fatal. The survival rate one year after diagnosis is around 50%, whether treatment is applied or not. However, treatment is shown to have a very negative effect beyond one year. After five years 25% of untreated patients are still alive, whereas none of the cases studied who received treatment survived five years after diagnosis. Practice WRITING TEST 3 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS) It is immediately apparent from the diagram that in 1970 the professions in Malaysia were almost totally dominated by men. Many key professional people, including jurists, accountants, architects, engineers and economists, were men, occupying more than 90% of all positions. Architecture and engineering were particularly male dominated, with only 3% of professionals in those areas women. Women were only slightly better represented in science and medicine, comprising around 15% of scientists, mathematicians, doctors and dentists. In education, the proportion of women decreased according to the level, from around 40% of teachers in primary and secondary schools to under 25% of teachers in universities and higher education. The only profession where women predominated was in the traditionally female area of nursing, with 99% of all nurses and midwives being women. The diagram therefore shows a very traditional pattern of male and female roles in the professions in Malaysia in 1970. Practice WRITING TEST 4 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS) The table shows Australian company profits before tax for the period 1986-90 in four sectors: Manufacturing, Mining. Retail Trade and Other Industries. Profits were very uneven across these four sectors 2 during the four year period. The most important sector was Manufacturing, where profits nearly doubled from 1986 to 1989 to peak at $8.6 billion, followed by Mining, where profits reached almost $5 billion in 1989-90, after fluctuating just below $4 billion for the previous three years. Profits in Retail Trade also grew strongly during the four year period, doubling to just below $1.4 billion. In Other Industries there was steady growth in profits for three years from $1.2 billion to almost $1.7 billion, followed by a crash to below $0.4 billion in 1989-90. The table indicates that the year 1989 was a turning point for the Australian economy. After consistent rises from 1986 to 1989, profits in Retail Trade levelIed off in 1989-90, while those in Manufacturing and Other Industries both fell - in Other Industries the fail was particularly sudden, to less than a quarter of their 1989 level. Only Mining, where profits had been steady during 1986-89, showed a significant rise in profits in 1989- 90. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 5 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS) It is commonly said that men and women see things differently. The information in Table 1 tends to support this view, as the perceptions of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and their spouses or partners show significant differences on a number of issues. The three main sources of stress as far as CEOs were concerned were: time pressures and deadlines (52%), the demands of work on private life (48%) and the demands of work on the relationship with the family (45%). The four main sources of stress nominated by their spouses and partners were: work overload (62%), long working hours (62%), time pressures and deadlines (60%) and work-related travel (57%). Time pressures and deadlines are tangible factors that both groups were very aware of. However, spouses tended to be more specific in identifying work overload, long working hours, and work-related travel as problems, compared to CEOs who focused on more general "demands of work." The biggest difference is in the numbers nominating long working hours as a source of stress: 62% of spouses/partners, compared to only 24% of CEOs. It seems reasonable to assume that most CEOs enjoy their work, and generally don't mind the long hours, whereas their spouses and partners don't appreciate this situation at all. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 6 TASK 2(Practice test for IELTS) It is true that new technologies can create serious social and environmental problems. The question is whether governments should focus on these problems when they are formulating policies relating to new technology. Some people would argue that governments have an important watchdog role to play and that they should attempt to establish whether a proposed technology is likely to have any harmful effects. This is seen as an aspect of government looking after the public interest and showing concern for the welfare of its citizens. 3 These people would invest government with the power to veto the introduction of certain technologies. The problem with this approach, however, is that it is very difficult to know in advance what the fulI effects of any new technology will be. The history of science and technology has many fascinating examples of unexpected developments. Sometimes a technological advance in one area can lead to a surprising breakthrough in another, seemingly unrelated area. And one certainly cannot depend on government bureau- cracies to make accurate assessments about these matters. Another problem is that, where one government might decide to ban the use of a new technology, another country may well go ahead with its introduction. In an increasingly competitive global economy the first country may severely disadvantage itself by such an action. New technology is essential for a country's economic development. The best approach is to positively encourage the development of new technologies and to focus on their benefits. Any problems that may arise can be dealt with after implementation. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 7 TASK 2(Practice test for IELTS) There are many examples of industrial conflict situations where employees believe it is in their best interests to go on strike. Some people argue that going on strike is a legitimate and effective way to resolve industrial disputes. I want to argue, on the contrary, that going on strike is, in most cases, not justified. Strikes bring with them a number of very negative effects, including loss of production and possible loss of customers for companies, not to mention loss of wages for the striking employees. In some cases striking employees also put their own jobs at risk, either directly through possible dismissal by their employer, or indirectly through weakening the competitive position of the company they work for. Strikes are an exercise in power, and do not get to the underlying cause of industrial disputes, which is a conflict of interests between employer and employee. However, both sides must also realize that they need each other, and must be prepared to negotiate a compromise solution in situations where conflicts arise. It has been shown in many case studies of strike situations that strikes tend to increase conflict and to hurt both parties through the economic damage they cause. There are better ways than going on strike to resolve industrial conflict. Employers should realize that their employees are an invaluable resource. They should use every avenue to encourage employees to contribute their ideas to improving the work environment. Employees should realize that they have more to gain by working constructively with employers than by opposing them. Where communication is encouraged at every level. relations will be better. and strikes much less likely to occur. Practice WRITING TEST 8 TASK 2(Practice test for IELTS) All people should have access to adequate health care. It is difficult to argue against this proposition. In 4 theory most people would agree with it. But in practice it is more difficult to find countries where it is actually true. Health care systems. such as in the United States. where a large proportion of the population cannot afford health insurance. are most undesirable in social terms. People are not cared for properly if they suffer a serious accident or become seriously ill. Yet in the same country the very best in medical services are available to those with the capacity to pay. Are we at the point where we accept that the life of a rich person is worth more than that of a poor person? Governments have a responsibility to provide basic health services to all the population. However, governments always have limited resources. and they have a responsibility to use these in an efficient and effective manner. for example. it is difficult to justify governments spending money on expensive medical procedures such as cancer research, if this diverts resources away from the primary objective of equal access to health care for all. The argument then turns on what kind of health care system should be supported by governments. Preventive health care is one area where government needs to take the lead. Money spent on preventing disease is more than repaid by money saved in not having to treat that disease at a later time. Public health programs to eradicate diseases such as typhoid and smallpox are a good example where the benefits flow on to all people. regardless of income or social status. More recently. government sponsored fluoridation programs have played a major part in reducing the incidence of tooth decay, with significant improvements in general health and enormous savings in dental bills for ordinary people. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 9 TASK 2 (Practice test for IELTS) One feature of improved education systems around the world has been an increase in the period of compulsory schooling for students. In many developed countries students are now required to stay at school until they are 15 years of age. There are quite plausible reasons for opposing this policy. Low income families. for example. may not be able to afford to keep their children at school and may resent governments imposing this decision on them. In many developing countries children can bring in much needed income. either by working in family agricultural activities. or else through paid employment. Compulsory schooling might also be opposed on educational grounds. Recent studies have shown that compulsory school can be psychologically damaging for students who are not motivated to learn. They may be more ready to learn later on as adults when their motivation is stronger. But there are also strong reasons why students should be obliged to remain at school until a certain age. first. at a young age students are unlikely to be sufficiently mature to make sensible decisions about their lives. We should not allow students to make decisions they may later regret. A second reason is that in today's society, where increasingly high levels of skills and knowledge are required of the work force, early school leavers will find it very difficult to obtain employment. 5 It is my view that schooling should be compulsory until a certain age. Education authorities. however. must ensure that the education provided is both affordable to families and relevant and interesting to students. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 10 TASK 1 (IELTS practice test now) In all, the world spends an estimated $US25 billion annually, on civilian space applications. