Ielts7.guru Task 2 Writing Sample Pack v1.1 PDF

ielts7.
guru brings you
The
IELTS TASK 2
Writing
EXAMPLE PACK
Benjamin Adams
Page 1 of 44
Task 2 Writing Example Pack
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Contents
Part 1: Introduction
How to use this book
How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay
List of essay questions
Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 1: Housing
10
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 2: Uniforms
11
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 3: Sport
12
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 4: Online shopping
13
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 5: Pre-prepared food
14
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 6: Renewable energy
15
Part 3: Opinion Essays
16
Opinion Essay 1: Security Cameras
17
Opinion Essay 2: New technology and consumers
18
Opinion Essay 3: Tourism
19
Opinion Essay 4: The Internet
20
Opinion Essay 5: Practical Skills
21
Opinion Essay 6: Space exploration
22
Part 4: Two-points-of-view Essays
23
Two-points-of-view Essay 1: Public health
24
Two-points-of-view Essay 2: Childrens education
25
Two-points-of-view Essay 3: The death penalty
26
Two-points-of-view Essay 4: Unhealthy habits
27
Two-points-of-view Essay 5: University education
28
Two-points-of-view Essay 6: Global competition
29
Part 5: Problem-solution / Cause-effect Essays
30
Problem-solution Essay 1: Fossil fuels
31
Problem-solution Essay 2: Mega cities
32
Problem-solution Essay 3: Inactivity
33
Problem-solution Essay 4: Local shops vs Chain stores
34
Problem-solution Essay 5: Fresh water
35
Problem-solution Essay 6: Ageing society
36
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Part 6: Other direct question Essays
37
Direct Question Essay 1: Job satisfaction
38
Direct Question Essay 2: Mass production
39
Direct Question Essay 3: Handwriting in school
40
Direct Question Essay 4: World travel
41
Direct Question Essay 5: Success
42
Direct Question Essay 6: The news
43
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Part 1: Introduction
How to use this book
All the essays in this book use the strategies and tips available on www.ielts7.guru. The first thing
you need to do is look at: The Task 2 Writing How-to Guide
The best approach is to use the samples to look at how the following are used:
A direct introduction
Topic Sentences
Overall structure
Natural coherence and organisation
A clear conclusion
Follow this approach:

1. Look at an example essay and notice the structure, topic sentences, and how ideas are
supported.
2. Brainstorm your own ideas to the question. It doesnt matter if you reuse ones from the
examples.
3. Write your own answer to the same question using many phrases and patterns from the
example. Time yourself. Make a note of where you are when you reach 35 minutes, but then
continue until you have finished your conclusion.
4. Use another five minutes to read through your essay using the checklist on the next page.
5. Repeat this process with other examples of the same general essay type. This will increase
your familiarity with the phrases. Over time, your writing speed and language will improve.
6. Remember, although it is often suggested that you spend 40 minutes on Task 2, it doesnt
actually matter. The main thing is that you have enough time to plan, write, and edit. It is a
good idea to get into this habit now so that you dont have a problem in the exam.
Note: this book is written in British English. However, you can use American spelling and usage if
you like. The key thing is to be consistent when you write in the exam.
Good luck with your IELTS Study!

Remember, if you need more help with preparing for you IELTS exam, or you are looking at
improving your academic writing while at University, contact us here at www.ielts7.guru!
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How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay

Here are several tips that will help you write a band 7 IELTS Task 2 Essay. To do better than this,
you generally need to be more natural and more accurate with your language use.
1. Answer the question directly

Address each part of the question in your essay. Make sure that your conclusion clearly
answers each one.
2. Have a clear and simple organisation that follows the question

Write one paragraph for each part of the essay question. For example, if there are two
smaller individual questions, write one paragraph about each one.
3. Use simple and direct topic sentences

Write very clear and fairly simple topic sentences for each paragraph. Make sure you use a
different sentence structure for each one. For example, you could write two different topic
sentences as follows:
1. Working hard can lead to many health problems.
2. There are several monetary benefits of hard work.
4. Develop your ideas logically and clearly. Dont worry about being
original or especially clever
Cleverness is not important. Having relevant and developed ideas is. Therefore, generally
focus on having two or three main ideas in each paragraph. Then, for each idea, develop
and extend it by:
a. explaining it further. E.g. by writing additional detail
b. giving an example
c. giving a reason why this is useful, important etc.
d. explaining the likely result of doing (or not doing) something, and explain why this
supports your main idea
5. Dont worry about being complicated. Focus on including a mix of

simple and complicated sentences
Although you need to have some complex sentences get a 7 or better, you also need
accuracy. The best way to do this is to have a large number of 100% correct simple
sentences, and a number of easily formed complex sentences that are also correct. Having
short, 100% correct topic sentences helps with this.
6. Have a short direct introduction and a short conclusion that summaries

your main ideas AND answers the question directly
Dont waste time on a lengthy introduction. Get straight to the point, and make sure that
your last introduction sentence directly links to what you will write about.
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List of essay questions

Advantage and disadvantage essay questions
1. Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to
living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages with living in house
compared with living in an apartment?
2. It is common for larger companies to require their staff to wear uniforms at all times.
What are the benefits for a company of having a uniform?
How can a uniform benefit the staff?
3. Every year many countries seek to host international sporting competitions, such as the
Olympics.
What benefits does hosting an international sports competition bring to the host country?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
4. Online shopping is growing in popularity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online for both individuals and
companies?
5. It has become increasingly popular for people to eat pre-prepared food either out or at home.
What are the advantages of eating in this way? What problems can it cause?
6. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, have shown great promise. However, they
have often disappointed in practice.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of power generation compared to
fossil fuels?
Opinion essay / Thesis essay essay questions

1. In the fight against crime, police forces and governments are increasingly using security
cameras in public places. Some people are opposed to this, saying that it invades our privacy.
What do you think?
2. 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?
3. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and contributes a great deal to economies
around the world. However, the damage tourism can cause to local cultures and the
environment is often ignored. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. The Internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other
hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise. To what extent do you agree
or disagree ?
5. Some people think that school children need to learn practical skills such as car maintenance
or bank account management along with the academic subjects at school. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
6. Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important
things. Do you agree?
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Two points of view / Both sides essay questions

1. Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that
other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
2. Some people believe teachers should have the final say about childrens education, while
others believe parents should make these decisions.
Discuss both sides.
3. Some people believe that the death penalty is necessary for certain crimes, while others argue
that it should never be used.
Discuss both points of view.
4. Some say that unhealthy habits should be banned. However, others believe that everyone
should be free to make their own decisions about what they do.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
5. It is argued by some that university education should be free for all who want it. However,
others believe that people should pay for their own education.
Discuss both positions.
6. Global competition often leads to changes in employment patterns. Some people believe that
the government should protect local workers from these changes. However, others argue that
this competition benefits the local economy.
Problem - solution / Cause - effect essay questions

1. Fossil fuels have been the main driver of economic growth for the last 100 hundred years.
Explain how fossil fuels have achieved this, outline the main problems their use causes, and
suggest alternative solutions.
2. Around the world mega cities are now home to an ever larger share of the worlds population.
What problems are caused by this shift? What measures can governments take to deal with
these issues?
3. Throughout the developing world more and more adults are less active and as a result less
healthy. Discuss the causes of inactivity and outline some solutions to this problem.
4. As large shopping chains expand, many local stores are unable to compete and close. What
are the reasons for this? What actions can be taken to solve this problem?
5. In developing countries, people in cities and rural areas suffer from a lack of fresh water.
Discuss the main causes of this problem and suggest several courses of action.
6. In many developed countries the population is ageing rapidly. What are the reasons for this
change? What problems can this lead to? How can societies manage this shift?
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Other direct question essay questions

