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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays (Model Answers)

Leave a Comment Writing Task 2: Essay You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: A few major languages are increasingly spoken in different countries, while the usage of others is rapidly declining. Is this a positive or a negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. MODEL ANSWER Advances in technology, transport, and communication have given rise to the phenomenon of globalization. A lot of barriers have been pulled down; the exchange of ideas between countries and cultures has never been freer in any time in history. This has in turn led to an expanding use of a few major languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and especially English. There are obvious benefits to this, but the possible cultural ramifications must not be ignored. Obviously, the use of one major language as a lingua franca or bridge language is desirable because it enhances cross-cultural communication. It embodies a clear, accessible standard for everybody to follow be it in books, movies, academic or popular publications, or the Internet. Additionally, if a country is to become globally competitive either in business or the labour market, then it is imperative for it to understand and utilize the dominant international language. In my part of the world, you will not make progress in a career or business without English because corporate communications and commerce is mostly conducted in this language. A business might succeed locally without it, but growth in the bigger national or international market will be curtailed. Then again, the dwindling usage or even extinction of many minor languages is an unfortunate result of this phenomenon. This happens when less and less people speak their mother tongue because of a shifting of allegiance to the second language. This is unfortunate because language death also means a loss of cultural identity. Original meanings and nuances are lost in translation. Culture forms language, and language revolves around culture, the demise of one means the same for the other. Maybe the best course of action is a form of compromise. Governments must take steps to preserve their languages and dialects by supporting appropriate legislation and by funding the efforts of learning institutions. Individuals should continue using their mother tongue and take pride in their distinct cultural heritage. Writing Task 2: Essay You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

It is often said that people over the age of 60 should not work anymore because of the problems they create, that employers should make them retire. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. MODEL ANSWER In a lot of countries, 60 is the mandatory retirement age. It is as if people this age are outmoded, ready for replacement. Personally, I think that our senior citizens should not be written off; they can still be very productive members of society. The biggest issue raised against older people is their declining physical abilities. That they are not as quick on their toes as they used to be; their endurance is noticeably less. But while bodily functions at this age are not at their optimum, the mind is not. While they may not as physically competitive, their acquired wisdom goes a long way towards solving problems or managing situations that would rattle younger people. Many of the greatest minds in our planet, scientists like Einstein and world leaders such as Churchill, worked beyond their sexagenarian age. Secondly, some say that the information and knowledge of senior workers is obsolete. In this day and age where the computer reigns supreme, they cannot compete with the quick developments in technology, something at which the majority of fresh graduates are proficient in. The answer to this is training. Nobody is born knowing anything. Employers should give them the benefit of the doubt; train them properly and our elders might just surprise you. To end, ability and know-how does not automatically deteriorate with age. As long as a person is competent and has the will to contribute, then age should not be a barrier. Youth may have its energy, but age brings wisdom. Writing Task 2: Essay You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Modern means of communication have introduced relevant changes in our lives; some believe benefits outweigh disadvantages, others the opposite. Discuss your view and state your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. MODEL ANSWER We live in an age of wonder. Today we have things that would have been thought fantastic or implausible a generation ago. This is especially true in the field of communication; these modern means of communication have brought significant changes to our lives at all levels.

Modern technology like mobile phones and the Internet are now ubiquitous parts of our daily routine. More than ever we could connect with ease, even talk with people who are geographically removed. Those with family members overseas can appreciate this; they can talk with their loved ones or even see them through internet chats. We can now shop online; it has opened new avenues for commerce. These contemporary means of communication has made a great impact not only on individuals but also on the whole of society. It has made possible underground, bloodless revolutions. In places under dictatorial or martial rule, like China for example, the phenomenon called tweeting has enabled ordinary citizens to step-up and be heard. The voices of the small people which have been hushed in the past now find an outlet. On the other hand, others declare that this phenomenon has lessened the value of face to face communication. Communication has become impersonal, they say, and it has actually isolated people instead of bringing them together. But while this has some truth to it, it cannot be denied that mobile phones and the Internet have enabled our voices and words to reach a wider audience than ever before. To end, if properly used, these technologies will better our current state of life. We need to embrace this fact but not blindly. As in anything else, we must proceed with prudence to make the most out of it. Writing Task 2: Essay You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people say that self-employment is better than working for a company or institution. Discuss both points of view. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. MODEL ANSWER The means of making a living diverges into two avenues. The most common road that people take is to get employed either by a private or public institution. Some others choose to be a bit more daring and put up their own enterprise. Being an entrepreneur does have its risks, especially for the neophyte businessman. There is a lot more to learn than just simple office work. You will have to be involved at all levels. If the business ever founders, then it would be much more painful, even to the personal level. Nevertheless, the potential monetary and psychological rewards are beyond what a mere regular employee can expect. Being your own boss and steering the direction that the company takes is a challenge that has its own appeal. On the other side, being an employee is a more traditional and secure choice. The paycheck just rolls in every month, and ones duties and responsibilities are usually clearly defined. There are

