Collins English for Exams

Anneli Williams

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Collins English for Exams

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Anneli Winiams has taught English for Academic Purposes at the
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Author's acknowledgements
T he contents of this publication are believed correct at the time of I would like to thank my family, especially my partner Steven
printing. Nevertheless, the Publisher can accept no responsibility and my daughter Ruby, for their support and patience. I would
for errors or omissions, changes in the detail given or for any also like to thank series editor Matthew Duffy for his feedback
expense or loss thereby caused. and advice, always spot-on and graciously delivered, and finally
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Contents

Unit title Topic Page

Introduction 4

1 Gender roles Family matters 8

2 Diet and nutrition Health and fitness 16

3 Educational goals Education 24

4 Biodiversity Nature and the environment 32

5 Global English Language and communication 40

6 The Internet Science and technology 48

7 Consumer spending Employment and finances 56

8 Children and parents Youth 64

9 An ageing population People and places 72

10 Fame Culture and modern society 80

11 Transportation Holidays and travel 88

12 Practice exam 96

Additional model essays 98

Answer key 110

Sample answer sheets 143

 Introduction
Who is this book for?
Writing for IELTS will prepare you for the IELTS Writing test whether you are taking the test for the first time, or
re-sitting the test. It has been written for learners with band score 5-5.5 who are trying to achieve band score 6.5
or higher.
The structured approach, comprehensive answer key and model answers have been designed so that you can use the
materials to study on your own. However, the book can also be used as a supplementary writing skills course for IELTS
preparation classes. The book provides enough material for approximately 50 hours of classroom time.

Content
Writing for IELTS is divided into 12 units. Each unit focuses on a topic area that you are likely to encounter in the IELTS
Writing test. This helps you to build up a bank of vocabulary and ideas related to a variety of the topics.
Units 1-11 cover the key stages of the writing process: everything from analysing the task to proof-reading a completed
response. Every exercise is relevant to the exam. The aims listed at the start of each unit specify the key skills, techniques
and language covered in the unit. You work towards Unit 12, which provides a final practice IELTS Writing test.
Additionally, the book provides exam strategies telling you what to expect and how best to succeed in the exam. Exam
information is presented in clear, easy-to-read boxes. Exam tips in each unit highlight essential exam techniques and
can be rapidly reviewed at a glance.
There are also Watch Out! boxes that will help you avoid common errors made in the exam. Finally, the Exam tutor at
the end of each unit gives you the opportunity to revise and consolidate the exam skills you have studied.

Unit structure
Each of the first 11 units is divided into three parts.
Part 1 Language development introduces vocabulary related to the topic as well as some of the most common
academic words and expressions needed for the writing functions covered in the unit. A range of exercises gives you
the opportunity to use the vocabulary in a variety of contexts. These exercises also build awareness of the patterns in
words and language items. The vocabulary is presented using Collins COBUILD dictionary definitions.
Part 2 Exam skills provides step-by-step exercises and guidance on the key stages of the writing process. There
are guided questions and worked examples to show you what an effective IELTS Writing response looks like. Useful
expressions and grammatical forms are highlighted; and there are exercises that help you develop good range and
accuracy in your writing. You are encouraged to apply what you have learnt, while at the same time writing your own
responses to task questions. Exam information and Exam tips show you how to approach each task type and will help
you develop successful test-taking strategies.
Part 3 Exam practice provides exam practice questions for Task 1 and Task 2 in a format that follows the actual exam.
You can use this as a means of assessing your readiness for the actual exam. There is also an Exam tutor checklist after
the exam practice that will help you revise and consolidate key points to improve your writing.

Answer key
A comprehensive answer key is provided for all sections of the book, including recommended answers and
explanations for more open-ended writing tasks. There are model answers for all of the writing questions. For one of
the practice exam questions in each unit, two model answers are given - one of them annotated. This shows you that
a variety of approaches to each writing task can be taken.

4
Using the book for self-study
If you are new to IELTS, we recommend that you work systematically through the 12 units in order to benefit from its
progressive structure. If you are a more experienced learner, you can use the aims listed at the start of each unit to
select the most useful exercises.
Each unit contains between three to four hours of self-study material. Having access to someone who can provide
informed feedback on the writing practice exercises is an advantage. However, you can still learn a lot working alone,
or with a study partner willing to give and receive peer feedback.
Part 1: Language development
Ideally, you should begin each unit by working through the Part 1: Language development exercises. Try to answer
the questions without looking at a dictionary in order to develop the skill of inferring the meaning of unfamiliar words
from context.
Part 2: Exam skills
Work through the Part 2: Exam skills from beginning to end. It is important to study the Exam information and Exam tips about
each of the question types, so that you become familiar with how to approach the different writing tasks in the exam. Doing this
will also help you develop more general writing skills. The grammar points covered should be thoroughly mastered so that during
the actual exam you can focus on the higher order skills of planning and effectively communicating your response.
Part 3: Exam practice
This section contains exam practice with timed questions. This gives you the opportunity to practise writing to a time
limit. If you find this difficult at first, you could focus first on writing a high-quality response of the correct length. Then
you could start to reduce the time allowed gradually until you are able to write an acceptable answer within the time
limit. Model answers should be studied to identify the underlying approach and effect on the reader. Try not to memorise
essays or reports or to attempt to fit a pre-existing response around another exam question. If you work systematically
through the book, you should develop the skills and language to effectively express your own responses to unseen exam
questions on the day.
Unit 12 Practice exam
This is a complete practice Writing exam. This unit should be done under exam conditions.

Using the book in the classroom

If you are a teacher, you can use Writing for IELTS either as your main IELTS coursebook or as a supplementary course.
Detailed teacher's notes for each unit are available at www.collinselt.com/teachielts.

5
 T he International English Language
Testing System {IELTS) test
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education, Australia. There are
two versions of the test
• Academic
• General Training
Academic is for students wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in an English-medium environment.
General Training is for people who wish to migrate to an English-speaking country. This book is primarily for students
taking the Academic version.

The test
There are four modules:
Listening 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes. for transferring answers to the answer sheet.
NB: the audio is heard only once.
Approx. 10 questions per section
Section 1: two speakers discuss a social situation
Section 2: one speaker talks about a non-academic topic
Section 3: up to four speakers discuss an educational project
Section 4: one speaker gives a talk of general academic interest
Reading 60 minutes
3 texts, taken from authentic sources, on general, academic topics. They may contain diagrams,
charts, etc.
40 questions: may include multiple choice, sentence completion, completing a diagram, graph or
chart, choosing headings, yes/no, true/false questions, classification and matching exercises.
Writing Task 1: 20 minutes: description of a table, chart, graph or diagram (150 words minimum)
Task 2: 40 minutes: an essay in response to an argument or problem (250 words minimum)
Speaking 11-14 minutes
A three-part face-to-face oral interview with an examiner. The interview is recorded.
Part 1: introductions and general questions (4-5 mins)
Part 2: individual long turn (3-4 mins) - the candidate is given a task, has one minute to prepare,
then talks for 1-2 minutes, with some questions from the examiner.
Part 3: two-way discussion (4-5 mins): the examiner asks further questions on the topic from
Part 2, and gives the candidate the opportunity to discuss more abstract issues or ideas.
Timetabling Listening, Reading and Writing must be taken on the same day, and in the order listed above.
Speaking can be taken up to 7 days before or after the other modules.
Scoring Each section is given a band score. The average of the four scores produces the Overall Band
Score. You do not pass or fail IELTS; you receive a score.

IELTS and the Common European Framework of Reference

The CEFR shows the level of the learner and is used for many English as a Foreign Language examinations. The table
below shows the approximate CEFR level and the equivalent IELTS Overall Band Score:
CEFR description
Proficient user (2 9
(Advanced) (1 7-S
Independent user 82 5-6.5
(Intermediate - Upper Intermediate) 81 �5

6
T his table contains the general descriptors for the band scores 1-9:

Scores
9 Expert user Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with
complete understanding.
8 Very good user Has fully operational command of the language, with only occasional unsystematic
inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations.
Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good user Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex
language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent user Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies
and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in
familiar situations.
5 Modest user Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though
is likely to make many mistakes. ·should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4 Limited user Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and
expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely limited Conveys and understands only general. meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent
user breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent user No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words
or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty
understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt No assessable information provided.
the test

Marking
The Listening and Reading papers have 40 items, each worth one mark if correctly answered. Here are some examples
of how marks are translated into band scores:
Listening: 16 out of 40 correct answers: band score 5
23 out of 40 correct answers: band score 6
30 out of 40 correct answers: band score 7
Reading: 1 5 out of 40 correct answers: band score 5
23 out of 40 correct answers: band score 6
30 out of 40 correct answers: band score 7
Writing and Speaking are marked according to performance descriptors.
Writing: examiners award a band score for each of four areas with equal weighting:
• Task achievement (Task 1)
• Task response (Task 2)
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy
Speaking: examiners award a band score for each of four areas with equal weighting:
• Fluency and coherence
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range
• Accuracy and pronunciation
For full details of how the examination is scored and marked, go to: www.ielts.org

7
 1 Gender roles
Language development I Describing character traits; Describing figures and tables
Exam skills I Task 1: Understanding the task; Overview of task
Task 2: Understanding the task; Overview of task; Analysing the questions
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a bar chart; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating a belief

Part 1: Language development

Describing character traits

1 Read the comments above and decide which words a-h the
Oexamtip
speakers associate with males or with females. Write M for males
and F for females. In Task 2, you often have to
write about ideas and issues
a aggressive __ d compliant __ g vulnerable rather than about individual
b authoritative e gentle __ h confident people. A knowledge of
c competitive __ f strong __ abstract nouns will help you
write in an academic way,
e.g. Aggression is commonly
2 Complete sentences 1-6 with the noun form (singular or plural)
considered a masculine trait.
of the adjectives in brackets.
Boys are not usually encouraged to show vulnerability. (vulnerable)
1 Many people believe that men and women have different ---· (strong)
2 ___ is not an exclusively feminine characteristic. (gentle)
3 It is sometimes argued that women do not achieve their goals because they
lack ---· (confident)
4 Some people have difficulty working with female ___ figures. (authoritative)

8 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 1

5 While men tend to be praised for leadership, women are often

Owatchout
praised for---· (compliant)·
6 ___ is commonly associated with masculinity. (competitive) Make sure you use the correct
word class (verb, noun,
Describing figures and tables adjective or adverb).

0 Exam information: Summarising information

In Writing Task 1, you often have to summarise information presented in a visual form. You should familiarise yourself
with the different types of visual prompts and the kind of information they represent.

3 Complete the descriptions 1-8 of the figures below with the words a-f. (Words can be used
more than once).
a column d row
b features e stage
c axis f segment

A line graph typically illustrates A bar chart i.5 often used to make A pie chart shows how a whole
trends. Here the horizontal comparisons between categories of is composed of parts. Each
(1) ____ represents time and items. Each (3) ____ represents (4) ____ indicates a
the vertical (2) ____ represents one category. percentage of the whole.
the characteristic that changes
over time.
4 5

A table is often used to categorise A flowchart or diagram illustrates A map illustrates the (8) ____
data when precise figures are a process. Here each box represents of a location, such as roads, bridges
needed. This example contains three one (7) ____ in the process. and railway lines.
(5) ___ and four
(6) ____ of numbers.

Gender roles 9
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Understanding the task
0 Exam information: Form completion (1)
In Writing Task 1, you have to identify and describe the key information presented in one or more graphs, charts,
or diagrams. You should include a short introduction, one to three body paragraphs and a brief concluding paragraph
(optional).

1 Read the Task 1 instructions below and answer questions 1-4.

0Examtip
WRITING TASK 1
You wiII be assessed and
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. marked on 'task achievement'.
This means you must
The chart below shows the numbers of male and female
understand and follow the
research students studying six science-related subjects at a UK instructions carefully.
university in 2019.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 1 50 words.

1� 150
� 100

� 50

1 How long should you spend on this task?

2 How many words do you need to write? 0Examtip
3 Will you score higher marks if you include all the information in There is no one correct answer
the chart? to a writing task. However,
there are some common ways
4 Are you expected to give your opinion about the information?
of organising your response
and the type of information
included.

10 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 1

Overview of task
2 Read the sample answer below and answer questions 1-6.
1 What information does the introduction contain?

2 What is the main focus of the first body paragraph?

3 What is the main focus of the second body paragraph?

4 What is the purpose of the first sentence in each of the body paragraphs?

5 What is the purpose of the second and third sentences in each body paragraph?

6 What is the purpose of the conclusion?

The chart shows the gender distribution of students doing scientific 0Examtip
research across a range of disciplines at a UK university in 2019. Do not describe all of the
Male students made up a large proportion of the student group
information in the figure. The
purpose ofTask 1 is to test
in subjects related to the study of objects and materials: physics,
your ability to summarise the
astronomy, and geology. The gender gap was particularly large
key information and to select
in the field of physics, where there were five times as many male
appropriate examples to support
students as female students. your key observations.
Women students outnumbered male students in subjects related to
the study of living things: biology, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
In biology, there were significantly more women (approximately 230)
than men (approximately 180). This was also true of medicine, and
especially veterinary medicine, where there were twice as many
female research students as male research students.
Overall, the chart shows that at this university there were
differences in the type of scientific research undertaken by male
and female students.

Gender roles 11
 Task 2: Understanding the task
fj Examinformation: Writing solutions to problems
In Writing Task 2, you have to write an essay of four to six paragraphs in answer to a question. The question will
ask you to evaluate or present an idea or solution to a problem. Your aim should be to present a strong argument,
supported by evidence.

3 Read the Task 2 instructions below and complete statements 1-4 by circling a orb.

WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In spite of the many advances, women have made in education and employment, they continue to
be at a disadvantage when it comes to pay and promotion. In your view, what should be done to
promote equality of opportunity for men and women in the workplace?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
;;:: !MU'"' li4£.ti £ M l#iJ 4 $1¼@0 tJ . if¥!4£¥lJtt1V& ;;.;st

You should spend:

a more time on Task 2 than on Task 1. 0Examtip
b the same amount of time on Task 2 and Task 1. Task 2 counts for more of your
final mark than Task 1. You
2 In your response you should mainly: should spend more time writing
a explain why women are at a disadvantage. your Task 2 response.
b suggest solutions to the problem of inequality in the workplace.
3 To support your opinion, you should:
a give reasons and examples.
b give reasons or examples.
4 You have to write:
a more than 250 words.
b fewer than 250 words.

Overview of task
4 Read the sample answer on page 13 and the explanatory comments in the boxes.
Complete the boxes 1-5 by adding the comments a-e.
a an example
b summary of your main points
c a better solution
d an acknowledgement that there are difficulties
e advantage ot this solution

12 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 1

u
Description of -�in many parts of the world, there is now greater
the situation and equality between working men and women.
problem Nevertheless, women still tend to earn less and An opposing
enjoy fewer promotions than men. Some would -- opinion

H
argue that this situation will correct itself over
Your opinion
time. However, in my view, there is much that can -
and plan

H
be done to address the problem constructively.
One possible approach would be for governments - One possible but
to force employers to promote the same numbers not ideal solution

M
of men and women and to pay them the same
salaries. This would certainly tackle the problem - An advantage of
quickly. However, measures like this would this solution
A disadvantage of -- probably be seen as excessive and difficult to
this solution enforce.
A more feasible approach would be for 1 __
governments themselves to take the lead by
ensuring that their male and female employees
earn the same for equivalent work and that women
are promoted fairly. This would help to establish An advantage of
gender equality as a norm and set a good example this solution
for companies in the private sector. Countries,
such as Sweden and Iceland, which have done this
2 __ - are o�en regarded by others as socially-advanced

r
� models.

Another solution -ro further encourage equality, companies could

be required to publish flgures on the rank and
average earnings of men and women in their
workforce. Evidence of large inequalities would 3 __
create a bad impression. In order to avoid bad
publicity, companies might consider it worthwhile
to pay fairer wages and promote more women to

r
management positions.
4 __ - It is true that the problem of gender inequality in
the workplace will probably not be solved quickly.
Restatement of
However, that is not a reason to avoid taking
your opinion
action. Governments can encourage change by
showing the way forward and taking advantage -- 5 __
of the need for companies to present themselves �
as fair and reasonable.

5 Read the text again and answer questions 1-5. Oexam tip
1 How long is the introduction? Spend six to seven minutes on
2 How many body paragraphs are there? analysing the question, thinking of
3 How many main points are there? ideas, and making a plan. Spend
4 In what order are solutions discussed? about 30 minutes writing your essay,
5 What is the main purpose of the conclusion? and three to four minutes checking
your essay for mistakes.

Gender roles 13
 0 Exam information: Analysing the questions
There are often four categories ofTask 2 questions (a-d below). The question type will help you decide on how you plan
and write your essay. Each type requires you to do something different.

Task 2 question types Examples

a Propose one or more solutions to a problem How can the problem of inequality in the workplace best be
addressed?
b Evaluate a solution to a problem Many people believe that boys and girls learn better when they
are educated separately. What is your view on this practice?
c Provide an explanation or prediction What do you see as the main reasons for gender inequality in
the workplace?
d Evaluate an idea or belief Many people maintain that boys are naturally more aggressive
than girls. To what extent do you agree with this view?

6 Read the essay questions 1-4 below and indicate the type of essay (a-d) you need to write. (See the
Exam Information box above.) Underline the words in the essay question that helped you decide.
1 Why do you think women generally hold fewer positions of power?
2 In many parts of the world, unemployment among men is rising whilst the number of positions in jobs
traditionally held by women is increasing. Do you think that women will overtake men as the main wage
earners?
3 To what extent should governments intervene in the labour market to ensure that men and women are
paid the same amount for equivalent work?
4 Although there has been a large increase in the numbers of women who go out to work, women
continue to do a disproportionate amount of housework and childcare. What can be done to promote
greater equality between men and women within the home?

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a bar chart

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart shows the percentage of male and female teachers in six different types of educational
setting in the UK in 2019. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons where relevant.
%
100

80

60

40

20

Nursery/ Primary Secondary College Private University

Pre-school school school training lecturers
institute

14 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 1

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay evaluating a belief

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses. Is it right to
exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

: Q Exam tutor
How many words should you write for each Writing task?

2 When writing a Task 1 summary, should you include as much

detailed information as possible?

3 When writing a Task 2 essay, should you focus on your personal

opinions and experiences?

Which task should you spend more time writing?

5 What are the four main types ofTask 2 questions?

Gender roles 15
 2 Diet and nutrition
Language development I Expressions related to food and diet; Describing line graphs; T ime
expressions related to line graphs
Exam skills I Task 1: Structuring a line graph response; Writing an introduction and
conclusion; Task 2: Taking a stance on an issue; Generating ideas for your essay
Exam �ractice I Task 1: Describe a line graph; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating an idea

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to food and diet

Oexamtip
One of the criteria used to
mark your writing is 'lexical
resource'. That means having a
good knowledge of vocabulary,
such as collocations, and how
to use it.
1 Match the expressions 1-10 with the correct definitions a-j.
1 organic food a fruit and vegetables available at particular times of the year
2 dietary supplement b a basic food that is regularly eaten
3 fast food c food that needs little preparation and can be used at any time
4 food security d a diet without meat or fish
5 seasonal produce e a diet that provides all of the nutrients required
6 convenience food f the state of having reliable access to food
7 vegetarian diet g tablets or foods taken to improve nutrition
8 health consciousness h food grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides
9 staple food food that can be obtained quickly from a restaurant
10 balanced diet having an active interest in one's health

Describing line graphs

2 Match expressions a-i with the part of the graph it best describes.

Annual per capita red meat consumption

a peaked kgs
50 - ·-···· · · -- -- -- ----- -- - - - - , . .. . . ,.. . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .... . . . . . . . .
b fluctuated
C rose steadily
d fell sharply
e levelled off
f decreased gradually
g declined rapidly
h reached its lowest point
increased moderately
0 -+------.....-----------------.----.
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
16 Writing for IELTS
 Unit 2

0Examtip
When describing line graphs, you can use a wider range of sentence patterns.
1 verb+ adverb, e.g. Meat consumption dipped slightly.
2 There+ to be+ adjective+ noun (+in), e.g. There was a slight dip in meat
consumption.

3 Sentences 1-5 describe the graph in Exercise 2 on page 16. Re-write each sentence using there+ to
be+ adjective+ noun (+ in).
Consumption dipped slightly - There was a slight dip in consumption.
1 Annual consumption of red meat increased moderately. ________
2 It then declined rapidly. ________
3 Meat consumption rose steadily. ________
4 It fell sharply again. ________
5 The annual consumption of red meat per person decreased gradually. ________

Time expressions related to line graphs

4 Read the line graph description below. Underline the time expressions and circle the phrases that
give specific figures.

Between 1918 and 1922, there was a moderate increase in the consumption of red meat from a low of
12 kgs to a high of 18 kgs per person. During the following ten-year period, it declined rapidly to its lowest
point of just over 5 kgs. From 1950 to 1980, meat consumption rose steadily, reaching its highest point
at 45 kgs. In 1980, it fell sharply again to approximately 30 kgs. From 1990 onwards, consumption of red
meat per person decreased gradually by approximately 60 percent.

5 Write a paragraph describing the graph below. Use a mix of sentence patterns and include
information about the time frame and specific figures from the graph.
g I person Average consumption of fresh produce
600
500
400
300
200

100

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

0Examtip
Adding specific information from the graph will make your summary more
precise. A common pattern to describe change over time is:
lime frame + main clause + specific figures
From 1900 to 1915, consumption dipped slightly from 15 kgs to 12 kgs.

Diet and nutrition 17

 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Structuring a line graph response
0 Exam information: Task 1 introductions and conclusions
A Task 1 introduction typically begins with statements about the kind of information shown in the visual prompt.
The conclusion normally gives a summary of the most significant information or message from the prompt.

Writing an introduction and conclusion

Owatchout
1 Choose the best introductory sentence a-c for the graph below
about food insecurity. Make sure you use the right units
of measurement, e.g. numbers,
a The graph shows the number of UK households which experienced percentages, units of 1000, etc.
food insecurity and severe food insecurity between 2000 and 2020. Before you start writing, look
b The graph shows the percentage of UK households which carefully at how the axes of the
experienced food security and the percentage of those which did graph are labelled.
not experience food security.
c The graph shows changes in the overall percentage of UK households which did not have reliable access to
food as well as those which experienced very low food security over a twenty-year period.
Food insecurity
Percentage
UK Households
20 �����������������

18

16

14

12

10

0 +--'-1---'-..._.............._.,..............,;._;.."'-'-'--+-'--'--'-l--'--'--"-'--,--'--'-'....;........c--'-i,...W.....C-4
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

2 Choose the best conclusion a-c for the graph in Exercise 1.

a Following a sharp rise in 2006, the percentage of households experiencing very low food security
doubled over the twenty-year period.
b Food insecurity grew most significantly between 2006 and 2010. While food insecurity overall declined
from 2014, the percentage of households most severely affected by food insecurity remained roughly
the same over the final six-year period.
c Overall food insecurity rose slightly, fell in 2004, then rose again to 16 percent then fell again to 12 percent.
Very low food security started at three percent, stayed roughly the same for six years, then rose slightly to six
percent, then stayed at roughly four percent until 2020.
18 Writing for IELTS
 Unit 2

3 Write two main paragraphs for the graph in Exercise 1 on page 18. 0Examtip
Include information about the time frame and specific figures from If the visual prompt contains
the graph where required. Each paragraph should be about 50 two or more graphs, your
words long. summary should indicate the
Paragraph 1: Describe the line representing overall food insecurity using connection between them.
the sentence pattern: there be+ adjective+ noun (+ in). For example, you should state
Paragraph 2: Describe the line representing very low food security using whether the trends shown are
broadly similar or different.
the sentence pattern: verb+ adverb.

Task 2: Taking a stance on an issue

0 Examinformation: Presenting your opinion
In order to present a strong argument, you should first decide what your opinion, or 'stance', is in relation to the issue in
the question. When you write your essay, you must give reasons, or 'evidence', for your stance. You can show that you
have 'tested' your opinion by comparing it with at least one other opinion.

4 Mark statements 1-5 according to how _closely they represent your opinion: SA (Strongly agree),
A (agree), D (disagree), SD (strongly disagree).

2 In order to improve
public health, governments
should require food
manufacturers to add

3 The problem of rising 5 Convenience food

levels of obesity in many will become increasingly
· parts of the world is prevalent and eventually
mainly due to people's replace traditional foods
Jack of knowledge about and traditional methods
food and nutrition. of food preparation.

Diet and nutrition 19

 0Examtip
To practice generating ideas, you can use templates for common question types.
• Use Templates A and Bon page 21 for essay questions that involve writing
about solutions to problems.
• Use Templates C and D on page 22 for essay questions that involve
discussing ideas.
• Each row represents a sequence of points you can make in one
to two paragraphs.

5 Read the opinions below and the reasons a-g. Indicate which reasons support each opinion by
writing letters a-g in the spaces provided. The first one has been done for you.
1 Some people strongly agree that we should return to more natural methods of food production, such as
organic farming, even if this means that we produce food less efficiently. They believe this because: ......h- ,

2 Other people strongly disagree that we should return to more natural methods of food production,
such as organic farming, even if this means that we produce food less efficiently. They believe this
because:_, _, _, _

Reasons
a More people will need to be employed on farms, and fewer people will be available to do work
that will help the country develop economically.
b Producing food less efficiently could lead to food shortages.
c It is better for the environment to produce food using fewer chemicals such as pesticides and
herbicides.
d Organically produced food is no more nutritious than food produced using pesticides and artificial
ferti I isers.
e Naturally produced food tastes better than food produced using more artificial methods.
f Food that has been produced without preservatives is less likely to stay fresh, so more food may be
wasted.
g Man-made chemicals used in modern methods of food production could be harmful to human
health.

20 Writing for IELTS

Generating ideas for your essay
6 Read the essay questions 1 and 2 and complete Templates A and B with the missing information
a-h below.

1 What can governments do to encourage children to eat a healthier diet?

Template A: Propose one or more solutions to a problem

What are What specific action What are the positive What are the
the possible can be taken? consequences? drawbacks?
solutions?
Regulate the
food industry
Require food producers
to fortify their products
with vitamins
, __ This would be unpopular
and expensive for food
producers
2 Regulate 2 __ Children would have at This would not stop
school meals least one healthy meal children from bringing
per day unhealthy packed lunches
or going out for lunch to
fast food outlets
3 3 __ Require schools to Children can take pride in 4 __
teach children to cook their learning and transfer
healthy foods these skills to the home
a Schools may not have the facilities to teach c Require schools to provide only healthy
cooking food and drink at lunchtime
b Children would eat healthier food without d Educate children about healthy eating
having to change their habits

2 Should the government regulate the fast food industry in the same way that it regulates the
drug, alcohol and tobacco industries?

Template B: Evaluate the solution

What are the possible What specific action What are the positive
solutions? can be taken? consequences? drawbacks?
Solution in the Restrict opening Send a clear signal that This would not stop
question: Regulate hours. fast food is bad for people cooking and
the fast food industry Restrict location, e.g. healths __ eating unhealthy
like drug, alcohol and not near schools food at home
tobacco industries 6 __
2 Alternative solution: Television advertising Help people change People could ignore
Public health campaign showing long-term their eating habits government advice
explaining the dangers of consequences of an fundamentally 7 __ a __
eating too much fast food unhealthy diet
e Reduces people's access to unhealthy foods g Allows freedom of choice
f Effectiveness of public health campaigns h Too much government interference is
can be difficult to measure unpopular with business and bad for
the economy
Diet and nutrition 21
 7 Read the essay questions 1 and 2 and use your own ideas to complete Templates C and D.

Dieting to lose weight has become increasingly common in the developed world. Why do you think
people nowadays are so concerned with body shape and size?

Template C: Provide an explanation or prediction

What are your ideas? What is the evidence for? What is the evidence against?
Advertisements encourage Advertisements often show Advertisers wouldn't use slim
people to value slim figures desirable consumer products models unless the public already

, ___________
alongside slim models had a favourable view of them
2 People associate slimness with People who do not eat too
positive character traits much are seen as having good
self-control
3 2 3 If people diet too much, they may
__________ __________
become malnourished

2 Unhealthy eating habits are due to a lack of knowledge about healthy eating. To what extent do you
agree with the statement above?

Template D: Evaluate an idea or belief

What are the ideas? ==== What is the evidence for? What is the evidence against?
Idea in the question: 4 ___________ 5 ___________
Unhealthy eating habits are due to
lack of knowledge about healthy
eating
Alternative idea: 7 ___________ 8 ___________
6 __________

22 Writing for IELTS

 Unit2

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a line graph

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The graph shows the number of UK adolescents following a vegetarian diet.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
UK adolescents following a vegetarian diet
100,000
individuals
10 ,::;_H--::..+:.+:.::;:.::;:.:::..::;:.:::;:
9 fsiffiiEi±t
8 tttttt:tt:ttjj::t::ttttt
7
6 JJ _JI!llll!±E
5 L:tt:tttt;:;t::;;:

I ::..-.:;:, .',·.;+, o;•. :. ;-1,;-. ',:;<.;+l+·<··t·t

· .:.;.:· _;_;.:·.;.t·-t.1-:·t
3 ..:.:;..;...;,:•,t· :t,.::
2 ltifil�''tffiii

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay evaluating an idea

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Convenience foods will become increasingly prevalent and eventually replace traditional foods and
traditional methods of food preparation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.

o ·Exam tutor

1 Which two sentence patterns are commonly used 4 In a Task 2 essay, is it acceptable to discuss more
to describe line graphs? than one opinion?

