Samples IELTS writing Simon

TỔNG HỢP CÁC BÀI MẪU WRITING TASK BAND 9.0 VIẾT BỞI THẦY SIMON CONTENTS DẠNG CÂU HỎI DISCUSSION + OPINION Road safety Independence Artist Animal testing Minority language Museum Studying or working Video games 10 University subjects 11 DẠNG CÂU HỎI OPINION 12 Wild animals 12 Private schools 13 Salary 14 Foreign tourists 15 Unpaid work 16 Hobbies 17 Help 18 Equality 19 Gender and university 20 10 Living 21 11 Criminal rehabilitation 22 12 Old and young generation 23 DẠNG CÂU HỎI TWO-PART QUESTION 24 Happiness 24 Parental roles 25 Economic success 26 Music 27 Technology 28 Career 29 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com DẠNG CÂU HỎI PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS 30 Life expectancy 30 Environment 31 Films 32 24 TOPICS FOR WRITING TASK 33 IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com DẠNG CÂU HỎI DISCUSSION + OPINION Road safety Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety Discuss both these views and give your own opinion People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads safer In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used together to promote better driving habits On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more safely Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating the same offence There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension, driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences The aim of these punishments is to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative consequences As a result, we would hope that drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways that not punish drivers Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before they start to drive, and this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from driving too quickly Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing in better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to travel by car In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety measures should also be introduced (269 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Independence Some people think that in the modern world we are more dependent on each other, while others think that people have become more independent Discuss both views and give your own opinion People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on others nowadays In my view, modern life forces us to be more independent than people were in the past There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent on each other now Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because the cost of living has increased so dramatically For example, young adults tend to rely on their parents for help when buying a house Property prices are higher than ever, and without help it would be impossible for many people to pay a deposit and a mortgage Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious nowadays, and they want a better quality of life for their families This means that both parents usually need to work full-time, and they depend on support from grandparents and babysitters for child care However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent these days In most countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed, which means that people cannot count on relatives as much as they used to We also have more freedom to travel and live far away from our home towns For example, many students choose to study abroad instead of going to their local university, and this experience makes them more independent as they learn to live alone Another factor in this growing independence is technology, which allows us to work alone and from any part of the world In conclusion, while there are some reasons to believe that people now depend on each other more, my own view is that we are more independent than ever (279 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Artist Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative sources Discuss both views and give your own opinion People have different views about the funding of creative artists While some people disagree with the idea of government support for artists, I believe that money for art projects should come from both governments and other sources Some art projects definitely require help from the state In the UK, there are many works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently These artworks represent culture, heritage and history They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for art The main reason for this view is that governments have more important concerns For example, state budgets need to be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas These public services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public places, is a luxury Another reason for this opinion is that artists a job like any other professional, and they should therefore earn their own money by selling their work In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary (262 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Animal testing Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety of other products Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to humanity Discuss both views and give your own opinion It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for human use While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected They believe that the benefits to humans not justify the suffering caused, and that scientists should use alternative methods of research On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved They argue that opponents of such research might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been developed through the use of animal experimentation Personally, I agree with the banning of animal testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical procedures are concerned In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical research until equally effective alternatives have been developed (270 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Minority language Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money Discuss both these views and give your opinion It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future Although it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages should be protected and preserved There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of money Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing This money might be better spent on other public services Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each minority group Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are less widely spoken A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it If a language disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes societies more interesting By spending money to protect minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part of a country’s history In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage (258 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Museum Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate Discuss both views and give you own opinion People have different views about the role and function of museums In my opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many people will want to see The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education The aim of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know Usually this means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various ways Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting, enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same time (253 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Studying or working Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school Discuss both views and give your opinion When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession This may lead to promotions and a successful career On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions For example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree As a result, university graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company Young people who not have qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level (271 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Video games Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them In your opinion, the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits? Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games While I accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing Many children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their friends This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more signific ant than the possible benefits (258 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 10 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com They deter military attack by another country They can also be sued to maintain peace within countries They can be sued to give the police extra support Soldiers are also used to help in emergency situations, such as after a natural disaster Armed forces: negatives Armies require a lot of funding from governments Too much money is spent on weapons and military technology This money could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services 13.Health Diet The human body requires a balanced diet An unhealthy diet can cause various health problems Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are on the increase Many people nowadays rely on fast food or pre-prepared meals These foods often contain too much fat, salt and sugar They are cheap to buy and very easy to prepare Many young people have grown up on a diet of convenience foods Populations in developed countries are increasingly overweight Exercise Regular exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy body Exercise burns calories and helps to build healthy bones and muscles Doctors advise exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes Most people nowadays lead a sedentary lifestyle We tend to walk less and desk jobs Most adults relax by watching television Children play video games rather than doing outdoor sports In the past, people were more active in their jobs and at home Government’s Role Governments have a significant role to play in reducing obesity More and more people, including young children are seriously overweight They are at risk of heart disease and diabetes This situation will increase the burden on hospitals and taxpayers Hospitals rely on the government for money and resources Governments should promote a healthy diet and regular exercise There should be more time for sports on school timetables IELTS Hoàng Nam 57 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Unhealthy junk food should be banned from school menus People need information about what foods contain Food packaging must show the food’s nutritional content The British Government recommends eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day State Health system: advantages Good healthcare should be available to everyone for free State healthcare is paid by the government using money from taxes Everyone has access to the same quality of care and treatment Private healthcare is unfair because only wealthy people can afford it The National Health Service in the UK provides free healthcare for every resident Private Healthcare: advantages State hospitals are often very large and difficult to run Private hospitals have shorter waiting lists for operations and appointments Patients can benefit from faster treatment Many people prefer to pay for more a personal service Patients have their own room and more comfortable facilities Alternative medicine: Positives People are increasingly using alternative medicines to treat illnesses For example, acupuncture can be used to treat backache Herbal medicines can be used to treat allergies or viruses Many patients report positive experiences with these treatments Some traditional cures have been used for hundreds of years Alternative medicine: Negatives Many alternative medicines have not been tested scientifically They may have no beneficial effect at all They may cause unknown side effects People should trust the opinions of qualified doctors An illness could get worse without treatment from a doctor Stress Modern lifestyles are increasingly stressful People work long hours with strict deadlines Our busy lifestyles mean we have less time to relax Unemployment is a major cause of stress Children may be affected by their parents’ relationship problems Tests and exams can also cause stress IELTS Hoàng Nam 58 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com How to reduce stress Stress can be reduced by taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet It is also important to get sufficient sleep and make leisure time a priority People should work less overtime and take regular holidays Schools have started to employ psychologists They can offer emotional support to students They can help students to cope with exam stress 14.Housing and Architecture State/council housing In some countries the government provides state or council housing This helps people who cannot afford to buy their own house It can be argued that state housing creates dependence on the government People should be rely on the government to look after them People have no incentive to earn money and buy their own home Council properties are often made with cheap, poor-quality materials Old Buildings Historic buildings are part of a country’s heritage They should be protected Old buildings are often considered to be works or art They give character to cities and attract tourists They show us how people lived in the past We identify countries by architectural symbols like the pyramids in Egypt Governments should spend money on looking after historic buildings They need regular repairs and maintenance New buildings should be designed to complement them Modern/green buildings Modern buildings should be designed to be environmentally friendly They should use less energy and produce less waste Modern insulation can make houses more energy-efficient Solar and wind power can be used to generate electricity Rainwater and waste water can be recycled and used to flush toilets Modern glass buildings take advantage if natural light 15.Language English as an international language English is widely used around the world It is becoming a global second language IELTS Hoàng Nam 59 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com It is the dominant language of technology, science and international business International business meetings are regularly held in English The most important textbooks and journals are published in English The ability to speak English is a necessary skill in the modern world Negative of English as an International Language If one language is dominant, other languages may disappear The dominant language brings its own culture American culture has become popular around the world Other cultures may be damaged As an alternative to English, a new global language could be invented It would have no nationality or culture attached to it This could help to promote international peace and understanding Esperanto is an example of a language that was invented with this