1. As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important
element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the
expectation of job satisfaction of all workers?
2. The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work.
What alternatives might there be? How will these changes in transport effect our working and
private lives? Will cars still be vital in the near future?
3. For many years, handwriting has been a vital part of a persons primary schooling. However,
recently there has been a shift to typing. Should schools still require handwriting in school?
How necessary is it to write by hand in todays society?
4. World travel was revolutionised in the 20th century to the extent that the world has now
become a global village. What factors will influence travel this century? Will travel continue to
grow or will it become less popular?
5. Some believe that wealth is the best measure of a persons success. Do you agree with this
idea? In your view, what makes a person successful?
6. Increasingly, news organisations are including social media and Internet media stars as news
sources and commentators. Why are news organisations doing this? How important is it for the
news to be produced by professional journalists? What will the news situation look like in the
future?
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Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages

Essays
Bens notes
Advantages and disadvantages essays are often the first kind of essays you learn when preparing
for IELTS Task 2 Writing.
Although the questions can be fairly easy to understand, remember to:
1. Read the question carefully! People often misunderstand exactly what the question is about
2. Use different topic sentence patterns for your body paragraphs. Take a look at the ones in the
examples to get some ideas.
3. Use different kinds of body paragraph organisation. In one paragraph, you could use First,
Second, Third but in the next body paragraph, use phrases such as One issue is, Another is
This helps you use different kinds of language.
4. Dont just list your main ideas. Remember to include a mix of examples, reasons, and
possible results to support your main ideas.
5. Stick to your plan! Planning and then following your plan helps you focus on using the
language and connecting your ideas in the best way that you can.
Common essay structure

Short, direct introduction
Background statement introducing the issue
A statement saying what this essay will do, or ask a question to answer later.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence: Have sentence. E.g. To start with, [something] has several advantages.
First, advantage + reason, example, possible result
Second, advantage + reason, example, possible result
Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence: There sentence E.g. However, there are a number of problems too.
One issue is, problem + reason, example, possible result
Another issue is, problem + reason, example, possible result
Short conclusion:
Summary sentence. Eg. Although [the things I dont agree with], [the thing I do agree with.]
Final opinion sentence to fully and directly answer the question. E.g. Therefore, I believe
Page 9 of 44
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 1: Housing
Question:
Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living
in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages with living in house compared
with living in an apartment?
Band 8+ Native Answer

Recently, many people have become more concerned about whether they should live in an
apartment or in a house. The question is, which is better?
On the one hand, there are several reasons why living in an apartment is superior. First, they are
smaller than houses, which means they tend to be much easier to look after and keep clean. This
is especially helpful if you are busy working and entertaining and therefore are not interested in
maintenance. Second, since they are smaller, apartments are generally much cheaper. As a
result, they are a good option if you are flatting as a student, or if you are planning a place to buy
as your first home.
On the other hand, living in a house may be more beneficial in some situations. To start with, they
are often better for families with young children who need space to run around, because they
generally have an outside front or back yard. Another reason is that modern houses tend to be
quieter than apartments as the latter pack more people into multiple floors in a building. Finally, in
many cities, buying and living in a house is an excellent investment, and it is partly for this reason
that many people aspire to buying a home as they age.
In conclusion, the choice of living in either an apartment or a house totally depends on your
current situation, especially your age, wealth, and whether or not you have children. Therefore,
there is not one correct answer.
Words: 253
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 2: Uniforms
Question:
It is common for larger companies to require their staff to wear uniforms at all times.
What are the benefits for a company of having a uniform?
How can a uniform benefit the staff?

Uniforms have become widespread among companies where there is a lot of face to face contact
with customers. The question is, how exactly do uniforms benefit employers and employees?
Firstly, there are several reasons why companies and employers prefer their employees to wear
uniforms. One is that it makes all the employees look similar. This is often a vital component of
branding as it enables companies to project a coherent and complete image of their company.
Another reason is that it enables customers to immediately know who is and is not a staff
member, which is likely to lead to improved customer service, and therefore improved sales.
Finally, having everyone look similar has an important psychological effect - group identification.
In other words, similar clothing helps define a group, which also strengthens loyalty to each other
and by extension the company.
Secondly, wearing uniforms can be useful for employees. The single most important reason is
that it means you do not need to wear your own clothes at work. For many workers, this is a huge
benefit since it protects your own clothes from wear and tear. Moreover, this tends to be a
cheaper option than wearing your own clothes since uniforms are designed to be durable. In
many cases the company or the employer pays for the uniform or subsidises it. This is still the
case even if you are required to pay for the uniform yourself. Also, since it can lead to greater
group loyalty as mentioned above, wearing them can actually make work more enjoyable.
In conclusion, uniforms have a range of benefits ranging from the economic to the psychological.
Interestingly, wearing them is not only advantages for companies but also for workers.
Words: 285
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 3: Sport
Question:
Every year many countries seek to host international sporting competitions, such as the
Olympics. What benefits does an international sporting competition bring to the host country?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Recently, it has become increasingly common for countries to try to host sporting tournaments.
The question is, is this actually a good idea?
To begin with, on the surface it seems that there are several benefits of hosting an international
sporting competition. Most are economic. Most politicians claim that these events will boost jobs
in the short term, rejuvenate dilapidated areas in the medium term, and boost awareness of the
country in the long term. In the latter view, holding an International event is a form of marketing,
and so may promote future earnings from international trade and tourism. Another reason perhaps the most important - is national pride. Holding an important event signals to the world
that a country must be taken seriously. In other words, it demonstrates a country has the capacity
to manage and run a huge event and play on equal footing with the worlds largest powers.
However, it is necessary to ask if these benefits actually outweigh the costs. Firstly, in nearly
every case, events such as the Olympics have been awarded to cities that promise incredible
new facilities and local development. As a result, most cities borrow billions of dollars to fund their
extravagant construction promises. Secondly, construction on a massive scale also brings social
disruption. For example, the Olympic Games in Beijing were heavily criticised for forcibly
removing locals living in and near the construction sites. Finally, none of this may matter if the
benefits from games bore fruit. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that hosting the
Olympics does not increase revenue from tourism, and has a minimal impact on a countries
international image, and in fact puts cities billions in debt - often for facilities they do not need.
In conclusion, although hosting International sporting events seems to profit the host, in general
they are hugely expensive and disrupt society. Therefore, unless a Sporting Event can be held in
fairly cheap manner, I believe that cities and countries should not seek to run them.
Words: 330
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 4: Online shopping
Question:
Online shopping is growing in popularity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online for both individuals and
companies?

Recently, shopping online has become increasingly common for people and companies. The
question is, is this actually a good idea?
On the one hand, using the Internet to buy goods and services has a number of clear benefits.
Firstly, the Internet allows the buyer to immediately compare prices, which means they can
usually get a much better price. This benefits all customers. Secondly, because a shopper usually
needs to pay upfront, companies can be paid immediately instead of having to wait for anywhere
up to 60 or 90 days for payment (this is especially true for Business to Business transactions).
Finally, using the Internet to shop is particularly useful for disabled and ill individuals who may
find it difficult to get around physically. Instead, they can easily view catalogs and compare
products from the comfort of their own homes.
On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. One concern is that for most transactions,
customers need to use a Credit Card, or at least a Debit Card that is issued through a Credit
Card company. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to have one, and for those who do, it can lead
to overspending and the accumulation of credit card debt. Another issue is the possibility of
Credit Card fraud. This is where criminals steal your credit card information and use it to
purchase items at your expense, damaging credit and wrecking lives. Finally, it is another nail in
the coffin of social interactions. Young people already tend to interact less and less in person,
and by removing the need to actually visit shops, they have fewer and fewer opportunities to
experience real conversations.
In conclusion, although shopping online brings many economic advantages to both individuals
and companies, there are risks mainly due to the use of Credit Cards and reduced social
interaction. Therefore, I believe that online shopping is a positive that we should continue to use
provided that people take some basic precautions.
Words: 326
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 5: Pre-prepared food

.
Question:
It has become increasingly popular for people to eat pre-prepared food either out or at home.
What are the advantages of eating in this way?
What problems can it cause?