2 What other information is commonly included in 5 In a Task 2 essay, is it acceptable to include points
sentences describing a line graph? against your own opinion?

3 How do Task 1 summaries typically begin and end?

Diet and nutrition 23

 3 Educational oals
Language development I College and university subjects; Collocations related to
education; Expressing quantity
Exam skills I Task 1: Comparing and contrasting information; Describing information in bar
charts; Task 2: Selecting and organising ideas; Writing an essay outline
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a bar chart; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating an idea

Part 1: Language development

College and university subjects

1 Categorise the subjects below into three groups: Arts and Humanities (AH), Social Sciences (SS) or
Science and Technology (ST)

mathematics_ philosophy_ chemistry_ business studies_

media studies_ English literature_ sociology_ biology_

law_ engineering_ history_ psychology_

Collocations related to education

2 Match adjectives 1-7 to the nouns a-g to make education collocations. More than one answer is
possible for some of the collocations.
Adjectives Nouns
1 rote a standards
2 critical b education
3 higher C dishonesty
academic d assessment
5 continuous e learning
formal f thinking
educational g examinations

24 Writing for IELTS

 Unit3

3 Complete sentences 1-6 with an education collocation from Exercise 2 on page 24.
1 If you need to memorise lots of information, _______ is a good method to use.
2 If you need to evaluate information, you need _______ skills.
3 In many countries, students sit _______ in order to graduate.
4 Access to _______ is often determined by performance in university entrance examinations.
5 In some countries, progress is measured by _______ instead of by end-of-term examinations.
6 Some people worry that without examinations, _______ will decline.

Expressing quantity
4 Expressions 1-6 are useful for describing quantity. Match them with the percentages a-f.
1 nearly half_ a 85%
2 the vast majority_ b 75% 0Examtip
3 a small minority_ c 46% To describe data more
4 three quarters_ d 31 % effectively and show that you
5 just under a third_ e 24% have a wide vocabulary, learn
6 roughly one in four_ f 15% how to express proportion in
different ways.

5 The bar chart below shows the results of a survey of how people felt about examinations. Complete
sentences 1-6 below, which describe the chart, using expressions 1-6 from Exercise 4.
Examination survey results
%
100

80 Qwatchout
60
Use the definite article the with
majority, e.g. The majority of
40 students liked physics.
20
Use the indefinite article a with
minority, e.g. A minority of
students chose art.

1 _____ of those surveyed said they found the challenge exciting.

2 _____ of respondents said they felt anxious.
3 _____ said they felt more competitive.
4 _____ of those surveyed replied that they felt more focused.
5 _____ indicated that examinations made them lose interest in their studies.
6 _____ of those who responded said they felt motivated to work harder.

Educational goals 25
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Comparing and contrasting information
0 Exam information: Making comparisons
For Task 1, you may be asked to write about information presented in one or more bar charts or pie charts. For this type
of data, you are expected not just to describe, but also to compare the information.

1 Read rules 1-6 for making comparisons in the table. Then complete the table with examples a-f.

Rules Example sentences

Use comparative forms to compare two or more items:
1 more I fewer I less+ noun ... + than
2 adjectives of one syllable + -er + noun ... + than
3 more I less + adjective of two or more syllables
Use superlative forms to compare one item with the remainder of a group:
4 adjectives of one syllable + -est
5 the most I least + adjective of two or more syllables
To express similarity, use:
6 as + adjective + as

a Science-related subjects were more

popular than arts-related subjects .
b More students sat examinations in science
subjects than in arts subjects .
c Business studies was nearly as popular
as chemistry.
d The highest percentage of students
gaining top marks was in mathematics.
e A higher percentage of students gained top
marks in mathematics than in chemistry.
f The most popular subject was
mathematics.
20 40 60 80 thousands

2 Complete sentences 1-6 with a comparative or superlative form.

1 Nearly __ many students sat the business studies exam __ did the chemistry exam.
2 The percentage of students gaining top marks in business studies was slightly ____ than the
percentage of students achieving top marks in chemistry.
3 The ____ popular subjects were history, philosophy, and sociology.
4 The philosophy examination was taken by ____ students than the history examination.
5 However, a ____ percentage of students taking the philosophy exam gained top marks.
6 The ____ percentage of students gaining top marks was in media studies.

26 Writing for IELTS

 Unit3

0Examtip
Use adverbs to make your comparisons more exact.
1 To emphasise a difference, use: many, much, far, and significantly, e.g. Many more students sat examinations in
science subjects.
2 For small differences, use: slightly or nearly as ... as, e.g. The number of passes was slightly higher than the number
of fails. Males did nearly as well as females.

Describing information in bar charts

Oexamtip
You can use expressions such as in contrast to ·express difference, or the same
to express similarity.

3 Read sentences 1-4 below. Write S if the sentence expresses similarity and D if it expresses
difference. Underline the words which helped you decide.
1 The percentage of top marks was quite high in subjects such as mathematics, which are traditionally
regarded as difficult. On the other hand, the percentage of top marks was relatively low in subjects
such as media studies, which are commonly regarded as 'soft'. __
2 Whereas 45% of mathematics candidates gained top marks, only 13% of media studies candidates
gained top marks. __
3 Similar numbers of students sat examinations in business studies and in chemistry. __
4 Sixteen percent of students gained top marks in both history and sociology. __

4 Rewrite sentences 1-5 using the words in brackets.

More female candidates than male candidates passed their English Owatchout
examinations. (fewer)
Use fewer I fewest with
countable nouns, e.g. Fewer
2 The same number of males and females achieved a passing grade student took physics.
in mathematics. (as ... as) Use less I least with
uncountable nouns, e.g. There
was less interest in physics.
3 Men did well in technology-related subjects; women, in contrast,
did well in language-related subjects. (whereas)

4 The number of passes in psychology was higher for female

candidates than for male candidates. (lower)

5 Nearly as many female students as male students passed the

economics exam. (similar)

Educational goals 27
 Task 2: Selecting and organising ideas
5 Read the Task 2 question below and compare the notes below 0Examtip
and the essay plan that follows. Then answer questions 1-4. Once you have taken a position on
the question and generated ideas,
1 What is the writer's position on examinations? you should decide which of your
2 Which of her ideas has the writer omitted from body paragraphs ideas to include and in what order.
one and two? If you have a plan before you start
3 Why do you think the writer has omitted these points? writing, this will help you to focus
4 Why has the writer chosen to list her main ideas in this order? and write more quickly.

Success in formal 'pen and paper' examinations is often seen to be a sign of intelligence. To
what extent do you agree with the view that formal examinations measure intelligence?

Notes

What are the ideas? Evidence for? Evidence a�ainst?

Idea in the question: Exams can be designed to include a Pen and paper exams are often predictable
Exams measure variety of tasks to measure different - students can prepare by rote learning
intelligence kinds of intelligence There are many ways of cheating in exams
People who do well in exams often People often perform poorly in exami-
do well in other types of tasks, e.g. nations because they are anxious, not
assignments because they lack intelligence
Alternative idea: Some people are better at expressing Other methods of measuring intelligence
There are different intelligence in different ways, e.g. by could be less objective and systematic
types of intelligence, speaking or carrying out a task There is probably no definitive proof of
which can only be Many people who did poorly in whether there is one kind of intelligence
measured in differ- exams are successful in fields that or several kinds of intelligence
ent ways require intelligence, e.g. technology
or business.

E ssay plan

Introduction: Measuring intelligence is a difficult task

Body para�aph 1: Idea in the question: Exams measure intelligence
Evidence for: people who do well in exams often do well in other types of tasks,
e.g. assignments
Evidence against: pen & paper exams are often predictable - students can prepare
by rote learning; there are many ways of cheating in exams; people often perform
poorly in examinations because they are anxious, not because they lack intelligence
Body paragraph 2: Other possible idea: there are probably different types of intelligence, which
can only be measured in different ways

28 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 3

Evidence against: there is probably no definitive proof of whether there is

one kind of intelligence or several kinds of intelligence
Evidence for: Some people are better at expressing intelligence in different ways,
e.g. by speaking or carrying out a task; many people who did poorly in exams,
are successful in fields that require intelligence, e.g. technology, business
Conclusion: 'pen and paper' exams probably useful for measuring certain kinds of
intelligence, but have limitations; other methods are needed

Writing an essay outline

6 Read the Task 2 question below and identify the problem
0Examtip
presented. Complete the table with at least one positive
consequence and drawback for each point. Explaining the advantages and
disadvantages of different ideas
means you can demonstrate
Education systems do not always provide learners with enough more advanced language skills.
training to do well in exams. Some students attend private
'cram schools' for extra coaching in test-taking techniques.
What is your view of this practice?

Notes

What are the possible Positive consequences? Drawbacks?

solutions?
Solution in the question: Cram schools do a good job� Cram schools teach students to
Cram schools many students who attend such be 'test wise' rather than to learn
schools do well in exams

Alternative solution: In countries with exams that Cram schools will always exist
We should ensure schools are properly reflect the curriculum, because it is human nature to
good enough for all there are few cram schools want to gain an advantage
students

7 Write an essay plan defending the alternative solution in Exercise 6 and including the most
appropriate points.

Educational goals 29
 Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a bar chart

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph compares the percentage of international and the percentage of UK students gaining
second class degrees or better at a major UK university.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Write at least 150 words.

UK and international students gaining second
class degrees or better (2019)
100

80

60

40

20

D UK students D International students

30 Writing for IELTS

 Unit3

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay ev·aluating an idea

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people believe that formal 'pen and paper' examinations are not the best method of
assessing educational achievement.
What is your view of examinations?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

1 If you are presented with a bar chart in Task 1, should you focus
mainly on describing the information in detail?

2 When should you use comparative forms and when should you use
superlative forms?

3 When referring to percentages or numbers should you always use

the exact numbers presented in the visual prompt?

4 What is the benefit of having a plan before you start writing your
Task 2 essay?

5 What is the benefit of discussing the advantages and disadvantages

of different ideas in your essay?

Educational goals 31
 � Biodiversity
I
Language development Nature and environment expressions; Expressions to describe
cause and effect
Exam skills I Task 1: Describing a process; Combining sentences in a process description;
Task 2: Writing in an academic style
I
Exam practice Task 1: Describe a process; Task 2: Write an essay proposing solutions

Part 1: Language development

Nature and environment expressions

.,�· , ..•• , •• ___ ¥,;�.���

�-"'. .
---�-'
��

1 Match the pictures 1-6 with the natural habitats a-f.

a estuary c wetlands e grasslands
b forest d desert f rainforest
2 The expressions in the box describe sources of damage to the environment. Complete sentences 1-7
using these expressions.

oil spills intensive farming strip mining logging

acid rain overgrazing global warming

____ in wheat-growing countries like Canada has led to the loss of natural grasslands.
2 ____ causes damage to forests as well as limestone monuments.
3 Indiscriminate ____ of tropical hardwoods has contributed to the destruction of rainforests.
4 ____ of grasslands by cattle and sheep is associated with soil erosion and desertification.
5 Off-shore ____ frequently result in damage to wetlands and the many species that live there.
6 The thinning of the arctic icecap has been attributed to ____
7 ____ for minerals near river banks is linked to soil erosion and degradation of estuaries.

32 Writing for IELTS

 Unit4

Expressions to describe cause and effect

3 Underline the verbs that express cause and effect in Exercise 2 Qwatchout
on page 32. Then answer questions 1-3 below.
1 Which verbs express a definite cause-and-effect relationship? If you do not have clear
evidence, use an expression
2 Which verbs suggest a cause-and-effect relationship?
such as is/are associated with.
3 How is contribute to different from cause?
4 Structures that can be used to express cause-and-effect relationships are listed in the table.
Complete the table with example sentences a-e for each structure 1-5.

Grammatical structure
because + dependent clause
2 because of I due to + noun phrase
3 therefore I consequently I as a result + clause
4 so+ clause
5 so + adjective or adverb + that + clause

a Wetlands have been damaged, so many unique species are now endangered.
b Many unique species are now endangered because wetlands have been damaged.
c Many unique species are now endangered because of damage to wetlands.
d Wetlands have been so damaged that many unique species are now endangered.
e Wetlands have been damaged; as a result, many unique species are now endangered.

5 Rewrite sentences 1-4 below using the words in brackets.

Qwatchout
Make any other changes necessary.
1 Land has been farmed so intensively that there has been a Conjunctive adverbs and
the expressions therefore,
significant decline in bjodiversity. (contributed to)
consequently, as a result should
Intensive farming _________________ be punctuated with a full stop
2 Loss of vegetation has caused a decline in the insect population. or semicolon before them
(consequently) and a comma after them, e.g.
Vegetation ___________________ Wetlands have been damaged;
as a result, many unique
3 Because there are fewer insects, the small animals that feed on species are now endangered.
them have moved elsewhere. (so)
There are ____________________
4 The disappearance of prey species has resulted in fewer predators
such as owls. (because of)
There has been __________________

Biodiversity 33
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Describing a process
1 Read the two process descriptions below. Use information from the second description to
complete the flowchart.

a ______ Oexamtip
become established Task 1 visual prompts
sometimes take the form of
diagrams or maps which
illustrate a process of change.

provide shade b ______ ( ______

d ______

trees grow

t clear cutting
The flow chart illustrates the process ofclear cutting, a logging practice which involves the complete
removal of trees from a given area.
Firstly, access roads to the area are cut. Secondly, the entire crop of standing trees is felled by
mechanized harvesters. The trees are then extracted, and brought to the road.5ide.
Once the trees have been extracted, they are processed by chain saw. The limbs and tree tops are
removed. The stems are �bucked; that is, cut into logs of a specified length. The logs are then sorted by
size and loaded onto logging trucks for transport to the sawmill.
In the final stage of dear cutting, the land is prepared for future harvests. The remaining scrub is
gathered into large piles and burnt.

2 Forest re,growth
Following a period of widespread deforestation, forest regrowth occurs over a series of phases.
The first plants to grow are 'pioneer' plants, which can survive in harsh conditions. They provide shade,
gather moisture, and return organic material to the soil. In doing so, they create the conditions for
other plants to thrive.
In the second phase of regrowth, shrubs emerge. They quickly cover the ground, crowding out the
pioneers. However, they too eventually die offas young trees push through the brush. Within ten years,
trees finally take over, preventing light from reaching the forest floor.

34 Writing for IELTS

 Unit4
2 Underline the verbs in the process descriptions on page 34. Then decide whether you would
normally use the active or the passive voice when:
a the process is natural.
b there is a human agent.

0Examtip
To make a process description more readable, include several stages of a process in one sentence. Combine sentences
with the same subject by removing the repeated subjects and linking with commas and and for the final clause, e.g.
Wetlands reduce flooding. Wetlands protect the shoreline from waves. Wetlands improve water quality.
Wetlands reduce flooding, . �Vet/ands protect the shoreline from waves, and . �Vet/ands improve water quality.

Combining sentences in a process description

3 Notice the different techniques used to combine the groups of sentences 1-6 below. Join each
group of sentences without looking at the model texts.
1 The first plants to grow are pioneer plants. Pioneer plants can survive in harsh conditions.

2 Pioneer plants provide shade. Pioneer plants gather moisture. Pioneer plants return organic material
to the soil.

3 Shrubs quickly cover the ground. Shrubs crowd out the pioneers.

4 However, shrubs too eventually die off. Young trees push through the brush.

5 The logs are sorted by size. The logs are loaded onto logging trucks. They are transported to the sawmill.

6 The trees have been extracted. The trees are processed by chain saw.

Biodiversity 35
 4 Study the two maps about changes in land use on Borneo below. Then rewrite the passage, using
the passive voice and combining sentences where appropriate.
Changes in Land Use in Borneo
Oexamtip
� Native forest � Palm oil plantations The passive voice is often used
when the subject of the action
� Logging activity I :-:-:I Flooding is unknown or less important
/\/V'V'\ Roads I I Dams than the action itself, e.g. People
associate overgrazing with
desertification - Overgrazing is
associated with desertification.

s
Oexamtip
The maps show changes that have taken place on the island Use signposting language in
between 1970 and 2019. your description to mark the
Over the fifty-year period, people removed large areas of stages of the process.
Examples: Firstly, access roads
native forest in the north-east and south. They partially
to the area are cut. In the final
replaced native forest in the north-east and south with palm
stage of clear cutting, the land
oil plantations. The area of intact forest in the west shrank.
is prepared for future harvests.
People built roads. Logging also increased. Workers built
One signpost4 at the start, one
dams in the east. The dams flooded the area. The dams further
or two in the middle and one at
reduced the extent of native forest. the end are usually sufficient.

Your rewrite of the passage:

36 Writing for IELTS

 Unit4

Task 2: Writing in an academic style

5 Compare the introductions and first body paragraphs of two responses to the question below.
Underline the differences and answer questions 1-2.
What is the main difference between these two responses?
2 What are the main characteristics of the style of the second response?

Many species of plants and animals have come and gone throughout the history of the Earth. From
this perspective, extinction can be seen as part of a natural process. Some people have argued that we
should not, therefore, make heroic efforts to preserve the natural habitats of endangered plants and
animals when doing so would conflict with human interests.
To what extent do you agree with this view?

Response 1

In my opinion, it's true that humans and animals sometimes have conflicting interests. Everybody exploits
animals for food and clothing, and farmers have used more and more wild land for farming. But should we
keep on doing this?
In parts of the world where the population is growing, and there isn't enough food to go around, the conflict
between humans and animals is really awful. For eX4mple, if you go to Africa, you can see large nature
reserves next to really poor human settlements. I love the idea. of elephants and lions living in the wild. But
it's often the poor farmer living nearby who loses out.

Response 2

It may be true that humans and animals sometimes have conflicting interests. Most people exploit animals
for food and clothing, and farmers have brought ever increasing areas of wild land into cultivation. Howeve,;
whether this process should continue is a question that needs ca.refu.L consideration.
In parts of the world where the population is growing and resources are scarce, the conflict between humans
and animals is particularly problematic. This ca.n be seen in parts of Africa, for eX4mple, where large nature
reserves lie next to very poor human settlements. People living thousands of miles away may value the idea
of elephants and lions living in the wild. Howeve,; it is often the poor farmer living nearby who is denied
access to land and potential earnings.

Biodiversity 37
 6 The table below outlines four characteristics of academic style. Complete the table with examples
from the texts in Exercise 5 on page 37.

Characteristics of academic style

Informal style Academic style
Academic style tends to be less personal. Avoid: In my opinion, it's It may be true
• overusing personal pronouns and adjectives (e.g. I, you, my, your) true
• addressing the reader directly
Academic style tends to be less emotional. Avoid: Everybody exploits Most people
• exaggeration (e.g. totally, perfect), exploit
• emotive words (e.g. terrible, adore)
• words that express value judgments (e.g. immoran.
Academic style normally requires: but However,
• fewer conjunctions (e.g. and, but)
• more subordinators (e.g. whereas, because)
• more sentence linkers (e.g. nevertheless, therefore).
Academic style is more formal. Avoid: it's it is
• contracted forms (e.g. isn't, he's)
• the words get, a lot of and really
• double comparatives (e.g. more and more)
• phrasal verbs (e.g. take up, break out),
• colloquial expressions or sayings (e.g. every coin has two sides)

7 Rewrite the second half of the essay below in a more academic style.

Qwatchout
But if you think about plants, there are more pros to conservation. Wild
plants aren'tjust beautiful They can also be really valuable. Throughout If writing in an academic style
history, people have used wild plants to make medicines, like aspirin for is new to you, make sure your
example. And if some standard cropsget diseases, you could use wild plants style and message are clear.
to develop new kinds ofcrops. There are a lot of plants that we haven't even
discovered yet, so we don't know what they might be useful for.
In my opinion, it's worth trying to protect nature because wild animals
and plants are really special and they could be life savers. But we have to
remember that people are important too. So, we have to do it in a fair way.

8 Rewrite sentences 1-2 below to make them clearer and easier to read. Remove unnecessary words
and divide long sentences, if required.
1 It could be argued, though the opposite view might be equally true, that the tendency that many people
have to acquire riches and material wealth is one of several possible factors that may encourage people
to exploit the natural environment excessively.
2 It is possible that some people may believe that environmental degradation is a process that cannot be
avoided in the long term because the countries of the world do not have a way or means of enforcing
environmental agreements which their leaders may have committed themselves to, possibly for the
wrong reasons, for instance simply to create a favourable impression in the mass media and television.

38 Writing for IELTS

 Unit4

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a process

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

The flow chart illustrates the consequences of deforestation.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

heavy logging equipment plants return

compresses the soil less moisture to air

soil becomes top soil erodes waste wood from less precipitation
hard and 'baked' logging is destroyed

rain water runs off micro-organisms increased drought

feeding on waste lost

flooding pioneer species move in,

vegetation is degraded

less biodiversity

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay proposing solutions

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
The importance of biodiversity is being more widely recognised as increasing numbers of species
come under threat. What can be done to maintain biodiversity?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

· Q Exam tutor
What expressions can you use to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship?

2 In what circumstances should you use the passive voice?

3 Which verb forms would you normally use to describe a natural vs manmade processed?

4 What type of expressions should you avoid to ensure your writing style is not too emotional?

5 What type of expressions should you avoid to ensure a more formal style?

Biodiversity 39
 5 Global English
I
Language development Expressions associated with languages; Reporting verbs for
different functions; Emphatic, neutral and tentative reporting
I
Exam skills Task 1: Creating a coherent structure; Introductions and conclusions
Task 2: Developing an introduction; Presenting your view effectively
I
Exam practice Task 1: Describe a diagram; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating a solution

Part 1: Language development

Expressions associated with languages

1 The expressions in the box are all related to language. Use each expression once (in the singular or
plural form) to complete sentences 1-8.
bilingual second language lingua franca minority language
mother tongue non-native official language standard form

The majority of people living in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand speak English as
their ______
2 English is a(n) ______ in a further fifty-three countries, including India and the Philippines.
3 English is the most widely taught ______ in the world.
4 English is often regarded as a ______ because it is used by so many people around the world
for so many purposes.
5 The ratio of ______ speakers to native speakers of English is roughly three to one.
6 People who can speak two languages fluently are referred to as ______
7 There are many varieties of English spoken throughout the world; There is no single ______
8 Some people fear that the spread of English will contribute to the disappearance of ______

40 Writing for IELTS

 Unit5 �

Reporting verbs for different functions

2 Reporting verbs for different functions are presented in the table
0Examtip
below. Add the verbs in the box to the most appropriate
category 1-4. Contrasting your opinion with
other points of view allows you
bilingual second language lingua franca minority language to present a stronger argument.
mother tongue non-native official language standard form

Examples
to state a position or belief believe, suspect, say, argue, insist
2 to show agreement agree, accept, acknowledge, support
3 to show disagreement disagree, doubt, question, dismiss, refute
4 to make a suggestion or recommendation suggest, recommend, advocate

Emphatic. neutral and tentative reporting

3 Underline the more tentative reporting verb in italics in sentences 1-7.
1 Many people insist I argue that there is one 'best' variety of English. 0Examtip
2 However, I question I refute the idea that one variety of the
language is better than another. Reporting verbs can be tentative
3 Some people doubt I deny the value of a bilingual education. (e.g. suspect), neutral (e.g. agree),
4 Others accept I advocate the idea of a bilingual education, even for or emphatic (e.g. assert). If you
very young children. have strong evidence to support
5 I would urge I suggest educational authorities do all they can to a point, use a more emphatic
verb. If not, use a neutral or
promote minority languages.
tentative verb.
6 Linguists suspect I maintain that within a century, there will only be
a few languages spoken.
7 Other people dismiss I doubt the idea that all but two or three
languages will die out.
4 Different reporting verbs are followed by different structures. 0Examtip
Match the structures 1-4 with examples a-d.
Reporting verbs can often be
1 reporting verb+ whether+ a Most people would support followed by more than one type
clause the idea of providing free of structure, e.g.
tuition. reporting verb+ whether+
2 reporting verb+ noun or b I would urge the government clause: Others question whether
noun phrase to provide free tuition. schools should promote ...
3 reporting verb+ gerund c Many people question reporting verb+ noun phrase:
(-ing) whether governments should Others question the feasibility of
provide free tuition. promoting ...
4 reporting verb+ object+ d Educators recommend
infinitive providing free tuition.

Global English 41
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Creating a coherent structure
0Examtip
1 Look at the diagram below and put the paragraphs a-d that There is no one 'correct' way to
describe it in the correct order. structure a Task 1 description.
However, your Task 1 response
ENGLISH is more likely to be judged
coherent and cohesive if it
follows a common pattern.

I
AMERICAN ENGLISH BRANCH BRITISH ENGLISH BRANCH

I
USA CANADA BRITISH FAR EAST
I ISLES

Mid-
West
I
North-
Anglophone Francophone
Canada Canada Iri�h FgLi p:"ii¢�NM,Cj
mil Chinese
East Welsh Scottis Forms of
West
Coast Indian
Philipines Coast
West English

I
Indies
American Southern
AFRICA AUSTRALASIA
Samoa -

Puerto Jamaica Barbados

Rico New
West East Australia
Africa Africa Zealand

Anglophone
S. Africa

a The American branch is largely restricted to the American continent. It comprises the varieties of English
spoken in the different regions of the United States itself, as well as in Canada. Beyond the continent, the
extent of its influence is limited to the Philippines in the Far East and American Samoa in the Pacific.

b In brief, the diagram shows that the reach of English has extended to virtually every region of the
world, and, in doing so, has developed numerous varieties.

c The diagram shows the varieties of English spoken throughout the world and how they are related.

d There are two main types of English: British English and American English. The British English Branch is
geographically widespread. It extends across several continents from the West Indies, through the British
Isles themselves, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Australasia. In addition to the four
varieties of English spoken in the British Isles (i.e. in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England), it includes
a large number of other \larieties, for instance Jamaican English, South African English, and Australian
English.

42 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 5

2 Read paragraphs a-d in Exercise_ 1 on page 42 again and answer questions 1-3.
1 Which paragraphs refer to the whole diagram and which paragraphs refer to parts of the diagram?
2 How is the introductory paragraph different from the concluding paragraph.?
3 Do the body paragraphs give general information first and then specific information, or vice versa?
3 Look at the Task 1 instructions below. Then read sentences a-d and answer questions 1-4.

The diagram illustrates the percentage of the world population that speaks minority, mid-sized, and
dominant languages. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

The diagram shows the percentage ofthe world population that speaks minority, mid-sized, and
dominant languages.

The diagram shows the number oflanguages classified as minority, mid-sized, or dominant, and the
proportion ofpeople in the world that speak them.

The diagram shows that although many languages are spoken throughout the world, the size oftheir
respective speech communities varies enormously.

d
The diagram shows that a very small number oflanguages (approximately 100) hold a dominant
position, whereas more tha.n halfofthe world's languages are spoken by a very small percentage ofthe
world popu'3.tion (0.2%).

1 Which of the sentences a-d works well as an introduction?

2 Which sentence works well as a conclusion?
3 What is the problem with sentence a?
4 Why might you not want to use sentence d as an introduction or conclusion?

Global English 43
 Introductions and conclusions @watch out
4 Complete the sentences for introduction and the conclusion Do not copy the exact words of
for the bar chart below. the task instructions. Rephrasing
the instructions in your own words
shows more language skill.
% Percentage of European secondary school pupils learning languages

o
100 --

2020
80 --- + - -+-

40 -

20

English French German Spanish Russian

1 Introduction:
The bar clurt shows ...

2 Main paragraph:
In terms ofrank order, English was by far the most commonly studied second La.nguage, followed
by French, Spanish, German and Russian. English also experienced the most signifia.nt growth over
the two decades, rising from 60 percent of secondary school lea.rners to 80 percent. Spanish also
gained in popularity, most notably between 2000 and 201 O, when the percentage of those studying
Spanish nearly trebled. German and Russian both experienced and increa.se between 2000 and 201 O
and a fall over the following ten yea.rs. The study of French, on the other hand, fell over the 20,year
period, steeply at first and then more gradually tojust under 20 percent of lea.rners.
3 Conclusion:
In summary, ...

44 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 5

Task 2: Developing an introduction

Oexamtip
It is important to make a good first impression by writing a strong opening
paragraph. Introductions often contain elements that make it easier for the
reader to follow the rest of the essay.