aim 16.Money Money and Society Society has become increasingly materialistic People aspire to earn more money They want a bigger house or a better car We connect wealth and material possessions with happiness and success Brands like “Armani” or ”Mercedes” are status symbols Advertising creates new desires and needs It persuades us to buy the latest styles Positives of Consumerism Consumerism creates employment It helps to reduce poverty It encourages innovation and creativity in business We live in a global economy We have a better quality of life Negatives of Consumerism Consumerist societies create more waste They use more natural resources They cause damage to the environment Consumerism creates a “throw-away” culture Advertisers tell us who we are and what we want Wealth does not lead to happiness Materialism causes greed and crime IELTS Hoàng Nam 60 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com We should return to traditional values like sharing 17.Personality Happiness Happiness means different things to different people It can be described as a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment People enjoy spending time with family and friends Hobbies, sports and games can be a source of fun and enjoyment Some people see money as a source of happiness Other people define happiness as something deeper In order to be truly happy it is necessary to live a good life We need to feel that we are doing something useful with our lives Some people get a sense of achievement from their work Others find happiness in bringing up their children Religion or a sense of purpose can also be a source of happiness Success People define success in different ways Some people get a sense of achievement from raising a family For others, success is defined by wealth or status We often think of rich and famous people as being successful in life Millionaires like Bill Gates are considered to be successful They have risen to the top in their chosen professions For some, being successful means achieving personal or professional goals They see success as the result of hard work Success in any field requires long-term planning and effort Nature or Nurture Some people believe that our personalities are determined mainly by genetics We inherit our abilities and talents from our parents Others think that our education and upbringing are more important We develop according to the influences around us Our personalities and achievements depend more on nurture than nature Many people argue that we control our own destinies We can shape our own personalities By working hard we can achieve and goal that we put our minds to Many successful people are “self-made” We are not limited by our genetic characteristic or upbringing 18.Sport and Leisure IELTS Hoàng Nam 61 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Arguments against Professional/competitive sport Sport has become a business Professional sport encourages people to compete for money Many sports stars are only concerned about money and fame Some athletes take drugs in order to win at any cost Competitors are often selfish and rude They are not good role models for children All sports should be amateur Sports should be leisure activities rather than jobs People should sporting activities for enjoyment and health reasons Taking part is more important than winning Arguments for Professional sport Professional sports are the same as any other business Many people are employed in the sports industry People should be able to use their talents to earn a salary Sports stars entertain millions of people Money is necessary to improve facilities and train athletes The level of professional sport is much higher than that of amateur sport Arguments for Competitive sport Competition is a natural instinct in humans In daily life we compete to get jobs or the highest grades Sports are a safe form of competition Competition is healthy because it pushes us to give our best Competitors and fans can release energy and aggression Supporters of teams feel a sense of belonging to a community Opinion: professional sport salaries are too high Sports professionals earn too much money They not provide a vital service Football players, for example, earn enormous salaries by simply kicking a ball We could all live happily without professional football Life would be difficult without doctors, engineers and other vital professionals Society does not seem to value these professions as highly as professional sport Sports salaries should be compatible with the wages most people earn Opinion: professional sport salaries are fair It is fair that the best professional earn a lot of money Sport is a multi-million-pound industry IELTS Hoàng Nam 62 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com There is a large audience of sports fans Sports on television attract many viewers Sports stars have dedicated hours of practice to developing their fitness and skills Only the most talented among them will reach the top A sports career many only last 10 years Sports fans are willing to pay to support their teams Sports and Politics Some people think that sport and politics should remain separate Governments are involved in the hosting of sporting events such as the Olympics These events attract investment and create jobs The Olympic Games are an advertisement for the host nation They attract huge numbers of visitors and sports fans Wealthy countries tend to hold these events Developing countries should be given the chance to become hosts 19.Television, Internet, Phones Positives of television Watching television is a good way to relax It is many people’s favorite way to wind down after a hard day at work Television programs can be entertaining and enjoyable Viewers have access to a huge variety of entertainment channels Television brings the best comedians, musicians and actors into our homes Programmers can also be informative and educational News coverage makes the public aware of events around the world Documentaries can make learning more interesting Negatives of Television Television is having a negative impact on society Some people link violence on television with crime rates in the real world Children copy the behavior they see on the screen Children are less healthy because they spend less time palying Advertisers direct their marketing at children Most programs not require much thought Watching TV is a waste of time Opinions about Television Television has many benefits However, it can be addictive Children should play outside rather than sit in front of a screen all day IELTS Hoàng Nam 63 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Behaviour shown on TV can influence people Parents should choose carefully what their children watch Children should not be exposed to violence, swearing or sexual images Advertising during children’s programs should be strictly controlled TV companies should make more positive, educational programs Positives of the Internet There are many advantages to using the Internet It gives us instant access to information on almost any subject Shops and other services are now available online People can buy goods and services from the comfort of their homes The Internet is starting to replace other forms of entertainment It has revolutionized communication We can keep in touch by email or instant messenger services Video messaging is becoming common for business meetings Negatives of the internet Many websites contain offensive content Some sites show violent or sexual images Parents find it difficult to control what their children see online They not always know who their children are chatting to With so many websites it is difficult