even some positions in giant companies which pay astronomically. Even so, company salaries follow a standard and there are caps as to what a worker can earn. A lot dream and work towards being promoted and eventually moving in the top circle, but few will reach this level. Employees more often than not do not have much say in the direction of a business. Having experienced both being an employee and putting up my own business, I would say entrepreneurship sits better with me. It is not advisable for everybody; it is by far more challenging and demanding. Nevertheless I like knowing that I am building something which will have my personal stamp, something that I built from the ground up into a resounding success. Without the men and women who took the risks and the conviction to follow their hearts, a lot of frontiers would have remained unconquered. In the end, it all goes down to the choices and work-style of the individual. Some do better alone, while others need the security or creative hubbub that a big workplace brings. Whatever the preference, what is important is the responsibility, willingness, and ability to exert the effort demanded by the occupation. Writing Task 2: Essay You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Many people think that the government should pay the tuition fees for all adults who interested in university studies. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. MODEL ANSWER The more educated its constituents, the better it is for the government. A highly-skilled workforce is desirable for any country, but not everybody can afford to go back to school. I believe a compromise should be reached; the government should subsidize the fees for qualified individuals. Channeling funds into adult education is a more worthy cause than what some governments are doing right now. This is infinitely better than funding weapons development, clandestine ventures, or any of the various government projects that are of no direct benefit to citizens. A countrys real wealth lies in its people, so it makes good sense to prioritize them. There are adults who would definitely want to further their education but are hampered by obligations or financial constraints. Being an adult means working, bills, errands, possibly children. All these discourage or even prevent some from considering a return. A financial support from the government will definitely be a big help, a factor that might swing the decision for a lot of people. On the other hand, we must not ignore some difficulties that a subsidy scheme entails. This costs money just like any other venture. There will be some who will not finish their studies or take a

long time, thereby increasing the overhead. A few people even say that some adults will take advantage of this in some way. Nonetheless, there are safeguards that can be applied. Of course there should be a screening for qualified applicants; mainly these should be people who have the intellectual capacity or skills suited to the course. Moreover, the financial situation of the applicant is a significant factor. The poor but deserving should have preference. To end, the government, and we ourselves, must recognize this worthy cause; a noble goal that must be supported. It has some risks, but nothing is totally risk-free. The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term difficulties it may entail.

Task 2 Question

Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important things. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Model Answer

There is an argument that exploring space is a waste of money and that there are more urgent needs to be addressed on earth, such as reducing poverty and preventing environmental destruction. However, I completely disagree with this opinion for two reasons. First of all, many of the technologies we take for granted today were originated thanks to space research. Take satellite technology, for example, which we depend on for broadcasting and weather forecasting. Without satellites, we would not be able to follow global events as they happen, nor give populations any warning of approaching storms. Space research has also led to the development of new lightweight materials that offer us heat protection and enable food preservation. Therefore, the challenge of sending human beings into space has often driven the development of new technologies that benefit our everyday lives. Second, we cannot foresee the distant future, so we ought to develop the capability to escape from the earth. Gradually, we are learning how humans can survive for long periods in space and even travel to other planets in the future. If space exploration is halted, this valuable knowledge will never be acquired. It is true that environmental destruction is also a serious issue, but it is also true that we remain dependent on our environment if we never accept the challenge of exploring other worlds. In conclusion, while we undoubtedly face serious problems on our own planet, it is imperative that we continue to explore space. This will promote further technological advances as well as provide a possible means of escape should earth become uninhabitable in future. Ideally, all nations should cooperate in the advancement of space research.

(278 words, IELTS 8.5)


Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task response: The introduction effectively paraphrases the question and presents a clear opinion. The writers opinion is supported in the body of the essay. Concrete examples are given. The conclusion restates the writers opinion and ends with a recommendation. Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs and each body paragraph contains one main idea. There are cohesive links between all paragraphs and between most sentences. Lexical resource: The key concept of space exploration is paraphrased several times. There are many words characteristic of academic writing such as originated, imperative, and foresee. Vocabulary is used with a strong awareness of collocation: take for granted, develop the capability, accept the challenge. Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical errors. A good balance of simple and complex sentences is used to develop an argument. Verb tenses vary, and other grammatical devices such as conditionals and modals are used with high accuracy.

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