5 Read the Task 2 question below and the introduction that follows. Match each section of the
introduction to one of the functions a-g.
a state the topic of the essay: This essay is about ...
b write something about the general context: In recent years ...
c explain why the topic is interesting, relevant or important: Xis interesting/relevant/important because
d present a viewpoint that they go on to challenge: Some people believe that ...
e present their own viewpoint: In my view, ...
f state the purpose of the essay: The aim of this essay is to ...
g outline the structure of the essay: This essay will firstly ..., secondly ..., thirdly ...

As the English language becomes more widespread, some speakers of other languages fear that
English loanwords are gradually replacing perfectly adequate native words.
To what extent do you believe that people should seek to protect the 'purity' of their language from
the influence of English?

There is no doubt that English is becoming increasingly 1 __

important as a language of international communication in
the fields of science, trade, entertainment, and international
2 __
relations. Not surprisingly, English words have appeared in
many other Languages throughout the world fromJapanese to
French. This has prompted some people to seek to defend their -----1 3 __
.___________.
Languages from this type of change. I would argue however, that
these efforts are likely to prove futile. 4 __

6 Answer questions 1-2 about the introduction in Exercise 5

How would you describe the overall organisation of the introductory paragraph? Does it begin with the
writer's opinion and then explain the context, or vice versa?
2 Why has the writer presented his/ her own view last?

Global English 45
 Presenting your view effectively
7 Read the Task 2 question below and sentences 1-5. For each sentence, indicate its function a-g,
as I isted in Exercise 5 on page 45.

With regard to second language learning, the effectiveness of out-of-class learning is well-established.
What are the best ways of learning a second language outside of a classroom situation?

I believe the success of out-of-class learning suggests that not all language learning needs to be
classroom based.
2 However, in many cases, additional languages are learned not in the classroom, but through exposure to
a language in day-to-day activities.
3 Around the world, people who speak only their mother tongue are probably outnumbered by those who
speak one or more additional languages.
4 In this essay I will outline what I consider to be the three most effective ways of independent language
learning.
5 Many people assume that the classroom is the best place to learn a second language.

8 Arrange sentences 1-5 from Exercise 7 in the most logical order.

9 Complete the introduction to an essay about teaching second languages using the expressions in
the box.

right approach the most effective methods therefore

the world becomes increasingly important I will outline

As ( 1) _______ more integrated, the ability to speak a second language is becoming

(2) _______, notjust for individuals, but also for nations. The teaching of second or other
languages is la.bour,intensive and (3) _______ costly, so it is important that the
(4) ______ is taken. In this essay, (5) ______ what I consider to be
(6) _______ of language teaching in a classroom context.

10 Write an introduction for the Task 2 question below. Oexamtip

Use more emphatic verbs to
Sometimes misunderstandings occur among people from different challenge viewpoints, e.g.
cultures, even those who can communicate in a common Some people insist. .. . Use
language. What factors can contribute to the breakdown of more neutral verbs to express
cross-cultural communication? your own position, e.g. / would
suggest. ..

I I

46 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 5

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a diagram

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

The diagram shows the relationship among a number of different languages.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

I I
WRITING

I I
SYSTEMS
I
Logographic Abjad Abjuda Alphabetic Syllabic
I character = I character =
I character = I consonant I character = I character =
I word I consonant + I sound (vowel I syllable
sound or consonant)
Example: Chinese
Example: Arabic I vowel Example: Japanese
Notes: Same Example: English Kana
Notes: First Example: Indian
writing system Devanagari Notes: Exact
type of match of
can be used by sound-based spelling and
languages different in
writing system pronunciation
spoken form
e.g. Chinese and not always
possible
Japanese

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay evaluating a solution

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
As languages such as English, Spanish and Mandarin become more widely spoken,
there is a concern that many minority languages may disappear. Some countries have
taken steps to protect minority languages. What is your view of this practice?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.

1 Which reporting verbs can you use to express 3 What elements could you include in a Task 2
agreement and which to express disagreement? introductions?

2 In your Task 1 introduction, should you repeat the 4 In a Task 2 introduction, should you express your
wording in the exam instructions or mainly use your opinion at the beginning or at the end?
own words? Would you normally use a more emphatic or more
tentative reporting verb to express your point of view.

Global English 47
 6 The Internet
Language development I Technology expressions; Adjectives for highlighting key points;
Language for moderating statements
Exam skills I Task 1: Interpreting information in tables; Writing general statements and
supporting details; Task 2: Planning an essay; Developing a paragraph
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a table; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating an idea

Part 1: Language development

Technology expressions

5_

1 Match the photos 1-6 to the expressions a-fin the box.

a streaming music b social networking c online banking

d browsing the news e online shopping f sending and receiving emails

Adjectives for highlighting key points

2 Match the adjectives a-f with the correct definitions 1-6. 0Examtip
a distinctive affecting many people or places In Writing Task 1, it is important
b main 2 easy to see to highlight key points. Different
C noticeable 3 important adjectives, e.g. main and
d significant 4 most important significant, indicate how a point
e underlying 5 basic but not obvious is important.
f widespread 6 easily recognized because special

48 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 6

3 Complete sentences 1-5 with the most appropriate adjective from Exercise 2 on page 48.
Notice how they form collocations with the nouns in italics.
1 At first glance, the most ____ change was in the growing popularity of social networking.
2 The graph shows that the spread of wireless technology has a ____ pattern.
3 While there was some variation in the use of online auction sites, the ____ trend has been upward.
4 Although price is undoubtedly a factor, the ____ reason customers chose the newer devices is
because of their wide range of features.
5 The ____ distribution of towns in that region made investment in infrastructure worthwhile.

Language for moderating statements

4 Add the words in the box to the table below.

tend many rarely might probably most

often appear may could

T� e of modifier
Quantifiers
Verbs seem __________
Modal verbs can ___________
Adverbs of frequency sometimes --===-=-==-=-===-==-==-=�-
Adverbs of probability possibly _ ________

5 Use words from Exercise 4 to modify statements 1-5. Make any other changes necessary for an
appropriate academic style.
1 People over the age of 60 cannot grasp new technology.
Some people over the age of 60 ...
2 Excessive use of social media causes mental health problems.
Qwatchout
3 Online shopping is addictive.
4 Too much screen time makes children lazy. Too many modifiers can make
5 The world's problems will be solved by advances in science the meaning of your sentences
and technoloav. unclear, e.g. ft is peJssib,'e
t:l,at in smm:! ci, ct1r,,stances
excessive use of social media
can cause some people to
Oexamtip become anxious.
Task 1 statements can be straightforward because the prompt provides
information to support your claims, e.g. The graph shows that the spread
of wireless technology has a distinctive regional pattern.
For Task 2 you do not have supporting evidence, so statements should be
more moderate, e.g. The rapid spread of new technologies can sometimes
be socially disruptive.

The Internet 49
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Interpreting information in tables
1 Study the table below which shows the percentage of time Internet users spent on the six most
popular online activities in 2008 and 2018. Then read and compare the two responses and answer
questions 1-3.
1 Which response is more satisfactory? Why?
2 Which sentences contain the main points?
3 In each response, where is the detailed information in relation to the general statements?
Activity �-�-� ·�- Share of time 2018 Share of time 2008
Social networking 22 14
Searching for information 21 15
Email/messaging 19 27
Reading content 18 27
Streaming music and video 15 13
Shopping 5 4

Response 1 Response 2

The table shows that there were signiflcant The table shows that there were significant changes in
changes in how people spent their time online how people spent their time online over the ten,year
over the ten-year period. period.
One of the most significant changes was in the way
The percentage of time spent on social
users communicated online. The use of social media
networking sites increased sharply from
increased significantly from fourteen to twenty,two
fourteen percent to twenty-two percent This
was similar to the change in time spent on
percent. However, this appears to have been at the
expense of other forms of online communication,
searching for information. Communicating
namely email and instant messagin� which fell from
online through email and messaging. on the
twenty,seven to nineteen percent of all online activity.
other hand decreased from twenty-seven
to nineteen percent. This was also true Another noticeable trend was the change in time
of reading online content. which fell from
spent finding and reading content online. In 2018,
people spent a hi gher percentage of time searching
twenty-seven to eighteen percent There were
small rises in the remaining two categories:
for information ( twenty,one percent versus fifteen
streaming music and video and online
percent), but a smaller proportion of time reading it
(eighteen percent as opposed to twenty,seven percent
shopping. These increased from thirteen to
fifteen percent and from four to five percent in 2008). There were only relatively small changes in
respectively. the remaining two categories: streaming music and
video and online shopping. These increased from thir,
Overall, the way that users spent their time teen to fifteen percent and from four to five percent
on the Internet varied significantly. with some respectively.
activities. such as social networking. becoming Overall, in 2018, people continued to spend the Largest
more popular and others becoming less proportion oftheir time engaging with other people and
popular. infurma.tion online; however, their ways ofdoing so had
changed.

50 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 6

2 Study the table below and answer questions 1-4. 0Examtip

1 Focus on the bottom row. What general points can you make from Look for patterns in the data in
the data shown? order to give your description a
2 Now focus on the regions listed in the first column. How could structure. Try grouping similar
you group them into categories? Consider levels of technological items together and look for
development. associated trends.
3 Change your focus to the percentages listed in the third column.
Which regions have the largest percentages of internet users? Which have the smallest? How could this
information relate to how you have grouped the regions?
4 Look at the data in the last column. What connections can you make with information in the other
columns?

World regions Number of Internet Internet users as o/o of Growth in Internet use
users (millions) P-OP-Ulation 2008-2018
Asia 2,195 50% 1,820%
Europe 720 88% 585%
Africa 495 36% 10,820%
Latin America 445 67% 2,360%
North America 325 89% 200%
Middle East 175 67% 5,185%
Australia/Oceania 30 80% 275%
TOTAL 4,385 57% 1,115%

Writing general statements and supporting details

3 Write three general statements about the information in the table
Qwatchout
above. Then develop each of your general statements with one or
two supporting details. In most cases, you should not
try to include all of the figures
The table shows that over the ten-year period there was an exponential
in your summary. Focus on
increase in Internet use worldwide. The number of Internet users expanded summarising the key information
more than tenfold, with the proportion of the world's population online and giving one or two examples
reaching fifty-seven percent in 2020. for each of your general
observations.

The Internet 51
 Task 2: Planning an essay
fj Exam information: Organising essays
Task 2 essays can be organised in different ways. Some patterns of organisation can allow you to show more skills in
language and argumentation than others.

4 Study the Task 2 question and the essay plan below. What are the strengths and weaknesses of
this plan?
To what extent does the Internet increase loneliness and social isolation?
Essay outline

Introduction: The Internet is important in modern life, but it can also be a double·edged
sword
Body paragraph 1: Idea in the question: Internet can increase social isolation
a young people who spend a lot of time online cannot develop social skills
or make real friends
Evidence for
b online activities like gaming can be so addictive, people can disconnect
negative effect:
from their families; e.�. parents ne�lectin.s! children
c Evidence for: people at work spend so much time reading emails, no time
to speak to collea.s!Ues, can be bad for teamwork
Body paragraph 2: Other possible idea: Internet can bring people closer together
Evidence for positive d people who cannot go out easily because of injury or disability can keep
effect: in touch with friends online
e when members of a family live far apart, the Internet is cheaper for com,
municatin� than phone calls
f through social networkin� friends can meet friends of friends
g Email can be more useful than the phone for working together because
there is a written record of the communication
Conclusion: The Internet can bring people together if used in the right way

52 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 6

5 Look at the alternative essay plan below. Indicate where you would place the supporting points a-g
from Exercise 4 on page 52. What is the advantage of this plan?

Introduction: The Internet can affect how we relate to friends, family, and
collea�ues in both positive and negative ways
Body paragraph 1: Effects on family relationships
Evidence for negative effect:
Evidence for positive effect:
Body paragraph 2: Effects on friendships
Evidence for nej!ative effect:
Evidence for positive effect:
Body paragraph 3: Effects on work relationships
Evidence for negative effect:
Evidence for positive effect:
Conclusion: The internet can bring people together if used in the right way

Developing a paragraph
6 Study the Task 2 essay question below. The candidate has written the introductory paragraph and
notes a-i on page 54 for the question. Complete the body of the essay by following steps 1-3.
1 Write G next to the notes which can be expanded to form general statements and S next to the notes
which give specific supporting information.
2 Arrange the notes in a logical order. Think about the best sequence of general statements and make sure
that each is followed by one or two supporting details.
3 Write the essay, adding signposting expressions to emphasise main points and moderating statements
when required.
To what extent has information technology reduced inequality
in countries with developed economies?

Introduction

People who live in countries with developed economies often take access to information technology for
granted. They find it hard to imagine a world in which this technology does not bringgreater prosperity
for everyone. However, as the IT revolution moves forward, some people are left behind. Indeed, there are
several barriers to wider IT access and its potential benefits.

The Internet 53
 a in some a.rea.s., many adults have poor literacy
b basic infrastructure is not universallygood
c the poor even struggle to pay for electricity
d lack of literacy skills is an obstacle
e people on low income cannot afford broadband
f broadband access lacking., especially in rural areas
g poverty is one aspect of the problem
h people and businesses affected by slow broadband
i older women and the poor more likely to have lower levels of literacy

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a table

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table shows the average length of video advertisements on the Internet and the average
length of time viewers spend watching them.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

I I
Average online video ad length and time viewed
Type of advertisement Average length of advertisement Average time viewed (seconds)
(seconds)
Public service 45.8 18.5
Automotive 27.2 14.7
Financial services 20.5 16.3
Travel 18.0 13.0
Entertainment 27.8 10.8
Home furnishings 17.3 10.0
Consumer electronics 15.3 7.1
Pharmaceuticals 16.6 6.3
Clothing 14.6 6.0
Other retail 21.0 4.5
Overall 22.4 10.7

54 Writing for IELTS

 Unit6

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay evaluating an idea

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Qexamtutor

1 What language can you use to highlight key points in Writing Tasks
1 and 2?

2 Which writing task generally requires more moderate language? Why?

3 How should you structure Task 1 body paragraphs?

4 For the Task 1 summary, do you need to include all of the

information in the visual prompt?

5 For the Task 2 essay, what is the advantage of grouping

points thematically?

The Internet 55
�_C_onsumer s�ending
Language development I Personal finances and spending expressions; Using precise language
Exam skills I Task 1: Describing the relationship between two visual prompts; Expressing
cause and effect relationships tentatively; Task 2: Signposting examples and supporting
evidence; Developing a paragraph with examples and evidence
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe and compare a linear graph and set of pie charts
Task 2: Write an essay proposing a solution

Part 1: Language development

Personal finances and spending expressions

1 Match the photos 1-8 to the expressions a-h in the box.

a food and drink b transportation c clothing and footwear d entertainment
e housing f dining out g utilities h home furnishings

2 The words in the two boxes can be paired to form common collocations. Complete sentences 1-5 on
page 57 by choosing one word from each box below.
consumer debt
goods expenditure
disposable income
persona\ confidence
household services

56 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 7

____________ is the amount of money left after you have paid for all of the things
that you need.
2 Over the last two decades, many people spent more money than they earned, resulting in high levels of

3 Spending on ______ and ______ , such as clothing and financial advice has
decreased because of the economic slowdown.
4 When people feel more secure in their jobs, ____________ grows and people begin
to spend money more freely.
5 ____________ is another way of saying the amount of money each domestic
unit spends.

3 The paragraph below is from an essay written in response to the Task 2 question:
How do people learn to manage their money? Complete the text with the words in the box.

on credit quantity financial criteria behaviour saved costly

From their early years, children can observe how their parents make(1) ____ decisions.
They may notice, for example, whether money is(2) ____ for(3) ____ purchases, or
whether purchases are bought(4) ____ . Children can also see what kinds of(s) ____
parents use when choosing what to buy, for instance, whether quality or(6) ____ is more
important It is important, therefore, that parents model sensible purchasing(7) ____ and
explain what they are doing and why. However, in many circumstances, this may not be enough.

Using precise language

0Examtip
When speaking, we often use vague words such as thing or stuff because the
context usually makes the meaning clear. In academic writing, you should
use more precise terms wherever possible.

4 Replace the words in italics in sentences 1-6 with the expressions in the box.
their necessities their possessions aspects of
products take action advantages
1 People often buy things, even when they do not need them. ____
2 One of the interesting things about consumer behaviour is that it is often irrational. ____
3 People can do things to avoid getting into debt. ____
4 One of the good things about shopping online is the convenience. ____
5 Often people's income barely covers the cost of the things that they need. ____
6 People are often very attached to the things that they own. ____

Consumer spending 57
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1 :. Describing the relationship between two visual prompts
fj Exam information: Describing figures
Writing Task 1 sometimes requires you to describe two or more figures. Before writing your response, consider the
relationship between them.

1 Answer questions 1-4 in relation to the graph and table below.

1 What do both figures relate to?
2 What do you think the relationship might be between the trends shown in the line graph and the
information in the table?
3 Which aspects of each figure should you highlight in your response?
4 Should you describe each figure separately or compare features of both figures in each paragraph?

Disposable income by age

€/Week
300 �����������������

100
. - -- ········ ·· .. ····t..
·
r ;,.; , ,-· ,.. . . '-�··· ,,

50
· ·
· ..J·...t···· _+,:::c,..:t...:+1,1...: -;Jl.J:···· ..:tj+
0 +..J•..t..:::_1+ ,.1::..::!,·+ _·:t·· ..;:1..1...:
1 1._::;·..t···
+ ··.,jl_t· ···+J_t·l ·· + i..J:1
..t+..J..t..::l..t·+..J..t
t

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
············34-44 ----- 65-74
--15-24

Percentage increase or decrease in sales

8
N
0\
8
N
"1"
0
N
0
N
0
N
I I I
Ir) 0

N
8
N
0
N
0
N

Trainers 4% -5% 1% 2%
Mobile phones 12% 6% 4% 4%
Home furnishings 3% 7% -8% 2%
Skateboards 6% -4% 2% 1%
Reading glasses 1% -1% 0% 1%
Children's toys 3% 5% 2% 3%
Theatre tickets 1% -2% -2% 1%

58 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 7

2 Read the response below to the .graph and table task on page 58 and answer questions 1-6.

The linegraph shows average disposable income for three agegroups from 2000 to 2020. The table gives
the percentage increase in sales for seven products at five,year intervals from 2000 to 2020. Seen together,
the figu res suggest a link between age, disposable income and sales.
The disposable income of young people peaked in 2006 then fell sharply until 2010. After a slight
recovery in 2014, it remained relatively flat thereafter. Sales of products typically enjoyed by young
people, trainers, mobile phones, and skateboards, showed a similar pattern with sales of these products
growing strongly between 2000 and 2004 (4%, 12% and 6% respectively).
The disposable income of the 35,44 age group peaked in 2008, fell steeply until 2010, then increased
gradually. Sales of home furnishings and children's toys - items that people of this agegroup might buy,
also peaked between 2005 and 2009, with particularly stronggrowth in furniture sales (7%).
For people aged 65,74, disposable income remained roughly constant. Not surprisingly, sales of reading
glasses and theatre tickets also remained relatively steady throughout the period.
Overall the figures suggest that the sales performance of different types of products may be influenced
by the disposable income availa.ble to different sectors of the population.

1 What information is given in each sentence of the introduction?

2 What type of relationship between the two figures is identified and how is this expressed?
3 How is each of the three body paragraphs structured?
4 What specific information has the writer chosen to highlight? Why?
5 What expressions has the writer used to highlight the similarities in the trends represented?
6 What expression is used in the conclusion to express the relationship between the two figures?

Consumer spending 59
 Expressing cause and effect relationships tentatively
3 Study the graph and the bar chart below. Then rephrase sentences 1 and 2 twice using the
expressions in the boxes.
The two figures show that there is a positive correlation between the availability of cheap credit and levels
of consumer spending.
when ... rises, ... also appear to . . . the more . . . the more . . .

2 The two figures show that the rate of taxation correlates negatively with levels of consumer spending.
when ... falls, ... appear to . . . the less . . . the more . . .

Figure 1: Percentage change in consumer

credit and taxation
60 .,.......,-.,..,..,....-cr-,-,-.,....,.--- £ Figure 2: Average monthly expenditure per person (UK)
250
50 ��4---'---
40+---"-++rr-H---'--+--;-H--t-7++-+t++HH-\th-'-+,-+t-t-!-,-.a..-q......4 200
30+•··+++----!k:-+--;-+-r-+-:--;+++Hf-,..,.,.'l"f-+ 150
20t;----::-t,r.-+t=;:r:t==:n===
10�..::;_,tt=..,.:::i::;::t��:t::::: 100
0 f;:-:7--t:;::"-::=t::r+±:::t"tttt:t -'-H 50
-10 t: l·�*���ffifHf±f��f±Ef+t';ftf -H
-20+;:+i:::µ:t:�'.;::::+::::��,n:t::t:t:i+t��b:µ::t;:.+'.+::::::µ:µ= 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
-30 1 fl: TlFttt�:1�
.t+:l+.,..l.+.;:W+:+rffq
t
: fG1tttfttn�:fiT+:ril
Food � Entertainment D Clothing
-40+-'--'-'-'--'+-.l...J.;..��=4.=..;.;'-=-.;,c..w....L.=.-4-'-"-w.w..;�
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
- Available credit - - . Taxation

4 Write a description of the two figures in Exercise 3 using the following prompts.

.
.
lntr1Jduction: State what figure 1 shows.

.
State what figu re 2 shows.
81Jdy paragraph 1: Describe the overall relationship between the availability ofcredit

.
and consumer spending using one ofthe phrases from Exercise 3.

81Jdy paragraph 2: . Give a more detailed description ofthe trends.

Describe the overall relationship between taxation and consumer

. spending using one ofthe phrases from Exercise 3.

.
Give a more detailed description ofthe trends.
C1Jnclusion: Rephrase the relationship between credi� taxation and spending.

60 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 7

Task 2: Signposting examples and supporting evidence

5 Study the Writing Task 2 question below. Compare the two responses and answer questions 1-5.
What influences our purchasing decisions? Do we mainly buy things because we need them, or are other
factors involved?

Response 1

Sometimes people are more Likely to buy products because celebrities �ve been employed to advertise
them. The famous people used in these advertisements make these product5 more attractive. People want
to purchase them. The influence of celebrities can be a powerful reason for some purchasing decisions.

Response 2

Sometimes people are more likely to buy products because celebrities have been employed to
advertise them. In buying the product, the consumer may feel 'closer' to a person they admire.
This can be seen, for example, whet: famous sportsmen or women endorse a particular brand
of trainer or sportswear. Indeed, the powerful influence of this type of advertising on consumer
behaviour is reflected in the large sums of money such celebrities are often paid for their
advertising work.

Which response do you think is more satisfactory? Why?

2 What is the purpose of the first sentence in Responses 1 and 27
3 What is the purpose of each of the remaining sentences in Response 27
4 What expression is used to signal that the writer is giving an example?
5 What expression is used to signal that the writer is supporting the main point with evidence?
6 Complete the text below with signpost expressions from the Exam tip below. There may be more
than one correct answer for each space.

It is often the case that consumers buy products on impulse simply because of the way they are displayed. In
supermarkets, ( 1) ______, snacks are often situated by the checkout to tempt those who are tired
and bored with queuing. (2) ______ is when necessities such as clothes are displayed with matching
accessories, such as jewellery. {3) ______ shoppers are often surprised at how much more they
spend than they had intended.

0Examtip
Signpost examples with phrases such as: for
example, an example of this, for instance. To
reinforce an idea, use indeed, in fact.

Consumer spending 61
 Developing a paragraph with examples and evidence
7 Develop each statement 1-3 below into a paragraph by giving examples and supporting evidence.
1 Some people buy products that they do not really need because they feel empty and unhappy.
2 People often buy products they do not really need because they want to display their status or wealth.
3 Sometimes people buy products they do not really need because they want to use them in a positive way
to make their lives more enjoyable or interesting.
8 Read the Writing Task 2 question below and write a body paragraph about it. Remember to make a
main point and to give examples to support your idea.

The increased availability of consumer credit in some countries has contributed to the problem of debt.
Who is responsible for high levels of indebtedness: the banks that lend money or the individuals who
borrow money?

Oexamtip
Before writing a body paragraph, ask yourself:
• What main point do I want to make?
• What do I know that makes me want to say this?
• What would I say to persuade someone that my
point is valid?
• How long should the paragraph be?

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe and compare a linear graph and set of pie charts
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The figures give information about economic growth and household expenditure across a range
of categories. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

% Clothing Clothing
Entertainment Entertainment
-==---. Travel t----."'=::----::i Travel

2005 2010
:: Clothing
ood
· r; H ;r • ' ,. .\I fj . Clothing
-5 ;: :· .. Entertainment
,.;.+ T! •. ,, . T: L· Entertainment
I
; Travel @ Travel
-10
2005 2010 2015 2020
.
Housmg Housing
oo�
2015 2020

62 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 7

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay proposing a solution

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects of adult life. How in your view can
individuals best learn to manage their money?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

1 What words and expressions have you learned for categories of

items people commonly buy?

2 Why should you avoid using words like thing in the Writing exam?

3 When you have two or more visual prompts for Task 1, should you
write about them separately?

4 What expressions can you use to express correlation?

5 What expressions can you use to signpost examples and emphasise

main points?

Consumer spending 63
 Children and arents
Language development I Expressions related to age; Rights and responsibilities expressions
Exam skills I Task 1: Developing a paragraph with supporting details; Signalling supporting
details; Task 2: Using modal verbs appropriately; Developing a conclusion
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a bar chart; Task 2: Write an essay evaluating a solution

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to age

1 Match the people a-e with the stages of life 1-5. Then order 1-5 from youngest to oldest on the
line below.
a adult 1 old age
b adolescent 2 childhood
C infant 3 adolescence
d pensioner 4 adulthood
e child 5 infancy

youngest oldest

Rights and responsibilities expressions

2 Decide which of the expressions a-j are rights (R) and which are responsibilities (RES).
a be entitled to__ f be allowed to __
b have a duty to __ g be authorised to __
c be obliged to __ h be permitted to__
d be empowered to __ be required to __
e be committed to __ be held accountable for__

64 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 8

3 Circle the correct option for the phrases in italics in sentences 1-5 that expresses the right or
responsibility more strongly.
1 The children were forced I obliged to sit still throughout the (Jwatch out
lesson. Abstract words such as right
2 Adolescents appreciate being allowed I empowered to make and responsibility have different
their own decisions. meanings in different contexts.
3 Often employees are compelled I required to retire when they
reach the age of sixty-five.
4 Parents are committed to doinq I have a duty to do their best for their children.
5 The young men were required to join I coerced into joining the army.
4 Sentences 1-8 contain common set expressions requiring prepositions. Complete the sentences
using the propositions in the box.
for from in into of on over with Oexamtip
Some nouns, verbs and
1 Parents sometimes don't have enough control __ their children. adjectives are commonly
2 Young people often think their parents interfere too much __ followed by certain
their lives. prepositions, e.g. believe in.
3 It is better to discuss responsibilities __ adolescents than to
impose responsibilities __ them.
4 Children must learn to cooperate __ others in order to achieve goals.
5 In some countries the age __ criminal responsibility is as low as twelve.
6 When setting standards __ behaviour, the child's level of maturity should be taken __ account.
7 In order for children to distinguish between right __ wrong, they need to be held accountable __
their actions.
8 Parents do not always behave __ the best interests __ their children.
5 Complete sentences 1-5 with expressions from Exercise 4.
1 It is unethical if professionals do not act __________ their clients.
2 If a child has a disability, this has to be when deciding on a programme of
education.
3 To work in a team, you have to demonstrate that you can _________
4 When a government imposes too many regulations, people often complain that it is

5 If managers _________ their employees, the employees might not take the initiative.

Children and parents 65

 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Developing a paragraph with supporting details
1 Study the table below that shows the results of a survey of 200 adolescents and their parents. Then
compare the first paragraphs of two different responses to the survey and answer questions 1-2.
Which response do you think is more satisfactory? Why?
2 Why do you think the writer of Response 2 has chosen to include certain supporting details and
not others?
Parents and adolescents' views of parental restrictions on adolescent decision-making

Parents should place restrictions on: Fathers Mothers Adolescent Adolescent

girls boys
how adolescents spend their free time 72% 67% 23% 19%
what subject(s) they study 68% 58% 33% 49%
how they spend money they have earned 34% 23% 12% 9%
what occupation they pursue 55% 53% 18% 21%
what friends they make 76% 78% 17% 22%

Response 1

Overall, parents said that they wanted more control over their children than did the adolescents
surveyed. For some decisions, the difference in opinion was quite large. In addition, fathers reported
wanting more control than mothers over all except one of the choices. Boys were also prepared to accept
more parental control than girls in four of the six choices.

Response 2

Overall, parents said that they wanted significantly more

control over their children than did the adolescents
surveyed. This is particularly evident in the issue of 'how
adolescents spend their free time' and 'what friends
they make: Roughly three out of four parents wanted
to place restrictions on these areas, whereas only one in
five children felt this was needed. The biggest conflict
of opinion concerned young people's choice of friends,
with nearly 80 percent of mothers believing they should
exercise control and only 17 percent of adolescent girls
agreeing. The only area where there was some agreement
among parents and young people was in restrictions on
choice of subjects for study, selected by 58 percent of
mothers and 49 percent of adolescent boys.

