In both the Academic and General Training versions of the exam, the second part of the written paper

is a discussion essay. You are given an opinion, a point of view or a problem, and you have to present and justify your opinion in an organised essay. You have to write at least 250 words, and you should spend no longer than 40 minutes on the task. The topic could relate to anything that a normal adult could be expected to discuss, for example:

the environment education crime poverty healthcare the Internet

You need to include opinions, reasons, real examples and linking language, and you have to use paragraphs. This week, we are going to look at an essay dealing with crime and punishment. Task 1:Crime and Punishment Vocabulary Before you look at the model essay, look at some of the key language below. Can you match it to its definition?

1.Inmate ___ 2.Murderer ___ 3.Petty criminals ___ 4.Burglar ___ 5.Shoplifter ___ 6.Deterrent ___ 7.Behind bars ___

A.a thief who enters a building with intent to steal B.a criminal who kills another human being C.someone involved in minor crimes D.something that persuades people not to commit a crime E.in prison F.a person who is confined in a prison G.a thief who steals from a shop that is open

Read the sample task below carefully. Before you read the model answer, highlight the keywords. Think about your own opinion, and what examples you can think of that support your ideas, either in Taiwan or elsewhere.

Sample Task The role of prisons should be to punish criminals, who have committed serious crimes. Training courses and education offered to prisoners are a waste of taxpayer's money. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Present your ideas and opinions with examples where necessary. You should write at least 250 words Model Answer Task 2: The paragraphs in the model answer contain the information shown in the table, but they are in the wrong order. Read each paragraph, and then write the letter into the second column of the table. Do not worry about the blank at the beginning of each paragraph yet. Paragraph content Background information Arguments against education Arguments in favour of helping some criminals Further arguments in favour, with examples of different countries Summary of main points Model Answer 2 A. _______________, many people would disagree with the idea that prisons should play no educational role at all. It may be true that serious criminals, such as murderers, deserve little sympathy, but that does not mean that people who have committed less serious crimes should be given no help to re-enter society. By giving petty criminals, such as burglars or shoplifters an alternative trade, education programmes can also help to make society safer in the future, as these criminals will not be forced to re-offend to make a living. B. _______________, many countries offer training and educational courses which provide practical skills, such as plumbing or carpentry. While doing this has clear benefits for the prisoners, who will have new skills when they leave prison, does spending money in this way really benefit society as a whole? C. _______________, I think that, while it is clear prison does need to deter people from committing crime, in the long run, re-training programmes are better Task 2: Paragraph Task 3: Signposting language

for society as a whole as they help criminals move away from a life of crime. D. _______________ that offering any kind of training to prisoners is an inappropriate use of public funds. They think that, although training courses benefit the inmate, time spent in prison should be used by prisoners to think about the damage they have done to society. Furthermore, if prisons provide too many benefits, they may be seen as holiday camps, and thus fail to deter people from committing crime. E. _______________ in favour of education is that using prison simply as a deterrent does not seem to work. It is well known, for example, that the United States has by far the largest number of people behind bars in the world. However, the crime rate in the US remains much higher than in countries, such as Sweden, where the focus is on helping people re-enter society. Task 3: Signposting language It is important to use signposting expressions to introduce paragraphs. These let the reader know where your argument is going. The following language has been removed from the beginning of each paragraph. Match the language to the appropriate paragraph and add it to the third column in the table.

However In conclusion Another argument Some people believe Nowadays

Answer 2 Below is a weaker answer. Read it and think of five reasons why it would not get a good score.

The role of prisons should be to punish criminals, who have committed serious crimes. Training courses and education offered to prisoners are a waste of taxpayer's money. To what extent I agree or disagree with this statement is to be discussed in this essay. "Every coin has its two sides". So the wise man says. While there are incontrovertible truths proclaimed by one side on this issue, there are other counter arguments equally valid. To find the truth, we must explore each equally valid statement of belief. Some people say training courses and education are a waste of money. They say it is useless. It just wastes money. Why should we pay tax, just to waste the money?