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the trends in the graph below and suggesting reasons for any major differences in expenditure. According to the graph, there is considerable variation in spending on civilian space programs around the world. Argentina, for example, spends virtually nothing while, at the opposite end of the scale, the United States spends $1500m. The next highest spenders are France, Japan and China spending $1400m, $1300m and $1200m respectively. Middle range spenders include Germany, Italy, Sweden and Russia, spending in the $700-$1000m range. Among the lowest spenders are Ireland, Australia, Pakistan and Israel spending under $100m. The remaining countries spend between $ I 00 and $300m. Overall, the trends in the table show the wealthy, developed countries as being foremost in space application spending, while countries classed as developing, or those with very small populations, spend the least. There are some exceptions, like China, which is developing fast and has obviously made space technology a priority. Thus the main reasons for the differences may include wealth, size, political and eco- nomic stability and the chosen priorities of each country. (159 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 11 TASK 2 (IELTS practice test now) Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic: Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Faster planes and cheaper flights are making it easier than ever before for people to travel. In most 'developed' societies, visiting exotic places is a sought-after status symbol. The tourism industries of both developed and developing countries have recognized this fact and are learning to take advantage of it. There are, however, some problems associated with this new industry. Firstly, there is the increasing crime rate. Some locals see tourists as easy prey because, not only are they in unfamiliar territory and therefore less able to take care of themselves, but also they carry visible items of wealth, such as cameras and jewellery which can be disposed of quickly for a profit. Another major problem is health. With greater mobility comes greater danger of spreading contagious diseases around the world. One carrier returning home could easily start an epidemic before their illness was 6 diagnosed. Moreover the emergence of many more diseases which resist antibiotics is causing scientists to be increasingly concerned about this issue. Also to be considered is the natural environment, which can be seriously threatened by too many visitors. Australia's Great Barrier Reef, for example, is in danger of being destroyed by tourists and there are plans to restrict visitors to some of the more delicate coral cays. These are just three of the reasons why any country should be wary of committing itself to an extensive tourism development program. (232 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 12(1) TASK 1 ( Prepare for IELTS ) These two pie charts show the differences between two groups of Australians (25 to 34 and 55 to 69 year olds) in terms of their post-school qualifications. The first point to note is the huge increase in the number of people with qualifications. The younger group is more than three times bigger than the older group (347,500 compared to 104,800). Comparing the two groups, architecture and medicine have experienced a decrease in popularity with younger graduates; medicine declined by almost 4%. However, the biggest loss was to engineering, which decreased from 19.27% to 9.35% of the whole. Some subjects were more popular with the younger age group. The biggest gains in graduate numbers were made by Science, Maths and Computers which, as a group, have increased by over 8%. Administration has gained by 4.1%. To sum up, the graphs show a threefold increase in : the number of graduates. The most noticeable change in subject percentages is the decrease in the number of engineering graduates. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 13(2) TASK 1 ( Prepare for IELTS ) This diagram shows the sources and concentration levels of nitrogen in the groundwater of a coastal city. In a natural situation, nitrogen may be oxidized by lightning or fixed by vegetation. Domestic and market gardens add to the nitrogen in the water table through fertilizer and household liquid wastes. Industries add nitrogen through leaks from storage tanks and wastewater ponds, and the disposal of waste in landfills may lead to more nitrogen entering the water table. The groundwater flows toward the sea and discharges into the ocean in the groundwater discharge zone. Some nitrogen is taken up by soil particles. The heaviest concentration of nitrogen is shown in the darker sections on the illustration, and this shows that the heaviest concentration of nitrogen comes from industry, from household liquid waste, and from landfill. The concentration tends to decrease near the saltwater interface and between the areas of high concentration of nitrogen which descend from industry and waste disposal. 7 PRACTICE WRITING TEST 14(3) TASK 1 (Prepare for IELTS ) The first graph shows the percentage of people employed in different sectors of the economy in 1992, and the percentage of GDP which they produced. The main economic sectors are natural resources, industry and services. The second graph shows movements between 1986 and 1995. The first graph reveals that although 77.4% of the population worked in nature resources in 1992, they produced only 19.2% of GDP. However, the 3.6% of the population who worked in industry produced 15.4% of GDP, and the 15.2% who worked in the service sector produced 58% of GDP. The second graph shows that services as a percentage of GDP have been falling steadily. In 1986 natural resources provided more than 25% of GDP, but this declined to less than 20% in 1992, recovered in 1993 but fell below 20% in 1995. Industry earned less than 10% of GDP in 1986, but rose almost to 20% in 1995. The two graphs reveal that GDP is earned primarily by the service sector. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 15(4) TASK 1 ( Prepare for IELTS ) The table shows consumer preferences in four different European countries. In the United Kingdom (UK) and France consumer prefer 34" and narrow shells, in Germany and Sweden 34" and wide shells. The load capacity varies slightly between 5 and 6 kilos. The preferred spin speed ranges from 850 rpm (Germany), 800 rpm (Sweden), 700 rpm (UK), to 600 rpm (France). The preferred chum material is enamel in the UK and France, stainless steel in the other countries. Consumers in every country except the UK prefer front loading to top loading machines. The British and the Swedes want a water heating system, but this is not so elsewhere. Each country has a different preference for styling features, the British favoring an inconspicuous appearance, the Germans requiring a machine which looks indestructible, the French an elegant machine and the Swedes a strong-looking machine. The final feature, the washing action, sees a division between the UK and France where consumers prefer an agitator, and the other countries where a tumble action is preferred. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 16(1) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS ) A wide range of medical treatments is available today. Patients may wonder which will be the most effective, and whether their own mental attitude to the type of treatment might affect its success. This essay will consider the second of these questions. Many people visit their doctor or go to hospital with complete trust in the expert care offered by conventional services. However, some people do not get a satisfactory result. For example, the drugs they are prescribed 8 may have unpleasant side-effects. Their initial positive attitude towards their treatment does them little good. Similarly, those patients who trustfully choose alternative treatments over traditional medicine may find themselves disillusioned. Less rigorous qualification standards among alternative practitioners may mean that some healers give ineffective or damaging advice. The result, again, is that a patient who entered treatment with confidence leaves that treatment disillusioned. On the other hand, patients may try a style of treatment with some skepticism. A person used to conventional medicines and drugs may be suspicious of treatments based on diet and lifestyle changes. Yet if they follow such programs, they may in fact notice improvements in their condition, in spite of their skepticism. Equally, a. patient opposed to conventional medicine may have an accident and be saved by the effective treatment of conventional emergency services. In conclusion, it appears that the mental attitude of the patient is not the most significant factor in determining the outcome of the treatment. Patients who enter treatment confidently may leave disillusioned while those who begin treatment skeptical of the results may find themselves surprised with what they have gained. Patients should seek the advantages which each style of care can offer. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 17(2) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS ) Governments can only provide a limited range of services for citizens. Certain types of service, however, must be provided by governments, whereas both governments and private groups or individuals can share the responsibility to provide other services. A government must provide those services which are essential to a country. These include defence capabi- lities and social security. Private enterprise and the profit motive should not form part of these essential services. On the other hand, some services could be provided by either governments or private groups or both. Education and health care are examples of such services. A government must provide at least a basic level of education and health care 'so all citizens can have access to them. Private enterprise, though, could also provide services in these areas for those who wish to pay for them. Urban infrastructure is another area where governments and private groups or individuals can share responsibility. Governments must build and maintain a system of roads, but toll roads can be built and road maintenance carried out by private contractors. Similarly, other infrastructure, such as water or electricity supply, can. be operated by private companies. To sum up, there are some services such as defence and social security which must be provided by government. Other services, for example water supply or education, could be provided by both government and private enterprise. Consequently, it is not true to say that a government's role is only to provide some 9 services while others should be provided by the private sector. In fact, both government and private groups can share in the provision of most services. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 18(3) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS ) Computers are now essential in many areas of life modern banking, retail and information exchange among others. However, this is not true for education. At a simple level some subjects may be better taught using computers, but to explain important concepts a human teacher is still indispensable. There are some subjects in which a computer can be used successfully to teach. Elementary mathematics, elementary language learning, any area which requires a student to memorize basic facts through repetition is well suited to computer learning. The computer can be programmed to provide an endless number of simple questions, and as the student answers these questions the facts are learned and reinforced. However, in the learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate. A computer can evaluate an answer as right or wrong, but it cannot determine why. It cannot find out why a student is making mistakes, and then re-present important concepts in a different way so the student will understand. It cannot determine at what stage in a mathematics problem the student has made an error, it can only indicate that the final answer is wrong. Tasks involving reasoning cannot be taught by computers, as there are too many variables for a computer to deal with successfully. Thus, while computers may be useful as a tool for practising simple skills, they are not an essential feature of modern education, because they cannot monitor a student's grasp of concepts, nor evaluate a student's reasoning. Until further developments in computers are made the human teacher will remain indispensable. PRACTICE WRITING TEST 19(4) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS ) The private motor vehicle has given us a freedom our ancestors could only dream about. We can travel swiftly, and usually safely, over the roads which have been built to accommodate our cars. People can display their wealth by driving a car which may cost as much as another person's home. Sadly the car has become a disadvantage as well as a boon. The car pollutes the atmosphere, may be involved in serious accidents, and by its very numbers blocks roads and chokes cities. How can we reduce its use? The car is only desirable if we can use it easily, so we might begin by reducing access to parking spaces in the cities and simultaneously increasing the quality and availability of public transport. Cars could be banned from certain parts of the city, thus forcing people to walk or to use public transport. The expense of buying and running a car can be raised. If the motorist is faced with a high purchase price, high road tax, high insurance premiums and substantial fines he or she may reconsider the purchase. A corresponding reduction in the price of public transport would help this financial argument against car 10 [...]... before writing a second draft using suggestions nom stage four Once completed, all quotations should be checked for errors The sixth stage consists of writing the final draft of the essay A spell check is required, before adding a title page and compiling a bibliography The essay should then be submitted before the" deadline for completion PRACTICE WRITING TEST 56 TASK 2 ( 101 helpful hints for ielts. .. improve, but attention can be given to developing reading and writing skills as well In general, even though it is preferable to study English in an English-speaking country, a reasonable level of English can be achieved in one's own country, if a student is gifted and dedicated to study PRACTICE WRITING TEST 55 TASK 1 ( 101 helpful hints for ielts ) 29 For this university course an essay is completed... from an early age a child will develop a more disciplined approach to life and as a result develop into a well balanced adult able to deal with an ever more complex world PRACTICE WRITING TEST 22(3) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS General ) Most countries in the world are experiencing difficulties as populations increase and resources become more scarce In many ways Australia is a lucky country as it has... misunderstanding As I have shown Australia is facing some difficulties but it seems possible that if we listen to each other and our neighbours we will be able to overcome them PRACTICE WRITING TEST 23(4) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS General ) Every country, no matter how affluent, has groups of people who live in poverty Poor people can be described as those who are lacking in goods and services to the point... people than ever enjoying a good quality of life The challenge for the world is to keep rolling back the frontier of poverty, knowing that it will only be achieved inch by inch PRACTICE WRITING TEST 24(1) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success ) The two decades between 1975 and 1995 brought significant changes in the representation of women in Freedonia's work force, according to the graphs In 1975, for example,... sector (non-defence), which employed 650 000 women and 850000 men Thus, women appear to have made gains in the Freedonian work force but not at the expense of men.(243 13 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 25(2) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success ) Anyone who has visited a dentist has been told that eating excessive amounts of sweets risks harming the teeth This is because sweets lower pH levels in the mouth to dangerous... implications, then, are that people who insist on eating sweet foods should be aware of the ingredients, and that fruit sugar or honey appear preferable to cane sugar (242 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 26(3) TASK 2 ( IELTS to success ) Mandatory retirement age varies from society to society, perhaps a reflection of economics, population pressures or simply value systems Indeed, retirement at 50 can probably... work should not be asked to retire simply because they have reached a certain age Societies that insist on early retirement may do well to look again at their policies.(333 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 27(4) TASK 2 ( IELTS to success ) There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture, can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience But while overseas... about going overseas for university study is certainly understandable, it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it well worthwhile (301 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 28(5) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success ) Most consumer goods go through a series of stages before they emerge as finished products ready for sale Raw materials and manufactured components comprise the initial... foster future sales by devising suitable advertising for the goods Thus the reality of consumer goods manufacturing goes well beyond a simple linear production process.(246 words) PRACTICE WRITING TEST 29(6) TASK 2( IELTS to success ) The view that women are better parents than men has shown itself to be true throughout history This is not to say that men are not of importance in child-rearing; indeed, . SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR SELECTED WRITING TASKS Useful Tips to Help You Succeed in IELST Essay Writing 1. When writing an essay during your IELTS exam, be sure to check. IELST essay writing to improve your writing. There are several large categories IELST essay writing topics belong to: • Education; • Society; • Gender Issues; • Government, etc. Practice WRITING. essay writing establishes a word limit for the essays. You should observe the word-limit for IELST essay writing, it is a must. 5. Getting ready for an exam, you should search the Internet for sample