to search for good information Criminals increasingly use the Internet to steal people’s money Internet compared to newspaper and books Newspapers and books are now published online as well as in print We can read the news in any language from any country in the world It costs nothing to publish or access information on the Internet The Internet allows anybody to publish their own writing Newspaper articles and books are written by professionals Professionals produce better quality writing than amateur People still buy newspapers and books because they are portable People not like reading from a screen Positives of Mobile Phones The mobile phone is the most popular gadget in today’s world Mobile phones have revolutionized the way we communicate We can stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever we are Users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take photos and listen to music Mobiles have also become fashion accessories IELTS Hoàng Nam 64 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Negatives of Mobile Phones Mobiles phones can be a problem in some public places Ringing phones cause disturbance in cinemas and school lessons Some people are not aware that others can hear their conversations Mobile phones may also interfere with electronic equipment Their waves could cause damage to our brains Mobile phones can also be a dangerous distraction Using a phone while driving reduces the driver’s concentration Mobile phones are a popular target for thieves Opinion about Mobile Phones The benefits of mobile phones outweigh the drawbacks We need to use these phones with care 20.Tourism Positives of Tourism Tourism is a popular leisure activity People go on holiday to relax and have fun Tourists can experience different cultures They can sunbathe on beaches or go sight-seeing Travelling abroad opens our minds We can learn to speak other languages The tourist trade is vital for some economies It creates employment in services like accommodation, transport and entertainment Some areas rely on tourism for their income Tourists spend money Tourism attracts investment from multi-national companies It helps to improve the standard of living Low-cost airlines are making it cheaper to travel abroad Negative effects of tourism Tourism can have a negative effect on the natural environment The building of facilities and infrastructure can destroy the habitat of wild animals Beautiful beaches are spoilt by the building of hotels Tourism creates pollution and waste It puts pressure on local resources Local traditional and cultures may be endangered A rise in the cost of living affects local people The price of goods, services and housing may increase significantly IELTS Hoàng Nam 65 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com The future of tourism Government should introduce laws to protect natural environments and local cultures Tourism should have a low impact on wildlife Renewable resources like solar or water power should be used Waste should be recycled Local businesses such as farms should be supported 21.Traditional vs Modern Losing traditional skills Because of industrialization and global trade, many traditions have disappeared Global advertising encourages everyone to buy the same products Most products are now made in factories Machinery has replaced skilled human labour Factory work is boring and leaves people feeling unfulfilled Goods are produced very quickly and in large numbers Products are cheaper, which means that more people can buy them Examples Clothes are mass produced in standard sizes People wear similar clothes, rather than traditional costumes Jeans and T-shirt are now worn throughout the world Historic buildings took skilled craftsmen years to build Modern concrete, steel and glass buildings are built in only weeks or months There are fewer people who can create hand-made goods Traditional customs Traditional customs are still important during weddings and religious festivals People wear traditional costumers and eat special foods It is important to maintain our different cultural identities We should celebrate festivals, teach traditional skills and protect historic places 22.Transport Traffic problems Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work Most people live in the suburbs outside city centre Commuters tend to travel at the same time of day They tend to travel alone Cars and road space are not used efficiently This causes traffic jams during the rush hour IELTS Hoàng Nam 66 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Traffic solutions In order to reduce traffic we should change our working habits The internet can now be used to connect people More people could work from home Meetings can be held as video conferences Workers could be given flexible timetables Another solution would be to tax drivers Workers should share their cars and travel together In London, for example, there is a congestion charge This helps to raise money for better public transport Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient Positives of Public transport We need to reduce our dependence on cars Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities Well-designed transport systems are comfortable and convenient Modern public transport can be fast and cheap Public transport can help to reduce pollution in cities Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic congestion Buses can be given special lands to avoid traffic Negatives of public transport Public transport if often slow and unreliable Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded People feel like “sardines in a can” Cars are much more comfortable Road safety Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers They draw the driver’s attention away from the road The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries Punishments are becoming stricter Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely Speed cameras have become more common Speed bumps are another form of traffic calming Many streets are designed with the aim of slowing traffic down 23.Water Importance of clean water IELTS Hoàng Nam 67 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Water is as necessary natural resource Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation Citizens have access to clean tap water Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries Water supply Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems These systems are massive engineering projects Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance The supply and distribution of water are major concerns Water is becoming scarce in some countries Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies This could lead to a water crisis Water and politics The supply of water is also an important political issue Huge amount of water are needed for agriculture and industry The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars Argument: water should be free Some people believe that water should be free for everyone Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems Argument: water should not be free If water is free, people take it for granted They not think about how much water they waste They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly Water supply systems are extremely expensive Investment is needed to maintain and improve them Private companies may provide a better service than governments IELTS Hoàng Nam 68 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money They will repair leaks to avoid losing money Bottled Water: Opinions Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water They also argue that it tastes better