On the other hand, training courses and education can help people. People can learn many things. Education is the key. Teach the children and let them lead the way, isn't it? Having looked at both sides, I reaffirm that this is a contentious issue, worthy of more study. Neither side has the upper hand, but equally, neither can be discounted. Problems with Answer 2

The first paragraph copies the wording of the question, and so will not be counted Paragraph two and the conclusion use a lot of memorised expressions that do not relate directly to the question The writer has given no clear opinions, suggesting they don't understand the task There are no real-life examples the writer hasnt mentioned the situation in Taiwan or anywhere else It is too short

Answers Task 1: 1. F, 2. B, 3. C, 4. A, 5. G, 6. D, 7. E Task 2 & 3 (Completed Table) Paragraph content Background information Arguments against education Arguments in favour of helping some criminals Further arguments in favour, with examples of different countries Summary of main points Task 2: Paragraph B D A E C Task 3: Signposting language Nowadays Some people believe However Another argument In conclusion

Model Essay for IELTS - Advertising

A second model essay for IELTS is presented here. This one tackles the subject of advertising.

As with model essay 1, this essay is an agree / disagree essay. In these types of essays, you are presented with one opinion: ___________________________________________________ Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in todays society. To what extent do you agree with this view? ___________________________________________________ So your options are: 1. Agree 100% 2. Disagree 100% 3. Partly agree In the answer below, the writer agrees 100% with the opinion. As you can see, the writers opinion is made clear in the thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction). All the body paragraphs then explain why the writer disagrees. In other words, it discusses the negative aspects of advertising.

Model Essay for IELTS 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic. Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in todays society. To what extent do you agree with this view? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words.

Essay for IELTS Model Answer The world that we live in today is dominated by advertising. Adverts are on television, on the World Wide Web, in the street and even on our mobile phones. However, many of the strategies used to sell a product or service can be considered immoral or unacceptable. To begin with, the fact that we cannot escape from advertising is a significant cause for complaint. Constant images and signs wherever we look can be very intrusive and irritating at times. Take for example advertising on the mobile phone. With the latest technology mobile companies are now able to send advertising messages via SMS to consumers phones whenever they choose. Although we expect adverts in numerous situations, it now seems that there are very few places we can actually avoid them. A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical is the way that it encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford. Children and young people in particular are influenced by adverts showing the latest toys, clothing or music and this can put enormous pressure on the parents to buy these products. In addition, the advertising of tobacco products and alcohol has long been a controversial issue, but cigarette adverts have only recently been banned in many countries. It is quite possible that alcohol adverts encourage excessive consumption and underage drinking, yet restrictions have not been placed on this type of advertising in the same way as smoking. It is certainly true to say that advertising is an everyday feature of our lives. Therefore, people are constantly being encouraged to buy products or services that might be too expensive, unnecessary or even unhealthy. In conclusion, many aspects of advertising do appear to be morally wrong and are not acceptable in today's society. (296 words)

Comments This essay for IELTS is well organized as there are five clear paragraphs, each containing ideas that are relevant, well expressed, and related to the topic. Focusing on the language and structures in particular, the essay starts with an appropriate introductory sentence. Linking words are used accurately (However, In addition, Therefore).

Phrases that signal opinions are evident (A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical. ..) backed up by reasons (...encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford) and examples (Children and young people in particular, are influenced by adverts). In general, many other useful phrases are used, indicating a good control of language (It is quite possible... Many people consider. .. It is certainly true to say.. .). IELTS TIPS - WRITING TIPS - ISSUE 2: Generating Ideas Writing task 2 You have to write an essay giving your opinions on a topic of general interest e.g. education, environmental issues, crime, globalisation.

250 words 40 minutes Must include: ideas, opinions, evidence and examples

Many people do badly in this part of the test because they dont have any opinion about the subject. In order to do well, you have to look at the issue from different angles and explain different points of view. Mindmaps One way of generating ideas is to make a mindmap before you begin. You should brainstorm the topic, and note down as many ideas as you can. This will help you to think of other related ideas. Here is an example Task 2 topic. Dangerous sports such as boxing and sky-diving should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge and experience. Look at the partially completed mindmap on this topic. How many ideas can you add? (See the bottom of the page for some more ideas) You do not need to include all the ideas in your essay. When you have noted down a number of points, select the most interesting ones and develop them further in the essay.