66 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 8

Signalling supporting details

2 Add the expressions in the box to the appropriate category 1-4 in the table.
in particular for instance the sole such as O Exam tip
The most common expression
particularly the most common
used to signal supporting
details is for example. Other
expressions can be used.

Type of signal Examples

1 superlatives the biggest difference

2 expressions indicating example for example

3 focusing expressions especially

4 expressions indicating uniqueness the only

3 Underline expressions that signal supporting detail in the Response 2 text on page 66. Indicate the
types of signal in the text by using the categories 1-4 from the table above.

4 Complete the paragraph below with expressions from Exercise 2. There may be more than one
correct answer.

Fathers generally reported wanting more control than mothers, the

(1) ______ exception being control over what friends their children
make, where 76% of fathers, as opposed to 78% of mothers, wanted a say.
In addition to choice of friends, fathers were (2) ______ keen to
exercise control over how adolescents spend their free time and what they
studied. The (3) ______ gap between fathers' and mothers' views
was over how children spend their self-earned· money. Over a third of fathers
wanted to place restrictions on this area, whereas only 23% of mothers
wanted to do so.

5 Choose supporting detail from the table in Exercise 1 on page 66 to complete the paragraph below.

The adolescent boys surveyed also indicated a. greater acceptance ofpa.rental control than did the
adolescentgirls ...

Children and parents 67

 Task 2: Using modal verbs appropriately
6 Read the example Task 2 essay below that answers the question: What can society do to ensure
that the rights of young people are respected? Match the modal verb forms 1-9 in the text with
the functions a-e below.
a making a promise or prediction ___ 0Examtip
b describing the possible consequence(s) of an action ___ Modal verbs such as can,
c indicating strong obligation or necessity ___ should and might help
d making a suggestion and indicating that an action is possible frame ideas in your writing.
They are commonly used to
e tentatively making a suggestion and indicating possibility ___ indicate intention, obligation,
permission, ability, and
possibility.

In most countries around the world, children are recognised as persons by law.
However, because children do not have the same access to power as adults, they lack
the means to defend their rights. It is therefore important that adults recognise the rights
of young people. Some argue that this is uniquely the duty of parents. In my view,
society (1) must bear some of this responsibility. In this essay I (2) will outline three
measures that can be taken to safeguard the rights of young people.
Firstly, government (3) can ensure that its policies take the interests of children into
account. It (4) could, for example, appoint a children's commissioner to scrutinise new
legislation for compliance with frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights
of the Child. This (5) would ensure that young people are continuously represented in
the halls of power.
Secondly, local government and charities (6) can ensure that young people have access
to independent confidential sources of help. Telephone help lines are just one example
of what (7) could be done. One such service in the UK, Childline, received over
700,000 calls last year, suggesting a strong need for this kind of help.
A third possible measure is to ensure that information about children's rights is widely
disseminated through schools, for example, and the mass media. Children who are well­
informed about their rights (8) would be in a better position to seek help to defend them.
In short, society has an obligation to look after young people. Doing so (9) could
have benefits for all. Young people who have felt valued by society are more likely to
recognise the value of society and behave accordingly.

7 Read the example Task 2 essay above again, then answer questions 1-3.
1 Which three modal verbs are used most frequently in the essay in Exercise 6? Why?
2 In what circumstances would you use the modal verb should instead of must?
3 When would you use may?

68 Writing for IELTS

 Unit8

8 Read the partially completed Task 2 response to the question: What can be done to encourage
young people to become responsible members of society?
Complete the text by adding a modal verb to the gaps 1-10. In some cases, more than one modal
verb is possible - your choice will depend on how emphatic you wish to be.

In nuny societies these days} people are concerned about deteriorating standards of behaviour among
young people. Petty crime} antisocial behaviour and apparent lack of respect for others all seem to
be on the rise. Some people main�in that the best way to address this problem is to reinstate firm
discipline within homes and schools. I (1) _____ suggest that although this (2) _____
be one solution, we (3) _____ approach the �sk of encouraging responsible behaviour among
young people in a variety of ways.
One measure that both parents and teachers (4) _____ take is to involve young people in
making decisions about what is acceptable behaviour. In schools for example} teachers (S) _____
draw up a contract with the children in their cla.ss. It (6) _____ need to be revised periodically
as the children mature and are able to handle more freedom responsibly. Doing this (7) _____
discourage children from using misbehaviour as a means ofexpressing their independence.
Secondo/J young people (8) _____ be taught leadership skills by taking part in organisations
such as the Scouts. Young people who have experienced what it is like to be a Leader (g) _____
probably have a better understanding of the difficulties involved. This (1o) _____ encourage
them to cooperate more easily with authority figures ...

Developing a conclusion
9 Read the three conclusions on page 70 to the Task 2 question in Exercise 8. Then match the features
a-d to the numbered sections 1-5. Some of the features can be used more than once.
a restating your opinion ____
b summarising the main points ____ Oexamtip
c making a recommendation ____ Conclusions to academic essays
d make a prediction (often stating what may happen if the often contain standard features.
Make sure you use these
recommended action is or is not taken) ____
features in the Writing exam.

Children and parents 69

 1 A more effective approach is to educate the public about the benefits of biodiversity. Efforts to research and
develop the world's biological resources should be widely publicized. 2 Once people understand that there
a.re real benefits to exploiting natural resources in a sustainable way, they a.re more likely to make the short�
term sacrifices necessary to preserve natural habitats.

3 In brief; I do not believe it is possible to make recommendations regarding the supervision of adolescents
that fit all contexts. 4 The physical environment, the cultural context, and the personalities of those involved
should all be considered.

In short, there is little about today's celebrity culture that is fundamentally more harmful than the types of
celebrity children have encountered in the past. 5 Provided children are given appropriateguidance, they are
unlikely to be adversely affected.

10 Read the conclusion below that is from the text on page 68. Then answer questions 1-5.

In short, society has an obligation to look after young people. Doing so an have benefits for all. Young people
who have felt valued by society are more likely to recognise the value of society and behave accordingly.

What expression is used to signal that this is 4 Which of the functions a-d in Exercise 9 is
the conclusion? used in the second sentence?
2 What other expressions can be used for this 5 How would you summarise the main points of
purpose? the essay in a single sentence?
3 Which of the functions a-d in Exercise 9 is
used in the first sentence?

11 Complete the essay in Exercise 8 on page 69 by writing a conclusion. Write one sentence for
each of the functions a-d listed in Exercise 9.

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a bar chart

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
Age (years)
The figure shows the results of
25 ""TTT"TTITTTTITITrnTT
a survey of 1000 adolescents
in five different countries. The
participants were asked at 20
what age they believed certain
15
rights and responsibilities
should be granted to young
people. Summarise the USA UK Mexico Japan Egypt
information by selecting and
reporting the main teatures. � Marriage D Voting [J Criminal responsibility

70 Writing for IELTS

 Unit8

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay evaluating a solution

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In many countries, young people are granted certain privileges and responsibilities at the age
of 16. Clearly parents have a responsibility to both care for and prepare their children as they
approach this important milestone.
To what degree should parents intervene in the lives of their 15-year-old children?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Which expressions can be used to express rights?

What types of signalling expressions can you use to indicate that

you are giving detailed information in support of a general point?

What are the different functions of modal verbs?

What are the different functions expressed by can?

What elements can you include in a Task 2 essay conclusion?

Children and parents 71

 Language developme�t I Expressi�ns"related to people �nd places; Causes and
consequences of an ageing population; Cohesive devices
Exam skills I Task 1: Correcting punctuation; Improving a paragraph by combining
sentences, Removing unnecessary words; Task 2: Creating cohesion with summary words;
Repetition and synonyms; Topic sentences
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a line graph; Task 2: Write an essay discussing ideas

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to people and places

1 Complete sentences 1-7 with words from the box. Use each word once.
demographic boom census density accelerate generation elderly
1 Overpopulation relates not just to the size of the population but also to the _____ of population.
2 Many people predict that population growth will _____ over the next 30 years before levelling
off at approximately 10 billion.
3 The 2011 _____ revealed that the average age of the population had risen considerably.
4 Governments regularly gather _____ data, including information about age, gender, income,
and employment status, in order to plan effectively for the future.
5 The proportion of the population composed of children has declined, whereas the proportion of the
population that is _____ has grown.
6 The recent jump in the numbers of people aged 60 to 65 in some countries can be attributed to the
_____ in births after 1945.
7 People are concerned that caring for the elderly will be a burden for the younger _____

Causes and consequences of an ageing population

2 Decide which of the expressions a-h refer to causes (C) and which refer to consequences (CON).
a increasing public health costs_ e growing pressure on care givers_
b lower fertility rate_ f family planning_
c decreasing mortality from infectious diseases_ g dwindling pension funds_
d increasing incidence of chronic illnesses_ h improved health care_

72 Writing for IELTS

3 Complete sentences 1-7 with expressions from Exercise 2 on page 72. Make any changes necessary.
1 The increasing numbers of older people has put-------, especially women in their 40s.
2 _______ have been a cause for concern among governments and companies and have led
to calls for the working population to save more for retirement.
3 _______ has resulted not only in greater longevity but also in better health among the
elderly.
4 _______ such as cholera and polio has been a welcome development.
5 As the population ages, there has been an _______ and diabetes.
6 Unless measures are taken to reduce -------, these will result in higher taxes.
7 _______ measures have undoubtedly reduced birth rates in some countries.

Cohesive devices
4 Match each type of cohesive device a-e in the box with the examples in the table.

a coordinating conjunctions, e.g. and, but, or Oexamtip

b pronouns, e.g. he, she, it In the exam, you need to
c subordinating conjunctions, e.g. when, whereas, although write coherently, link points
within a sentence and between
d relative pronouns, e.g. who, whose, where
sentences. You can do this using
e conjunctive adverbs e.g. therefore, furthermore, consequently a range of cohesive devices.

Device Short sentences Linked or combined sentences

1_ a Many people enjoy retirement. Many people enjoy retirement. They

b Many people find they have the time for find they have the time for activities they
activities they enjoy. enjoy.

2_ a Lower mortality is due to increased longevity. Lower mortality is due to increased

b Increased longevity results from improved longevity, which results from improved
health care. health care.

3_ a There are more jobs opportunities in cities. There are more jobs opportunities in cities,
b People migrate to cities from rural areas. so people migrate to them from rural
areas.

4_ a Couples are under pressure to work. Because couples are under pressure to
b Couples often delay starting a family. work, they often delay starting a family.

5_ a People want to enjoy retirement. People want to enjoy retirement;

b People do not always save enough for a however, they do not always save
comfortable retirement. enough for a comfortable retirement.

An ageing population 73
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Correcting punctuation Owatchout
1 Read the text that features the sentences from Exercise 4 and Accurate use of cohesive
circle the punctuation marks. Notice how each cohesive device is devices requires a good
punctuated. Then answer questions 1-4. understanding of punctuation.

Many people enjoy retirement. They find they have the time for activities they enjoy.
Lower mortality is due to increased longevity, which results from improved health care.
There are more jobs opportunities in cities, so people migrate to them from rural areas.
Because couples are under pressure to work, they often delay starting a family.
People want to enjoy retirement; however, they do not always save enough for a comfortable retirement.

What type of punctuation should you use with coordinating conjunctions?

2 When should you use a semicolon(;)?
3 Do you always have to use a comma with relative pronouns?
4 Do you always have to use a comma with subordinating conjunctions?
2 Make four corrections to punctuation in the Task 1 paragraph below.

The graph illustrates two contrasting trends. Whereas the proportion of the world� population aged 65
and above is expected to rise the proportion of those under five is expected to decline. The proportion
ofelderly people has risengradually from approximately 596 in 1950 to roughly 7.596 today and over the
next 30 years it is expected to more than double. However the proportion of young children has fallen
gradua.lly since 1970 from approximately 1496 to 996. It is forecast to continue falling at roughly the same
rate until 2040. When it will level off.

Improving a paragraph by combining sentences

3 Combine sentences 1-4 below into one paragraph, using a range of cohesive devices. Make any
changes necessary and punctuate each sentence correctly.
The bar chart shows the percentage of males and females. The males and females were over the age of
65 in 2000.
2 Korea, Mexico, and Turkey are all developing or newly industrialized countries. Korea, Mexico, and
Turkey are expected to experience large increases in the proportion of the population that is elderly.
3 The biggest increase is likely to occur in Korea. The proportion of pensioners in Korea is expected to
increase from 10% to 35%.
4 The changes in all three countries will occur from a relatively low base. The predicted proportion of
elderly residents will still be lower than that expected in developed economies.

74 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 9

Removing unnecessary words

4 Improve the paragraph below by removing unnecessary cohesive devices, dividing sentences that
are too complex, and correcting the punctuation.

The figure shows the distribution of the population in terms Oexamt_ip

of gender and age, and in fact, the age group with the highest Use linking words such as
percentage of both men and women is 55 to 59. Moreover; roughly moreover when you are
five percent of the population is in this agegroup. In addition, the emphasising an additional
agegroups with the next highest proportion of the population are point. Use words such as
30 to 34 and 35 to 39. Also, it is interesting that until the age of 59, although or however to indicate
the proportion of males and females is roughly equal however, contrasting ideas.
thereafter, women make up a higher proportion of the elderly
population and this trend is particularly evident in those aged 80.
For example, over four percent of women fall into in this category.
Whereas only two percent of men have reached this age.

Task 2: Creating cohesion with summary words

5 Look at the essay extracts below from sample responses you have seen in previous units. Link the
sentences by filling in the gaps with appropriate summary words.
Oexamtip
1 The cha.nges that result from allowing men into female­ Cohesion is often maintained
dominated occupations and vice versa may be subtle, but by this or these+ a summary
they are far-reaching. However, to benefit the most from this word referring to the main
_______ , it is important not to expect males and point of the preceding
females to approach work in identical ways. sentence, e.g. The gap in life
expectancy has grown. This
trend is likely to continue.

2 However,, exams also have clear drawbacks. Test-wise candidates can often perform well on exams
without having good underlying knowledge or skills. On the other hand, some test-takers perform
poorly on exams simply because ,,f anxiety. Some teachers and learners focus only on those aspects
of the curriculum that are likely to be tested, thus narrowing the educational experience for all.
A number of measures should be taken to address these _______

3 Governments c"uld promotegreater understanding of plants and animals by investing in the

research and preservation efforts of universities, zoos and botanical institutes... However, this
_______ alone would do little to protect whole ecosystems that are under threat.

4 It is true that as the balance of puwer amonggroups of people throughout history has shifted,
languages have arisen, changed, and died out. Even once widely spoken languages, such as Latin, have
disappeared. To some extent, therefore, this _______ may be inevitable.

An ageing population 75
 0Examtip
Maintain cohesion in essays by repeating key words that link back to the exam
question or thesis statement. Use synonyms for other words or expressions that
you may need to repeat throughout your text.

6 Read the passage below and answer questions 1-5.

1 Which sentence conveys the main idea of the text?
2 Which key word has the writer repeated in order to make the organisation of the passage clear?
3 In which sentences does this repetition occur?
4 What words and expressions has the writer used to avoid repeating the word pensioners?
5 What words and expressions has the writer used to avoid repeating the word funds?

As the population ages, people can expect to spend a longer proportion of their lives as pensioners. The quality
oflife among older people has, therefore, become a focus ofattention. A number ofmeasures can be taken to
ensure that the elderly can enjoy life after retirement.
One ofthe most important measures is to make sure the people ofworking age are setting aside enough funds
for when they retire. This could be done through a government scheme such as the national insurance system
in the UK, through employer contributions, or through compulsory private pension plans. Saving sufficient
sums ofmoney would ensure that the burden oflooking after elderly people does not fall entirely to the younger
generation. However, savings alone would probably be insufficient to guarantee a good retirement for all.
Another measure that should be taken is to invest properly in the health care services so that they are able to
cope with the demands of an increasingly frail section ofthe population ...

76 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 9

Repetition and synonyms

7 Look at the Task 2 question and the sample response extract below. Notice how the key word
obligation(s) is repeated. Write synonyms for the expressions younger family members and older
relations in the spaces.

What are the obligations of younger family members towards older relations?

In most societies, adults in their prime are expected to ca.re for those who a.re becoming frailer due
to old age. How one defines the specific responsibilities of younger family members towards older
relations, however, depends on a. number offactors, for example, the family's resources and the degree of
state support available. Nevertheless, I would suggest a number of core obligations can be identified.
The most fundamental obligation that (younger family members) _____ have towards (older
relations) ____ is to ensure that their physical needs a.re being met. It is particularly important
that (older relations) ____ have good nutrition, adequate healthcare and a safe and warm
environment. Whether this is provided in the family home or in a.n institution such a.s a. nursing home
does not matter.
Another core obligation is to ensure that (older relations) ____ continue to feel a sense of
love and belonging. Whenever possible, they should be included in family occasions such a.s birthdays,
weddings and funerals. Their value to the family a.s a whole should be acknowledged even if they a.re no
longer able to contribute actively to the family, financially or otherwise.
Finally, (younger family members) ____ should ensure that (older relations) ____
continue to have the opportunity togrow and develop a.s individuals. As the process of personal
development is never complete, people continue to need stimulation in the form of activities and
interests throughout their lives. Reading a.loud, watching a film together or playing a board game are all
things that (younger family members) ____ can do with their (older relations) ____
In short, ...

8 Look again at the first paragraph from the essay in Exercise 7. Underline the words and phrases that
have opposite or contrasting meanings. The first example has been done for you.

In most societies, adults in their prime are expected to care for Qexamtip
those who a.re becgmingfrailer due to old age. How one defines Antonyms are words that
the specific responsibilities of younger family members towards have the opposite meaning of
older relations, however, depends on a number of factors, for another word, e.g, large and
example, the family's resources and the degree of state support small, old and young. Antonyms
available. Nevertheless, I would suggest a number of core are useful for structuring a text.
obligations can be identified.

9 Now look at the Task 2 questions below. For each question, circle a key word that you might want
to repeat, and underline any words or expressions which could be replaced with synonyms.
1 With improvements in life expectancy, people living today are clearly able to work productiveiy for much
longer than in the past. What are the arguments for and against a mandatory retirement age?
2 What are the most significant consequences of population ageing?

An ageing population 77
 Topic sentences
10 Read the three topic sentences which open the three body paragraphs of the response to the Task 2
question on page 77. Underline the word or phrase in each that signals it is a topic sentence. Circle
the phrase that expresses the main idea developed in the paragraph.
The most fundamental obligation that younger family members have towards older relations is to ensure
that their physical needs are being met.
2 Another core obligation is to ensure that older relations continue to feel a sense of love and belonging.
3 Finally, younger family members should ensure that older relations continue to have the opportunity to
grow and develop as individuals.
11 Write topic sentences for three paragraphs in response to the Task 2 question below. Then expand
the first topic sentence into a paragraph. Make your paragraph cohesive using this (or these)+ a
summary word.
What are the most significant consequences of population aging?

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a line graph

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The figure shows demographic trends in an industrialized country.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
Write at least 150 words.
Demographic trends (Scotland)

1.0

: � - H-!- ,- -,� I
: : : : : : ':

78 Writing for IELTS

 Unit9

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay discussing ideas

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that people over the age of 65
can continue to live full and active lives.
In what ways can society benefit from the contribution that older people can make?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

In what three ways could you combine these sentences? People

know they are going to grow older. People often do not prepare
adequately for old age.

Why is it more important to use words such as however to signal

contrasting ideas than to use words such as moreover when adding
a further point?

Where in an essay would you normally place the thesis statement?

What is the relationship between the thesis statement and

topic sentences?

Why is it acceptable to repeat key words in a Task 2 essay?

An ageing population 79
 10 Fame
I
Language development Expressions related to popular culture; Expressing attitude with
adverbs; Modifying adverbs
I
Exam skills Task 1: Commonly confused words; Using formal language; Using synonyms to
avoid repetition; Task 2: Choosing the right level of formality
I
Exam practice Task 1: Describe a table; Task 2: Write about an opinion

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to popular culture

1 Match the words 1-9 with the words a-i that have a similar meaning.
1 fame a short-lived
2 ambition b icon
3 achievement C accomplishment
4 shortcoming d approve
5 idol e stardom
6 transient f aspiration
7 endorse g notorious
8 image h flaw
9 infamous impression

2 Complete the phrases in italics in sentences 1-6 with words from Exercise 1 to form common
expressions. Make any necessary changes to the forms.
1 When you meet someone for the first time, it's important to make a good ____
2 When starting a new project, it is common to be full of hopes and ____
3 Many people see celebrities as being all ____ and no substance.
4 People often migrate to cities to seek ____ and fortune.
5 He has had big problems with his co-stars in the past, so his character must be deeply ____
6 She asp·ired to becoming a fashion ____

80 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 10

3 Arrange the groups of words below from left to right, according to strength of meaning.
1 famous legendary well-known
2 bad imperfect worthless QExamtip
3 like admire idolise Some words have similar meanings
but vary in strength, e.g. satisfactory,
4 praise acclaim recognition
good, excellent. Make sure you use
5 brief fleeting transient the words correctly.

Expressing attitude with adverbs

QExamtip
To express your opinion without using personal pronouns, use an attitude
adverb at the beginning of your statement, rather than: / think it's great that
some celebrities are good role models., write: Fortunately, some celebrities are
good role models.

4 Start each sentence 1-7 with an adverb from the box that expresses the attitude in brackets.
fortunately importantly inevitably interestingly
obviously surprisingly unfortunately

-------, many people who achieve fame as children have difficulty living a normal adult life.
(This is not a good thing.)
2 -------, some people who become famous as children go on to live very ordinary lives as
adults. (This phenomenon is bound to happen.)
3 -------, only a small percentage of people become truly obsessed with celebrities. (This is a
good thing.)
4 -------, the vast majority of respondents were critical of the amount of celebrity coverage in
the news. (I didn't expect this.)
5 -------, fame can bring certain advantages. (This is clear.)
6 -------, the majority of children surveyed said that they did not want to be famous. (I find
this interesting.)
7 -------, many children were critical of the bad behaviour of people in the public eye. (This
idea is significant.)

Modifying adverbs
5 Complete sentences 1-4 with an adverb and a suitable modifier (more, less, not, somewhat.)
-------, fame can be stressful. (This is not as clear as the previous point.)
2 -------, the majority of children said they did not want to emulate the bad behaviour of
their idols. (This idea is more significant than the previous one.)
3 -------, people find notorious criminals quite fascinating. (This is to be expected.)
4 -------, the children of famous people rarely seek fame themselves. (This is
a bit surprising.)

Fame 81
 Part 2: Exam skills
Qwatch out
Task 1: Commonly confused words
Some words that sound or look
1 Sentences 1-6 describe information in the table below. Each similar have different meanings, e.g.
sentence contains two commonly confused words in italics. principal vs principle.
Underline the correct word.

Children's career aspirations in 1990 and 2019

rank 1990 % 2019 %

Teacher 14 Sports star 20

2 Businessperson 9 Teacher 11
3 Doctor/nurse 8 Actor 7
4 Scientist 7 Video game designer 6
5 Police officer 6 Policeman/woman 5
6 Vet 6 Singer 5
7 Sports star 5 Doctor/nurse 4
8 Astronaut 4 Scientist 4
9 Banker 4 Vet 3
10 Archaeologist 3 Chef 2

Children today appear to have a greater interest in careers associated with celebrities than did children in
the passed I past.
2 There were changes in the rankings of all of the occupations accept I except that of police officer.
3 The percentage of children choosing sports star as one of their top ten careers rose I raised.
4 In 2019, a higher proportion of children wanted to work in entertainment then I than in more traditional
professions such as medicine.
5 In contrast I On the contrary, a much higher percentage of those surveyed selected sports star, which
occupies first position in the 2019 list.
6 Some professions that did not appear in the 1990 rankings, feature I future prominently in the 2019 list.
2 Complete sentences 1-5 with some of the words in italics from Exercise 1.
1 The percentage of children wanting to be a sports star _______ significantly.
2 In 1990, teaching was a more popular care�r choice _______ medicine.
3 A smaller percentage of children today want to work in science than they did
in the _______
4 Not surprisingly, banker did not _______ in the 2019 list.
5 All of the professions in the 1990 list appeared in the 2019 list, _______ businessperson,
astronaut, banker and archaeologist.

82 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 10

Using formal language

3 The paragraph below contains six informal expressions in italics. Replace them with more formal
words or expressions.

There were (I) really big changes in the children's career aspirations between
1990 and 2020. (2) Lots of traditional professions either declined in popularity or
disappeared. (3) E.g. in 1990, eight percent of respondents wanted to be doctors or
nurses, whereas thirty years later, only four percent of those surveyed chose these
professions. (4) Amazingly, businessperson, ranked second in 1990, (5) didn't even
(6) show up in the top ten occupations of 2020.

1 4
2 5
3 6

Using synonyms to avoid repetition

Oexamtip
It can be challenging to avoid repeating the same words and phrases in Task 1
summaries because of the way the information is presented. Learn synonyms
for common expressions.

4 The passage below contains some unnecessary repetition of the words in bold. Replace the words 1-6
in italics with synonyms from Exercise 1 on page 82. Make any other necessary changes to the words.

A number of professions typically associated with celebrities, which were not

included in the 1990 list, appeared among the top ten in 2020. Acting and
singing were particularly popular, ranking third and sixth respectively. Chef,
chosen by two percent of respondents, also (I) appeared in the 2010 list. Other
(2) professions increased significantly in popularity. The percentage of
(3) respondents (4) choosing sports star more than doubled. The only (5) profession
that did not change in the rankings was police officer, which (6) appeared in fifth
place in both 1990 and 2019.

1 4
2 5
3 6

Fame 83
 5 The table below shows the results of an opinion poll. Read the description and circle the most
appropriate option in the items 1-7 in italics. Then underline the expressions the writer has used to
avoid repeating the word respondents.

Opinion poll of media coverage

Too much coverage of: Too little coverage of:

Celebrity gossip 42 Good news 18
Politics 10 Poverty 11
Conflict 9 Environment 10
Crime 8 Education 9
The economy 8 Health 8
Sports 5 International news 4

The table presents the findings of a public opinion survey of media coverage.
On the whole, the respondents felt there was too much coverage of individuals in the entertainment
industry and politics, 'bad' news and sports. Dissatisfaction with the amount of coverage given
to celebrity gossip was particularly high at 42 percent. Individuals in politics were also seen as
(I) receiving I getting too much attention by one in ten of those surveyed. A similar (2) number I
percentage of respondents said the media focused too much on (3) terrible I negative news stories,
conflict and the recession, for example. At the other end of the scale, a (4) small Ifew percentage of
people questioned said there was too much sports news.
(5) On the contrary I On the other hand, respondents said that there (6) wasn't I was not enough
coverage of good news, social and issues and international news. Nearly one in five of those who
took part in the survey felt that there was not enough focus on good news. A relatively high
percentage also felt that there was too little coverage of issues relating to quality of life: poverty, the
environment, education and health. A small percentage (4%) wanted more international news.
In short, (7) there appears to be I you could say there was a mismatch between the types of news
stories covered and the stated preferences of the survey respondents.

Task 2: Choosing the right level of formality

fj Exam information: General v specialist knowledge

Task 2 questions usually require you to discuss ideas or problems that require general rather than specialist knowledge,
so the language required for IELTS Writing Task 2 is often predictable.

6 Listed below are ten common expressions. Write one or two words with a similar meaning for each.
1 advantage 6 problem
2 disadvantage 7 solution
3 opinion 8 important
4 however 9 issue
5 people 10 situation

84 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 10
7 Study the four introductions a-d to an essay written in response to the question: In your view, why
have celebrities become such an important feature of modern fife? Then answer questions 1-2.
1 Which is the best introduction?
2 What is the problem with each of the other three?

There are more and more television programmes., magazines., and newspaper articles about celebrities these
days. The 'cult of celebrity' is one of the one of the things about modern pop culture that really stands out.
Some people say that because there have always been famous people around, this isn't anything new. But
I say that theres something different about fame today.

The number of television programmes., magazines., and newspaper articles focusing on the lives of
celebrities has rocketed over the last few decades. Indeed., the 'cult of celebrity' is the defining feature of
modern popular culture. People say that, because there have always been famous people., this is not a new
phenomenon. Howeve,; I strongly believe that fame today is unique to our times.

The number of television programmes., magazines., and newspaper articles focusing on the lives of celebrities
appears to have grown considerably over the last few decades. Indeed., the 'cult of celebrity' seems to be
one of the defining features of modern popular culture. Some people insist that., because there have always
been famous people., this is not a new phenomenon. Howeve,; I would sugest that there are aspects of fame
today that are particular to our times.