Over the last few years, eating pre-cooked or fast food has become increasingly common. The
question is, is this actually a good idea?
On the one hand, there are several reasons why we choose to eat pre-packaged and junk food.
First and foremost, it is undeniably convenient. As time becomes ever more precious, we are
prepared to sacrifice other things for more. Take for example the busy parent. Arriving at home
after 8 or 9 hours of work after picking up children, cooking is suddenly an awful prospect. Who
can deny the attraction of microwaving a pizza and calling it dinner? Secondly, fast food usually
tastes incredible. Food companies spend millions on researching the perfect combination of
chemicals, salts and flavours that make us want to consume their products.
On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. The biggest issue is that consuming large
amounts of pre-made food means that people are not consuming sufficient fruit, vegetables and
other good foods. In addition, it typically leads to excessive sugar, fat, and salt consumption. Both
of these impact our health in negative ways. A secondary concern is that cooking less, which is
the natural result of the above habit, results in people forgetting how to cook, and therefore how
to make good food choices. If this is what the parents do, their children will have even worse
eating and dietary habits, which probably will lead to various long term health problems such as
Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
In conclusion, although eating pre-made or instant food can be detrimental to your health, it is an
understandable choice. Therefore, I believe that eating pre-prepared food is totally acceptable as
long as it is done in moderation and people maintain healthy cooking and eating habits.
Words: 304
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 6: Renewable energy
Question:
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, have shown great promise. However, they
have often disappointed in practice.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of power generation compared to
fossil fuels?

Over the last few years, countries have been increasingly concerned about the use of fossil fuels.
As a result, they have started to promote renewable energy. The question is, is this actually a
good idea?
On the one hand, there are two main benefits of renewable energy. First and foremost, it is often
promoted as low-carbon alternatives, meaning that it will help to reduce the total amount carbon
emissions into atmosphere, and thereby in the long run help ameliorate climate change. Solar
power and Wind power are the most well-known examples of this. Another advantage is that it
energy is by definition infinite. In other words it will never run out. This is in direct contrast to fossil
fuels, which may be finite.
On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. The biggest issue is that these energy
sources are often not quite as green as people believe. Take wind power for example.
Throughout the world there have been anecdotes of local birds being sucked in and destroyed by
the spinning turbines. Another slightly different example is hydropower. What could be cleaner
than water falling? The truth of the matter is that this usually requires a dam, which means either
damming an existing river, or diverting part of one into a valley. Either way a natural area is
destroyed in the name of green energy. Finally, most renewables produce intermittent energy,
meaning that the amount produced varies throughout the day. As a result, fossil fuel power
stations still need to be maintained to provide power when the renewable sourced electricity is
low.
In conclusion, although renewable energy is low-carbon and should never run out, it is not totally
green. Therefore, while I believe we need to promote it, we also need to be realistic about what it
can really do.
Words: 305
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Part 3: Opinion Essays

Bens notes
One of the common problems with opinion essays is the idea of a balanced or a one-sided essay.
Most of the time you are expected to write a balanced essay. However, when you have a firm
point of view on a topic, you do not need to do this.
The other problem is that many students misunderstand what a thesis or opinion-led essay
actually is, and whether or not you need to write one.
Always remember that there is no one way to answer and essay. You do not need to start with a
this or opinion with an opinion essay if you do not want to do. It is totally acceptable to discuss
different aspects of the question and then reach a decision in your conclusion.
To help you with this try to follow the following steps:

1. Read the question carefully! People often misunderstand exactly what the question is about
2. Brainstorm ideas around the question. Do you have enough ideas to talk about one point of
view? Or are you better off discussing it in more than one way?
3. Decide how you will tackle the problem as you plan out your answer. Make brief notes for your
topic sentences, as well as examples and reasons.
4. When you write your introduction, make sure you start in a simple and direct way that fits your
plan. For example, your last introduction sentence could be: This essay will explain why
smoking should be banned. Or, it could be This essay will discuss whether or not this is a
good idea.
5. Stick to your plan! helps you focus on using the language and connecting your ideas in the
best way that you can.
6. Read over your essay again at the end and check that the introduction, topic sentences, and
conclusion all directly related to the question.
Page 16 of 44
Opinion Essay 1: Security Cameras
Question:
In the fight against crime, police forces and governments are increasingly using security cameras
in public places. Some people are opposed to this, saying that it invades our privacy. What do
you think?

These days, an increasingly large number of people are concerned about their security, and so
there is more public surveillance than ever before. However, others believe that this threatens our
privacy. This essay will discuss whether this is correct.
To start with, supporters of public surveillance usually have two main arguments. The first one is
prevention. It is often argued that having cameras everywhere in public spaces, including streets
and transportation areas, discourages potential criminals from committing crimes, as having them
increases the chance of capture. This is the second reason. More cameras increases the
likelihood of recording a criminal either in the act, or immediately before and after their crime,
which in turn leads to identification and eventual capture. Given both of these points, it is no
wonder that police are keen on surveillance.
That said, regardless of how necessary public cameras are, privacy advocates make several
important points. First, they rightly point out that some spaces must be off limits. For example, no
one wants a government employee looking into your home. Second, there are genuine concerns
about people knowing where you are at all times. In many places, this could threaten the right of
freedom of movement Third and finally, there is the problem of trusting the police and the
government. Many governments have used technology against their own people. What is to stop
them from doing the same with public cameras?
In conclusion, while there are genuine security needs that require public surveillance, the privacy
of the people must be protected as much as possible. In my view, public surveillance is a
necessary evil and therefore, while it must exist, there must be reasonable restrictions regarding
what can be recorded, as well as use of the data and who can access it.
Words: 295
Page 17 of 44
Opinion Essay 2: New technology and consumers
Question:
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?