Now look at another example question. International sports events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup are just an excuse for nationalism and advertising. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge and experience. Try and fill in the mindmap below with as many ideas you can think of related to this topic. Think about:

Examples of international sports events Peoples opinion of them in your country Examples of nationalism Examples of commercialisation and advertising Positive aspects of such competitions

Read through both of the example answers and note down how many different points the writer has included. Answer 1 Nowadays, international sports events are becoming increasingly popular around the world and often have massive global viewing figures. Although many people enjoy these competitions, there are concerns that the events are often over commercialised and are simply a platform for selling things. There are also real concerns that they encourage nationalism, but do these problems outweigh their overall value? Many people would agree that a lot of events do seem over-commercial, especially when they see the masses of corporate sponsors at such events, which often include seemingly unhealthy brands such as Coca-cola and MacDonalds. They also feel that corporate sponsors force out real fans by buying up all the tickets at very high prices. Its also true that some events can be very nationalistic. The Chinese government, for example, is trying to use the coming Olympics to demonstrate its progress and power. And in football competitions, there is often the problem of hooliganism, with groups of fans intentionally setting out to fight supporters from other countries. However, it would be a mistake to overlook the positive sides of such events. For

one thing, young people can be very inspired by the positive role models they see, for example the French footballer Zinedine Zidane. And in Taiwan, the national baseball teams success gives people a sense of national pride. These events can also provide a platform for people from all over the world to meet and celebrate something they all enjoy. In conclusion, I think it would be a shame to do away with international sporting events, as they can inspire people and be very enjoyable. However, it is down to the organisers and governments to curb the uglier side of these events, otherwise they will eventually turn people off them. 290 words Answer 2 Nowadays, there are many international sports events. But are international sports events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup just an excuse for nationalism and advertising? In this essay I will discuss the extent to which I agree or disagree. Many people say international sports events are too commercial. They say that because they are too commercial, they can make many problems. These problems can only be solved when they become less commercial. This is an incontrovertible truth. People also complain that they are nationalistic. Nationalism generates other problems. This is true all over the world. Nationalism can make people hate the events. However, are nationalism and commercialisation so bad? Some people say they have some benefits. Without these two things, the events would be very different. People say this would be quite boring. In conclusion, many events do have nationalism and, furthermore, commercialisation. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this. The best thing we can do is pursue a middle course. 169 words Answer 1 includes:

Examples of corporate sponsors Problems caused by this high ticket prices Two examples of nationalism the Beijing Olympics and football hooliganism An example of a role-model for young people Zinedine Zidane An example from Taiwan the baseball team

Three clear benefits of these events A clear opinion in the conclusion

Although it is grammatically accurate, Answer 2 doesnt contain a single developed idea or example. It is therefore a very weak answer. Mindmap 1: More ideas 1. Extreme fighting 2. Scuba diving 3. Base jumping 4. Mountaineering 5. Personal challenge 6. Over-protective nanny state 7. Breath-taking scenery e.g. mountaineering 8. Inspiring for young people 9. Sensible government regulations IELTS tips - writing tips issue 4: task 2: discussion essay IELTS Writing tips: Task 2 In both the Academic and General Training versions of the exam, the second part of the written paper is a discussion essay. You are given an opinion, a point of view or a problem, and you have to present and justify your opinion in an organised essay. You have to write 250 words, and you should spend no longer than 40 minutes on the task. The topic could relate anything that a normal adult could be expected to discuss, for example:

the environment education crime poverty healthcare the internet.

Let's look at an example of the type of task. 'As English is now the world language and an essential skill in business, English language instruction should begin in kindergarten.' To what extent do you agree or disagree? Present your ideas and opinions with examples where necessary.

You should write 250 words Dealing with the task Step 1: Question Analysis First, let's analyse the question. Think about the keywords and clarify what they mean. World language is English the world language? If so, what gives it this status? How is it used globally? Are there any alternative global languages? Essential Does everyone really need to speak English? Are there jobs where it is not necessary? Can all prominent people in society speak it well? Kindergarten Is this the best time to start? What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting to learn English this early? Step 2: Brainstorming Now, decide whether you are for the opinion (you agree that English should be taught in Kindergarten) or against the opinion (you disagree) and make notes of your ideas. Often it is a good idea to explore both sides of the argument. Also, try and think of real-life examples that prove your point Read through the following notes. Are they for or against the idea? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Other languages are more widely spoken than English English is regarded as the international business language Many multinationals use English as their corporate language Other languages are also used in business Foreign executives in China are being required to learn Chinese English is used in higher education, even in non-English speaking countries Learning English in Kindergarten could help students become bi-lingual Languages represent culture and should be preserved Young children havent fully mastered their first language and will be very confused 10. Young children are very receptive to new language Answers Answers For 2, 3, 6, 7, 10