The number of television programmes., magazines., and newspaper articles focusing on the lives ofcelebrities
appears to have grown considerably over the last few decades. Indeed., the 'cult ofcelebrity' seems to be
one of the defining features of television programmes., magazines and newspapers. Some people insist that.,
because there have always been famous people., the' cult of celebrity' is not a new phenomenon. Howeve,;
I would sugest that there are aspects of the 'cult of celebrity' that are particular to our times.

Fame 85
 8 Read the first two body paragraphs of the essay on page 85. 0Examtip
Improve the text by:
Academic style usually avoids
1 changing the informal expressions into more formal language. language that is informal or too
2 modify the statements 1-5 that are too emphatic by adding emphatic. Use 'hedges' such as
hedging expressions. Use the hints to help you. sometimes, often, could + verb to
moderate your statements.

In the pa.st, people (1) ____ became famous for Add a hedge to show that this
doing great things. Einstein, Dickens, and Gandhi, for is a generalisation.
instance, were all celebrated for what they'd done for science,
literature and public life. People were interested in them Add a hedge to show that this is
(2) ____ because they were role models. -------- not the only reason.
One of the reasons fame today is so different is because Add a hedge to indicate that this
celebrities (3) ____ satisfy a range of people's
seems to be what happens.
emotioTLJl needs, notjust the need for role models. Lots of
people in the public eye today are famous simply for being Add a hedge to indicate that this
famous. The public are (4) ____ interested in them doesn't happen all of the time.
because, when news ofscandals comes out into the open,
they(s) ____ get the satisfaction of feeling superior Add a hedge that indicates this
to people they envy. .....is_ a_ _ p_oss
_ _ ib_ilit
_ _y. _ _________,

9 Read the third body paragraph and the conclusion to the essay. Reduce the unnecessary repetition
in the text by replacing repeated words with synonyms.

Another reason fame today is unique is the desire of ordiTLJry Qwatchout

people to explore the nature of fame itself. Many celebrities that If you do not know suitable
have achieved fame through the Internet, for �mple, come from synonyms for a key term, it
the same backgrounds a.s ordinary people. Watching such celebrities is better to repeat the word
allows ordirury people to imagine what it might be like to suddenly rather than to use an unsuitable
find themselves in the public eye. Celebrities may, therefore, allow alternative.
ordinary people to enjoy wish fulfilment fantasies without having to
worry about whether they are capable of significant achievement
The third and perhaps most signi.icant reason that celebrities play
such an important role in modem Life is the fact that commercial
pressures encourage media organisations to focus on information
that is immediately attractive to ordinary people. As we have seen,
celebrities appear b1 tap inw powerlitl emotional needs: the need
to feel superio,; the need to imagine oneself to be the centre of
attention; therefore, news about celebrities sells.

86 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 10

Part 3: Exam practice.

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a table

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

The table shows the results of a survey of people's perception of celebrity news coverage.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.

How much news coverage

do celebrities receive?
Too much
I I
%

85
Who is responsible for
the amount of coverage?
News organisations
I I
%

56
Who gives celebrities
the most coverage?
Internet news websites
I %

60
Not enough 6 The public 34 Television news 15
Right amount 7 Both 7 Newspapers 12
Don't know 2 Don't know 3 Radio news 5
Other 3
Don't know 5

WRITING TASK 2: Write about an opinion

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Many people believe that media coverage of celebrities is having a negative effect on children.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

1 How can you express your personal opinion 3 What sort of themes are found in Task 2 essays?
about an issue without using expressions such as
I believe, in my opinion? 4 What is the difference in tone between academic
language and everyday language?
2 If you want to avoid repeating a word, why
shouldn't you simply choose another word that 5 What kind of words can you use to make a
sounds similar? statement less emphatic?

Fame 87
 Trans ortation
Language development I Expressions associated with transport; Word formation and parts
of speech
Exam skills I Task 1: Correcting errors in verb forms and articles; Task 2: Correcting errors in
sentence structure; Punctuation and linking; Proofreading your work
Exam practice I Task 1: Describe a table; Task 2: Write an essay proposing solutions

Part 1: Language development

Expressions associated with transport

3 ____....

6_ IN

1 Match the phrases a-h in the box with the road signs 1-8 above.
a cycle route ahead b pedestrian crossing ahead c end of motorway d traffic congestion likely
e road works ahead f danger ahead g bus lane h speed cameras in the area

2 Use the relevant words from the expressions in Exercise 1 to complete sentences 1-7.
1 Unless we add new------, the number bike journeys won't increase.
2 Although reduce the amount of road accidents, drivers don't like being under
surveillance.
3 Faulty traffic lights and poor road crossings put the lives of _______ in _______
4 Motorists will experience _______ on the roads during peak travel periods.
5 _______ make travelling long distances faster but some people think they spoil the landscape.
6 The upgrading of the road network means that journeys are delayed because of _______
7 The number of journeys by public transport increased when the government invested in
_______ and more spacious buses.

88 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 11

Word formation and parts of speech

3 Complete the table below with the correct word forms. Oexamtip
Academic writing requires a
verb good knowledge of abstract
nouns. Notice that the nouns
reduction in Exercise 3 all end in: -tion,
production -sion, or -ance. Another common
convert ending for nouns is -ment.
maintain
emission
combust
propel

4 Use words from Exercise 3 to complete the passage below. Make any changes necessary.

Electric cars are battery-powered vehicles ( 1) ____ by electric motors. Because electric cars are more
efficient at (2) ____ stored energy into (3) ____ they have the potential to (4) ____ CO2
emissions. The level of reduction depends on how the electricity is generated; however, it can be substantial. In
the UK, for example, if vehicles with internal {5) ____ engines were replaced with electric vehicles, CO2
(6) ____ would decrease by 40 %.
Moreover, because electric cars do not (7) ____ exhaust fumes, they have the potential to reduce
urban pollution. Another advantage of electric cars is their low (8) ____ costs; because electric
motors have fewer moving parts than petrol-powered engines, they are easier to maintain. One disadvantage,
however, is that they (9) ____ less noise and can therefore be dangerous to pedestrians.
Governments and manufacturers around the world are investing substantial sums in the development of
state-of-the-art electric cars and batteries. Some have predicted that electric car (IO) ____ will increase
substantially over the next decade and that by 2030, 20 % of cars on the road will be battery-powered.

5 Write the noun form of the verbs a-g. Use the endings -tion, -sion, -ance, or -ment and make any
other changes necessary to the root form of the word.
a achieve ____ e involve ____
b appear ____ f provide ____
c allow ____ g oppose ____
d explain ____
6 Complete sentences 1-7 with the correct noun form from Exercise 5.
1 The local authority couldn't enforce the new parking restrictions because of public ____
2 For many people, learning to dive is a significant ____
3 The train operator couldn't offer a coherent ____ for why the train was late.
4 When purchasing a new car, people will often consider functionality, price and ____
5 The new public transport scheme is unlikely to go ahead unless there is substantial financial ____
from government.
6 It is important that drivers make ____ for cyclists on busy roads.
7 Attempts to create pedestrian-only zones in cities won't succeed without the ____ of
local businesses.

Transportation 89
 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Correcting errors in verb forms and articles
Oexamtip
Task 1 responses often contain errors in verbs tense. Use the past tenses for
actions completed in the past, the present perfect for time periods up to the
present, and the simple present for general truths.

1 Complete sentences 1-6 with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
1 Between 2010 and 2015, there _____ a substantial decrease in petrol prices. (be)
2 Petrol prices _____ substantially since 2015. (rise)
3 The figure shows that if the price of petrol _____ to rise over the next five years, fewer people
will choose to drive. (continue)
4 As a general rule, car use _____ positively with per capita income. (correlate)
5 The percentage of households in the UK with access to a car _____from 50 percent to
75 percent between 1975 and 2000. (increase)
6 According to the graph, car use _____ substantially when the oil crisis began. (already rise)
2 Underline the correct active or passive form in italics in sentences 1-6.
1 Sales of electric cars decreased I were decreased for approximately three years.
2 Electric car sales expect I are expected to rise over the next ten years.
3 Petrol consumption correlates I is correlated negatively with population density.
4 Use of public transport varied I was varied in relation to income and average distance travelled per year.
5 Public transport accounted I was accounted for only ten percent of journeys to work in 2015.
6 When they asked I were asked why they were reluctant to buy an electric car, the majority of
respondents cited the following factors: cost, maintenance and reliability.

Oexamtip
When one verb is followed by another, the second verb can either be an
infinitive or an -ing form (or in some cases, both). The correct form depends on
the first verb. Check in a dictionary for example sentences.

3 Read the exam tip above then complete sentences 1-6 with the infinitive or the -ing form of the
word in brackets.
Three-quarters of the survey participants said that, whenever possible, they avoided ____ (drive)
at peak times.
2 People below the age of 25 tended-�-- (use) public transport more regularly than those aged
over 54.
3 Consumers often postpone ____ (purchase) a new car during periods of economic uncertainty.
4 Even significant discounts on new car models did not make prospective buyers ____ (change)
their minds.
5 More people would consider ____ (travel) by public transport if it were cheaper and more reliable.
6 Most people said that they intended (reduce) their car use in future.

90 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 11

4 Study sentences 1-5 in the table and match each sentence with the rule for article use (a-e) listed in
the box. The first two sentences are examples.
0Examtip
a When referring to a single countable noun, use a if you mean
Another common error is the
one or any.
misuse of articles a and the. The
b Use the with ordinal numbers, e.g. the second. rules of article use in English
c Use the with superlatives, e.g. the biggest. are complex. However, most
d Use the with adjectives that represent a class of people, e.g. the mistakes can be avoided by
educated. following some basic guidelines.
e Use the with words that express uniqueness, e.g. the sole.

Cars can be seen as status symbols. (no articles) When you make generalisations about countable
nouns, use the plural form with no article.
The car that I bought last year has already been When referring to a single countable noun, use the
repaired twice. if you mean a specific one.
1 The wealthy could afford cars while the poor
travelled on foot.
2 The only electric car costing less than £20,000
is now on the market.
3 The least fuel-efficient cars on the market tend
to be luxury models.
4 Most people would buy a new car if they could
afford one.
5 The first electric cars were built in the
nineteenth century.
5 Read the Task 1 response below. Complete the text by adding articles a and the. Where no article is
needed, write -.

(1) ___ bar chart gives information about modes of transport used by (2) ____ people
living in (3) ___ rural areas and cities of different sizes. It shows (4) annual distance
travelled by car, bus, train and foot per person.
Overall, the distance travelled is inversely proportional to the size of conurbation. People living in large
cities (over, 50,000 inhabitants) travelled less than those living in (5) ___ cities with fewer than
50,000 people and considerably less than those living in rural areas. Inhabitants of (6) ___ largest
cities (over 500,000) travelled (7) ____ fewest miles (approximately 5,500). In contrast, people
living in the countryside travelled nearly twice that distance each year.
This tendency was particularly evident in relation to car travel. For all of (8) ___ categories
represented in the table, cars considerably outweighed other forms of transport. However, people living
in (9) __ rural area travelled nearly three times the distance (over 9,000 miles) by car as people
living in (10) __ large city. In fact, car use correlated negatively with the size of the conurbation.
Other modes of transport, on the other hand, showed (11) ____ opposite tendency. Inhabitants
of larger cities tended to travel more by train and bus and on foot than people in less populated areas.
In short, city living appears to be more environmentally friendly, at least as far as distance and mode
of transport is concerned.

Transportation 91
 Task 2: Correcting errors in sentence structure
0Examtip
Review previous texts you have written and make a list of your most common
mistakes. Keep them in mind when you check your work.

6 Ten of the most common errors in found in Task 2 responses involve the errors a-j below. Sentences
1-10 each contain one of the errors a-j. Identify the type of error in each sentence and correct it.
a subject-verb agreement_ f relative clauses_
b articles: a I an I the_ g verb forms: modal I infinitive/ gerund_
c countable vs. uncountable nouns_ h tenses_
d prepositions_ run-on sentences_
e word class_ sentence fragments_
1 The evidences show that wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces road accident fatalities.
2 In fact wearing a seatbelt is most important safety measure that can be taken.
3 The number of road accidents has declined last year.
4 It is illegally to drive without a license or car insurance.
5 The cost of insurance depends of several factors including age, experience and type of car.
6 Organisations such as the AA can to provide assistance to motorists who break down.
7 Many people which living in rural areas have no choice but to travel by car.
8 Buying a second-hand car is sometimes risky, inexperienced buyers can be easily cheated.
9 There is numerous examples of illegal practices in the second-hand motor trade.
10 Because the industry is poorly regulated and buyers are not a-lways well-informed.
7 Connect the pairs of sentences 1-5 using the linking words given in brackets.
In many parts of the world, people now have greater access to cars. They often have more choice over
where they live and work. (as)

2 Cities have become more sprawling. People have sought out the greater privacy and space afforded by
suburban living. (because)

3 There are more vehicles, often travelling at greater speed. The streets are less hospitable to pedestrians.
(as a consequence)

4 There has also been a decline in public transport. People have less day-to-day contact with other
members of their community. (as a result)

5 Most people are very dependent on their cars. Most people do not want to give up their cars. (since)

92 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 11
Punctuation and linking
8 Correct the punctuation in sentences 1-6.
1 Although most people say they would use other forms of transport for short journeys in fad most car
journeys are for distances of less than two miles.
2 Most people are reluctant to buy electric cars because of three main factors, cost, maintenance
and reliability.
3 Some of those surveyed, said they had concerns about the distance electric cars could travel before
having to be recharged.
4 Electric cars are more expensive than conventional cars, however their maintenance costs are lower.
5 One major Japanese car manufacturer which produces some of the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered
cars has recently announced that it plans to invest more heavily in electric car technology.
6 Hybrid and electric cars produce fewer emissions but this may not result in a reduction in overall
emissions. Because the growth in car ownership over the next 15 years is likely to accelerate.
9 The essay extract below contains two very short sentences, one sentence fragment, and three
long sentences that are missing linking words. Revise the text by correcting the punctuation and
choosing from the list of linking words in the box to connect the ideas. You will not have to use all
the linking words.

although as because however as a consequence

since therefore whereas which while

In many parts ofthe world, people now havegreater access to QExamtip

ca.rs, they often Juve more choice over where they live and work Some linking words have more
Cities Juve become more sprawlin� people have sought out the than one meaning: since can
greater privacy and space afforded by suburban living. There are refer to time or reason, e.g. He
more vehicles. Often travelling atgreater speed. The streets are has been driving since he was
less hospitable to pedestrians. There has also been a decline in twenty. (time)
public transport, people Juve less day,to,day contact with other More people are cycling since
members oftheir community. travel costs are so high. (reason)
Also check in a dictionary for
the different meanings of as
and while.

Transportation 93
 Proofreading your work
10 Read the essay extract below written in response to the question: 0Examtip
What are the most significant negative consequences of the In the Writing exam, always
massive expansion of car ownership? Find and correct as many of leave two to three minutes at the
the errors as you can. end to check for errors.

One of the factors that distinguishes developed from developingeconomies is mass car ownership.
The cars undoubtedly have practical benefits for the individuals who own them. They allow for more
flexible and autonomous travel. Like other consumer items, they can used to express individual taste
and identityi howevelj they also clearly have a number of undesirable consequences.
One of these consequences is deteriorate in people's health. Urban pollution, which is Largely caused by
vehicle emissions, can exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma. This health problems is more
prevalent in cities, particularly among children and elderly.
Another consequence ofcar use is a decline in Levels of physical activity and hence levels of fitness.
Although this is partly a consequence of rising prosperity generally there is evident that car use is
responsible for lower Levels ofcardiovascular fitness. The vast majority ofcarjourneys are for less than
two miles, that is, distances that can easily be covered on foot In short, when the people own cars, they
tend to walking less, thus removing a major means by which people maintain day-to-day fitness.

Part 3: Exam practice

WRITING TASK 1: Describe a table

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
Most cited reasons people travel to
The table shows the percentage of journeys made by different work by car (USA)
forms of transport in four countries. The bar chart shows the %
results of a survey into car use. 50
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
40
features, and make comparisons where relevant.

I I I France I Netherlands
30
Journeys made by: USA UK
20
Car 90% 72% 68% 47%
Bicycle 1% 2% 2% 26% 10

=
Public transport 3% 12% 18% 8%
On foot 5% 11% 11% 18%
�
.:::� �tu
'1) ¢::
:E
Other 1% 3% 1% 1% ·a
'1)
�.... ·sO' .E
E
�0 .s
'1)

�0 u �u ·a
t)L)

z �
"'d
'1) �
z'1)

94 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 11

WRITING TASK 2: Write an essay proposing solutions

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is contributing to global warming and
having other undesirable effects on people's health and well-being.
What can be done to discourage people from using their cars?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Qexamtutor

1 How long should you spend on each writing task?

2 How many words should you write for each task?

3 What types of visual prompts are there for Task 1?

4 What do Task 2 questions normally require you to do?

5 What criteria will be used to assess your writing?

Transportation 95
 12 Practice exam
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The figure gives information about participation in seven common leisure activities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Weekly participation in leisure activities

100 --,---,-,--,----,---,----,----,---,-----r--..----r-,-,-,--,-----,---.......,...,,----,--.....,.-,-=,::r:r:=r:==r:--,,--,---,-,,...,.-,--.-,
80

60

40

20
00 s::
.s .9
-5 -�
- 11)

�]

02019 02015

96 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 12

WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between inequality and
personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in more egalitarian
societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals
are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits.
What is your view of the relationship between equality and personal success?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Practice exam 97
 Additional model essays
Unit 1
Bar charts are frequently
Unit 1 - Task 1 used to compare
I 1
information. Notice how the
The chart compares the percenta0e of male and female writer makes comparisons
teachers in dijferent educational settin0s from nurserM throughout.
school to universitM, si0ngicant dijferences between men
and women a re evident. The bar chart represents
percentages not numbers.
Women held nearlM ctll of the teachin0 posts in nurseri1 and - The words percentage
primarM schools and the majoritM of posts in secondarM schools and proportion are used
(approximatelM 56%). TheM held the same percenta0e of posts throughout the response.
as did men £it colle0e level. However, a smaller proportion of
women held teachin0 positions at trainin0 institutes, and, at
universities, female lecturers were outnumbered b!1 males bi1
rou0hl!1 three to two. The writer makes reference
to only four percentage
For men, the pattern of emploMment was the reverse. Onli1 2% of figures out of a possible
nurseri1 school teachers and 10% of primari1 teachers were men. total of 12. This is enough
to illustrate and support the
TheM were more equallM represented at secondari1 and colle0e main points. Remember, you
level. However, a si.gngimntlM hi0her percentage of universitM do not need to include all of
lecturers were male (rou0h.l!1 60%). ---------------i the information in the visual
prompt.
Overall, the.fi0ure shows that 0ender is a si0ngicant factor
in patterns of emploMment within the education sector. ------. The conclusion highlights
the main point but does not
(151 words)----------------------. offer an explanation. You are
not required to explain or
interpret the data.

The response meets the 1 50

- word requirement but is not
any longer than necessary.
Remember, you should spend
no more than 20 minutes on
Task 1.

98 Writing for IELTS

Unit 2

Unit 2 - Task 2 ------------------------1 This is a response to a type D

'Evaluate an idea' essay
Otte oj the most si0n91.rn.ttt advances in civilisation is the question . It asks the writer to
development oj modem methods oJjood production and consider the truth value of a
preparation. Conveniencejoods have now become the norm '-'-p_re_ d_ic_tio_ _n _. ________,
in matt!::1 societies. Althou0h some people idealise traditional -----1 By acknowledging there is
cookin0 practices and believe the!::j will prevail indejinitel!::j, another point of view, the
demo0raphic trends su00est that this is uttlikel!::1 to be the writer indicates that she has
rn.se. lnjact, there are a number oJ re"'sonsjor believin0 that 'tested' her idea.
conveniencejoods are likel!::1 to 0row in popularit!::j.
The writer structures her
Thejirst reason is the decline injamil!::1 size and the increase in essay around reasons for
sin0le-adult households. ltt more traditional societies, where � her opinion . Notice how
families tended to be lar0e, it made economic sensejor one the word reason appears
at the start of each body
person to devote himself I herself to time-consumin0 domestic
paragraph.
tasks such as 0rowin0 and preparin0Jood. Nowada!::js, people
tend to live in ever smaller Jamil!::1 units. lf eachjamil!::1 were to
spend lar0e amounts oj time 0rowin0 and processin0 Jood, this
would be a poor use oJ societ!::j's human resource.

Another reason conveniencejoods are likel!::1 to become more

popular is the increase in the number oJ adults, espedall!::1
women with children, who work in.full-time emplo!::jmettt.
ltt the UK,jor example, workitt0 mothers si0n91.cantl!::j---------1 Examples to illustrate and
outnumber sta!::j-at-home mothers. There is evidence that support the argument are
�a_ls_o �g�iv_ e _n _. -----�
consumption oJ convenience Joods rises with numbers oj hours
worked. As modem life increasin0l!::1 demands that people are
ecottomiectll!::1 active, this trend is likel!::1 to continue.

Althou0h matt!::1 people still value traditionaljoods and

methods oJ cookin0, the trend towards smaller, dual-
income households su00ests that conveniencejoods are
likel!::1 to continue to 0row in popularit!::1 and ma!::1 ver!::1 well
eventuall!::j replace traditional methods ojfood production and
preparation.

A ) -------------------------1 The response meets the

( 261 wor111,s 250-word requirement.

Additional model essays 99

 Unit 3

Unit 3 - Task 1 The simple present tense is

---------------,------1 used when referring to what
The bar ch.art shows the percenta0e of home and internati.onal the figure shows.
students in the UK achi.evin0 at least a second class de0ree in
ei0h.t subjects in 2018· Quantities are referred to in a
.-----------------
- variety of ways.
For the UK students,over half of the de0rees awarded we�r,-------, ._____,;__ .a,.._______.

second class or better. The lar0est percenta0e o ood asses The simple past tense is used
was in Art Historr:1 and S0ci.olo0r:1 (80%) The lowest was in here and in the remainder
Inform.a.ti.on Technolo0r:1 (55%). of the response because the
data refers to 2018.
For internati.onal students,the rates were similarlr:1 hi0h,
thou0h..figures for individual subjects dgfered. In Electrical The writer uses superlatives
when comparing more than
Engineerin0 and Inform.a.ti.on Technolo0r:1,four out ofjive two items, (in this case, eight
de0rees awarded to students.from abroad were second cl.ass or subjects).
better (versus fewer than two out o three r home students .
However, the percenta0e 0ainin0 good de0rees in subjects such
as En0lish. Literature (55%) and Law (60%) was lower than_t_h___
e --1 The writer uses comparatives
corresponctin0 ratefor home students (rou0hl!:j 70%). when comparing two items,
(in this case, international
1!!-�rief, th:_e chart shows that home students tended to do better and home students).
in Arts-�nd Social Science related subjects, whereas internati.onal
students tended to do better in technoto0� related subjects. ·-;----1 The conclusion highlights the
main idea but does not give
reasons.
(163 words)

100 Writing for IELTS

Unit 4

Unit 4 _ Task 2 --------------------,---1 This is a response to a type A

'Propose a solution to a
In recent !::jears there has been 0rowin0 awareness of the problem' essay question.
importance oj preservin.0 the world's biolo0i.c:al diversit!::j. As
increasiVL0 numbers of unique, and potentiall!::t useful, plants This is a more academic way
of saying more and more.
and animals come under threat, pe le are be inn.in to ask
whether more can be done to reverse this trend.
This is a less emotive and
OVLe ppssible approach is to re0ulate a0ri.c:ultural and industrial therefore more academic
activit!::t so that pollution and disruption to natural habitats way of saying are destroyed.
is kept to a minimum. Peot:7le ar0ue that economic: t:7rosperit!::j
must be curtailed if it comes at the ext:7ense of the environment.
However, businesses affected are unlikel!::t to compl!::j with such a The writer presents this idea
strate0!::t· It ma!::t even 0enerate hostilit!::t to conservation efforts impersonally by making
0enerall!::t if the economic: costs are perceived to be too hi0h. people rather than / the
subject of the sentence.
An alternative approach would be to protect and expand nature
reserves so that complete ecos!::jstems can be kept intact. This
The writer begins with his
would ensure that a minimum number of wild t:7lants and least favoured option.
animals would survive. However, althou0h such places are
indeed valuable, experience shows that it1 is dYficult to protect
rare t:7lants and animalsfrom ext:7loi.tation. In fact, as some Notice that the writer does
st:7ecies, like the ti0er, become rarer, the more valuable the!::t not use the contracted form
become to t:7oachers and others who seek to benejitfrom their it's.
trade.
The writer concludes with his
A more effective approach is to educate the public about the preferred option. This makes
the essay feel finished.
benefits of biocHversit!::j. MOtie!::t should be invested in the Notice how the writer
research and develot:7ment of the world's biolo0i.c:al resources. avoids using / and keeps his
Once t:7eot:7le understand that there are real benejits to ext:7loitin0 sentences short and simple.
natural resources in a sustainable wa!::t, the!::t are more hkel!:f
to make the short-term sacrifices necessar!::t to preserve natural
habitats.

(253 words)

Additional model essays 1 01

 Unit 5

Unit 5 - Task 1
The dia0ram 0ives ivtformatiovt about thejive privtcipal writivt0 The introduction indicates
S!'.jstems used throu0hout the world: the Lo000raphic, Adjad, what the diagram shows.
Abjuda,Alphabetic, avtd S!'.jUabic.

Four of these are similar ivt that characters represmt souvtds. The superlative form is used
The oldest is theAbjad,used ivtArabic,for example,where each because more than two
't1 ems are compared
character represevtts a covtsovtavtt souvtd. Avtother is theAbjuda,
used ivt the lvtdiavt Devatta.0a11. Here, each character ivtdicates
a covtsovtavtt plus vowel. The third S!'.jstem is the All'.Jhabetic,
used ivt Evtglish,for ivtstavtce,where characters refer to a souvtd,
either vowel or covtsovtavtt. However, the relatiovtship betweevt
provtuvtciatiovt avtd speUivtg is sometimes approximate. FivtaU!'.j,-
Another is used to signpost
ivt the S!'.jUabic S!'.jstem, used ivtJapavtese Kavta for example,
the second item in the
characters represevtt S!'.jllables. list. Notice the remaining
-
signposting expressions in
lvt additiovt to these four S!'.jstems, there is also the Logographic - this paragraph (The third
S!'.jstem, which works ovt a dlfferevtt privtcip!e. Here, each system and Finally).
character represevtts a word meavtivt0. Therefore, lavt0uages
which are dy=fermt whevt spo�m,such as Chivtese avtdJapavtese,
cavt share writtevt forms.
The concluding sentence
overaU,the diagram shows that most writivtg S!'.jStems are
says something about the
based ovt souvtds. -----------------------! diagram as a whole. The
word overall signals the
{167 words) conclusion.

102 Writing for IELTS

Unit 6

Unit 6 - Task 2 -------------------------1 This is a response to a type D

'Evaluate an idea' essay
The Internet has undoubtecU!:1 changed the wa!:1 people shop. �--------�
question.
In some countries, bu!::fing and setting products onUne has____�c----:-----:--:--------,
become commonplace. Enthusiasts daim that the Internet o.ffers In this part of the
introduction, the writer
consumers greater choice andflexibHit!:j. However, those who
describes the context of the
sa!::f that the Internet is transforming the tives oj consumers are- topic
going too Jar. .
An opposing point of view
FirsH!::f, although ontine shopping appears to o.ffer greater - .1s given
. . the emphaf1c
using
convenience, it is often rather risk!:1 and cumbersome in practice. reporting verb claim.
Consumers cannot evaluate the CfU,aUt!::f oJ ontine products b!:j
handUng them directi!:j. Instead, the!:1 must ret!::1 on seUers to - The writer expresses his point
describe goods accuratd!::f in words and I or pictures. Mistakes of view by challenging the
opposing point of view.
can easH!::f be made, leading to the inconvenience oJ having to
exchange goods or seek a refund. Products bought onUne also
normatt!:j need to be delivered b!::f post. The convenience oJ o nUne
This is the first generalisation,
shopping thus hinges in part on the e..ffidenc!::f oJ the postat
made less sweeping with the
service. words often and rather.

Secondt!::f, in spite oJ the promise oj tower prices, Internet

shopping seldom o.ffers substantial savings. A competitive
This is the second
marketplace ensures that targe price duferentiats rapidl!:1
generalisation, made less
disappear as suppUers aUgn themselves with one another. Atso, sweeping with the word
the cost oJ postage is normaU1:1 borne b!:1 the bu1:1er. A product seldom.
that appears to be a bargv..in on screen often turns out to be
no cheaper than the same product bought in a shop. Not
surprisingt!::f, ont!::f one injive purchases in the UK are made
onUne.

For these reasons, Internet shopping is Uket1:1 to remain a------.

minorit!:1 pursuit. The continuing poputarit!:1 oj shopping in
The writer gives his opinion
the traditional wa!::f suggests that consumers continue to vatue
(without using /). 1
its advantages: the opportunit!:1 to sample, compare and bu!::f
products in a reat as opposed to a virtual space. The writer displays modesty
� by using the more tentative
(265 words) reporting verb suggests.

Additional model essays 1 03

 Unit 7

Unit 7 - Task 1
Fi0ures 1 and 2 show economic 0rowth and patterns of ______ The introduction briefly
household expenditurefrom 2005 until 2020. summarises what the figures
show.
In 2005, economic 0rowth was approximatel!:j 1%. The pie chart This paragraph includes
for that i:1ear shows that spendin0 on essentials such as food information from both
------l

and housin0 accounted for approximateti:1 two-thirds of total figures. This pattern is
household expenditure. Spendin0 on less essential items such repeated in the following
as dothin0, entertainment and travel was retativeti:1 modest at paragraphs, which are
rou0hti:1 20%. sequenced chronologically.

Five !:jears tater, 0rowth had rou0ht!:j doubted and expenditure

on essentials had shrunk as a proportion of total spendin0.
Spendin0 on non-essentials, in contrast, had expanded.. This In contrast highlights
trend was even more marked in 2015, when 0rowth peaked at difference.
approximateti:14.5% and. over 25% of expenditure was devoted
to non-essentials. The comparative form
_ (more + adjective) is used
However, the trend had. reversed. when in 2020 0rowth stood. because two years are being
a0ain at approximateti:1 1%foltowin0 an economic contraction. compared.
The pattern of expenaiture in that i:1ear was similar to the
pattern in 2005, thou0h the contraction in non-essential
spenain0 was even more pronounced.. The writer begins the
� paragraph with a
Overall, thefi0ures sufrnest that economic 0rowth has an e.ffect generalisation.
on patterns of household. expenditure. ____________,...__,

(169 words)
The conclusion cautiously
expresses a cause-and-
- effect relationship between
figures 1 and 2 using the
less emphatic reporting verb
suggest.

104 Writing for IELTS

Unit 8

Unit 8 - Task 2 ---------------------'----+ Th i s i s a response to a type A

'Propose a solution to a
No two Jamili.es are alike. Tnere.fpre, the de0ree of control that problem' quest i on.
it is appropriate for parents to exercise over their 14-15-!:jear-old
adolescent children is w�el!:f to var!:ffrom famH!:f to famH!:f.
I- The writer states her op nion. I
i

In this essa!::f, I wm outline three ke!::f variables that should be

,.........,....;;;.....,----,--,
Should is used to express a
considered wnen attemptin0 to make a decision about what is necessity.
'--------"-----------'
suitable in a 0iven context.
The wr i ter's intent i on i s
One variable is the famHws ph!:fsical environment. Some expressed us i ng will.
environments dearl!::f pose more dan0ers than others. Parents
Each body paragraph begins
in an inner-cit!:j area with heav!:f tra.ffic, a transient population with a generalisat i on.
and a hi0h crime rate, for instance, probabl!:f need to supervise
their children more dosel!:f than parents in a smaU rural -------1 This is a support i ng example,
communit!:1 in which the residents lmow one-another. signalled with for instance.

Secondl!::f, prevailin0 cultural norms are likel!::f to be a factor.

Some cultures, in Asia and the Middle East, for example, value -
- - This supporting example i s
social cohesion, whereas others, such as the US, tend towards - s i gnalled with for example.
individualism. One of the tasks oJ parents is to teach their
children to.function within tneir soci.et!::t; thus tne de0ree of
parental control will probabl!::f var!::f accordin0 to the t!::jpe of
soci.et!::t in which children are expected to take part.

Tne third, and perhat,Js most imt,Jortant consideration, is

tne personalities oJ tne children involved. Children var!::f
These examples are s i gnalled
enormousl!::f in terms oJ traits such as maturit!:1, impulsiveness,
with suc---- h as.
----l

conscientiousness, and so on. The de0ree oJ tJarentat control �-- --�

appropriate for one 14-15-!::jear-old ma!:f not be at aU
appropriate for another. --------------------1 may i s used to make the
statement less sweepi ng.
In short, it is not possible to make recommendations re0ardin0
the supervision of adolescents that.fit aU contexts. The ph11sical In short signals the
_
· • • ,-f .
, :t � conclusion.
environment, tne ,., t,a.e
,. cutturaa., context, an"' 1
,. personaa.ities oJ t,a.ose --------�
involved should aU be considered.----------- - s- -th-e----.
-T-h_e _ w_r i- te_r_ b_e_gin
conclusi on by restat i ng her
(261 words) op i n i on.

Here the writer summar i ses

the ma i n points.

Additional model essays 1 05

 Unit 9

Unit 9 - Task 1
The Line 0raph shows three demo0raphi.c: trends in Scotland The colon is used to
between 1940 and 2020: birth rate, population 0rowth rate, introduce a list.
and death rate.
.-------------------------i The writer has organised this
Between 1940 and 1970, both birth rate and population 0rowth­ response chronologically,
ratefluctuated si0nlficantli:1. The birth rate started the period with all three trends
at 2.5% and ended atjust over 1.0%. The populatLon 0rowth compared in segments of
rate be0an and ended at approximatel!::j 1.0%, havin0 peaked time.
at 1.5% in 1955. The death rate, on the other hand, declined
both ... and links these
steadil!::1 until 1955 and then remained stable. trends.
Between 2000 and 2010, all three trends declined 0raduall!::j. In
on the other hand is a
about 1990, the death rate overtook the population 0rowth rate sentence linker signalling
jor the.first time; however, all three trends remained rou0hl!::1 contrast. When placed after
static over the next ten !::jears. the subject of the sentence,
it requires commas on either
over the last decade, the birth rate and population 0rowth rate side.
�have continued to decline, with the latter dippin0 below 0% in
2005. The death rate, in contrast, has risen sli0htl!::j. This trend is however is a sentence linker.
projected to continue over the next ten 1:1ears. It is usually punctuated with
a full stop or semicolon
(157 words) before, and a comma after.

with can be used as a

cohesive device.

The writer uses This + summary This brief reference to the latter is used to avoid
the present perfect word (trend) ensures the future is enough to repeating population growth
- tense because the cohesion. make the passage feel rate.
time frame is past to complete. No separate
present. conclusion is required.

106 Writing for IELTS

Unit 10

Unrt 1 O - Task 2----------------------'----l This is a response to a type D

'Evaluate an idea' question.
Celebrities appear to pLaM an increasin0LM prominent role in
popular culture todaM, It is dgficuLt to open a newspaper, switch
This adverb phrase shows
on the television or browse the Internet without encounterin0 the writer's attitude to the
an item of ceLebritM 0ossip. Not surprisin0LM, there are concerns opinion expressed.
about how this trend im .acts on children, with some peo Le
daimin0 that children are bein0 corrupted. This essa!::1 wiU this + summary word (trend)
ar0ue that these fears are unnecessarilM alarmist. links two sentences.

FirstL!::f, some people maintain that children cannot distin0uish

between notoriet!::1 and 0enuine fame. However, in mM
experience, children usuaLLM admire footbaLLers, sin0ers_____--.- The writer states her
and actors for their skiLL and achievements and express intention using will. The
disappointment when theM misbehave. Moreover, historiect.LLM subject of the sentence is
famous.ft0ures have also beenflawed. In the past, manM this essay rather than I, in
keeping with academic style.
prominent political and business Leaders had Links with the
slave trade, for example. Yet theM are still presented to children The writer avoids repeating
as noteworth!::f individuals. celebrities by listing common
types of celebrities.
Another common fear is that children are bein0 encoura0ed
famous figures is used to
to pursue the unrealistic 0oaL of achievin0 ceLebritM status avoid repetition.
themselves instead of workin0 towards more sodaLLM useful
occupations such as en0ineerin0, teachin0 or nursin0._1_n____ a _ct_, __---. prominent and noteworthy
children have aLwai:1s had unreaListicfantasies about what in the following sentence are
the!:1 mi0ht do as adults, and these commonL!:1 reflect the synonyms for famous.
preoccupations of their societ!:1, In the 19th centurM, or examp e, These are examples of
British children often aspired to bein0 famous expLorers. As socially useful occupations,
children 0row up, the!:1 Learn to draw inspirationfrom their signalled with such as.
heroes and heroines without emuLatin0 them LiteraLL!:1,

In short, there is Little about toda1:fs ceLebrit!::f culture that commonly is a hedging
isfundamentaLL!::1 more harmful than the t!:1pes of ceLebrit!::1 expression, as is often in the
following sentence.
children have encountered in the past. Provided children are
0iven appropriate 0uidance, theM are unLikeLM to be adversel!::f Here, the conclusion begins
affected.. with a summary of the main
points.
(262 words)

Additional model essays 1 07

 Unit 11

Notice how the writer

Unit 11 _ Task 1
'. has paraphrased the task
1
The table compares four countries in terms the proportion of----L...ins_ _ tr_u _ct_io_ n_s. _ ______.
journe!:1s undertaken b!:1..five modes of travel: car, bic!:1de, public
transport, walking, and 'other'. The bar chart gives.findings of a
stud!:1 into the reasons people in the USA drive. with is used as a cohesive
device in this and the
Of the four countries com ared, the USA was heavil reliant following sentence.
on cars, with onl!:1 a small proportion of joume!:1S made b!:1
other means (onl!:1 10% in total). The Netherlands, in contrast, Quantity is expressed in
---- ---1 different ways. See also
showed a more even distribu tion of travel modes with fewer
one in five in the following
than haU: of all journe!:1S made b!:1 car, a relativel!:1 large sentence.
percentage made b!:1 bic!:1de (28%) and nearlM one in jiv� on
�--------�
foot. France and the UK fell between these two extremes. ______ When the task requires you
to compare several figures,
The surve!:1 results shown in the bar chart ma!:1 help explain wh!:1- the information must be
car use is higher in some countries than in others. The most cited condensed.
reasons were the lack of alternative means of transport (38%)
The paragraph begins with a
and the need to use a car for work (28%). However, convenience generalisation.
was also an important factor for over 20% of respondents.
- A superlative is used as a
(172 words)
focussing expression for
the supporting detail that
follows.

The response does not end

with a general summary.
- However, at 1 72 words it is
. sufficiently long. It also feels
complete as the two figures
are adequately linked and
described.

108 Writing for IELTS

Unit 12

Unit 12-Task 2

Human bein0s have lon0 stru00Led with the difficuLt11of The writer makes reference
ensurin0 both freedom and fairness in sodet11. Some P-eopLe • to the opposing point of
cu0ue that a 000d sodet!1 is necessariL11one that ensures __._....___. view to indicate that he has
e�uaLit11for aLL. However, in m11view,this is neither feasible nor ' tested' his idea.
desirable in practice.
Each body paragraph begins
Firstt11, it is [email protected] to de.fine universal standards of ----------1 with a generalisation.
achievement. For some, achievement means material success,
for others it ma!1 mean somethin0 else: a simple but altruistic
some is used as a pronoun
Life,for example. Bill Gates and Mother Teresa were ver�---------,
here to avoid repetition of
drrferent but both achieved a 0reat deaL. Because people de.fine people (see also others below).
achievement in different wa!1S, it is difficult to determine what
eituaLit!1 of opportunit!1 mi0ht mean in practice.
This example supports the
SecondL!:i,people differ in terms of their ta.Lents. Some people main point.
can make the most of scant!1 resources; others do ver!1 Little
with inherited wealth or educational opportunities. Man!1 The writer signposts each key
hi0hL!1 success.fut individuals have had Little of either in their point.
earL!1 !1ears, !1et achieved a 0reat deaL. The reLationshiP- between
e�uaLit!1 of OPP-Ortunit!1 and t;2ersonaL success is not strai0ht---'--� Each body paragraph ends
forward. with a concluding sentence
which refers back to the key
word equality. This repetition
Finau�,it is not eas� to ensure a LeveL pLa�in0.fietd without------'--.
ensures good cohesion.
dama0in0 the incentive to do well. It is naturn.L for parents
to work hard in order to confer advanta0es on their children:
private scho0Lin0,for example. It is difficult to see how e'fuaLit!1 The writer maintains
of opportunit!1 in education can be achieved. without cappin0 academic style by expressing
the aspirations of those who work hard. his ideas impersonally. In this
paragraph he uses a series of
In short,white e�uaLit!1 of OP-P-Ortunit!1 is an attractive conceJ::!t, statements beginning It is +
attemP-tin0 to put this ideal into P-ractice can do more harm adjective.
than 000d. People are different in terms of their values, talents This sentence summarises
ana. iniHative. It is not possible to ensure e'f uati.t!1 without the main idea. Notice how
di.stortin0 what makes people uni'fue. the opposing point of view is
expressed in the subordinate
(273 words) clause and the writer's view
is expressed in the main
clause. This gives the writer's
view greater weight.

The three main points of

the body paragraphs are
captured in the words values,
talents and initiative.

Additional model essays 1 09

 Answer key
Unit 1

Part 1: Language development

Adjectives and abstract nouns for describing 4 authority
character traits 5 compliance
6 Competition or Competitiveness
Exercise 1 Exercise 3
(Suggested answers) 1c 2c 3a 4f 5d 6a 7e 8b
Women d, e, g; Men a, b, c, f, h
Exercise 2
1 strengths
2 Gentleness
3 confidence

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Understanding the task Task 2: Understanding the task
Exercise 1 Exercise 3
1 20 minutes. 1a 2b 3a 4a
2 At least 150 words.
3 No, you should select and summarise the main features. Overview of task
4 No.
Exercise 4
1c 2a 3e 4d Sb
Overview of task
Exercise 5
Exercise 2 1 Approximately 50 words.
1 A statement about the type of information shown.
2 Three.
2 The fields which are dominated by men.
3 Three.
3 The fields which are dominated by women.
4 From weakest solution to strongest solution.
4 It makes a general statement about one of the main
5 To emphasise your opinion and summarise the main points.
features of the chart.
5 They give supporting detail. Exercise 6
6 To provide a summary of the main message of the chart. 1 c: Why do you think ... ?
2 d: Do you think ... will ... ?
3 b: To what extent should ... ?
4 a: What can be done ... ?

11 0 Writing for IELTS

Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer

The bar chart gives information about male and female teachers in six types of educational institution in the UK in
2019. It shows what percentage of teachers were male and what percentage were female.
Women predominated in schools for children. This was particularly true of schools for very young children. Over 95 per
cent of nursery school teachers, for example, were female. The situation was similarly one-sided in primary schools,
where over 90 percent of teachers were women.
Men and women were more equally represented in teaching institutions catering for older children and young adults:
secondary schools and colleges. College lecturers, for example, were 50 percent female and 50 percent male.
Males held a larger share of teaching posts in higher-level institutions. This was particularly true for universities, where
male lecturers outnumbered female lecturers by a factor of three to two.
Overall, women were more likely to hold the more typically maternal role of teaching young children. Males, on the
other hand, predominated in the higher status teaching role of university lecturer. Some people might say that there is
no need to go further. However, in my view, wherever possible, gender equality should be encouraged.
(175words]

Task 2: Model answer

There have always been differences in the types of work men and women have done. However, the trend in modern times
has been for both men and women to have greater freedom of choice in terms of employment. Some people might say
that there is no need to go further. However, in my view, wherever possible, gender equality should be encouraged.
There may indeed be good arguments for allowing certain posts to remain predominantly male or female. Where
all-male or all-female groups exist, there may be a need for related posts to be held by men and women respectively.
Patients in all-female hospital wards, for example, would
probably appreciate having female nurses to look after them. It could also be argued that certain jobs requiring a great
deal of physical strength, coal mining or logging, for example, should continue to be done mainly by men.
However, in the vast majority of situations, making occupations more open to both genders has distinct advantages. Men
and women can bring slightly different perspectives and approaches to a job. Female police officers, for example, may
have a greater understanding of domestic violence and a better range of strategies for dealing with this problem. Male
primary school teachers probably have a better understanding of the needs of young boys and can serve as good role
models for them.
The changes that result from allowing men into female-dominated occupations and vice versa may be subtle, but they
are far-reaching. However, to benefit the most from this development, it is important not to expect males and females
to approach work in identical ways.
[266words]

Exam tutor
1 You should write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
2 No, you should focus on summarising the key information and refer to enough detailed information to support your main
points.
3 For your Task 2 essay you are expected to give your opinion about an issue; however, you should present your opinion in an
objective fashion and use your general knowledge about the world rather than your personal experiences to support your
main points.
4 You should spend more time writing your Task 2 essay.
5 Task 2 essay questions usually require you to do one of the following: propose one or more solutions to a problem, evaluate
a solution to a problem, provide an explanation or prediction, evaluate an idea or belief.

Answer key 111

 Unit 2

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to food and diet Exercise 3
1 There was a moderate increase in the consumption of
Exercise 1 red meat.
1 h 2g 3i 4f Sa 6c7d 8j 9 b 10 e 2 There was then a rapid decline.
Exercise 2 3 There was a steady rise in meat consumption .
1 i 2g 3 h4b 5 c6a7d 8e 9f 4 There was a sharp fall again.
5 There was a gradual decrease in the annual consumption
of red meat per person.

T ime expressions related to line graphs

Exercise 4

Between 1918 and 1922, there was a moderate increase in the consumption of red meat�
to a high of 18 kgs per person During the following ten-year period, it declined rapidly to its lowest point �
over 5 kgs From 1950 to 1980 meat consumption rose steadily, reaching its highest point� In 1980, It fell
sharply again to approximately 30 k s From 1990 onwards. consumption of red meat per person decreased gradually
by approximately60 percen

Exercise 5
(Model answer)

Between 1970 and 1990, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables rose steadily from 100 grams to 300 grams per
person per day. In the early to mid-1990s, it decreased to approximately 225 grams. There was then a further rise until
2005 , when it reached a peak of 500 grams. Over the following ten years, consumption fluctuated between 400 and
500 grams per person. From 2010 to 2020, there was a steady fall in the consumption of fruit and vegetables to just
over 300 grams. This trend is expected to continue until at least 2035.

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Structuring a line graph response
Exercise 1
C

Exercise 2
b
Exercise 3
(Model answers)

Body paragraph 1: Overall food insecurity varied significantly. During the first four years, there was a gradual rise
from 10% to 12%, followed by a fall to 10%. In 2008, there was a rapid increase to 18%. Levels remained high for
six years; however, between 2014 and 2020, there was a gradual decrease to 12%.
Body paragraph 2: Over the twenty-year period, very low food security was experienced by between 2% and 6 % of
households . Between 2000 and 2006, the level fluctuated slightly. However, in 2006, two years before the rise in overall
food insecurity, it increased sharply. After dipping slightly, levels of severe food insecurity remained relatively high at about
4% of households.

112 Writing for IELTS

Task 2: Taking a stance on an issue Exercise 7
Suggested answers
Exercise 4 1 People who are too concerned with being slim could be
Students' own answers.
considered vain.
Exercise 5 2 It is heathier to be slim.
1 C, e, g 3 People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from
2 a, b, d, f health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
4 Food labels can be complicated and misleading.
Generating ideas for your essay 5 Most people are aware of the benefits of eating fresh food
but still choose to eat fast foods instead.
Exercise 6
6 People eat an unhealthy diet because they do not have
1 b 2 c 3d 4a Se 6h 7g 8 f
time to buy and prepare fresh foods.
7 Modern life is busy with long working hours, long commutes
to and from work, large choice of leisure activities.
8 Some of the healthiest foods are quick and easy to prepare,
e.g. fresh fruit, salads.

Part 3: Exam practice

Task 1: Model answer

The graph shows the number of adolescents in the UK choosing a vegetarian diet between the years 1980 and 2020.
Over the forty-year span, there were three periods of growth in the popularity of vegetarianism among young people.

in 1980, there were fewer than 200,000 vegetarian adolescents in the UK. Over the next five years, the number grew
gradually to approximately 250,000, but by 1995 had declined again to 200,000. At that point, there was another
significant rise in the number of adolescent vegetarians. By 2000, the numbers had reached a high of roughly 400,000,
but then fell back before levelling off at about 300,000. The biggest rise occurred in 2015, when numbers of young
vegetarians increased sharply. By 2020, there were over 900,000, nearly five times as many as in 1980.

Over this forty-year period, the number of adolescent vegetarians rose and fell every 1Oto 15 years; however, the
most remarkable increase occurred in the years 2015 to 2020 when the number more than trebled'.

[167 words]

Task 2: Model answer

The increasing availability of convenience foods has been a significant feature of modern life in many developed
countries. Some people have predicted that with advances in food technology, traditional foods and traditional
methods of food preparation will disappear. In this essay, I will argue that this is unlikely to happen.

It is true that nowadays many people do not have enough time to cook and that convenience foods present an
attractive option. These foods have improved significantly in terms of quality and availability, and the range of
products for sale in the average supermarket is quite impressive. It is possible to find even very sophisticated ready­
prepared meals suitable for the microwave oven.

However, the growing popularity of television and online cookery programmes, 'celebrity chefs', and glossy cookbooks
suggest that people continue to value home cooking. Farrriers markets selling fresh, locally-produced food continue to be
the norm in many parts of the world. In fact, they are growing in popularity in countries such as the UK, where they had
virtually disappeared from many towns and cities. This may be partly because cooking with natural ingredients is cheaper
than buying processed foods.

Moreover, traditional foods are an important aspect of culture and social life. In many countries, traditional home­
cooked meals continue to be shared in regular family gatherings. Important celebrations such as weddings, Christmas,
and Chinese New Year are marked by traditionally prepared feasts.
In spite of the utility of convenience foods, people are unlikely to abandon practices that are economically sound and
give them great pleasure. It is hard to imagine a world in which people do not continue to enjoy traditional home­
cooked meals.

[273 words]

Answer key 113

 Exam tutor
1 verb+ adverb(e.g. xxxx increased rapidly) and there+ to be+ adjective+ noun(+ -ing)(e.g. There was a rapid increase in
xxx).
2 Information about the time frame(e.g. between 1950 and 2000) and specific figures from the graph (e.g. from 200 grams
to 300 grams)
3 A Task 1response typically begins with statements about the kind of information shown in the visual prompt and ends
with a brief summary of the most significant information or message from the prompt.
4 Yes, this allows you to show that you have 'tested' your opinion by comparing it with another opinion.
5 Yes, if you acknowledge that your opinion is not perfect you can show that you are fair-minded.

Unit 3

Part 1: Language development

College and university subjects Exercise 3
1rote learning 2critical thinking 3formal examinations
Exercise 1
4higher education 5 continuous assessment 6educational
Arts and Humanities: philosophy, media studies, English
standards
literature, history
Social Sciences: business studies, sociology, law, psychology
Science and Technology: mathematics, chemistry, biology,
Expressing quantity
engineering Exercise 4
1c 2a 3f 4b Sd 6e
Collocations related to education Exercise 5
Exercise 2 1A small minority 2The vast majority 3Just under a third
1e 2f 3b 4a, c, g 5 d, e 6b, g 7a 4Nearly half 5 Roughly one in four 6Three quarters

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Comparing and contrasting information 4 The number of passes in religious studies was lower for
male candidates than for female candidates.
Exercise 1 5 Similar numbers of male and female students passed the
1b 2e 3a 4d Sf 6c economics exam.
Exercise 2
1as ... as 2 lower 3least 4fewer 5 higher 6lowest Task 2: Selecting and organising ideas
Exercise 5
Describing information in bar charts 1 She is against the idea that formal written examinations
Exercise 3 can measure intelligence.
1D: On the other hand 2 D: Whereas 3 S: similar 2 The writer has omitted: 'Exams can be designed to include
4S: both a variety of tasks to measure different kinds of intelligence'
and 'Other methods of measuring intelligence could be less
Exercise 4 fair and systematic'.
1 Fewer male candidates than female candidates passed their 3 The writer wants to present more points to support her
English examinations. position and fewer points in favour of the other position.
2 As many males as females achieved a passing grade in 4 The writer presents her preferred position last so that she
mathematics. can make a strong conclusion.
3 Whereas men did well in technology-related subjects,
women did well in language-related subjects.

114 Writing for IELTS

Writing an essay outline
Exercise 6
(Suggested answers)

What are the possible Positive consequence(s) Drawback(s)

solutions?
Solution in the Cram schools can support students' learning Attending cram schools can be stressful
question: It is reasonable to seek opportunities to practise Cram schools are unfair because they
Cram schools skills that are difficult, e.g. taking exams give advantage to students who can
afford to pay
Other possible Discouraging parents from sending their children to There will always be differences in the
solution: cram schools would improve pupils' well being quality of schools
We should ensure If students and teachers work hard in schools, there There will always be businesses that
schools are good is no need for additional cramming exploit people's fears about not being
enough for all students good enough

Exercise 7
(Example essay plan)

Introduction: cram schools are big business, but they may not be a good thing
Body paragraph 1: solution in the question: Cram schools serve a need
points for:
• Many students who attend such schools do well in exams
• Cram schools can support students' learning
points against:
• Cram schools teach students to be ' test wise' rather than to learn
• Attending cram schools can be stressful
• Cram schools are unfair because they give advantage to students who can afford to pay
Body paragraph 2: other possible solution: ensure schools are good enough for all students
points against:
• There will always be businesses that exploit people's fears about not being good enough
points for:
•

I
Discouraging parents from sending their children to cram schools would improve pupils' well being
• If students and teachers work hard in schools, there is no need for additional cramming
• In countries with exams that properly reflect the curriculum, there are few cram schools
Conclusion: cram schools are a symptom of a faulty educational system

Answer key 115

 Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer

The bar chart shows the proportion of UK students and international students achieving second class degrees or
higher in seven different subjects at a university in the UK.
Degree results were generally good for both home and international students, with well over 50 percent gaining a
second-class degree or better in all seven subjects except International Law. International students tended to do better
than UK students in technology-related subjects. This was particularly true of Information Technology. Whereas over 80
percent of international students gained a good degree in IT, only about half of the UK students did so.
Degree results were similar for the two groups in Nursing and Accounting. In Arts and Social Science-related subjects,
UK students tended to do better. The biggest gap in performance was in International Law, where three-quarters of UK
students gained a second-class degree or better. In contrast, fewer than half of the international students attained this level.
Overall, the chart suggests that international and UK students had different strengths when studying for degrees in
this UK university.
[174 words)

Task 2: Model answer

Examinations are one of the most common methods of measuring learning in education systems throughout the world. At
virtually every stage of the learning process, exams
are used to verify that the learner is ready to move on to the next stage. However, many people believe that the role of
examinations should be reconsidered.
There are clearly certain advantages to exams. T hey help to ensure fairness by imposing the same conditions on all
exam candidates. They are also relatively versatile; different types of exam questions, for example, multiple-choice
questions and essay tasks, can test different sorts of reasoning ability.
However, exams also have clear drawbacks. Test-wise candidates can often perform well on exams without having
good underlying knowledge or skills. On the other hand, some test-takers perform poorly in exams simply because
of anxiety. Some teachers and learners focus only on those aspects of the curriculum that are likely to be tested, thus
narrowing the educational experience for all.
A number of measures should be taken to address these concerns. Wherever possible, exams should match the
content and activities of the learning environment. Exam tasks should be varied to give fair opportunities to candidates
with different types of skills. Other types of assessment should also be considered; assignment writing, for example, to
assess independent learning and research skills, or group projects, to measur� teamwork ability.
Exams clearly have a role to play in ensuring proper, objective assessment of achievement. However, exams need to be
carefully designed and supplemented with other forms of assessment if they are to be a truly useful component of the
educational system.
[266 words]

Exam tutor
1 No, you should categorise and compare the information.
2 Use comparative forms when comparing two items; use superlative forms when comparing one item with the remainder of
the group.
3 No, you should use expressions such as nearly half, almost two-thirds, the vast majority Words can often convey the
information in a more meaningful way and allow you show your language skills.
4 Having a plan in mind before you write and essay allows you to write more quickly and focus on effective and accurate expression.
5 Comparing different ideas in an essay can allow you to demonstrate a wide range of language skills.

116 Writing for IELTS

Unit 4

Part 1: Language development

Nature and environment expressions 2 is associated with, is linked to
3 Contribute to implies there is more than one cause.
Exercise 1
Exercise 4
1b 2a 3e 4f 5d 6c
1 b 2c 3e 4a 5d
Exercise 2
Exercise 5
1Intensive farming 2 Acid rain 3logging 4 Overgrazing
1 Intensive farming has contributed to a significant decline in
5oil spills 6global warming 7 Strip mining
biodiversity.
2 Vegetation has been lost; consequently, the insect
Expressions to describe cause and effect population has declined.
3 There are fewer insects, so the small animals that feed on
Exercise 3
them have moved elsewhere.
1 has led to, causes, has contributed to, result in, has been
4 There have been fewer predators, such as owls, because of
attributed to
the disappearance of prey species.

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Describing a process

Exercise 1
a pioneer plants b gather moisture c return organic material to the soil d shrubs
Exercise 2
a If the process is natural, you normally use the active voice.
b If there is a human agent, you normally use the passive voice.

Clear cutting
The flow chart illustrates the process of clear cutting, a logging practice which involves the complete removal of trees
from a given area.
Firstly, access roads to the area are cut. Secondly, the entire crop of standing trees is felled by mechanized harvesters.
The trees are then extracted, and brought to the road side.

Once the trees have been extracted, they are processed by chain saw. The limbs and tree tops are removed. The stems
are 'bucked', that� cut into logs of a specified length. The logs are then sorted by size and loaded onto logging
trucks for transport to the sawmill.

In the final stage of clear cutting, the land is prepared for future harvests. The remaining scrub is gathered into large
piles and burnt.

Forest regrowth
Following a period of widespread deforestation, forest regrowth occurs over a series of phases.

The first plants to grow are 'pioneer' plants, which can survive in harsh conditions. They provide shade, gather
moisture, and return organic material to the soil. In doing so, they create the conditions for other plants to thrive.

In the second phase of regrowth, shrubs emerge. They quickly cover the ground, crowding out the pioneers. However,
they too eventually die off as young trees push through the brush. Within ten years, trees finally take over, preventing
light from reaching the forest floor.

Answer key 11 7
 Combining sentences in a process description
Exercise 3
1 The first plants to grow are pioneer plants, which can survive in harsh conditions.
2 They provide shade, gather moisture and return organic material to the soil.
3 They quickly cover the ground, crowding out the pioneers.
4 However, they too eventually die off as young trees push through the brush.
5 The logs are then sorted by size and loaded onto logging trucks for transport to the sawmill.
6 Once the trees have been extracted, they are processed by chainsaw.
Exercise 4
(Model answer)

The maps show changes that have taken place on the island between 1970 and 2019.
Over the fifty-year period, large areas of native forest in the north-east and the south were removed and partially
replaced with palm oil plantations. The area of intact forest in the west shrank as roads were built and logging
increased. Dams were constructed in the east, flooding the area and further reducing the extent of native forest.

Task 2: Writing in an academic style

Exercise 5
1 Response 1 is informal in style; Response 2 is academic in style.
2 Response 2 is more impersonal and less emotional. There are no colloquialisms or contracted forms.

Response 1
In my opinion it's true that humans and animals sometimes have conflicting interests. ,!:verybody exploits animals for
food and clothing, and farmers have used more and more wild land for farming. But should we keep on doing this?

In parts of the world where the population is growing, and there isn't enough food to go around, the conflict
between humans and animals is really awful. For example, if you go to Africa you can see large nature reserves next
to really poor human settlements. l love the idea of elephants and lions living in the wild. But it's often the poor farmer
living nearby who loses out.

Response 2
It may be true that humans and animals sometimes have conflicting interests. Most people exploit animals for food
and clothing, and farmers have brought ever increasing areas of wild land into cultivation. However, whether this
process should continue is a question that needs careful consideration.

In parts of the world where the population is growing and resources are scarce, the conflict between humans and
animals is particularly problematic. This can be seen in parts of Africa, for example, where large nature reserves lie next to
YfilY.. poor human settlements. People living thousands of miles away may value the idea of elephants and lions living in
the wild. However, �often the poor farmer living nearby who is denied access to land and potential earnings.

118 Writing for IELTS

Exercise 6
Characteristics of academic style Examples from Responses 1 and 2
Informal style Academic style
Academic style tends to be less personal. Avoid: In my opinion, it's true It may be true
• overusing personal pronouns and adjectives (e.g. I, you, should we keep on doing whether ... careful
my, your) this? consideration
• addressing the reader directly if you go to Africa, you This can be seen in parts of
can see I Africa
People living thousands of
miles away
Academic style tends to be less emotional. Avoid: Everybody exploits Most people exploit
• exaggeration (e.g. totally, perfect) awful problematic
• emotive words (e.g. terrible, adore) love may value
• words that express value judgments (e.g. immoran
Academic style normally requires: But However,
• fewer conjunctions (e.g. and, but)
• more subordinators (e.g. whereas, because)
• more sentence linkers (e.g. nevertheless, therefore)
Academic style is more formal. Avoid: it's it is
• contracted forms (e.g. isn't, he's) really particularly I very
• the words get, a lot of and really more and more ever increasing
0 double comparatives (e.g. more and more) there isn't enough food to resources are scarce
• phrasal verbs (e.g. take up, break out) go around is denied access to land and
• colloquial expressions or sayings (e.g. every coin has loses out potential earnings
two sides)
Exercise 7
{Model answer)

However, in relation to plants, the advantages of conservation are more apparent. Wild plants are not just beautiful; they
are also a very valuable resource. Throughout history, people have used wild plants to make medicines such as aspirin for
example. Also, if certain varieties of crops are prone to disease, wild plants could be used to develop new varieties. Because
there are many plants that have not yet been discovered, their potential uses remain unknown.
To sum up, it is worth trying to preserve natural habitats because wild animals and plants are unique and could save
lives. However, it is important to remember that people's basic needs are also important. Therefore, the burden of
protecting plant and animal species should be distributed fairly.

Exercise 8
{Suggested answer)
1 It could be argued that the desire for wealth encourages people to exploit the environment.
2 Environmental degradation may be unavoidable because there is no way of enforcing international agreements. Leaders
may sign such agreements simply to create a favourable impression in the media.

Answer key 119

 Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer
The flow chart shows what typically occurs as a consequence of deforestation. When trees are removed, there are four
main immediate effects, which eventually result in flooding, degraded vegetation and a loss of biodiversity.
One immediate effect is soil which has been compacted by heavy equipment. The resulting hard, 'baked' soil contributes to
the run off of rain water and, eventually, flooding.
Another immediate consequence of logging is a reduction in the number of roots holding the soil together. This leads
to soil erosion. As a consequence, the quality and variety of vegetation is compromised.
The third immediate effect is burning, both deliberate and as a consequence of an increased risk of forest fires. The
waste that remains after logging is destroyed and the microorganisms that feed on this material are lost. This leads to
degraded vegetation.
The final immediate consequence is a reduction in the amount of moisture plants return to the air. Because there is
less moisture in the air, there is less precipitation and an increased incidence of drought. This too reduces plant growth
and ultimately results in degraded vegetation and a loss of biodiversity.
[188 words]

Task 2: Model answer

As natural resources come under increasing pressure, the list of endangered plants and animals continues to grow.
The causes are many: developments in agriculture, mining, forestry and transport. Some would argue that the loss of
biodiversity is a price we must pay for progress. In my view, however, there is much that governments can and should
do to protect the world's plants and animals.
Governments could promote greater understanding of plants and animals by investing in the research and preservation
efforts of universities, zoos, and botanical institutes. This may ensure the survival of individual species and produce
tangible benefits in the form of new medicines and products. However, this strategy alone would do little to protect whole
ecosystems that are under threat.
An alternative strategy would be to protect natural habitats by expanding nature reserves. This would have immediate
positive consequences for those areas by preserving delicate ecosystems. However, this strategy also has limitations. It
does not protect from phenomena such as acid rain and water pollution, which can cross boundaries and affect large
areas.
The most effective solution is to limit the damage at its source. Companies that engage in practices that harm the
environment should be required to demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable efforts to minimise the damage.
Public contracts for roads and buildings should only be awarded to firms that have a good environmental track record.
The strategies outlined above: preservation, protection and, above all prevention, can do much to reverse the
destruction that threatens the world's plants and animals. The aesthetic and practical benefits of doing so are well
worth the cost.
[268 words]

Exam tutor
1 To suggest a possible cause and effect relationship, use phrases such as is linked to or is associated with.
2 Use the passive voice when the subject of the action is unknown or less important than the action itself.
3 The active voice is commonly used to describe natural processes; the passive voice is often used to describe man made
processes.
4 For a less emotional style, avoid using exaggeration
(e.g. totally, perfect), emotive words (e.g. terrible, adore), and words that express strong value judgements (e.g. immora�.
5 For a formal style, avoid contracted forms (e.g. isn't, he's), the words get, a lot of and really, double comparatives (e.g.
more and more), phrasal verbs (e.g. take up, break out), colloquial expressions or sayings (e.g. every coin has two sides).

120 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 5

Part 1: Language development

Expressions associated with languages Emphatic, neutral and tentative reporting
Exercise 1 Exercise 3
1mother tongue 2official language 3second language 1argue 2 question 3doubt 4accept 5 suggest
4lingua franca 5 non-native 6 bilingual 7 standard form 6 suspect 7 doubt
8 minority languages
Exercise 4
1c 2a 3d4b
Reporting verbs for different functions
Exercise 2
1maintain, claim 2admit, concede 3deny, challenge,
object to 4urge

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Creating a coherent structure 3 In summary, the figure shows that some of the more
dominant world languages, English in particular, are being
Exercise 1 more widely taught, whereas other languages, with the
Order: c, d, a, b
exception of Spanish, are becoming less popular.
Exercise 2
1 Paragraphs a and d make generalisations about the whole Task 2: Developing an introduction
diagram. Paragraphs b and c give specific information
about parts of the diagram.
Exercise 5
1c/b 2b 3d4e
2 The introduction identifies the type of information shown
by the diagram; the conclusion makes a general statement Exercise 6
about the information. 1 It begins with the context and ends with the writer's
3 General to specific. opinion.
2 The last position makes the sentence more prominent.
Exercise 3
1 b
2 C
Presenting your view effectively
3 It repeats the words in the task instructions. Exercise 7
4 It has too much detailed information. 1e 2e 3b4g Sd
Exercise 8
Introductions and conclusions Order: 3, 5, 2, 1
4
,
Exercise 4 Exercise 9
1the world becomes 2increasingly important 3 therefore
(Suggested answers)
4right approach 5 I will outline 6 the most effective
The bar chart shows the proportion of children in European methods
secondary schools who are studying five different foreign
languages in the years 2000, 2010and 2020.

Exercise 10
(Model answer)
As anyone who has travelled abroad will know, misunderstandings can easily occur among people from different cultures.
It is sometimes assumed that this happens because the people involved do not have an adequate knowledge of the
language. However, I would argue that more than language knowledge is required to communicate successfully. This essay
will examine what I believe to be the most important factors in communication breakdown.

Answer key 121

 Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer

The diagram shows the languages of Europe, Iran, and the Indian subcontinent and how they are related through a
common lndo-European root language.
There are seven main branches: three represent the languages spoken throughout Western Europe, and four
represent the languages spoken further to the east. The Western European branches include the Celtic, Germanic, and
Italic languages. Some of these languages, such as Gaelic or Welsh, are spoken by relatively few people, but others,
including German and English (from the Germanic branch) and French and Spanish (Italic branch) are among the most
widely spoken languag_es in the world.
The eastern lndo-European branches include the languages spoken in Iran, the Indian Subcontinent, Greece, and the
Slavic countries. The Indian branch comprises several languages including Hindi, Urdu and Bengali. The Slavic branch
covers languages spoken in Eastern Europe, such as Russian and Polish, as well as Czech.
Overall, the diagram shows that languages that are commonly regarded as very different are, in fact, related.
(162 words]

Task 2: Model answer

As the world becomes more integrated, the need for common means of communication is becoming more pressing.
Inevitably, speakers of minority languages have been under pressure to speak the languages of more dominant groups,
both locally and globally. Some people argue that there is nothing that can or should be done to stop this process. I
would suggest that the issue merits more careful consideration.
It is true that as the balance of power among groups of people throughout history has shifted, languages have
arisen, changed, and died out. Even once widely-spoken languages, such as Latin, have disappeared. To some extent,
therefore, this process may be inevitable. However, there are examples of communities that have managed to preserve
and even revive languages under threat. Irish and Scots Gaelic, for example, have been preserved by government
policy on education and broadcast media.
There are, indeed, several benefits to preserving minority languages. Retaining the language of a community often
means that other forms of culture are maintained: songs, literature and local traditions. These all contribute to the
richness and variety of human culture. Moreover, language helps communities to remain cohesive and to have a strong
sense of identity. This can help people to be strong in adversity. Where this sense of identity and cohesion has been lost,
for example among many indigenous communities in North America, problems can follow: low self-esteem, lack of
confidence and loss of initiative.
In short, it is possible and, in many cases, desirable, to make the effort to preserve minority languages. This can have
benefits both for the minority speech community and for society as a whole in terms of cultural richness.
(275 words]

Exam tutor
1 To express agreement: agree, accept, acknowledge, support, admit, concede
To express disagreement: disagree, doubt, question, dismiss, refute, deny, challenge
2 You should use mainly your own words.
3 State the topic of the essay; write something about the general context; explain why the topic is interesting, relevant or
important; present a viewpoint that you will challenge; present your own viewpoint; state the purpose of the essay; outline
the structure of the essay.
4 It is generally more effective to express your opinion towards the end of your introduction.

122 Writing for IELTS

 Unit 6

Part 1: Language development

Technology expressions Language for moderating statements
Exercise 1 Exercise 4
1 c 2e 3d 4b 5a 6f Quantifiers: many, most
Verbs: tend, appear
Adjectives for highlighting key points Modal verbs: might, may
Adverbs of frequency: rarely , often
Exercise 2
Adverbs of probability: probably
1 f 2c 3d 4b Se 6a
Exercise 3 Exercise 5
1 noticeable 2 distinctive 3underlying 4main (Suggested answers)
5 widespread 1 Some people over the age of sixty have difficulty grasping
new technology.
2 Excessive use of social media can sometimes cause mental
health problems.
3 Online shopping is possibly addictive.
4 Too much screen time may make some children less active.
5 It is possible that some of the world's problems could be
solved by advances in science and technology.

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Interpreting information presented in 2 The most obvious groupings are probably the
tables technologically advanced regions (Europe, North America
and Australia/ Oceania) and the developing regions (Asia,
Exercise 1 Africa, Latin America and the Middle East).
1 Response 2is more satisfactory. In Response 1, the writer
3 The more developed regions have the highest percentages
has simply reproduced the information in the table in of Internet users - all 8 0 percent or higher. The developing
words. The response is also somewhat short (138 words). regions have lower percentages - between
In Response 2, the writer has highlighted the significant
36and 67 percent.
aspects of the data by emphasizing main points and
4 The developing regions have all experienced the highest
supporting these with detailed information from the table. rates of growth in Internet users. The developed regions
2 In both responses, the first and last sentences contain main have experienced the lowest rates of growth.
points (The table shows that ... Overall .. .). In Response
2, the first line of body paragraph 1 (One of the most Exercise 3
significant changes was .. .) and of body paragraph 2 (Suggested answers)
(Another noticeable trend was ...) also contain general 1 One significant trend is the high percentage of Internet
statements. users in the most economically developed regions of the
3 In Response 1 , there is a general point in the introduction world. Eighty-nine percent of the population of North
and a general point in the conclusion; all of the detailed America, for example, use the Internet. Europeans are the
information is contained in the middle body paragraph. next in rank at eighty-eight percent, followed by Australia
In Response 2, there are four general statements, one at and Oceania at eighty percent.
the start of each paragraph. The general statements in the 2 The smallest growth in the percentage of Internet users
body paragraphs are followed by detailed information. occurred in the most developed regions of the world.
Exercise 2 Grrn,vth in North America, which has the highest percentage
1 There has been significant growth in Internet use of Internet users, was the lowest at 200percent. Australia
worldwide; Internet users now make up 57 percent of and Europe also experienced relatively low percentage
the population. The most significant figure is probably the increases in Internet users at 275and 585percent
percentage change (1,115 percent). respectively.

Answer key 123

 3 Another noticeable feature of the information in the table Body paragraph 1, Evidence for positive effect: e
is the relatively low percentage of Internet users in the least Body paragraph 2, Evidence for a positive effect: d, f
developed regions of the world. Less than seventy percent Body paragraph 3, Evidence for negative effect: c
of the populations of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Body paragraph 3, Evidence for negative effect: g
Latin America use the Internet. The region with the smallest The advantage of this plan is that it has a more sophisticated
percentage of Internet users was Africa at thirty-six percent. structure. Points for and against are arranged thematically,
4 However, the biggest growth in Internet users occurred rather than simply listed. This allows you to contrast the
in developing regions. The percentage of the population evidence for and against using complex sentences,
online in Africa, for instance, grew more than a hundred­ e.g. Although ...
fold. The Middle East, Latin America, and Asia also saw
Internet use grow significantly There were fifty times more Developing a paragraph
Internet users in the Middle East in 2018 than there were in
2008, and nearly twenty times more people online in Asia Exercise 6
over the same period. 1 basic infrastructure is not universally good (G)
broadband access lacking, especially in rural areas (S)
Task 2: Planning an essay people and business affected by slow broadband (S)
2 poverty is one aspect of the problem (G)
Exercise 4
people on low income cannot afford broadband (S)
Strengths: It has a clear structure. There are good supporting
the poor even struggle to pay for electricity (S)
points for each of the two general statements.
3 lack of literacy skills is an obstacle (G)
Weaknesses: The essay does not seem to have a fully developed
in some areas, many adults have poor literacy (S) older
discussion because the points for and against are listed separately.
women and the poor more likely to have lower levels of
The introduction contains a cliche (a double-edged sword).
literacy (S)
Exercise 5
{Model answer}

People who live in countries with developed economies often take access to information technology for granted. They
find it hard to imagine a world in which this technology does not bring greater prosperity for everyone. However, as
the IT revolution moves forward, some people are left behind. Indeed, there are several barriers to wider IT access and
its potential benefits.
One major barrier is inadequate infrastructure. In some areas, fast broadband speeds may only be available in major
cities, putting many rural areas off the map as far as IT access is concerned. In these circumstances, the Internet may
actually be increasing rather than decreasing social inequality between urban and rural areas. A lack of reliable access
to the Internet not only disadvantages rural populations but also rural businesses, which may not be able to sell their
goods online.
Poverty is another major factor when it comes to the digital divide. People on low incomes cannot always afford
electronic devices or broadband. They may even struggle to pay for electricity at times. Internet access for them may
be a luxury.
Illiteracy also remains an obstacle to IT access, even in developed nations. In some areas, many adults struggle to read.
Older women and the poor are at greater risk of having poor literacy and are therefore at a disadvantage when it
comes to IT access and its potential benefits.
In short, where unequal access to infrastructure, wealth, and education exists, the IT revolution is unlikely to reduce
inequality. Unless fundamental inequalities are addressed, the Internet may, in fact, increase social divides.

124 Writing for IELTS

Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer

The table shows the average length of Online video advertisements by sector and the average length of time viewers
spent watching these advertisements.
The average length of the advertisements varied from a low of 14.6 seconds for clothing to a high of 45.8 for
public service advertisements. With the exception of government- and entertainment-related advertisements, in
general, products and services which required a large financial commitment tended to have longer advertisements.
Cars, financial services and travel advertisements, for example, were all eighteen seconds on average or longer. Less
expensive products, on the other hand, such as consumer electronics, clothing and medicines, tended to have shorter
advertisements.
Adverts for more expensive products or services also tended to be watched for longer than adverts for less expensive
items. Viewers on average watched more than 50 percent of advertisements for cars, financial services and travel. In
contrast, viewers tended to watch less of government advertisements and advertisements for cheaper goods such as
consumer electronics, clothing and medicines.
Overall, length of online video advertisements and length of time spent viewing such advertisements appears to be
associated with the perceived cost of the product or service being advertised.
[194 words]

Task 2: Model answer

New technologies, in particular, the Internet, are undoubtedly having a major impact on the way goods and services
are bought and sold. In many countries, buying products online has become a mainstream activity.
Now in the UK, for example, nearly twenty per cent of all retail trade is conducted online . While some people argue
that the actual impact of the Internet on shopping is overstated, I would argue that it is in fact quite significant for
two main reasons.
The first reason is that the development of online shopping has meant that the market for goods available to the
individual has grown exponentially. It is possible to buy almost anything in the world-wide online retail market: exotic
foods, art works, rare books, adventure holidays. Products that were once only available to people who lived in large
cosmopolitan cities can now be bought by people living in small towns and remote areas.
Another significant reason is that the buyer can have more control over the process. Price comparison websites make it
easier to find bargains. Shopping can be done at any time of the day or night, and shoppers can browse for as long as
they like without pressure from sales assistants. This means that shoppers can potentially become more knowledgeable
about the products they are buying. Because of the greater competition involved in trading within a large market,
sellers are under pressure to improve the quality of their products.
In short, online shopping has shifted the balance of power in favour of the consumer. Consumers not only have wider
access to goods but also have greater access to information and more control over how they shop. The unfortunate side
effect is the closure of many traditional shops and the resulting negative impact on the people they employ.
[297 words]

Exam tutor
1 distinctive, main, noticeable, significant, underlying, widespread.
2 Task 2, because you cannot directly reference supporting evidence for your claims.
3 Begin by highlighting a significant aspect of the data, then support your main point with detailed information from the
visual prompt.
4 No, you should include enough detail to exemplify and support your main points.
5 If you arrange points thematically, you can show more skill in argumentation. Rather than simply listing points for and
against, you can contrast evidence for and against using complex sentences.

Answer key 125

 Unit 7

Part 1: Language development

Personal finances and spending expressions Exercise 3
1 financial 2 saved 3 costly 4 on credit 5 criteria
Exercise 1 6 quantity 7 behaviour
1 housing 2 transportation 3 entertainment 4 food
and drink 5 dining out 6 clothing and footwear 7 home Using precise language
furnishings 8 utilities
Exercise 4
Exercise 2 1 products 2 aspects of 3 take action 4 advantages
1 Disposable income 2 personal debt 3 goods and services 5 their necessities 6 their possessions
4 consumer confidence 5 Household expenditure

Part 2: Exam skills

Task 1: Describing the relationship between two trend in sales for the products most likely to be purchased
visual prompts by that age group.
In paragraph 3, the writer describes the overall trend in
Exercise 1 disposable income for 65-74 year-olds, then the overall
1 Both figures relate to consumer spending. trend in sales for the products most likely to be purchased
2 It is reasonable to assume a cause and effect relationship. by that age group.
3 If you look at the overall trends, you may notice a 4 The writer focuses on the most notable feature of both
connection between the disposable income of the trends because this is sufficient to demonstrate that there is
three age groups and the sales figures for the products a connection.
likely to be purchased by people in these age groups. 5 showed a similar pattern; also; not surprisingly ... also
Any obvious points, for example peaks and low points 6 may be influenced by
that help to illustrate the connection, should be
highlighted. Expressing cause and effect relationships
4 You can highlight the connections most effectively by tentatively
comparing features of both figures in each paragraph.
Exercise 3
Exercise 2
1 The first sentence gives a description of what is shown in Suggested answers
Figure 1; the second sentence gives a description of what Alternatives for Sentence 1 :
is shown in Figure 2; the third sentence makes a statement When the availability of cheap credit rises, levels of consumer
about the relationship between Figures 1 and 2. spending also appear to rise.
2 Cause and effect: Seen together, the figures suggest a link The more cheap credit is available, the more consumers spend.
between ...
Alternatives for Sentence 2:
3 In paragraph 1, the writer describes the overall trend in
When the rate of taxation falls, levels of consumer spending
disposable income for 15-24 year-olds, then the overall
appear to rise.
trend in sales for the products most likely to be purchased
The less consumers are taxed, the more they spend.
by that age group.
In paragraph 2, the writer describes the overall trend in
disposable income for 35-44 year-olds, then the overall

126 Writing for IELTS

Exercise 4
Suggested answer
Figure 1 shows the percentage change in the amount of credit available and taxation between 1990 and 2020. The
second figure shows the percentage increase in expenditure on three different types of products at five-year intervals
between 2000 and 2020.
Seen together, the two figures suggest that there is a positive correlation between the availability of credit and levels of
consumer spending. The amount of credit available reached a peak in 2005, when nearly 60% more credit was available
than in 1990, and another high point in 2020. Spending on all three categories of expenditure (food, entertainment and
clothing) also reached high points at approximately the same time.
On the other hand, the level of consumer spending appears to be inversely proportional to the rate of taxation. When
taxation fell sharply in the periods leading up to 2005, consumer spending appeared to increase sharply. The similar
pattern is evident in the period between 2008 and 2020.
Overall, greater availability of credit appears to act as a stimulus to consumer spending, whereas higher taxation may
have the opposite effect.

Task 2: Signposting examples and supporting evidence

Exercise 5
1 Response 2 is more satisfactory because it contains examples to illustrate and support the main point. Response 1 essentially
repeats the main point in three different ways.
2 States the main point
3 Sentence 2 further explains the main point, sentence 3 gives an example to illustrate the main point, sentence 4 supports
the main point.
4 This can be seen, for example, when ...
5 Indeed
Exercise 6
1 for example or for instance
2 An example of this
3 indeed or in fact

Developing a paragraph with examples and evidence

Exercise 7
(Suggested answers)
1 Some people buy products that they do not really need because they feel empty and unhappy. For instance, people
often consume alcohol, cigarettes or sugary foods because these enhance mood. Indeed, the link between emotion
and buying is evident in the fact that much of the content of advertisements has little to do with giving factual
information about the product being promoted.

Answer key 127

 2 People often buy products they do not really need because they want to display their status or wealth. A good
example of this is when people dispose of perfectly good items (clothing, furniture, electronic goods) simply to buy
a more up-to-date model. Another example is when shoppers choose high-value brands that prominently display
their logos over anonymous brands that are equivalent in quality but cheaper. Indeed, the relationship between social
status and consumer spending is so powerful that many brands are carefully targeted at particular social groups.

3 Sometimes people buy products they do not really need because they want to use them in a positive way to make their
lives more enjoyable or interesting. In an ideal world, all people would have some disposable income with which to buy
products or services that enhance their lives in some way. Hobbies, music and novels, for example, are all products that
are not strictly necessary for survival but can contribute greatly to quality of life.

Exercise 8
{Suggested answer)

It is likely that financial institutions are at least partially responsible for high levels of personal debt. In times when
lenders are less tightly regulated and greater competition is allowed, there is a natural tendency to try to attract more
customers by making it easier to borrow money. Banks may choose to lend to people who have relatively low incomes
or who already have high levels of personal debt. This practice may be sustainable up to a point; however, when the
economy suffers and people lose their jobs, the situation can quickly reach a crisis point, as has been clearly shown in
the recession experienced by many countries in recent years.

Part 3: Exam practice

Task 1: Model answer

The line graph shows economic growth over a 15-year period ending in 2020. The pie charts give a breakdown of
household spending in four separate years over the same period. Viewed together, there appears to be a relationship
between economic growth and patterns of spending.

According to the graph, economic growth began at a modest 1 %, rose slightly, then remained more or less steady at
about 2% until 2013. It grew sharply and peaked at nearly 5% in 2015, then fell dramatically to -5% in 2018, before
recovering to 1% in 2020.

Over the same period, changes in patterns of spending were evident. In periods of low or negative growth, spending
on housing and food accounted for a larger proportion of total household expenditure than in times of relative
prosperity. This is particularly evident in the chart for 2020 where together these three items appear to account for
65-70% of total expenditure. Conversely, in times of economic growth, spending on less essential items such as travel,
entertainment and clothing tended to increase.

In summary, the figures show that in times of hardship, households spend a greater proportion of their income on
necessities whereas, in times of prosperity, more is spent on non-essentials.
[202 words]

128 Writing for IELTS

Task 2: Model answer

Learning to manage money is something that virtually everyone must do as the ability to maintain a balance between
income and expenditure is essential for a stable life. In many developed countries, the availability of easy credit and a
wide variety of financial products has made the task of managing one's money more complex. In less affluent parts of
the world, lack of money or acc..:ess to credit creates its own challenges. In this essay, I will outline two ways in which
people can learn to manage their money.

Learning by example is one important method. From their early years, children can observe how their parents make financial
decisions. They may notice, for example, whether money is saved for costly purchases, or whether purchases are bought on
credit. Children can also see what kinds of criteria parents use when choosing what to buy, for instance, whether quality of
quantity is more important. It is important, therefore, that parents model sensible purchasing behaviour and explain what
they are doing and why. However, in many circumstances, this may not be enough.

Another important means of teaching people to manage money is through education. When school children, for
instance, learn arithmetic, they could also be taught the basics of budgeting and how to recognise good value. For
adults, the Internet could be a good source of advice on how to save money. Price comparison websites, for example,
can be a good way of researching what is available before making an expensive purchase.

The ability to manage money is often taken for granted. Because the consequences of poor money management can
be severe, it is worthwhile taking steps to ensure people are as well-informed as possible.

(282 words]

Exam tutor
1 food and drink, transportation, clothing and footwear, entertainment, housing, dining out, utilities, home furnishings,
furniture, electronic goods, jewellery, children's toys, sportswear.
2 In IELTS Writing you should avoid vague words and try to use precise expressions.
3 You can describe visual prompts separately, but normally you should indicate how they are related.
4 when ... rise(s), ... also appear(s) to ...; when ... fal/(s), ... appear(s) to ...,· the less ... the more ... ; the more ... the more ... .
5 To signpost examples: for example, an example of this is ..., for instance; to reinforce a main point: indeed, in fact.