Over the last few years, new forms of shopping and commerce have increased more than ever.
The question is, has this trend changed the lives of consumers?
First of all, the most obvious example is the Internet. As networks have been faster and access
become cheaper, Internet-based business and services have suddenly taken off. This means it is
easier than ever before to shop online and get rapid delivery, which in turn makes it easier for
people to get what they need without visiting real brick-and-mortar stores.
Another related change is the so-called sharing economy. This is mainly powered by the rise in
the number of Smartphones and has given rise to new business models such as Uber, which
matches people who need a ride to those who own cars. This now means that the average
person can get the equivalent of a taxi during rush hour, late at night, or during intense rain.
That said, for most people the impact of these changes has not fundamentally changed their
lives. Online shopping may make it easier for people to get what they need, but generally people
still shop in person for food and clothing. Similarly, the sharing economy may make it easier or
cheaper for to travel, but it will not totally replace staying in hotels. Or, in the case of Uber, paying
someone to drive their own car is not much different from paying a taxi driver to drive a taxi.
In conclusion, although the Internet and the rise in Smartphones is in many ways easier, cheaper,
faster or more convenient, our lives are not significantly different. Therefore, I believe that in most
cases our lives have only changed on the edges. However, who knows what the future will bring?
291 words
Page 18 of 44
Opinion Essay 3: Tourism
Question:
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and contributes a great deal to economies
around the world. However, the damage tourism can cause to local cultures and the environment
is often ignored.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Recently, tourism has become an important source of income and economic growth. However,
some groups are worried that countries are focused on growth at the expense of the local culture
and environment. The question is, is this true?
To begin with, it cannot be denied that large numbers of tourists have an impact on the
environment. Firstly, the areas around tourist attractions are often covered in garbage. Take for
for example, Cox's bazar, which is the largest tourist area of Bangladesh. Now, this area has
become so unhygienic that tourists often think twice before visiting. Secondly, the growth of
resorts and hotels causes problems with the local water supply, electricity, and sewage systems.
In other words, there are so many addition people that the local infrastructure cannot cope, and
as a result the additional sewage pollutes local beaches and rivers. This is especially true on
small islands.
Turning to culture, the story is more mixed. In some situations, since locals are more exposed to
foreign cultures, language, foods and forms of dress, they start to adopt some of them. For
instance, many people in Goa are now dressing and talking like tourists. A related issue is when
locals put on culture shows for tourists. Although this is a way of preserving some aspects of local
culture, it usually distorts them, and therefore turns culture into a form of entertainment.
To conclude, although encouraging tourism clearly has an impact on both the local environment
and local cultures, it is hard to see whether these are actually ignored. It is more likely that
currently economic growth is prioritised. Therefore, I only partially agree with the statement.
Words: 269
Page 19 of 44
Opinion Essay 4: The Internet
Question:
The Internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other
hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Over the last few years, the Internet has become a vital part of our lives, our work and societies.
It is undoubtedly changed the way we socialise. The question is, has it made us more isolated?
To start with, in some ways the Internet has undoubtedly made us less isolated. First, almost
anyone can now stay in touch with friends and family from 1000s of kilometres way - for free.
This means it is possible to maintain family ties even if you are living apart, and so it helps you
sustain relationships. Second, it is much easier than ever to find people who have similar
interests, problems, and situations as you. To put it another way, before the Internet, if you lived
in a small town, you could be easily be alone, but now the world wide web enables everyone to
find a community of like-minded souls and therefore feel a sense of belonging.
Turning to friends, the story is quite clear cut. There is little evidence that people have fewer real
life friends than before, and there is no real evidence that the more time you spend online, the
fewer real life contacts you have. In fact, a recent study showed that people really only have four
to five extremely close people at any point in their lives, which means it is unlikely that using
Facebook or spending time on online has reduced this for most people.
However, it is a mixed situation with personal relationships. The Internet, and the sex industry
more specifically, is affecting the ability of some men to establish relationships. Japan is a case in
point. There is now a group of Japanese men who prefer the varied kinds of sexual interactions
that they get online over that of women. Now, as a result, these men spend almost no time talking
to real women face to face, and even prefer their virtual relationships to that of real women.
In conclusion, although the Internet can cause problems for the few who are vulnerable, in many
ways it has enriched our lives. Therefore, I believe completely disagree with the statement.
Words: 353
Page 20 of 44
Opinion Essay 5: Practical Skills
Question:
Some people think that school children need to learn practical skills such as car maintenance or
bank account management along with the academic subjects at school. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

Increasingly, educators and parents are increasingly concerned that children are not able to deal
with the practical challenges of living and working after school. The question is, should they be
learning these kinds of skills in addition to traditional subjects?
First of all, there are several benefits of acquiring a new skill. The first merit is personal
development. For example, if someone learns playing guitar at school initially, it can be rewarding
at a later stage of their life if they take it professionally. As a result, the chance of being
successful in life is much higher. The second point is how this learning would impact society in
general. When all students were effectively equipped with work and life skills, they would not be a
liability to society anymore. Instead, they would start contributing to the economy, and the nation
would have outstanding economic growth.
On the other hand, catering to practical skills has some drawbacks too. The most important issue
is that it will require extra time which can hinder the acquisition of core subjects. For example, if
vehicle maintenance was the skill, it would take a large number of hours, possibly crowding out
the learning time available to other classes. Another issue is workload. Is giving school-going
children additional work actually plausible? Most parents would argue that pushing them to do
extra-curricular activities would negatively impact a significant portion, as as not all students have
the skills or interest. Likewise, for example, many parents would feel that their children do not
need to learn how to open a bank account, since they can deal with it themselves.
In conclusion, although acquiring life skills may increase the chance of general success later in
life, considering the additional stress required, it is not a good idea to teach them at school.
Therefore, I do not support this plan.
Words: 310
Page 21 of 44
Opinion Essay 6: Space exploration
Question:
Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important
things. Do you agree?

Recently, large numbers of of people have become concerned about spending our resources on
exploring space. The question is, is investing in space exploration a good use of money, or would
we be better off spending it on our lives here on Earth? This essay will argue that more needs to
be done on Earth first.
To start with, too many of our people lack basic nutrition and access to clean water. Firstly,
millions of people are starving despite the fact that the rich world is suffering from an obesity
epidemic. For example, many African children die from starvation, or although they may have
enough food to get through early childhood, the lack of basic nutrients, such as vitamins, means
they are stunted and are more limited intellectually. Similarly, poor access to clean water for
drinking, bathing, cooking, and sanitation means that diseases spread rapidly through the
population. Cholera is an awful example of this. Sadly, all of these problems are readily
preventable with a portion of the resources we devote to space.
Furthermore, it cannot be denied that we face a tremendous number of ecological problems in
the world today. One area is air pollution. Global megacities, such as Beijing and Hong Kong,
have suffered from this for years. People wear masks and even purchase fresh air from
Switzerland so as not to be poisoned by the smog. Another area of concern is global warming
and the destruction of the oceans. Mankind is destroying its home.
In conclusion, regardless of any scientific or economic benefits that may come from exploring
space, it is obvious that humanity needs to invest its scarce resources at home first. I believe we
cannot look outwards while our children suffer from preventable diseases and poor nutrition, and
while we let our planet die.
Words: 299
Page 22 of 44
Part 4: Two-points-of-view Essays

Bens notes
I have read many of these kinds of essays from students. I have noticed that many get mixed up
and try to talk about the advantages and disadvantages instead. This confusing, because if you do
this, you are often writing about the advantages and disadvantages of having a particular point of
view.
Instead, you need to focus on the reasons for each argument. To help you with this, focus on
starting sentences with words that talk about the views of the people on each side.
For example:
Some believe that

Others argue that
It is argued that
It can be argued that
It is often / sometimes said that
They say this because
This is because
They reason that
When you read the example essays, you will notice that ideas are often supported by talking about
the consequences.
For example:
If this were done, x would happen
They argue that this is a terrible idea because it would result in noun / something happening.
1. Read the question carefully! Underline the key positions to discuss.
2. When you brainstorm, make notes on why each side is likely to believe their position. Add
examples, and consequences (the impacts) of doing it or not doing it.
3. When you re-read your essay, look through all the ways you referred to the people. Can you
replace any of the references with phrases above?
Page 23 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 1: Public health
Question:
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that
other measures are required.

There is no denying the fact that overall health is on the decline. One possibility is to increase of
sports facilities, while others believe that this will not achieve much and suggest alternative
solutions. This essay will look at both of these options.
On the one hand, increasing the amount of places people have available to play sports will no
doubt have numerous benefits. One positive is there would be a larger variety of sports people
could play, and, therefore, attract a wider group of people. This would provide an opportunity to
members of the public who are not interested in the standard, run-of-the-mill sports to also
participate in something. Another benefit is that since the areas would probably be less crowded,
it may lead to more families deciding to play sports together, which would could create a mindset
that will benefit not just one, but future generations too.
On the other hand, simply building more stadiums and arenas is not the only thing that needs to
be done to improve public health. First of all, people need to take responsibility for themselves
and change their lifestyles, from what and when they eat, to when and how much they exercise.
Each person is different and must address his own needs intelligently. Furthermore, there should
be more dietary control measures, either by the government or health officials. Individuals who
fall into a serious risk category should not be allowed to continue making terrible decisions.
Someone might have to be put in charge of making those decisions for them.
In conclusion, even though more sports facilities could allow more people to be interested in
playing sports, this alone is insufficient to improve public health. Therefore, I believe a wider
range of options should be looked at.
Words: 297
Page 24 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 2: Childrens education
Question:
Some people believe teachers should have the final say about childrens education, while others
believe parents should make these decisions.
Discuss both sides.