However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems Companies should not be able to make a profit from water It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water 24.Work The benefits of staying in the same job for life Employees have a stable career with one employer They have a good pension and health insurance Their salaries gradually increase They may be promoted within the organization They demonstrate loyalty Experienced staff can be trusted with more responsibility They become part of a team There is a clearly defined path for development The benefits of not staying in the same job People often change jobs in order to further their career Another company may offer a promotion or a higher salary People who change jobs can gain experience They can learn different skills Changing jobs is interesting and challenging People can retrain in a different occupation In a fast-changing world workers need to be flexible People need to develop a range of experience and skills Self-employment Nowadays, it is easy to set up a company The Internet provides a global marketplace Self-employment offers greater freedom than working for a company However, there are risks to starting a new business IELTS Hoàng Nam 69 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Self-employed people may face financial difficulties Many businesses fail to make a profit There is less stability in self-employment There are no benefits like pensions, sick pay and holiday pay Self-employment involved hard work, long hours and total responsibility Unemployment Unemployment is a big problem for individuals, communities and society Some people are unable to find a job They may not have the sufficient level of education or qualifications They may find themselves homeless Unemployment causes frustration and stress Jobless people may become involved in crime as a means to get money The unemployed need careers advice Governments need to provide vocational courses and retraining Unemployment benefits: positives Some governments pay unemployment benefits in order to help jobless people Unemployed people need financial support until they find a new job By claiming benefits they can continue to pay for their homes The benefits system helps to reduce poverty, homelessness and crime Unemployment benefits: negatives Some people claim benefits rather than working They become dependent on the government They are not motivated to find a job The benefits system is a burden on taxpayers All citizens should work to earn a living and support themselves Receiving benefits affects people’s self esteem Work/Life Balance It is important to achieve a balance between work time and leisure or family time Too much work can result in stress and poor health “workaholics” may neglect their families and friends People need to take regular holidays Companies should be expect employees to work overtime Nowadays, many people work part-time or have flexible working hours Technology allow people to work from home Many companies provide childcare facilities A good work/ life balance can raise job satisfaction IELTS Hoàng Nam 70 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS-Simon.com Happy, healthy workers are more productive Technology and work Internet, fax and mobile phone technologies have revolutionized working life Workers can communicate via email, online networks and video conferencing Technology can connect workers in different countries It gives people more freedom It can also save time and money Some people believe that offices could disappear in the future Virtual online offices may replace them Child labour In some countries, children are exploited They repetitive jobs for very low pay Children are often used in agriculture and factory work The employment of children is prohibited in other countries Many people think that children should be free to enjoy their childhood Governments should make education a priority They should build new schools They should supply the resources to educate children Children need to be given the knowledge and skills for adult life IELTS Hoàng Nam 71 [...]... could help to raise the quality of locally made films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the market (294 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 32 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 24 TOPICS FOR WRITING TASK 2 1 Advertising Positives of Advertising Advertising is a key part of modern business Companies need to tell customers about their products Advertisements... Earth In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist, and I believe that we should do everything we can to protect them (269 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 12 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 2 Private schools Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system To what extent do... system can provide such employees In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education (267 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 13 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 3 Salary When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration To what extent do you agree or disagree? Many people choose their jobs based on the size... positive to society In conclusion, while salaries certainly affect people’s choice of profession, I do not believe that money outweighs all other motivators (274 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 14 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 4 Foreign tourists Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?... believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents (269 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 15 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 5 Unpaid work Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the local community They believe this would benefit... this is surely the best system In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should not make this compulsory (250 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 16 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 6 Hobbies Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable To what extent do you agree or disagree? Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others... of achievement is greater In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally pleasurable for different reasons (266 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 17 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 7 Help We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be concerned with our own communities and countries To what extent do you agree or disagree... area In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need (280 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 18 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 8 Equality In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement Some people believe that individuals can... in favour of those from privileged backgrounds In conclusion, it seems to me that there is a positive relationship between equality and personal success (260 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 19 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 9 Gender and university Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject To what extent do you agree or disagree? In my opinion,... selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender (265 words, band 9) IELTS Hoàng Nam 20 Sample Writing Essays Source: IELTS- Simon. com 10 Living In some countries, many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past Do you think this is a positive or negative development? In recent