Unit 8

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to age Exercise 3
1 forced 2empowered 3compelled 4have a duty to do
Exercise 1 5 coerced into joining
5 c 2e 3b 4a 1d
Exercise 4
(From youngest to oldest): infancy, childhood, adolescence,
1 over 2in 3with; on 4with 5 of 6 of; into 7 from
adulthood, old age
for 8 in; of

Rights and responsibilities expressions Exercise 5

1 in the best interests 2taken into account 3cooperate
Exercise 2 with others 4interfering too much in their lives 5 exercise
Rights: a, d, f, g, h too much control over
Responsibilities: b, c, e, i, j

Answer key 129

 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Developing a paragraph with supporting 2 The writer wants to emphasise the difference in opinion
details between parents and adolescents, so he/she has chosen
those details that illustrate the biggest gap in views.
Exercise 1
1 Response 2 is more satisfactory because it includes Signaling supporting details
examples from the table to support the main point.
Exercise 2
1 the most common 2 for instance, such as 3 in particular,
particularly 4 the sole
Exercise 3
Overall, parents said that they wanted significantly more control over their children than did the adolescents surveyed.
This is particularly (3) evident in the issue of 'how adolescents spend their free time' and 'what friends they make'.
Roughly three out of four parents wanted to place restrictions on these areas, whereas. only one in five children
felt this was needed. The biggest (1) conflict of opinion concerned young people's choice of friends, with nearly 80
percent of mothers believing they should exercise control and only 17 percent of adolescent girls agreeing. The Qillt
(4) area where there was some agreement among parents and young people was in restrictions on choice of subjects
for study, selected by
58 percent of mothers and 49 percent of adolescent boys.

Exercise 4 Exercise 8
1 only (or sole) 2 particularly (or most) 3 biggest 1 would
(or widest) 2 may I might
Exercise 5 3 should/ must
4 can/ could
(Suggested answer) 5 can/ could
The adolescent boys surveyed also indicated a greater 6 would
acceptance of parental control than did the adolescent girls. 7 might/ may I could
The two areas where girls accepted greater control were how 8 can/ could
they spend their free time and how they spend their money. 9 would
The biggest gap between boys and girls was over what 10 could/ would
subject they study. Forty-nine percent of boys said they agreed
with parental restrictions in this area, whereas only a third of Developing a conclusion
girls felt this was needed. Exercise 9
1c 2d 3a 4b 5d
Task 2: Using modal verbs appropriately Exercise 10
1 In short
Exercise 6 2 In brief, In summary, In conclusion
a2 b 5, 8 c 1. d 3, 6 e 4, 7, 9
3 a
Exercise 7 4 d
1 can, could and would because this Task 2 question asks 5 Society can ensure that children's rights are taken into
you to make suggestions and would is used to explain the account, that children have access to help, and that
possible consequences. children are properly informed of their rights.
2 should is a less emphatic term than must and is used to
express necessity.
3 may is used to express a possibility or permission.

130 Writing for IELTS

Exercise 11
(Suggested answer)

In summary, there are several ways in which young people can be encouraged to behave responsibly. They can be
involved in defining what constitutes good behaviour, and they can be taught leadership skills. Parents and teachers
should be encouraged to try these methods before resorting to more punitive measures. If they are successful, they
may very well discover a maturity in their children that they never anticipated.

Part 3: Exam practice

Task 1: Model answer

The bar chart illustrates the views of 1000 young people in five countries around the world on the most suitable age
for three key rights and responsibilities to be given to young people.
There was some variation in the views of all five nationalities for all three categories. For marriage, the minimum age
identified ranged from a low of 16 in Egypt and Mexico to a high of 22 in Japan. Respondents in the UK and the US
chose 18.
A similar pattern was seen in the results concerning voting age. Again, this was highest among the Japanese participants and
lowest (16) among those in Mexico and the UK.
Interestingly, for all of the countries surveyed, the participants set their preferred age of criminal responsibility at a
lower point than either of the rights. The gap was particularly wide in the US, where respondents identified 12 as the
age at which children should be held responsible for their crimes.
Overall, the results show that adolescents in different countries have different views of when it is appropriate for young
people to hold certain responsibilities associated with adulthood.
[186 words]

Task 2: Model answer

As children grow up, they can be increasingly responsible for making their own decisions. However, until a young person is
ready to live independently, parents still have a responsibility for guiding their children. In this essay, I will outline two main
areas in which I believe parents should continue to exercise some control over their adolescent children.
The most important area is safety. Learning to manage risk is clearly very important. However, because children often
have less experience of, and therefore less awareness of, adverse consequences, they are not always able to take
sensible precautions. Because, for example, they may never have been robbed whilst outdoors at night, they may
assume that this can never happen to them. Parents should therefore intervene to help their children understand and
manage risk. In the example above, they could help their child arrange suitable transport.
Another area in which a degree of parental intervention is necessary is in considering long-term interests. Young people
sometimes have a tendency to prioritise short-term needs and wants over longer-term goals. They may, for instance,
choose to attend a sporting event or social occasion rather than study for an exam that is weeks in the future. Parents can
help their children by insisting that certain responsibilities are met before privileges are granted. Children would not only be
helped to achieve their goals but would also learn how to manage their time.
In summary, parents should allow their adolescent children a degree of autonomy but continue to exercise some
control. If they intervene with a view to helping their child learn to make good decisions independently, they are likely
to see the best outcome.
[275 words]

Answer key 131

 Exam tutor
1 be entitled to, be empowered to, be allowed to, to be authorised to, be permitted to
2 superlatives, expressions indicating example, focusing expressions, expressions indicating uniqueness.
3 Modal verbs are commonly used with other verbs to indicate intention, obligation, permission, ability and possibility.
4 Can is used to express permission (e.g. Children can leave school at the age of 16), ability (e.g. Most children van read by
the age of six.), and possibility (e.g. Too much parental control can cause children to rebel.)
5 restate your opinion, summarise the main points, make a recommendation, make a prediction.

Unit 9

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to people and places 3 Improved health care
4 Decreasing mortality from infectious diseases
Exercise 1 5 increasing incidence of chronic illnesses
1 density 2accelerate 3census 4demographic 6 increasing public health costs
5 elderly 6 boom 7 generation 7 Family planning
Exercise 2
Causes: b, c, f, h Consequences: a, d, e, g Cohesive devices
Exercise 3 Exercise 4
1 growing pressure on care givers 1 b 2d 3a 4c Se
2 Dwindling pension funds

Part 2: Exam skills:

Task 1: Correcting punctuation
Exercise 1
Many people enjoy retiremen1:c:J They find they have the time for activities they enjoy0
Lower mortality is due to increased longevity0 which results from improved health care0
There are more jobs opportunities in citie�so people migrate to them from rural area�
Because couples are under pressure to war� they often delay starting a famil't)
People want to enjoy retirement; however, they do not always save enough for a comfortable retirement.

1 Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

2 Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb, or a full stop, e.g.... retirement. However, they do not always ...
3 Use a comma when the relative clause gives extra information; if the relative clause defines the subject don't use a comma,
e.g. Only people who retire at 65 can receive a pension.
4 Use a comma when the clause with the subordinating conjunction comes first. If the subordinate clause comes after the
main clause, you don't need a comma, e.g. Couples often delay starting a family because they are under pressure to work.

132 Writing for IELTS

Exercise 2

The graph illustrates two contrasting trends. Whereas the proportion of the world's population aged 65 and above is
E;xpected to risEt:J the proportion of those under five is expected to decline. The proportion of elderly people has risen
gradually from approximately 5% in 1950 to roughly 7.5% today0and over the next 30 years it is expected to more
than double. However0 the proportion of young children has fallen gradually since 1970 from approximately 14% to
9%. It is forecast to continue falling at roughly the same rate until 204(b when it will level off.

Improving a paragraph by combining sentences

Exercise 3
(Suggested answers)
The bar chart shows the percentage of males and females who were over the age of 65 in 2000.
2 Korea, Mexico, and Turkey are all developing or newly industrialized countries which are expected to experience large
increases in the proportion of the population that is elderly.
3 The biggest increase is likely to occur in Korea, where the proportion of pensioners is expected to increase from 10% to
35%.
4 The changes in all three countries will occur from a relatively low base, so the predicted proportion of elderly residents will
still be lower than that expected in developed economies.

Removing unnecessary words

Exercise 4
(Suggested answer}

The figure shows the distribution of the population in terms of gender and age. The age group with the highest
percentage of both men and women is 55 to 59. Roughly five percent of the population is in this age group. The age
groups with the next highest proportion of the population are 30 to 34 and 35 to 39. Interestingly, until the age of
59, the proportion of males and females is roughly equal. However, thereafter, women make up a higher proportion
of the elderly population. This trend is particularly evident in those aged 80 plus. Over four percent of women fall into
in this category, whereas only two percent of men have reached this age.

Task 2: Creating cohesion with summary words Repetition and synonyms

Exercise 5 Exercise 7
(Suggested answers} (Suggested answers}
1 development/ shift 1 Synonyms for younger family members could include: the
2 concerns/ disadvantages/ drawbacks younger generation, younger relatives, younger relations,
3 strategy/ measure I approach younger members of the family
4 process Synonyms for older relations could include: the older
generation, older family members, older relations, elderly
Exercise 6
relatives, senior members of the family
1 The last sentence of the introduction. This is often referred
to as the thesis statement: A number of measures can Exercise 8
be taken to ensure that the elderly can enjoy life after In most societies, adults in their prime are expected to care
retirement. for those who are becoming frailer due to old age. How one
2 measure defines the specific responsibilities of younger family members
3 measure occurs in the first (topic) sentence of each of the towards older relations, however, depends on a number of
following two body paragraphs factors, for example, the family's resources and the degree
4 older people, the elderly, elderly people, all, increasingly of state support available. Nevertheless, I would suggest a
frail section of the population number of core obligations can be identified.
5 sums of money, savings

Answer key 133

 Exercise 9
1 Circle arguments; underline mandatory retirement age
2 Circle consequences; underline population ageing

Topic sentences

-5:::==1,,===::::�==...,_,,=...,at= =io""""n that younger family members have towards older relations is to ensure that their
hysical nee are being met.
2 Ano er core obligation is to ensure that older relations continue to feel a sense o�
3 Finally, younger family members should ensure that older relations continue to have the opportunity to grow and develop

Exercise 11
(Suggested topic sentences)
One of the main consequences of population ageing is the increasing incidence of illnesses and ailments commonly
associated with age.
2 Another consequence is growing pressure on care givers, often sons and daughters who may themselves be in the process
of raising a family of their own.
3 A final consequence is pressure on pension funds.
(Suggested paragraph)

One of the main consequences of population ageing is the increasing incidence of illnesses and ailments commonly
associated with age. Cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, for example, are all on the rise in many countries with ageing
populations. This trend can result in pressure on health budgets and services.

Part 3: Exam practice

Task 1: Model answer

The line graph shows three demographic trends between 1940 and 2010: birth rate, population growth rate, and
death rate.
The birth rate followed a falling trend overall from 2.5% in 1940 to a 0.5 rise in 2020. There were brief increases in
the late 1940s ana 1960s followed by more substantial falls, particularly between 1950 and 1960.
The population growth rate followed a very similar trend with a brief time lag, suggesting a strong link between birth
rate and population rate. The main difference in the two trends was a more substantial rise in population growth
between 1945 and 1955.
The death rate showed a somewhat different trend. There was a steady fall between 1940 and 1955, followed by a
very gradual decline over the next 45 years. There was a slight rise over the next decade, presumably as the 'boom'
generation of 75 years previously reached the end of its life span.
Overall, the trends show a declining population.
(160words]

134 Writing for IELTS

Task 2: Model answer

People today can expect to live a longer and healthier life than people in the past. People often see retirement as a
time for relaxation and letting go of the stresses of working life. However, many who reach retirement age are more
interested than ever in contributing actively to their communities. This essay will outline two ways in which this interest
can benefit society.
Becoming involved in schools is one of the ways in which the life experience of the elderly can be made available to
the community. Because families now are often more mobile than in the past, many children do not have regular
contact with grandparents. Yet children are often fascinated by stories of life in the past. Inviting local retired people
into schools to speak to children can help to maintain a vital link between past and present.
Another way in which society can benefit from. a more active older generation is by inviting older employees to remain
in work part-time. Older people may not want to or indeed be able to do a full day's work; however, their experience
may continue to be valuable to their employers. A good example of this can be seen in one scheme in the UK in which
elder employees remained in work as mentors for younger employees.
Schools and the workplace are just two of the areas in which those who have reached retirement age can continue to
contribute to their communities. As life expectancy improves, the need to maintain an active and socially meaningful
life may also increase. Experience suggests that this trend can have benefits for all, not just the elderly.
[273 words]

Exam tutor
1 People know they are going to grow older, but they often do not prepare adequately for old age.
Although people know they are going to grow older, they often do not prepare adequately for old age.
People know they are going to grow older; however, they often do not prepare adequately for old age.
2 It is more important to use words such as however to signal contrasting ideas than to use words like moreover to signal
additional points because the reader will normally expect each new point to reinforce the previous point unless the writer
has indicated otherwise.
3 The thesis statement is usually placed towards the end of the introduction.
4 Each topic sentence advances the main idea expressed in the thesis statement.
5 Repeating a key word or phrase from the thesis statement or exam question makes the connection between each point and
the main topic of the essay more obvious.

Unit 10

Part 1: Language development

Expressions related to popular culture Expressing attitude with adverbs
Exercise 1 Exercise 4
1 e 2f 3c 4h 5b 6a 7d 8i 9g 1 Unfortunately ... 2 Inevitably . . . 3 Fortunately ...
4 Surprisingly ... 5 Obviously ... 6 Interestingly ...
Exercise 2 7 Importantly ...
1 impression 2 aspirations 3 image 4 fame
5 flawed 6 icon Modifying adverbs
Exercise 3 Exercise 5
1 well-known/famous I legendary 1 Less obviously .. . 2 More importantly ...
2 imperfect/bad/worthless 3 Not surprisingly .. . 4 Somewhat surprisingly ...
3 like/admire/idolize
4 recognition/praise/acclaim
5 fleeting/transient/brief

Answer key 135

 Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Commonly confused words Exercise 5
1 receiving 2 percentage 3 negative 4 small 5 On the
Exercise 1 other hand 6 was not 7 there appears to be
1 past 2 except 3 rose 4 than 5 in contrast 6 feature
Underlined expressions: those surveyed, people questioned,
Exercise 2 those who took part in the survey, survey respondents
1 rose 2 than 3 past 4 feature 5 except
Task 2: Choosing the right level of formality
Using formal language
Exercise 6
Exercise 3 Suggested answers
1 significant 2 Many 3 For example 4 Surprisingly 1 benefit, positive consequence 2 drawback, negative
5 did not 6 appear consequence 3 view, point of view 4 nevertheless
5 individuals 6 dilemma, difficulty 7 approach, strategy 8
Synonyms to avoid repetition significant, noteworthy 9 topic, concern
Exercise 4 1 O circumstances, context
1 featured 2 occupations 3 those surveyed 4 selecting Exercise 7
5 career 6 occupied 1 Paragraph c is the best.
2 Paragraph a is too informal; paragraph b is too emphatic in
tone; paragraph d has too much repetition.
Exercise 8

In the past, people (1) generally became famous for their achievements. Einstein, Dickens, and Gandhi, for instance,
were all celebrated for their contributions to science, literature, and public life. People were interested in them
(2) primarily because they were role models.
One of the reasons fame today is so different is because celebrities (3) appear to satisfy a range of people's emotional
needs, not just the need for role models. Many celebrities today are famous simply for being famous. The public are
(4) often interested in them because, when news of scandals emerges, they (5) can experience the satisfaction of
feeling superior to people they envy.

Exercise 9
(Suggested answer)

Another reason fame today is unique is the desire for ordinary people to explore the nature of fame itself. Many
celebrities that have achieved fame through the Internet, for example, come from the same backgrounds as the
viewing public. Watching such people allow ordinary individuals to imagine what it might be like to suddenly
find themselves in the public eye. People who are famous for being famous may, therefore, allow unremarkable
people to enjoy wish fulfillment fantasies without having to worry about whether they are capable of significant
achievement.

The third, and perhaps most significant reason that celebrities play such an important role in modern life is the fact
that commercial pressures encourage media organisations to focus on information that is immediately attractive to
the consumer. As we have seen, the 'cult of celebrity' appears to tap into powerful emotional needs: the need to
feel superior, the need to imagine oneself to be the centre of attention; therefore, celebrity news sells.

136 Writing for IELTS

Part 3: Exam practice
Task 1: Model answer

The table gives the results of an opinion poll in which respondents were asked about their views of celebrity news
coverage.
There were clear majority views for all three questions asked. The vast majority of those questioned (85%), for
example, said that there was too much news coverage of celebrities. Only 7% said there was the right amount, and an
even smaller percentage (6%) said there was too little.
The public was somewhat more divided on the question of who was responsible for the quantity of celebrity news. A
majority (56%) said the news organisations were; However, over a third felt that the public were at fault. Roughly one
in ten respondents felt that both were responsible.
When asked to identify the news medium responsible for providing most of the coverage, most of those polled
singled out online news websites. Television news programmes were identified by 15% of respondents, followed
by newspapers (12%).
Overall, the findings suggest that most people think there is too much focus on celebrities in the news and that online
news websites are largely to blame.
[180 words]

Task 2: Model answer

In the past, news about famous people may have been confined to gossip columns in newspapers; these days it is not
uncommon for celebrities to feature as front-page news. There is evidence that the public feels there is too much news
coverage of famous people. Not surprisingly, there is concern about how this might be affecting people, and in particular
children.
One of the possible negative consequences of the 'cult of celebrity' is the tendency to confuse fame and notoriety.
Celebrity scandals are just as likely to receive publicity as celebrity achievements. Indeed, some famous people have
received more attention for their misuse of drugs and alcohol than for their successes on the stage or in sports. Children
who crave attention may come to see misbehaviour as normal.
The emphasis on individuals in the public eye may also be at the expense of serious news coverage. Next to the
superficial excitement of celebrity gossip, news about serious events and issues that have a more profound effect on
people's lives may seem uninteresting. Children may be forming a very distorted picture of how the world works.
The negative influence of celebrities on children can also be seen in children's career aspirations. These days, young
people are much more likely to see themselves as potential sports stars or entertainers. The prevalence of these figures
in the mass media may convey the impression that such positions are plentiful. Children may be developing unrealistic
expectations that they too will become rich and famous.
In summary, the 'cult of celebrity' may be affecting children in a number of undesirable ways. It is important that
children be taught to critically evaluate what they see in the media so that they can form a more realistic view of
society, acceptable behaviour, and indeed themselves.
[297 words]

Answer key 13 7
 Exam tutor
1 Use attitude adverbs e.g. fortunately, unfortunately, importantly, inevitably, interestingly, obviously, surprisingly.
2 Because many words that look or sound similar may have very different meanings.
3 Issues of general interest, people and opinions, problems and solutions, advantages and disadvantages.
4 Academic style is often more cautious and modest than everyday speech.
5 Use hedging expressions, e.g. adverbs such as generally, primarily often, verbs such as appear, modal verbs such as can.

Unit 11

Part 1: Language development

Expressions associated with transport

Exercise 1
1 d 2a 3h 4e 5g 6f 7b 8c
Exercise 2
1 cycle routes 2speed cameras 3pedestrians/ danger
4 traffic congestion 5motorways 6 road works
7bus lanes

Word formation and parts of speech

Exercise 3
verb noun
reduce reduction
produce production
convert conversion
maintain maintenance
emit emission
combust combustion
propel propulsion

Exercise 4
1 propelled 2converting 3propulsion 4reduce
5combustion 6 emissions 7emit 8maintenance
9 produce 1 O production
Exercise 5
a achievement b appearance c allowance d explanation e involvement f provision g opposition
Exercise 6
1 opposition 2achievement 3explanation 4appearance 5provision 6allowances 7 involvement

138 Writing for IELTS

Part 2: Exam skills
Task 1: Correcting errors in verb forms 9 There are numerous examples of illegal practices in the
and articles second-hand motor trade. (subject-verb agreement)
10 This is because the industry is poorly regulated and
Exercise 1 buyers are not always well-informed. (sentence fragment)
1was 2have risen 3continues 4correlates 5 increased
Exercise 7
6 was already rising/ had already risen 1 As people in many parts of the world now have greater
Exercise 2 access to cars, they often have more choice over where
1decreased 2are expected 3correlates 4varied they live and work.
5 accounted 6 were asked 2 Cities have become more sprawling because people have
sought out the greater privacy and space afforded by
Exercise 3
suburban living.
1 driving 2to use 3purchasing 4change 5 travelling
3 There are more vehicles, often travelling at greater speed; as a
6 to reduce
consequence, the streets are less hospitable to pedestrians.
Exercise 4 4 There has also been a decline in public transport; as a
1d 2e 3c 4a Sb result, people have less day-to-day contact with other
Exercise 5 members of their community.
1The 2- 3- 4the 5 - 6 the 7 the 8 the 9 a 5 Since most people are very dependent on their cars, they
10 a 11 the do not want to give them up.

Punctuation and linking

Task 2: Correcting errors in sentence structure
Exercise 8
Exercise 6 1 Although most people say they would use other forms of
a9 b2 c1 d 5 e4 f7 g6 h3 i8 j10 transport for short journeys, in fact, most car journeys are
for distances of less than two miles.
The evidence shows that wearing a seatbelt significantly 2
Most people are reluctant to buy electric cars because of
reduces road accident fatalities . (countable vs.
three main factors: cost, maintenance and reliability.
uncountable noun) 3 Some of those surveyed said they had concerns about
2 In fact wearing a seatbelt is the most important safety the distance electric cars could travel before having to be
measure that can be taken. (use of the article) recharged.
3 The number of road accidents declined last year. (tense) 4 Electric cars are more expensive than conventional cars.
4 It is illegal to drive without a license or car insurance.
However, their maintenance costs are lower.
(word class) 5 One major Japanese car manufacturer, which produces
5 The cost of insurance depends on several factors some of the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered cars, has
including age, experience and type of car. (preposition)
recently announced that it plans to invest more heavily in
6 Organisations such as the AA can provide assistance to
electric car technology.
motorists who break down. (verb form) 6 Hybrid and electric cars produce fewer emissions, but this
7 Many people who live in rural areas have no choice but
may not result in a reduction in overall emissions because
to travel by car. (relative clause) the growth in car ownership over the next15 years is likely
8 Buying a second-hand car is sometimes risky. to accelerate.
Inexperienced buyers can be easily cheated. (run-on
sentence)

Exercise 9
In many parts of the world, people now have greater access to cars. Therefore, they often have more choice over
where they live and work. Cities have become more sprawling, as people have sought out the greater privacy and
space afforded by suburban living. Because there are more vehicles, often travelling at greater speed, the streets
are less hospitable to pedestrians. There has also been a decline in public transport. As a consequence, people
have less day-to-day contact with other members of their community.

Answer key 139

 Proofreading your work
Exercise 10

One of the factors that distinguishes developed from developing economies is mass car ownership. '.fhe Cars
undoubtedly have practical benefits for the individuals who own them. They allow for more flexible and autonomous
travel. Like other consumer items, they can be used to express individual taste and identity. However, they also
clearly have a number of undesirable consequences.

One of these consequences is deterioration in people's health. Urban poilution, which is largely caused by vehicle
emissions, can exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma. These health problems are more prevalent in cities,
particularly among children and the elderly.

Another consequence of car use is a decline in levels of physical activity and hence levels of fitness. Although this is
partly a consequence of rising prosperity generally, there is evidence that car use is responsible for lower levels of
cardiovascular fitness. The vast majority of car journeys are for less than two miles, that is, distances that can easily be
covered on foot. In short, when the people own cars, they tend to walk less, thus removing a major means by which
people maintain day-to-day fitness.

Part 3: Exam practice

Task 1: Model answer

The table compares modes of transport used in four countries: the USA, the UK, France and the Netherlands.
Percentages of journeys made by car, bicycle, public transport and on foot are given. The bar chart shows the results
of a survey into reasons people in the USA travel to work by car.

As can be seen from the table, cars were the most frequently used form of transport in all four countries. However,
the proportion of journeys made by car ranged from a low of 47% in the Netherlands to a high of 90% in the USA.
Figures for the other forms of transport also varied considerably. Not surprisingly, in the Netherlands, a high proportion
of trips were made by bicycle (26%) and on foot (18%). The highest rate of public transport use was in France, where
nearly one in five journeys was made by public transport.

The bar chart provides information that may help explain why car use is so high in the USA. The most frequently cited
reason was lack of any other alternative (38%). Although a sizable percentage said it was more convenient (21 %), the
other factors listed appeared to relate more to need than preference, e.g. working night shift.

Overall, the figures show considerable variation in modes of transport used, though the car continues to dominate in
most contexts.

[223 words]

Task 2: Model answer

Mass car ownership clearly has a number of undesirable consequences for people's health and fitness as well as for the
environment and community life generally. Nevertheless, owning a car is still seen as a desirable option. In fact, there
are more than a billion cars in the world today and that number is growing. Although this trend may seem inexorable,
there is much that can be done to discourage unnecessary car use.
One possible approach is to make cars expensive to own and use, for example, by taxing them at the point of
purchase or annually through a road tax. Certain types of car use, for instance short journeys within already congested
cities, can also be discouraged through road pricing schemes such as that operating in London. However, these
punitive measures alone are unlikely to have a major impact unless alternative means of transport are available.

140 Writing for IELTS

 Evidence suggests that where public transport options are plentiful, convenient and reliable, people will use them.
Inhabitants of cities such as Paris, which have invested heavily in commuter rail networks, are more likely to use public
transport than people living in cities where such networks have been allowed to deteriorate.
A less expensive and more environmentally sourid option is to create a network of cycle lanes and other facilities for cyclists,
such as safe weather-proof shelters for parking bicycies. This has the additional advantage of encouraging people to keep
fit whilst allowing them the flexibility of autonomous travel. Cities in the Netherlands, which have relatively high rates of
cycling, have shown how this can work.
In brief, the trend towards rising car ownership and use need not be inexorable. People can be encouraged to
use other means of transport. However, rhetoric alone is unlikely to bring about change. Investment in practical
alternatives is what is needed above all.
[304 words]

Exam tutor
1 You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Remember to leave a few minutes at the
end to check your work for errors.
2 You should write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Remember, you will not get extra points if you
write more.
3 A Task 1 prompt could be a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, diagram, map, or a combination of these.
4 Task 2 essay questions usually require you to do one of the following: propose one or more solutions to a problem, evaluate
a solution to a problem, provide an explanation or prediction, evaluate an idea or belief.
5 Your writing will be assessed against four criteria: task achievement (how well you have answered the question), coherence
and cohesion (logical flow of ideas information), lexical resource (your knowledge of vocabulary), and grammatical range
and accuracy (accurate use of a range of different structures).

12: Practice exam

Task 1: Model answer

T he chart shows the percentage of the population engaging in the seven most common leisure activities on a weekly
basis in 2015 and in 2019.
The two most popular activities were watching television and having a meal together as a family. These were also the
only two activities that increased in popularity over the five-year period. Watching lV went up from 90 to 92 percent.
Eating together also increased by two percentage points to 77 percent.
The next most common leisure pursuits were, like watching lV, all screen-based: watching films (enjoyed by nearly half
the population), watching sport, and playing computer games (enjoyed by just over a third of people). However, the
popularity of these pursuits all decreased by two to percent.
T he final two activities represented in the chart both involved going out of the house. Both of these declined more
sharply. Going out shopping fell from 33 to 30 percent, while going out to a cafe fell by seven percentage points to
25 percent.
Overall, the chart shows that indoor pursuits were most popular and some increasingly so, whereas activities outside
of the home were less popular and in fact declined in popularity.
[199 words]

Answer key 141

 Task 2: Model answer
I

The issue of equality and achievement has occupied people throughout history. Some argue that because people vary
in terms of talent and initiative, inequality is inevitable. The job of the government is to ensure freedom for each to
achieve his or her personal best. Others believe that because wealth and therefore opportunity tend to concentrate
in the hands of a few, the government must actively redistribute resources. While I believe there is some truth in both
views, the latter is likely to yield greater life satisfaction for the majority.
Societies that are very unequal in terms of income and resources are often credited with great achievements. The United
States, for example, has many successful individuals in business and science. Its universities, among the world's most
expensive, rank among the top ten in the world and employ a disproportionately large number of Nobel-prize winners.
However, such countries also often produce many people without qualifications, and poor prospects.
More egalitarian countries often achieve higher average rates of success. Finland and Korea, for example, which invest
heavily in free public education for all, tend to rank high in international comparisons of literacy and numeracy rates.
Although such countries do not always produce many internationally successful 'superstars', they tend to have a high
proportion of moderately successful people in terms of employment and income. More importantly, they have lower
rates of absolute deprivation and underachievement.
In short, if we allow freedom for individuals to achieve their potential, some inequality is inevitable. However, success
usually generates wealth, which can be passed from one generation to another resulting in inequality of opportunity
regardless of individual merit. It therefore, makes sense for society to level the playing field.
[281 words]

142 Writing for IELTS

Sample IELTS Writing answer sheets

eeBRITISH
J..idp M Cambridge Assessment
II II
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144 Writing for lELTS

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