With so much pressure on students nowadays to excel academically, the question arises of who
should make the final decision regarding childrens education. Some believe this should be the
responsibility of teachers, while others think that this should be left up to parents. This essay will
discuss both points of view.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why teachers are in a good position to make this
decision. One reason is that they see the students every day and interact closely with them,
giving them a deeper insight into their development. This allows them to have a continuous
evaluation of the child and his or her needs. Another is that teachers have professional training,
which allows them to consider numerous options more carefully, such as whether a child needs
extra math or English help. This means they are generally in a better position to make decisions
regarding an educational nature.
On the other hand, It can be argued that parents should be ultimately responsible for their childs
educational future. First of all, at the end of the day, they are the ones who have to support and
encourage their children through the hardships. Their decisions might be made based on
discussions they had with their child, as well as consultations with the teacher. Secondly, parents
have a deeper connection with their children than teachers and will sacrifice everything they can
to see the child succeed, which makes their decisions more likely to include the childs
personality and emotional well-being, rather than just realistic educational concerns.
In conclusion, even though teachers are qualified to guide childrens education, it is still the
parents who sacrifice more and know their children more deeply. Therefore, I firmly believe the
final decision about a childs education should rest with the parents.
Words: 298
Page 25 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 3: The death penalty
Question:
Some people say that the death penalty is necessary for certain crimes, while others argue that it
should never be used.

It is often said Let the punishment fit the crime. Some believe that this should definitely be the
case regarding the death penalty. However, it is also argued that this form of punishment is cruel
and inhumane and therefore should never be considered. The question is, which view is correct?
To start with, it is possible to argue that the death penalty is needed in our society. One reason is
the overflowing prison system in a lot of countries. Simply giving convicted serial killers and other
kinds of threats to society a lifelong environment to separate them from society is not a long-term
solution and simply puts extra stress on normal society in the form of extra taxes. Another reason
is that executing some people might deter potential criminals from committing crimes. As long as
they believe they could be killed for their transgressions, they might think twice about it.
That said, there are a variety of reasons for never supporting the death. Firstly, it is a completely
final solution. If a person is executed, but then is discovered to be innocent, there is no way to
rectify the situation and this will cause tremendous heartache for his or her loved ones. Secondly,
so far, there is no form of execution that can be proven to be completely humane and painless.
For example, death by fatal injection not only often goes wrong, but we now realise it causes
minutes of unacceptable pain before death.
In conclusion, even though the death penalty involves occasionally executing innocent people,
the long-term social and economic benefits are more important. Therefore, I believe that although
it is unpleasant, there is a need for the death penalty in our legal system.
Words: 285
Page 26 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 4: Unhealthy habits
Question:
Some people say that unhealthy habits should be banned. However, others believe that
everyone should be free to make their own decisions about what they do.

Drinking, smoking, and eating fatty foods are all known to be bad for you. Are these habits so bad
for society that they should be banned? Or, should adults be free to make their own decisions?
This essay will look at both perspectives.
To start with, it can be argued that unhealthy habits should be banned. Clearly, certain unhealthy
habits, for example smoking tobacco, and drinking alcohol, waste time, money, and medical
resources. The main argument is if these habits were banned, we wouldnt need to use resources
to heal the illnesses these habits cause, and a result not only would people live longer and be
less sick, societies would have more resources to spend on other areas such as education.
However, just because it something is not necessarily healthy, it is not always acceptable to ban
it. One reason is often the difference between a healthy and unhealthy habit is completely
subjective. For example, vegans consider eating meat, dairy, and even honey, to be unhealthy
and bad. It is difficult to argue that people should be prevented from eating honey! Another point
is the government generally should not take away a persons ability to choose. Choosing what to
do and when to do it is a vital aspect of being and adult. In fact, it can be argued that as long as
you are not hurting anyone else then you should be able to do what you want. Finally, it has been
shown that whenever something is banned it only gives rise to crime. The connection between
alcohol prohibition and the rise organised crime in the U.S. in the 1920s is a case in point.
In conclusion, although bad habits cause a lot of problems in society, and some probably should
be restricted, banning them is likely to lead to main unforeseen outcomes including, problems
with becoming an adult, and even crime. Therefore, I believe that as little as possible should be
banned.
Words: 324
Page 27 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 5: University education
Question:
It is argued by some that university education should be free for all who want it. However, others
believe that people should pay for their own education.
Discuss both positions.

One of the most important things that a person can do to have a better life is to get an education.
But, should people pay their own way or should education be free for all? This essay will discuss
both sides of the debate.
To start with, many people think that education should be free for everyone. They argue that
educating citizens makes a country stronger and smarter. College educated citizens have been
shown to cause less crime and make more money. However, in some countries, high costs for
education mean that only the privileged few can afford to go. This leaves poor people, the people
who need education the most, on the bottom of the economic ladder for generations. However,
free education would fix this problem. It would lift the impoverished into the middle class, making
them happier, healthier, and more productive members of society.
That said, it can be argued that at least some people should pay for their education. One
argument goes that if everyone has access to unlimited education, then the quality of education
will decrease. This can be seen in recent employer surveys that show that recent college
graduates are not prepared for the workforce. Another point is that college degrees become more
meaningless as more people get them. In other words, if everyone has the same level of degree,
then it is more difficult to differentiate yourself from everyone else. In this case, free education is
unlikely to help the poor move up the economic ladder.
In conclusion, although providing a free education can create a stronger and smarter citizenry, it
can also lower educational quality, and make it more difficult to distinguish yourself within that
society. Therefore, I believe while education should available to everyone, if you are not poor, it is
better for you to pay for it.
Words: 306
Page 28 of 44
Two-points-of-view Essay 6: Global competition
Question:
Global competition often leads to changes in employment patterns. Some people believe that the
government should protect local workers from these changes. However, others argue that this
competition benefits the local economy.

Recently, governments and workers have been concerned about the effects of globalisation n
local jobs. Some believe the best response is to protect workers by limiting trade while it is also
said the lower prices benefit everyone in the economy. The question is, who is right?
To start with, people in favour of restricting trade make the following arguments. Firstly, being
open to global trade means local workers are also competing with foreign ones. This often results
in local jobs moving to new locations and many loose their jobs. Since these people have no jobs
they spend less money and dont pay as much tax as they did when they were employed. This
can severely damage the local economy, causing local business and even entire cities to fail.
Flint Michigan is a good example of what can happen when local jobs are outsourced.
That said, economists generally support freer trade. Their main position is that cheaper prices are
better for the economy than protecting local workers. Although uncompetitive jobs disappear,
there is a net benefit to society. Cheaper overseas products mean more people can buy more of
them, whether it is food, or computers, or even the can afford to buy things they previously could
not afford. This means the same wages can purchase more, resulting in an increase in standards
of living.
In conclusion, although many governments try to protect workers by preventing trade, lower
prices benefits the average consumer and lifts their standard of living. Therefore, given that
globalisation is an extremely complex topic I am not sure what side to choose.
Words: 264
Page 29 of 44
Part 5: Problem-solution / Cause-effect