Against 1, 4, 5, 8, 9

Step 3: Planning Now that you have some ideas you can plan the layout of your essay. Think about what you want the main point of each paragraph to be. With this type of question a very straightforward paragraph plan is as follows. Useful language is in italics. 1: Introduction Explain the background of the issue In recent years; Nowadays; Over the past twenty years 2: For Arguments in favour of introducing English tuition in kindergarten (one or two paragraphs) Some people think; They say; Its true that 3: Against Arguments against doing this (one or two paragraphs) On the other hand; Other people would argue; One example of this is 4: Conclusion Your own personal opinion based on all the arguments Overall; Having looked at both sides; In conclusion Step 4: Writing The following essay is a response to the task, but the paragraphs mixed-up. Can you put them in the correct order? (Notice the opening phrases used to link the ideas together.)

It's true that English is very important in international business, and many multinational companies use English as their corporate language. It is also very important in terms of educational opportunities, with many universities now teaching courses in English even in non-English speaking countries, not to mention the information and entertainment available from global media such as Hollywood movies and the Internet. Many people feel that teaching children English from a young age gives children the opportunity to become bi-lingual which would provide them with many advantages in the future. Pre-school children are also obviously very receptive to new language.

However, the real issue is whether children of kindergarten age are mentally ready to start learning a foreign language. It stands to reason that a child who has not mastered their mother tongue will be very confused by exposure to a second unrelated form of communication. Having looked at both sides of this issue, it seems clear that, although English is very important, educators need to think carefully about the childs overall development when deciding when to introduce English into the curriculum. Doing this too early could result in children being proficient in neither language, and there are also issues of cultural identity that need to be considered. Nowadays, many people regard English as the main world language and it is certainly true that it is a very important tool for communication between people from different countries. Because of this, many kindergartens now offer English language instruction to children as young as 3, but this the really the best age to start learning a foreign language? On the other hand, some people might argue that it is a mistake for childrens education to focus exclusively on English, particularly as there are other languages, such as Chinese and Spanish that are more widely spoken. In an increasingly multi-polar world other languages clearly have a role to play, for example this week it has been reported that all new foreign executives in China will be required to pass a Chinese proficiency exam. Others would also argue that language represents culture, and that by putting too much emphasis on one language we risk diluting other languages and cultures.

Answer s 1: D 2: A 3: E 4: B 5: C Now, follow the same procedure and try and do this task: 'Crime in cities is out of control. The government needs to build more prison facilities and fill them with criminals' To what extent do you agree or disagree? Present your ideas and opinions with examples where necessary. You should write 250 words Remember:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Analyse the question and underline the keywords. Brainstorm ideas looking at the issue from both sides. Make a paragraph plan. Write the essay.

Your essay must include:

opinions with reasons real examples to prove your point linking expressions to help the reader understand where essay is going in paragraphs

Websites Be sure to check out the following websites to get more great writing tips for this kind of essay:

http://www.ielts.org/ http://www.writefix.com/argument/essaylist.htm http://www.uefap.com/writing/writfram.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/index.html

FAQs Q: Do I have to use British English spellings? A: No. As in the other parts of the IELTS test, either British or American English is fine, although it is recommended that you try and be consistent when writing. Q: Do I have to look at both sides of the issue in the question? A: Not at all. If you feel very strongly one way or the other, you can use each paragraph to explain a reason why you feel this way. The above paragraph plan is only a suggestion to help you get started. Q: Do I have to write a conclusion? A: Its best to summarise the key points you have raised and perhaps give your personal opinion in a conclusion. Q: What if the topic is not related to my major? Do I have to study the subjects that might come up in the test? A: The topics are things which affect society as a whole, so everyone should know something about them and you dont need to be an expert, but it would be a good idea to read English newspaper and magazine articles on general topics to build up your vocabulary.