Essays
Bens notes
One of the first things an IELTS student does when they see something that looks like a problemsolution essay, is they immediately start writing in a certain way. Dont do this!
Instead, you need to carefully look at exactly what you have to write about. This is because there
are many different ways these kinds of questions can work.
They often mix different kinds of questions. For example, you might have to:
A. Discuss at least two solutions and choose one
B. Describe problems e.g. talk about the negative effects to these problems
C. Evaluate a solution that the question already gives you
D. Explain the causes of something e.g. explain the things that cause a problem
E. Or any combination of the above
This means that the first thing you need to do is look at the question carefully!
Note:
I use problem-solution essays to refer to all the combinations above.
1. Read the question carefully! Decide how many paragraphs you need to write, and whether you
need to write about problems, explain causes, or offer solutions.
2. When you brainstorm, make sure you use appropriate language to that paragraph:
1. Problems
1. Explain why it is a problem. Give examples, and use some effect language.
2. Causes
1. explain the underlying causes and immediate causes. Use cause language e.g. this
leads to , this causes.
3. Solutions
1. Suggest options. E.g. One possibility is
2. Explain this in more detail and/or offer an example
3. Explain how this solution will solve the problem. E.g. Doing this would .
4. Point out the obstacles involved with this solution. E.g. is it expensive, would it take a
long time to work?
3. When you re-read your essay, make sure you have written about each section of the question,
and check that you answered the final question (if any).
Page 30 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 1: Fossil fuels
Question:
Fossil fuels have been the main driver of economic growth for the last 100 hundred years.
Explain how fossil fuels have achieved this, outline the main problems their use causes, and
suggest alternative solutions.

These days, large numbers of people have been increasingly concerned about the use of fossil
fuels. This essay will explain why we use them, the problems they are leading to, and some
possible solutions.
To start with there are several reasons why fossil fuels have become so important. In fact, in the
form of oil, coal, and natural gas fossil fuels power everything from factories and power plants to
transportation. They are even used to make many household products like plastic. But the most
dramatic has been petroleum. Without this, the modern car-based society would not exist.
However, there constant use has caused a number of problems. The most obvious one is
pollution. Air quality in most large cities is terrible, and causing lots of health problems, especially
among children. It is so bad people that in Beijing people can actually buy bottled fresh air
imported from Canada. A related problem are the plastics and other products made from fossil
fuels. Since they do not biodegrade, plastic has contaminated the environment now threatens
sea life all around the world. Finally, burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which is a key
cause of climate change.
So what can we do to stop using fossil fuels since theyre such an important part of our life? The
main solution is alternative energy. Producing electricity from solar and wind power will
dramatically reduce the need for fossil fuels. However, it is insufficient. The second solution is
replacing cars and trucks that are dependent on fuel with electric ones. Similarly, there are also
greener alternatives to plastics. For example, The Lego company recently started a new research
facility to develop a better greener alternative for their lego bricks.
In conclusion, although fossil fuels have been vital to our societies, their use is starting to decline.
I believe that in the future, we will continue to shift to alternative forms of energy production and
fuel use.
Words: 321
Page 31 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 2: Mega cities
Question:
Question: Around the world mega cities are now home to an ever larger share of the worlds
population. What problems are caused by this shift? What measures can governments take to
deal with these issues?

Recently, the proportion of people moving to and living in large cities has dramatically risen
around the world. This essay will outline the consequences of this change and discuss what
could be done to reduce their impact.
To start with, the creation of mega cities has resulted in a several issues. Most of these are the
direct result of having a large number of people living in close proximity. For instance, rapidly
growing cities require a huge amount of investment in infrastructure including roads, sewers,
electricity, and Internet access. Failing to keep with growth leads to a collapse in standards of
living and quality of life. Another related problem is pollution. The growth in motorbikes and cars
typically means that cities become dirtier before they become cleaner. The massive conurbations
in China and India are cases in point.
Fortunately, there are several things that can be done about the above problems. One option is
for governments to plan better for growth, and to invest more in basic utilities. A similar strategy is
to invest in public transportation systems early so that they can be as effective as possible at
reducing pollution. Finally, local authorities should find ways to include more greenery in the form
of parks and small spaces along roads and near public buildings. This is because tress absorb
Carbon Dioxide and convert it into Oxygen, and therefore improving the air. Governments could
raise money from bonds to achieve all of these things, and it would result in a greener, more
organised future.
In conclusion, although huge cities are under more stress that at any time before, the main
solution is planning and investment. I believe that this is possible given the right leadership.
Words: 285
Page 32 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 3: Inactivity
Question:
Throughout the developing world more and more adults are less active and as a result less
healthy.
Discuss the causes of inactivity and outline some solutions to this problem.

Over the last several decades people have generally become more inactive, even in poorer
countries. Partly as a result, obesity and other health problems are rising. This essay will explain
why this is happening and outline several ways to improve the situation.
There are several reasons for this rise. First, there is the modern demand for cars. As people
grow richer the first major purchase is typically a car. However, traveling in this way dramatically
decreases the amount of time spent walking and cycling. Second, is the growth in television, the
Internet, and now online gaming. All of these activities force people to remain still while they
enjoy them. They are also fairly addictive, which means that once the youth are exposed to them,
they are likely to continue doing them when they are adults. The final cause is urbanisation. As
an increasingly large proportion of the population lives in cities, it is more difficult for the average
person to get sufficient exercise.
However, what can be done about this? One way is for societies to demand better urban
planning from their governments to encourage urbanites to use cars less and their bodies more.
Increasing the number parks and making it easy to walk to and from work are all good examples
of this. A similar strategy could discourage reliance on cars. In other words, people would walk a
short distance, take public transport, and then walk the remaining distance. If all of these ideas
were implemented, the general population would be more active. Unfortunately, these ideas do
not directly deal with the problem of a youth culture obsessed with the Internet.
In conclusion, although people have become more sedentary, there are clearly a number of ways
to boost the level of activity throughout developing nations. However, it will take a lot of political
will and local pressure for them to succeed.
Words: 312
Page 33 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 4: Local shops vs Chain stores
Question:
As large shopping chains expand, many local stores are unable to compete and close. What are
the reasons for this? What actions can be taken to solve this problem?

For the last couple of decades, people have become increasingly concerned about the spread of
the chain stores and the disappearance of local ones. This essay will discuss why this is
happening and suggest possible ways to address this issue.
To start with, there are numerous causes for this increasing phenomenon. First, there is price.
Large shops are able to buy in bulk from suppliers and therefore resell at much lower prices than
small shops are able to. Because of this, shoppers opt not to buy from the smaller shops
anymore. Second, chains often offer a larger variety of products than the independent stores,
and, this too, attracts more customers who are looking for a wider range of goods.
Given these problems, what are some possible solutions to this? One option is for owners of local
shops to join together to buy their goods. This would mean they could negotiate better prices
from their suppliers. Another possibility is to specialise and to use the Internet more. People are
happy to go to small boutique stores if they have something different or that is very hard to get at
regular shops. For instance, a shop could specialise in seaweed-based products, or Italian
leather goods. The Internet makes this even easier since there is a community for nearly every
possible thing.
In conclusion, although large shopping chains offer a wider variety and lower prices than smaller
shops, by specialising and focusing on their loyal customers small stores can still survive and
even thrive.
Words: 251
Page 34 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 5: Fresh water
Question:
In developing countries, people in cities and rural areas suffer from a lack of fresh water. Discuss
the main causes of this problem and suggest several courses of action.
These days, one of the biggest killers in the undeveloped world is not the over-abundance of
anything, but rather the lack of it drinkable water. This essay will cover the reasons for this
tragedy and put forth some solutions.
To start with, there are a variety of reasons for the absence of fresh water in third-world countries.
Primarily, it is the lack of proper infrastructure which causes this. Due to government corruption or
general mismanagement, inadequate funds are spent on sanitation and utilities, which become
neglected and break down, leading to water stagnation and contamination. Another reason is
environmental damage. Both urbanisation and poor land use put additional strains on the local
water supplies. Cities, industries and farms all require large amounts of freshwater, and in many
poor places, such as India, there is little monitoring of this. These pressures mean the water table
drops, letting in salt water, which reduces the amount of fresh water available.
Given these challenges, what can be done about this problem? First of all, government
departments should be policed to ensure that funds are managed fairly and professionally. This
would mean that more money is spent on water-related infrastructure. An additional answer is
education. Rural cities, industrialists and farming communities all need to be shown how to
manage their water resources for the long term. This would need to be supported by the
government or other groups to confirm that they are following the rules.
In conclusion, even though undeveloped countries suffer from poor government and
environmental damage, there are simple and realistic ways, namely better governance and more
education, to improve access to fresh water supplies.
Words: 276
Page 35 of 44
Problem-solution Essay 6: Ageing society
Question:
In many developed countries the population is ageing rapidly. What are the reasons for this
change? What problems can this lead to? How can societies manage this shift?

These days, throughout the rich world the population is getting dramatically older. This essay will
discuss why this is happening, the challenges we face as a result, and finally it will look at some
possible ways of dealing with them.
To start with, the ageing phenomenon in developing countries has three main causes: education,
cost, and better health care. Studies have shown that as women in particular are educated they
choose to have fewer children, which is historically why birthrates have fallen. A more recent
issue is cost. In many developed countries, raising children is exceedingly expensive especially
interns of childcare and education. Many families choose to have only one or two children, or
none at all. Finally, health. Older people generally have much better access to healthcare and
therefore are living longer.
These changes cause a variety of problems. One is there is a loss of workers. In other words,
there are simply fewer people working for each older individual. This in turn causes things like
production to decrease and can have a negative effect on the economy as a whole. Another
concern is how to take care of the elderly. With fewer people working, governments have less
revenue to support welfare programs for retired people. A related issue is it increases pressure
on families because the older generation outnumbers the younger generation they depend on for
help.
Fortunately, There are several ways to deal with this. A powerful yet controversial solution to this
problem is immigration. If the local population is shrinking, governments can import foreign
workers, talent, and knowledge. Another approach is to give support and incentive to couples
considering a family to reduce the cost of raising children. Maternity leave, childcare programs
are both good examples of this.
In conclusion, although the ageing of wealthier societies has resulted in a number of economic
problems, there are several straight forward solutions governments could adopt to reduce their
impact. Many of these are sensible polices countries should be pursuing regardless.
Words: 332
Page 36 of 44
Part 6: Other direct question Essays

Bens notes
Direct essay questions often look a little like other question types. They could include aspects of
solutions, problems, opinions, advantages, and what people think.
When you are confronted with this kind of essay, the best thing to do is to focus on the questions.
Let these be your guide! Plan a topic sentence and a paragraph that clearly addresses each
question. Look at the example below to see what I mean. Ive added the numbers to the question
to make it clearer.
Question:
The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work.
1. What alternatives might there be?
2. How will these changes in transport effect our working and private lives?
3. Will cars still be vital in the near future?
1. Body Paragraph
To start with, there are several alternatives to fossil-fuel powered cars.
2. Body Paragraph
All these changes will affect our lives in several ways.
3. Conclusion (or you could have written an additional paragraph)

To conclude, future cars will still used but they will be safer and less polluting, providing more
freedom of movement and better health.
And then make sure your introduction and conclusion fit around the body of your essay. (In fact this
is almost always a good idea. Dont write the introduction until you know what you are going to say
in the middle of the essay!)
Page 37 of 44
Direct Question Essay 1: Job satisfaction
Question:
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important
element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the
expectation of job satisfaction of all workers?

As jobs take a huge piece of people's time and effort, it is vital that they are at least content with
what they're doing. This essay will discuss the main factors responsible for contentment at work,
and it will examine whether or not this is a reasonable expectation for all workers.
Firstly, the salary of the job is an important factor. The greater the salary, the happier the
employees will be because they will be able to provide well for themselves and their families, and
this will motivate them to work better. Another factor is loving the job itself. Naturally, if people
love what they are doing, they will be more satisfied no matter how hard their job seems to
others. An emergency doctor, for example, could be happier with his job than a CEO if medicine
was his choice and passion. I believe passion is the most important factor.
However, no matter how good the job may seem, I think it is impossible for all employees to be
satisfied with their job. Some might not like their job from the beginning, but others might get
bored with time as their jobs become a stressful routine. This results in less and less happiness,
which might affect their health mentally and physically.
In conclusion, while there are salary and passion are the main factors in determining peoples
happiness with their work, it is unlikely everyone can remain satisfied all the time. Eventually,
nearly everyone can become bored by their work as it becomes routine. Therefore, the
challenge for most people is to find ways to keep enough change in their working lives to
maintain interest.
Words: 274
Page 38 of 44
Direct Question Essay 2: Mass production
Question:
The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work.
What alternatives to cars might there be? How will these changes in transport effect our working
and private lives? Will cars still be vital in the near future?

There is little doubt that the mass production of cars has changed the way we live and work. This
essay will discuss what the future of cars will look like.
To start with, there are several alternatives to fossil-fuel powered cars. The major alternative
being developed is electric vehicles. Battery technology is getting better all the time and major
car manufacturers are developing more and more electric cars. Some manufactures, such as
Tesla, are only producing electric cars. Another option is the development of better public
transport. More cities are also using more electric buses and light rail to move people, especially
in the developing world. Another interesting development is self- driving, 'on demand' robotic
vehicles. If you need a car, you simply call for one. It arrives, you tell it where you want to go and
it will take you there. This means many people will no longer need to own their own cars.
However, this is only in its initial stages of development.
All these changes will affect our lives in several ways. Firstly, while initially there would be little
change to the way people live and work, as public and private electric vehicles become more
commonplace, our cities will become less and less polluted. Secondly, the increasing use of
smart technology will make driving both safer and less stressful, resulting in fewer accidents and
a lower mortality rate. If both these changes actually happen, people will be more productive at
work due to lower amounts of stress, and they will have more time on their hands, since they will
be able to do more chores, planning, and leisure activities while stuck in traffic.
To conclude, future cars will still used but they will be safer and less polluting, providing more
freedom of movement and better health. Therefore, I believe these developments will
dramatically improve our lives.
Words: 292
Page 39 of 44
Direct Question Essay 3: Handwriting in school
Question:
For many years, handwriting has been a vital part of a persons primary schooling. However,
recently there has been a shift to typing. Should schools still require handwriting in school? How
necessary is it to write by hand in todays society?

The spread of information technology in recent years has meant that writing is less important
than it used to be. This essay will discuss the necessity of writing by hand today, and consider
whether it should be taught in school.
First of all, of the way we use writing to communicate has changed significantly. Now, the majority
of written communication takes place through a computer or a phone. For example, people type
emails, or chat through apps such as Whatsapp or social media like Facebook. Communicating
in this way allows people to send and receive messages instantly and at a much lower cost. As a
result, while of course it is possible for people to write and send handwritten letters, this has
become much less popular than it was in the past. In fact, governments, businesses and all other
social institutions are choosing to type their messages instead of writing them. This means that
although writing may still be a useful skill to have, it is certainly no longer as necessary as it was
before typing existed.
As a result of this, learning how to write in school is far less important than it used to be. It is
natural that our children's education should change in accordance with what they will need to do
when they are older. Schools should still teach children how to write, because this helps young
people learn to form words and organise ideas, but less time should be spent on this, and more
time should be spent on learning to type as well. This will give children a more balanced
education that better suits the needs of modern life.
In conclusion, modern communication requires the ability to type. Therefore, although
handwriting is of less value than it was in the past, I believe it is still valuable and it should still be
taught in schools.
Words: 274
Page 40 of 44
Direct Question Essay 4: World travel
Question:
World travel was revolutionised in the 20th century to the extent that the world has now become
a global village. What factors will influence travel this century? Will travel continue to grow or will
it become less popular?

Recently, it has become easier than ever before to travel. This essay will discuss what are the
key things that are likely to influence future travel, and it will make predictions about the future of
travel.
To start with, there are several factors that will determine what will happen to the travel industry.
The first is economic growth. As countries in the developing world become richer, people desire
to see more of the world, and as a result the number of travellers rises. China is a good example
of this. The second important factor is the increase in budget airlines. In the past, when these
airlines have grown, the number of travellers has also risen. This has been the case in Europe
with Ryan Air and in Asia. If these airlines become larger, prices will drop, which will also
encourage greater numbers of tourists.
That said, this growth may not happen. One reason is the global economy has been slowing
down. China is not growing as much as before and this means the developing world, especially in
Latin America and in Africa, are also growing much slower. Another related reason is insecurity.
The conflicts in the middle east and the refugee problems in Europe make the world feel less
safe. This matters because when people feel insecure they are less likely to spend on luxuries
like travel.
To conclude, although there are currently a range of economic problems, the growth in the global
middle class, especially in poorer countries, and the rise of budget airlines means that it is likely
that the global travel will become even more popular in the foreseeable future.
Words: 273
Page 41 of 44
Direct Question Essay 5: Success
Question:
Some believe that wealth is the best measure of a persons success. Do you agree with this
idea? In your view, what makes a person successful?

People have always tended to compare themselves to others around them, and in today's
connected world it is easier than ever before to compare your own achievements with other
people's. This essay will discuss when a person can be considered successful.
To start with, the idea that wealth is an accurate measure of success is a popular one and there
is some truth in it. For instance, usually someone who is wealthy has worked hard over their life
and has given their time and their energy to providing other people with something that they want
or need. We see leading businessmen and entrepreneurs and we try to copy the way that they
live their lives, hoping that we can succeed in the way that they have succeeded. However, just
because a person is wealthy it does not necessarily mean that they are successful. Take for
example the many people who have become rich by inheriting money and possessions from their
relatives. In addition, other people have become wealthy through dishonest means. It is difficult to
think of someone as successful if they obtained their wealth through either of these two methods.
In contrast to wealth, there are many other ways of gauging success. One idea is whether or not
a person has improved the lives of others through their life's work. Sometimes this can be
measured in money made through business, but sometimes it looks very different and is harder
to measure. Someone who has won a Nobel Peace Prize, for example, is certainly a successful
person, but so are others who have done similar things but whose work has not been recognised
with an award. Another is sporting achievement. We generally label Olympic medallists
successful.
In conclusion, there are many things that can make someone successful: wealth, personal
achievement, or a more public achievement. Therefore, although I accept that wealth is one way
to determine success, I believe that in general it is not enough and that we should take into
account their other achievements too.
Words: 333
Page 42 of 44
Direct Question Essay 6: The news
Question:
Increasingly, news organisations are including social media and Internet media stars as news
sources and commentators. Why are news organisations doing this? How important is it for the
news to be produced by professional journalists? What will the news situation look like in the
future?

The Internet is one of the most important inventions of recent years and it has changed the way
we do many things. This essay will explore the way that news reporting has changed because of
the Internet.
To start with, news organisations are including online sources for two reasons. The first reason is
they are they are cheap to consult and are often widely respected. Thanks to the Internet, there is
more opportunity than ever before for ordinary people to contribute their views on news stories
and to report on events that are taking place. Some people have become famous through their
presence on the Internet, and have become respected authority figures. News organisations can
consult these people for news and commentary knowing that many people are already interested
in what they have to say, which improves ratings. Another reason it is cheaper. These
commentators usually do not need to be paid as they already earn money through internet
advertising or may be producing their programmes voluntarily.
However, do these changes actually matter? One possibility is that the quality of news content
will be lower than when it is produced by professionals. It cannot be denied that many Internet
content creators don't have the experience or training that a professional journalist has.
Alternatively, because these people are free from the regulations set out by traditional news
organisations, they may be more able to avoid sensationalist reporting, simply telling the truth in
the way that they choose.
In conclusion, this trend seems likely to continue into the future, with less and less news being
created by professional journalists. As a result, we can expect that more and more of our news
will come from unpaid online sources online, and it is possible that many news organisations will
disappear. However, I believe that it is important for some news should continue to be produced
professionally, especially global events and politics.
Words: 318
Page 43 of 44
What to do next?
For most people, preparing for the IELTS exam is a mixture or practice, skills, and building your
academic English language. This is often a length process, and it seems to take longer and longer
once you get to around 6!
We will keep releasing interesting IELTS products, workbooks, and courses over this year. If there
is a specific kind of practice you think you would benefit from, please feel free to email us at
ben@ielts7.guru. We would love to hear about it!
Thats it!
If you think this Task 2 IELTS Writing Example Pack was useful, please tell other people
about us!
Join us on facebook or Google+ for regular updates, IELTS practice, etc.
And if you havent done so, join the ielts7 community by signing up for our regular
newsletter!
About the author

Ben has been teaching Adults English for nearly 15 years and
IELTS training for 5 years. He is an ex-IELTS examiner and is
also the founder and director of studies at The English
Academy in Taipei, Taiwan.
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Task 2 Writing Example Pack

How to use this book

How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay

List of essay questions

Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 1: Housing

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 2: Uniforms

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 3: Sport

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 4: Online shopping

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 5: Pre-prepared food

Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 6: Renewable energy

Part 3: Opinion Essays

Opinion Essay 1: Security Cameras

Opinion Essay 2: New technology and consumers

Opinion Essay 3: Tourism

Opinion Essay 4: The Internet

Opinion Essay 5: Practical Skills

Opinion Essay 6: Space exploration

Part 4: Two-points-of-view Essays

Two-points-of-view Essay 1: Public health

Two-points-of-view Essay 2: Childrens education

Two-points-of-view Essay 3: The death penalty

Two-points-of-view Essay 4: Unhealthy habits

Two-points-of-view Essay 5: University education

Two-points-of-view Essay 6: Global competition

Part 5: Problem-solution / Cause-effect Essays

Problem-solution Essay 1: Fossil fuels

Problem-solution Essay 2: Mega cities

Problem-solution Essay 3: Inactivity

Problem-solution Essay 4: Local shops vs Chain stores

Problem-solution Essay 5: Fresh water

Problem-solution Essay 6: Ageing society

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

Part 6: Other direct question Essays

Direct Question Essay 1: Job satisfaction

Direct Question Essay 2: Mass production

Direct Question Essay 3: Handwriting in school

Direct Question Essay 4: World travel

Direct Question Essay 5: Success

Direct Question Essay 6: The news

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

Follow this approach:

Good luck with your IELTS Study!

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay

1. Answer the question directly

2. Have a clear and simple organisation that follows the question

3. Use simple and direct topic sentences

5. Dont worry about being complicated. Focus on including a mix of

6. Have a short direct introduction and a short conclusion that summaries

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

List of essay questions

Opinion essay / Thesis essay essay questions

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

Two points of view / Both sides essay questions

Problem - solution / Cause - effect essay questions

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

Other direct question essay questions

Task 2 Writing Example Pack

Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages