ielts encyclopedia handbook 2013

1 English Message Service, Lahore, Pakistan. 0092-300-4285423, [email protected]

Compiled By: Asad Yaqub, IELTS Trainer, Pakistan

LISTENING TIPS:-

When you have to answer multiple choice questions, remember that the

information might be expressed in different ways in the recording. Listen for

ideas, not particular words and phrases.

When you have to complete short-answer that the questions are in the same order

as the information in the recording. Remember to stick to the word limit.

When you have to complete a flow chart, remember to listen for sequencing

words such as then and next as they help you understand the stages of the

process.

When you have to complete notes, don’t leave any answers blank. Remember

you don’t lose marks for a wrong answer, so make a guess if you’re not sure.

When you have to complete sentences, don’t change what you hear to try and

make it fit the gap. Remember that you will hear the answers in the correct form.

When you have to complete a summary, remember not to use more than the

number of words stated in the instructions. If you need more than the two or

three words asked for, your answer is wrong.

When you have to complete sentences, make sure that word or phrase you write

is correct both in terms of meaning and in terms of its grammar. If doesn’t fit

grammatically. It’s the wrong answer.

For matching tasks, remember that you should only use each letter once. Don’t

confuse matching tasks with classification tasks where you can use each letter

more than once.

When you have to write a name in a form or table, or in notes or sentences, listen

carefully as the name is usually spelled out for you.

When you have to listen for date or numbers in a classification task remember to

note down the most important events you hear alongside the date or number.

With multiple choice questions, you may have general knowledge that can help

you predict what you think you’re going to hear. However, only choose an

answer that you’ve heard in the recording itself.



When you have to complete notes, remember that the answers are always in the

order you hear them.

In matching exercises remember that the information is in random order but the

questions that you have to match are in the order in which they occur within the

passage.

When you have to label a diagram, map or plan, remember that the information

in the recording will usually be in the same order as the numbers.

When you have to do a classification tasks. Remember that you can use each

letter more than once.

When you have to fill in a form, make sure you understand that it may have been

written in note form.

When there’s a multiple choice question where more than one answer is correct,

remember that you can write your choices in any order on the answer sheet.

When you have to answer multiple choice questions, if you’re not immediately

sure of the answer, make a note of what you heard and move onto the next

question. Don’t miss a question because you’re thinking about a previous one.

When you have to complete notes, read the question carefully before the listen.

Try to predict what kind of information (names, numbers, etc.) you might need.

When answering multiple choice questions, remember that as you’re listening,

you may hear words from all three options. Avoid choosing an option just

because you heard one of the words included. The answer may be a paraphrase

or synonym of the key word(s).

When you have to select items from a list, remember to read the instructions very

carefully so you know exactly what kind of information you’re looking for.

When you have to complete a summary, remember to read a summary carefully

before you listen. In some cases, you may able to predict the answer from the

context.



IELTS Writing Task 1: Useful Language

Some IELTS test-takers memorise a stock of useful phrases for both writing tasks. This

is not cheating – learning expressions by heart and reproducing them in an appropriate

context is one of the most fundamental ways to improve in a second language. The key

is to stick to learning effective signposting phrases; that is, expressions whose only

function is to link ideas and which can therefore be used when writing about any topic.

See the list below for suggestions for IELTS Writing Task 1. For each function, the

language is graded for level, from regular use (Bands 5-6) to higher-level use (Bands 7-

9).

Introducing the topic

The graph shows… / The table reveals…

The chart displays… / The diagram illustrates…

Some interesting facts concerning… are revealed in the diagram.

Several key trends are revealed by the graph showing…

Introducing the first set of data

Beginning with the…

To begin with the…

Let me begin by describing the…

Introducing the second set of data

Meanwhile, the… shows that…

As for the… , it shows that…

Turning to the… , it can be seen that…

Introducing the first major trend

First of all, it is clear that…

Most noticeably of all, it can be seen that…

The first result worth pointing out is that…

Introducing lesser trends

Another trend that can be observed is that…

It is also worth pointing out that…

Also worth noting is that…

Exceptions to the main trend

However, this was not always the case.

However, it should be pointed out that…

There was one noticeable exception, however.

Comparing and contrasting



Similarly, … / By contrast, …

A similar trend can be observed in…

The results for… , however, reveal a markedly different trend.

Adding figures

The figures were X and Y respectively.

…, at X. / …, with Y. (Usage note: use ‘at’ when you mean ‘the figure was’; use

‘with’ when you mean ‘something had’)

…, at/with X and Y respectively.

Concluding and summarising

To sum up, … / In summary, … / In short, …

Overall, … / On the whole, …

The main thing that can be observed here is that…

Academic task 1 – graph vocabulary (1)

This post looks at some vocabulary for IELTS writing task 1 when you need to describe

a graph or chart that has a time element. I begin by looking at some of the most common

vocabulary you need. Then I give you some variations and talk about some grammar.

Test yourself first

Before you read on, you may want to test your knowledge first.

Basic trend language

The most basic vocabulary – a few variations

Let’s look at this graph and see what words we need to describe it. Put simply we need

language that describes

up (2009 to 2010),

down (2008 to 2009),

up and down (between 2006 and 2009)

no change (2006 and 2007)

the top (2010)

http://www.dcielts.com/exercises/task1/trend1.htm



The language I am going to suggest may seem very basic. It does, however, allow you to

say the same thing in up to 6 different ways.That’s good.

Tip: if you find yourself repeating a word, try changing the form of it from a verb to a

noun

You should also note that, even with this basic language, there are a variety of grammar

problems that cause many candidates problems. That’s bad.

Up variations

Down variations



Up and down

Sometimes you need to describe a graph that goes up and then down. Here we have

fewer options.

No change

Top

Preposition problem 1 – by and to

Prepositions are horrid in English. Have another look at the graph:



Note how these two

sentences mean exactly the same:

The rate of unemployment rose to 12% in 2010.

The rate of unemployment rose by 5% in 2010.

Preposition problem 2 – in and of

This one is harder. We use “in” to describe changes in things and “of” to describe

changes in number or amount. For example,

There was a rise in the rate of unemployment

There was a rise of 5% in the rate of unemployment.

The following words and phrases will help you describe trends:

Nouns

a rise

an increase

a surge

a growth

a peak

a fluctuation

a variation

a period of stability

a plateau

a fall

a decrease

a decline



a dip

Verbs

to rise

to increase

to surge

to grow

to peak

to skyrocket

to fluctuate

to vary

to fall

to decrease

to decline

to dip

to dive

to plunge

Phrases

to show an upward trend

to show a downward trend

to hit the highest point

to hit the lowest point

to reach a peak

to show some fluctuation

to fluctuate wildly

to remain stable

to remain static

to remain unchanged

to stay constant

to reach a plateau

to level off

to flatten out

the highest

the lowest

the second highest

the third highest

compared to

compared with

relative to

Adverbs

sharply

suddenly

rapidly

abruptly

dramatically

significantly

steadily

considerably



markedly

slightly

gently

gradually

wildly

Adjectives

sharp

sudden

rapid

abrupt

dramatic

steep

significant

steady

considerable

marked

slight

gentle

gradual

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Table Exercise (Part 1)

January 3, 2012 Leave a comment

Tables are probably one of the most difficult tasks you can be given for IELTS Writing

Task 1.This sample paper will walk you through the stages involved in analysing a table.

As usual we will follow the three paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the question and identify main trends.

Paragraphs 2 and 3: Describe and compare other trends from the table.

The table below shows how the percentage of British adults who use the

Internet changed

over a five year period. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the

information shown below.

Percentage of adults in Great Britain who have used the Internet for 3 months

before being interviewed.

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/#respond

http://ielts-writing.org/ielts-writing-task-1/




Step 1: Paraphrasing the question

Here are two opening sentences. Which one do you think is best?

The table shows how the percentage of British adults who used the Internet

changed over a five year period.

The table shows how the Internet usage habits of UK adults in different age

groups changed between 2000 and 2005.

Step 2: State which trends you think are most important.

Leave them in the comments and I will give feedback.

Step 3: Choose how to organise the information.

You really have two options here: either organise it by year, or organise it by age group.

In this case, it makes sense to organise your essay by age group, as there is a clear linear

trend for each age group.

IELTS Writing Task 1 – Table Exercise (Part 1)


Tables are probably one of the most difficult tasks you can be given for IELTS Writing

Task 1.This sample paper will walk you through the stages involved in analysing a table.

As usual we will follow the three paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the question and identify main trends.

Paragraphs 2 and 3: Describe and compare other trends from the table.

The table below shows how the percentage of British adults who use the

Internet changed

over a five year period. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the

information shown below.

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/#respond





Percentage of adults in Great Britain who have used the Internet for 3 months

before being interviewed.

Step 1: Paraphrasing the question

Here are two opening sentences. Which one do you think is best?

The table shows how the percentage of British adults who used the Internet

changed over a five year period.

The table shows how the Internet usage habits of UK adults in different age

groups changed between 2000 and 2005.

Step 2: State which trends you think are most important.

Leave them in the comments and I will give feedback.

Step 3: Choose how to organise the information.

You really have two options here: either organise it by year, or organise it by age group.

In this case, it makes sense to organise your essay by age group, as there is a clear linear

trend for each age group.

I will post the full sample paper here tomorrow.

Share this:

Twitter

Facebook

Like this:

Like

Be the first to like this.

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/04/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise-part-2/

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/?share=twitter&nb=1

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/?share=facebook&nb=1

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/03/ielts-writing-task-1-table-exercise/?like=1&_wpnonce=692f676ed3



Filed under IELTS Writing Task 1 Tagged with IELTS Writing, IELTS Writing Tables,

IELTS Writing Task 1, IELTS Writing Vocabulary

IELTS Writing Vocabulary – IELTS Writing Task 1


This list of IELTS writing vocabulary should come in handy for your Writing Task 1,

particularly if you are asked to describe trends.

Let’s take a look at a line graph showing reported tetanus cases in France from 1945-

2003.

The vocabulary below is remarkably versatile and can more or less describe every trend

in the graph.

Noun/verb Adjectives Adverb

a rise sharp sharply

an increase gradual gradually

a fall considerable considerably

a decline steady steadily

a drop slight slightly

Just make sure you convert the noun to the past tense when you use it as a verb, like in

these examples:

http://ielts-writing.org/category/ielts-writing-task-1/

http://ielts-writing.org/tag/ielts-writing/

http://ielts-writing.org/tag/ielts-writing-tables/

http://ielts-writing.org/tag/ielts-writing-task-1/

http://ielts-writing.org/tag/ielts-writing-vocabulary/

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/02/ielts-writing-vocabulary-ielts-writing-task-1/

http://ielts-writing.org/2012/01/02/ielts-writing-vocabulary-ielts-writing-task-1/#respond




In 1964 there was a slight rise in the number of reported cases of tetanus.

In 1964, the number of reported cases of tetanus rose sharply.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 is basically asking us to describe trends, so first of all,

I'd like to look at some of the most common language used to describe trends.

TO INDICATE UPWARD MOVEMENT

Nouns / Verbs

a rise / to rise

an increase / to increase / to go up

a climb / to climb

a jump / to jump

TO INDICATE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Nouns / Verbs

a fall / to fall

a drop / to drop

a decline / to decline

a decrease / to decrease

TO INDICATE STABILITY AND FLUCTUATION

to level off at...

to remain stable at...

to remain steady at...

to fluctuate

to reach a peak

to hit a trough

As well as having language to describe the trend, we also need to be able to describe the

degree of difference.

DEGREE OF DIFFERENCE

Large difference



X increased rapidly / sharply / dramatically / significantly (adverbs to go with verbs).

There was a rapid / sharp / dramatic / significant increase (adjectives to go with nouns).

X decreased suddenly / abruptly / steeply (adverbs to go with verbs).

There was a sudden / abrupt / steep decrease (adjectives to go with nouns).

Small difference

X increased steadily / moderately / slightly / gradually / slowly (adverbs to go with

verbs).

There was a steady / moderate / slight / small increase (adjectives to go with nouns).

X decreased steadily / moderately / slightly / gradually / slowly (adverbs to go with

verbs).

There was a steady / moderate / slight / gradual / small decrease (adjectives to go with

nouns).

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

One of the biggest problems students tell me they have when answering Academic

IELTS Writing Task 1 is actually putting all this language together to make a coherent

response to the question.

IELTS Writing responses require a systematic approach and I usually give my students

the following two example tables so they can organise their answers well and achieve

the best IELTS score possible.

Time period / Subject of the sentence / Verb to describe change / Adverb to describe

how much change

E.g.

From January to February, sales rose dramatically.

From February to April, sales fell slightly.

From April to June, sales increased moderately.

Time period /'there' + verb 'to be' in appropriate tense to introduce the subject /

Adjective to describe the amount of change / Noun to describe change

E.g.

From January to February, there was a dramatic rise in sales.

From February to April, there was a slight fall in sales.



From April to June, there was a moderate increase in sales.

Now let's look at the individual columns in greater detail so that we can get more variety

of language in our answer. I have seen many students simply write 'a catalogue of

details' (and then it went up, then it went down, then it increased again etc) when they

answer an IELTS Writing Task 1; a variety of expressions is necessary to make your

writing more interesting and get a higher band score.

TIME PERIOD

'From January to February.....'

We could also use the following alternatives:

For one month

Over the next month

For a period of one month

During the next month

SENTENCE SUBJECT

When you describe change, it is important to be clear about what exactly is changing.

Let's say, for example, that the topic of the graph in the two tables was 'cars'. We cannot

say 'cars increased' but 'the sales of cars increased' or 'car sales increased'.

If the graph was describing the increase in cars on Sydney roads, then we would say 'the

number of cars increased' or 'car numbers increased'.

VERBS, ADVERBS, NOUNS AND ADJECTIVES

See the selection at the beginning of the post.

Keep these guidelines in mind when doing practice IELTS Writing Task 1; you'll soon

find that using a variety of language will come naturally to you and that your answer will

have a clear structure.

Here's to the best IELTS score possible!

How do I answer an IELTS writing task 1?

To analyse this, we’ll look at a line graph. Look at the following question and the graph.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast

food consumed by Australian teenagers from 1975 to 2000.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main



features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

There are three basic things you need to structure an IELTS writing task 1.

1. Introduce the graph

2. Give an overview

3. Give the detail

We’ll look at each of these in turn.

1) Introduce the Graph

You need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1

shows. To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph, making sure you put in a time frame

if there is one.

Here is an example for the above line graph:

The line graph illustrates the amount of fast food consumed by teenagers in

Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years.

You can see this says the same thing as the title, but in a different way.



2) Give an Overview

You also need to state what the main trend or trends in the graph are. Don’t give detail

such as data here – you are just looking for something that describes what is happening

overall.

One thing that stands out in this graph is that one type of fast food fell over the period,

whilst the other two increased, so this would be a good overview.

Here is an example:

Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the

amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

This covers the main changes that took place over the whole period.

You may sometimes see this overview as a conclusion. It does not matter if you put it in

the conclusion or the introduction when you do an IELTS writing task 1, but you should

provide an overview in one of these places.

3) Give the Detail

You can now give more specific detail in the body paragraphs.

When you give the detail in your body paragraphs in your IELTS writing task 1, you

must make reference to the data.

The key to organizing your body paragraphs for an IELTS writing task 1 is to group

data together where there are patterns.

To do this you need to identify any similarities and differences.

Look at the graph – what things are similar and what things are different?

As we have already identified in the overview, the consumption of fish and chips

declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten

increased.

So it is clear that pizza and hamburgers were following a similar pattern, but fish and

chips were different. On this basis, you can use these as your ‘groups’, and focus one

paragraph on fish and chip and the other one on pizza and hamburgers.

Here is an example of the first paragraph:

In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips,

being eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than pizza and hamburgers,

which were consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief

rise again from 1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined

over the 25 year timescale to finish at just under 40 times per year.



As you can see, the focus is on fish and chips. This does not mean you should not

mention the other two foods, as you should still make comparisons of the data as the

questions asks.

The second body then focuses on the other foods:

In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher

levels. Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of

fish and chips in 1990. It then leveled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was

seen in hamburgers, increasing sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s,

exceeding fish and chips consumption in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish

and chips began, with consumption at 100 times a year.

IELTS ACADEMIC TASK ONE

===============================

IELTS ACADEMIC TASK ONE PIE CHART SAMPLE

===============================




Revenue Sources and Expenditures of a USA Charity in one year.

The pie chart shows the amount of money that a children's charity located in the USA

spent and received in one year.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make

comparisons where relevant.


Model Answer

The pie charts show the amount of revenue and expenditures over a year of a children’s

charity in the USA. Overall, it can be seen that donated food accounted for the majority

of the income, while program services accounted for the most expenditure. Total

revenue sources just exceeded outgoings.

In detail, donated food provided most of the revenue for the charity, at 86%. Similarly,

with regard to expenditures, one category, program services, accounted for nearly all of

the outgoings, at 95.8%.

The other categories were much smaller. Community contributions, which were the

second largest revenue source, brought in 10.4% of overall income, and this was

followed by program revenue, at 2.2%. Investment income, government grants, and



other income were very small sources of revenue, accounting for only 0.8% combined.

There were only two other expenditure items, fundraising and management and general,

accounting for 2.6% and 1.6% respectively. The total amount of income was

$53,561,580, which was just enough to cover the expenditures of $53,224,896.

How to describe academic task 1 graphs

There are three basic things you need to structure an IELTS writing task 1.

Introduce the graph

Give an overview

Give the detail

We’ll look at each of these in turn.

1) Introduce the Graph

You need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1

shows. To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph, making sure you put in a time frame

if there is one.

Here is an example for the above line graph:

The line graph illustrates the amount of fast food consumed by teenagers in Australia

between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years.

You can see this says the same thing as the title, but in a different way.



2) Give an Overview

You also need to state what the main trend or trends in the graph are. Don’t give detail

such as data here – you are just looking for something that describes what is happening

overall.

One thing that stands out in this graph is that one type of fast food fell over the period,

whilst the other two increased, so this would be a good overview.

Here is an example:

Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount

of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

This covers the main changes that took place over the whole period.

You may sometimes see this overview as a conclusion. It does not matter if you put it in

the conclusion or the introduction when you do an IELTS writing task 1, but you should

provide an overview in one of these places.

3) Give the Detail

You can now give more specific detail in the body paragraphs.

When you give the detail in your body paragraphs in your IELTS writing task 1, you

must make reference to the data.

The key to organizing your body paragraphs for an IELTS writing task 1 is to group data

together where there are patterns.

To do this you need to identify any similarities and differences.

Look at the graph – what things are similar and what things are different?

As we have already identified in the overview, the consumption of fish and chips


increased.

So it is clear that pizza and hamburgers were following a similar pattern, but fish and

chips were different. On this basis, you can use these as your ‘groups’, and focus one

paragraph on fish and chip and the other one on pizza and hamburgers.

Here is an example of the first paragraph:



In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being

eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than pizza and hamburgers, which were

consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from

1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year

timescale to finish at just under 40 times per year.

As you can see, the focus is on fish and chips. This does not mean you should not

mention the other two foods, as you should still make comparisons of the data as the

questions asks.

The second body then focuses on the other foods:

In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels.

Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and

chips in 1990. It then leveled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was seen in

hamburgers, increasing sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding fish and

chips consumption in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with

consumption at 100 times a year.

Full Model Answer:

fast food ielts writing task 1

The line graph illustrates the amount of fast food consumed by teenagers in Australia

between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years. Overall, the consumption of fish and chips


increased.

In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being

eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than Pizza and hamburgers, which were

consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from

1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year

timescale to finish at just under 40 times per year.

In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels.

Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and

chips in 1990. It then leveled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was seen in

hamburgers, increasing sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding fish and

chips consumption in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with

consumption at 100 times a year.



IELTS Process Model Answer

The diagram illustrates the way in which bricks are made for the building industry.

Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and

culminating in delivery.

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger.

This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller

pieces. A roller assists in this process.

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is turned into

bricks by either placing it into a mold or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are

placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours.

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. A kiln

heats them at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c),

followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed

and delivered to their destinations.

Words 173



You are advised to spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows annual water usage (in millions of cubic meters) by industries in

Some country. Write a report for a university tutor describing the information shown.

You should write at least 150 words.

SAMPLE :

The bar graph describes the water usage for every year in Some country in millions of

cubic meters.

The water usages are shown in two trends, ground water and public supply. Fuel and

textiles are the ones that uses the least water, 10 of public supply and 70 and 80 of

ground water. Machinery are just the opposite of these two and has 10 of ground water

and 100 of public supply

Food/drinks, metal, paper and chemicals are all over 100 of ground water where

chemicals peaks at dramatically 430. The highest number of water usage of public

supplies also belongs to chemicals (240). Next on the list is food/drinks with 190, the

others are under 100.

Overall, the chemical industry uses a lot more water then the rest of the industries in

terms of both ground water and public supplies, and in general most industries use

ground water by far more than public supplies.



IELTS Academic Writing Task 1(Process describing)

you should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows how a central heating system in a house works.

Summaries the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make



IELTS

model answer:



This diagram provides an overview of a domestic central heating system. It shows how

the tank, boiler and pipes ensure a constant flow of hot water to both the radiators and

the taps.

The cold water enters the house and is stored in a water storage tank in the roof. From

there ü flows down to the boiler, located on the ground floor of the house.

The boiler, which is fuelled by gas or oil, heats up the water as it passes through it. The

hot water is then pumped round the house through a system of pipes and flows into the

radiators, located in different rooms. The water circulates through the radiators, which

have small tubes inside them to help distribute the heat, and this warms each of the

rooms. Some of the water is directed to the taps to provide hot water for the house.

Once the water has been through the pipes and radiators, it is returned to the boiler to be

re-heated and circulated round the house again.

Introduction: First sentence. Overview: Second sentence.

Key features: Entry of cold water into boiler; circulation of hot waterto radiators and

taps; return of waterto boiler.

Supporting information: direction of flow; types of boiler; location of radiators; radiator

tubes

Paragraph breaks: The paragraph breaks mark stages in the process.

Linkers: and, from there, then, once, again Reference words: it, both, there, which, this

Topic vocabulary: enters, stored, roof, flows, ground floor, located, passes, pumped,

system, circulates, heat, directed, returned, re-heated

Less common vocabulary: ensure, fuelled by, heats up, distribute the heat, warms

Structures: An appropriate mix of active and passive structures and a range of sentence

types are used.

Length: 172 words




Map of Brandfield with two proposed sites for a shopping mall

Below is a map of the city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new

shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed.




Model Answer

The map illustrates plans for two possible sites for a shopping mall in the city of

Brandfield. It can be seen that the two sites under consideration are in the north and the

south east of the town.

The first possible site for the shopping mall, S1, is just north of the city centre, above the

railway line, which runs from the south east of the city to the north west. If it is build

here, it will be next to a large housing estate, thus providing easy access for those living

on the estate and in the city centre.

The site in the south east, S2, is again just by the railway line and fairly close to the city

centre, but it is near to an industrial estate rather than housing.

There is a main road that runs through the city and is close to both sites, thus providing

good road access to either location. A large golf course and park in the west of the town

prevents this area from being available as a site.

177 words



IELTS Sample Bar Chart


The chart shows components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.




Gross Domestic Product in the UK

Bar Chart Model Answer

The bar chart illustrates the gross domestic product generated from the IT and Service

Industry in the UK from 1992 to 2000. It is measured in percentages. Overall, it can be

seen that both increased as a percentage of GDP, but IT remained at a higher rate

throughout this time.

At the beginning of the period, in 1992, the Service Industry accounted for 4 per cent of

GDP, whereas IT exceeded this, at just over 6 per cent. Over the next four years, the

levels became more similar, with both components standing between 6 and just over 8

per cent. IT was still higher overall.

However, over the following four years, the patterns of the two components were

noticeably different. The percentage of GDP from IT increased quite sharply to 12 in



1996 and then nearly 15 in 2000 , while the Service Industry stayed nearly the same,

increasing to only 8 per cent.

At the end of the period, the percentage of GDP from IT was almost twice that of the

Service Industry. (Words 174)

The map below shows three proposed sites for a new hypermarket (A, B and C) in the

city of Pellington.


IELTSExpert

Mohammad Alam

The map shows the growth of a village called Chorleywood between 1868 and 1994.

It is clear that the village grew as the transport infrastructure was improved. Four periods



of development are shown on the map, and each of the populated areas is near to the

main roads, the railway or the motorway.

From 1868 to 1883, Chorleywood covered a small area next to one of the main roads.

Chorleywood Park and Golf Course is now located next to this original village area. The

village grew along the main road to the south between 1883 and 1922, and in 1909 a

railway line was built crossing this area from west to east. Chorleywood station is in this

part of the village.

The expansion of Chorleywood continued to the east and west alongside the railway line

until 1970. At that time, a motorway was built to the east of the village, and from 1970

to 1994, further development of the village took place around motorway intersections

with the railway and one of the main roads.

IELTSExpert

Mohammad Alam

==============================

IELTS ACADEMIC TASK 1 (MAP DESCRIBING)

==============================

(From Cambridge book 5)

The map shows two potential locations (S1 and S2) for a new supermarket in a town



called Garlsdon.

The main difference between the two sites is that S1 is outside the town, whereas S2 is

in the town centre. The sites can also be compared in terms of access by road or rail, and

their positions relative to three smaller towns.

Looking at the information in more detail, S1 is in the countryside to the north west of

Garlsdon, but it is close to the residential area of the town. S2 is also close to the housing

area, which surrounds the town centre.

There are main roads from Hindon, Bransdon and Cransdon to Garlsdon town centre,

but this is a no traffic zone, so there would be no access to S2 by car. By contrast, S1 lies

on the main road to Hindon, but it would be more difficult to reach from Bransdon and

Cransdon. Both supermarket sites are close to the railway that runs through Garlsdon

from Hindon to Cransdon.

IELTSExpert

Mohammad Alam

Below is a map of the city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new

shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed.






Map of Brandfield with two proposed sites for a shopping mall

The map illustrates plans for two possible sites for a shopping mall in the city of

Brandfield. It can be seen that the two sites under consideration are in the north and the

south east of the town.

The first possible site for the shopping mall, S1, is just north of the city centre, above the

railway line, which runs from the south east of the city to the north west. If it is built

here, it will be next to a large housing estate, thus providing easy access for those living

on the estate and in the city centre.

The site in the south east, S2, is again just by the railway line and fairly close to the city

centre, but it is near to an industrial estate rather than housing.

There is a main road that runs through the city and is close to both sites, thus providing

good road access to either location. A large golf course and park in the west of the town

prevents this area from being available as a site.

WRITING TASK 1


The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology

collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather in order to produce

reliable forecasts.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown

below.




Model Answer 1

The figure shows the process which is used to collect up-to-the-minute information on

the weather by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

There are four stages in the process. Firstly, information is collected through various

channels including satellite, radar and drifting buoy. The data then goes through the

analysis and forecasting stage. Next, in the stage of preparing the broadcast, all the

analysis and information from various sources in the second stage will be collected and

processed by computers. Finally, it is broadcasted to different media such as television

and radio.

Looking at the second stage, there are three different ways to present the data collected

from satellite, radar and drift buoy. Satellite photos are created by satellite stations.

Radar screens and synoptic charts are created by radar stations and drift buoys

respectively. The information collected by radar stations can also come from satellites

and drift buoys can receive information from both satellites and radar stations.

Model Answer 2

This diagram shows that how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects information

on the weather for producing reliable forecasts. Before broadcasting any news or



information, there are some steps to prepare information for example the weather report.

First of all, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology should gather some information via

many ways or devices like satellite, radar, drifting buoy.

After gathering information, there is another step that is Analysis and forecasting. In this

step, they should analyse

the information in some ways, they might use satellite photo, radar screen or synoptic

chart for analyzing.

Next, they should prepare the broadcast with computers. So computers and maybe

Internet would play a very important role in this process. They can edit and format news

and publish it as well.

Then, news, the weather reports and etc can be broadcasted by T.V newsreader, radio,

sometimes recorded announcement.

In a word, this is the steps for preparing up-to-the-minute information on the weather in

order to produce reliable forecasts.

In June 1996, an experimental flu vaccine was trialled in a large country town on

females only.

Write a report for a university tutor describing the information shown in the

diagrams below.




The diagrams show data for a flu epidemic which hit a large country town in 1996.

Figure 1 gives the number of persons who died; Figure 2 shows the percentage

breakdown of females who received a new flu vaccine; and Figure 3 gives the number of

cases of flu before and during the epidemic.

In Figure 1 it can be seen that the flu was responsible for the deaths of 2 females but no

males in the period from March to May. However, from June to August, there were 4

female deaths and 1 male death.

According to the pie chart in Figure 2, only those females most at risk were given the

new flu vaccine; 28% did not take part in the trial. Of those females who took part, 35%

were aged (over 65 years old); 24% were babies or children; and 13% were either

hospitalised or receiving other medical attention.

From Figure 3 it is clear that the new vaccine had a positive effect on the number of new

cases of flu reported in females. There were just over 1000 cases reported in March,

climbing rapidly to a peak of 3500 in June. Thereafter, the number of cases dropped

slowly to about 2800 in August, before levelling off at 2500 for the rest of the year. For

males, the figures were lower but showed a similar trend throughout the epidemic.



IELTS Writing Task 1: describing details

Last week I wrote a lesson about summarising the information on a graph. After your

summary, you then need to describe specific details. It's important to include numbers

and make some comparisons.

Try to write 2 paragraphs describing details. It looks more organised if you divide the

information into 2 parts.

For line graphs, I always use the following approach:

1st detail paragraph: compare the numbers for the first year (e.g. 1951), then describe the

changes up to a key point on the graph (e.g. peak numbers in 1971).

2nd detail paragraph: explain the general trend for each line after the key point (1971),

then compare the numbers for the last year shown (2009

At the beginning of the period (1951)there was a total of 400.000 marriages. This was

greater than first marriages and remarriages by less than one fold for the former and

almost threefold from the latter . The gap between all marriages and first marriages

became wider during the period and almost two times bigger in size than the gap which

was at the first year of the survey, whereas the size of the gap between all marriages and

remarriages decreased to third

The trend of first marriages indicates a substantial rise in the total marriages with almost

500,000 in 1971 before it dramatically declined all the way to 2009. This pattern of this

trend is mirrored by first marriages category trend. Regarding remarriages , there was a

slight decline at the first 2 decades then it increased slightly in 1971 to continue at the

same level till the end of the period(2009) with some fluctuation accounting less than

100,000 marriages.

IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Double Line Graph (Website Traffic Comparisons)

Monday, July 4, 2011

he graph below compares the number of visits to two new music sites on the web.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below. You should write at least 150 words.

http://ielts-pr.blogspot.com/2011/07/ielts-writing-task-1-double-line-graph.html

http://ielts-pr.blogspot.com/2011/07/ielts-writing-task-1-double-line-graph.html



Model answer:

The graph shows people using new music places on the Internet in fifteen days period of

time namely personal choice and trendy pop music.

The overall trend shows fluctuation with slight Increased towards the end of the period.

Starting with Music Choice websites; 40,000 people went on this new site on first-day.

Half of them backed out the next day. In Contrast to this Pop Parade net sites were

visited by 120,000 music lovers on day one which decreased slightly on the next day

thereafter regaining the same fame on 3rd day.

After 3rd day the enthusiasm for both music lines on Internet dropped slowly- reaching

maximum fall of 40,000 on 7th day. Whereas Music choice gained popularity, slightly

improving to get the original strength of 30,000 viewers on screen, but was getting still

less visitors than their opponent Pop group i.e. 40,000 on day 7.

In the beginning of the next week both gained remarkable recovery after a few

fluctuations for 8th and 9th day having 40,000 and 50,000 visitors respectively, reaching

to their peaks of one and a half thousand new viewers for Pop Parade on 11th day

showing a contrast of very few people visiting Music choice for the same day.

Thereafter Music choice gained popularity on 12th day for having more than 120,000

new visitors on web.

In the end of the period Pop sites were visited by maximum viewers of 180,000 whereas

sites located to Music choice were not explored by more than 80,000 explorers on the

last day of the report.

The chart below shows the amount spent on six consumer goods in four European

countries.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.





model answer:

The chart shows that Britain, among the four European countries listed, has spent most

heavily on the range of consumer goods included. In every case, British spending is

considerably higher than that of other countries; only in the case of tennis racquets does

another country, Italy, come close.

In contrast, Germany is generally the lowest spender. This Is most evident in

photographic film, where Germany spends much less than Britain. Germany only spends

more than another country, France, in two cases; tennis racquets and perfumes.

Meanwhile, France and Italy generally maintain middle positions, averaging

approximately similar spending overall. Specifically, France spends more on CDs and

photographic film but less on tennis racquets than Italy does. Italy’s spending on

personal stereos is only marginally greater than that of France, while spending on toys is

equal between the two.



It is clear from the data given that there are some significant differences in spending

habits within Europe.

The charts below show the number of Japanese tourists travelling abroad between

1985 and 1995 and Australia’s share of the Japanese tourist market.






model answer:

This chart shows us that Japanese tourists go abroad for travelling in a decade and

Australians share of marketing for Japanese tourists. Between 1985 and 1995 Japanese

tourists travelling abroad was dramatically increased. In 85 there was about 5 millions

traveller go abroad. Since 85 number of traveller went up dramatically until 40. It was

almost twice then between 90 and 93 the number remain state able, which is about 12

millions. From 93 to 95 it rose slightly. Therefore in 1995 there were about 15 millions

people went abroad.

I am going to write about the other chart, which is Australians share of Japaneses tourist

market. This is also between 1985 and 1995. About 2 million Japanese tourist went to

Australia in 1985. Between 85 and 89 people went there is increased sharply, which is

almost 3 times more. In 1990 it fall number slightly but from 90 to 94 number is went

up. However 94 to 95 is not so went up number of people who went to Australia. It

remain is the same or slightly decreased.

Comment:

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 5 score. Here is the

examiners comment:

The writer does what is required of her in terms of task fulfillment, and the message can

be followed, but the weaknesses in grammatical control and in spelling cause difficulty

for the reader. Complex sentence structures are attempted, but the greatest levels of

accuracy are found in basic, simple structures.



The chart below shows the amount of money per week spent on fast foods in

Britain. The graph shows the trends in consumption of fast foods.




model answer:



The chart shows that high income earners consumed considerably more fast foods than

the other income groups, spending more than twice as much on hamburgers (43 pence

per person per week) than on fish and chips or pizza (both under 20 pence). Average

income earners also favoured hamburgers, spending 33 pence per person per week,

followed by fish and chips at 24 pence, then pizza at 11 pence. Low income earners

appear to spend less than other income groups on fast foods, though fish and chips

remains their most popular fast food, followed by hamburgers and then pizza.

From the graph we can see that in 1970, fish and chips were twice as popular as burgers,

pizza being at that time the least popular fast food. The consumption of hamburgers and

pizza has risen steadily over the 20 year period to 1990 while the consumption of fish

and chips has been in decline over that same period with a slight increase in popularity

since 1985.

Write a report describing the information in the graph below.



model answer:

The line graph shows estimated sales of gold in Dubai for 12 months in 2002 in millions

of dirhams. There were two main seasons for gold sales.

The main season for sales is in the December to May period. Sales were consistently

above 200 million dirhams per month, rising sharply to a peak of 350 million dirhams in

March. However, for the next four months, sales declined steadily, reaching an annual

low of 120 million dirhams in July.



In August, there was a sudden increase. Sales almost doubled, rising from 120 million

dirhams in July to 210 million dirhams in August. This was followed by a drop in

September, back to the July figure.

From September to October, sales recovered, from 120 to 180 million. In October and

November, sales remained steady, and there was a small increase in December to 190

million dirhams.

In conclusion, the main sales period is in the early part of the year, slumping in the

summer, except for a sudden increase in August.




model answer:

The chart shows striking changes in the fertility rate of women in six Gulf countries –

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain between 1990 and 2000.

In the ten year period, there was a decline in the number of births per woman in all

countries. The biggest declines were in two countries which had low fertility rates at the

start of the decade, Bahrain and the UAE.

Fertility rates vary greatly between the six countries. Oman and Saudi Arabia had the

highest rates, with over seven births per woman in 1990. This compared with around 4

births per woman in Bahrain and the UAE, and just 3.75 in Kuwait



By 2000, the rate had fallen below three births per woman in Kuwait, Bahrain and the

UAE, with a drop of over 25% in a decade in the UAE. However, in Saudi Arabia and

Oman, the rates fell by just 20%, from 7.0 to 5.5.

In summary, there were major decreases in birth rates in all countries, but some

countries in the region have double the fertility rate of others.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.





model answer:

The pie charts show changes in American spending patterns between 1966 and 1996.

Food and cars made up the two biggest items of expenditure in both years. Together they

comprised over half of household spending. Food accounted for 44% of spending in

1966, but this dropped by two thirds to 14% in 1996. However, the outlay on cars

doubled, rising from 23% in 1966 to 45% in 1996.

Other areas changed significantly. Spending on eating out doubled, climbing from 7% to

14%. The proportion of salary spent on computers increased dramatically, up from 1%

in 1996 to 10% in 1996. However, as computer expenditure rose, the percentage of

outlay on books plunged from 6% to 1%.

Some areas remained relatively unchanged. Americans spent approximately the same

amount of salary on petrol and furniture in both years.

In conclusion, increased amounts spent on cars, computers, and eating out were made up

for by drops in expenditure on food and books.




model answer:



The chart shows striking differences in the level of computer and Internet penetration in

the Arab world.

The UAE and Kuwait are by far the most computerized countries, with Lebanon a

distant third. The UAE has over 150 computers for every 1000 inhabitants, compared to

Kuwait's 130 and Lebanon's 60. In contrast, countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Syria

have less than 20 computers per 1000 inhabitants.

There are also great differences in Internet use and availability. The UAE has by far the

highest proportion of users, with more than one-third of its population using the Internet.

Kuwait and Lebanon are second and third again, with 100 users per thousand in Kuwait

and 80 in Lebanon. In some countries the number using the Internet is negligible: Saudi

Arabia has less than 20 users per thousand, and there are fewer than 5 users per thousand

in Syria.

One unusual feature of the graph is that Internet use does not seem to be directly related

to the number of computers. In several countries (the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and Oman),

there are more Internet users per thousand people than computers. However, in other

countries, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Syria, the number of Internet users is lower

than the number of computers.

In summary, there are major differences between computer use and Internet use in the

Arab world, but the UAE clearly leads the area in both number of computers and number

of internet users per capita.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information in the table

below.




Allow yourself 20 minutes for this task.

model answer:

The table shows how people in different age groups spend their leisure time in Some

land over the course of a year. It can be clearly seen that the amount of leisure time

available varies considerably across the age groups and that people of different age

levels have very different ways of spending their leisure time.

According to the figures, as people age in Some land their social lives reduce. Teenagers

and people in their twenties spend on average 500 hours per year on socializing and 350

hours of that time is with a group of more than 4 people. Although the total hours of

socializing in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s is fairly constant (between 300-350),

socializing with more than 4 people drops dramatically to 50 hours in the 30s and 40s

age groups and only 25 from 50 years old. Group and individual exercise follow a

similar pattern.

People of all ages spend a good part of their leisure time on entertainment such as

TV/video viewing and cinema. In both cases, teenagers and retired people spend around

twice as much time as those who are at working age. Home entertainment ranges from

just over a thousand hours for teenagers and retired people and an average of 600 hours

for everyone else. Cinema accounts for 100 hours of the teenagers and retired people’s

leisure time and 25-50 hours for the rest.

In conclusion we can see there is a significant trend towards solitary and smaller group

activities as people grow older and that teenagers and retired people spend a lot more

time on entertainment than those of working age do.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information in the two

graphs below.





model answer:

The pie charts compare the highest level of education achieved by women in Some land

across two years, 1945 and 1995. It can be clearly seen that women received a much

higher level of education in Some land in 1995 than they did in 1945.

In 1945 only 30% of women completed their secondary education and 1% went on to a

first degree. No women had completed post-graduate studies. This situation had changed

radically by 1995. In 1995, 90% of women in Some land had completed secondary

education and of those, half had graduated from an initial degree and 20% had gone on

to postgraduate studies. At the other end of the scale we can see that by 1995 all girls



were completing lower secondary, although 10% ended their schooling at this point.

This is in stark contrast with 1945 when only 30% of girls completed primary school,

35% had no schooling at all and 35% only completed the third grade.

In conclusion, we can see that in the 50 years from 1945 to 1995 there have been huge

positive developments to the education levels of women in Some land.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information in the graphs

below.





model answer:

The graphs compare the number of deaths caused by six diseases in Some land in 1990

with the amount of research funding allocated to each of those diseases. It can be clearly

seen that the amount of research funding in many cases did not correlate with the

seriousness of the disease in terms of numbers of deaths.

In 1990 there were around 0.2 million deaths from AIDS, 0.1 million deaths from

leprosy, 0.3 million deaths from tropical diseases, 0.5 million deaths from diarrhea, 0.4

million deaths from malaria and 1.8 million deaths from TB. These figures can be

contrasted with the amount of funding allocated for each disease. In 1990 AIDS received

180 million dollars in research funding, leprosy 80 million dollars in research funding,

tropical diseases 79 million dollars in research funding, diarrhea 60 million dollars in

research funding, malaria 50 million dollars and TB 20 million dollars in research

funding.

In conclusion it is clear that funding allocation for disease research in Some land is not

wholly determined by the number of deaths for which each disease is responsible in a

given year.

The chart below shows the amount of leisure time enjoyed by men and women of

different employment status.




model answer:



The chart shows the number of hours of leisure enjoyed by men and women in a typical

week in 1998-9, according to gender and employment status.

Among those employed full-time, men on average had fifty hours of leisure, whereas

women had approximately thirty-seven hours. There were no figures given for male

part-time workers, but female part-timers had forty hours of leisure time, only slightly

more than women in full-time employment, perhaps reflecting their work in the home.

In the unemployed and retired categories, leisure time showed an increase for both

sexes, as might have been expected. Here too, men enjoyed more leisure time over

eighty hours, compared with seventy hours for women, perhaps once again reflecting the

fact that women spend more time working in the home than men.

Lastly, housewives enjoyed approximately fifty-four hours of leisure, on average. There

were no figures given for househusbands! Overall, the chart demonstrates that in the

categories for which statistics on male leisure time were available, men enjoyed at least

ten hours of extra leisure time.


The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the

building industry.






IELTS Process Model Answer

The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the building industry.

Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and

culminating in delivery.

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger.

This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller

pieces. A roller assists in this process.

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is turned into

bricks by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are

placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours.

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They are

heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c),

followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed

and delivered to their destinations.



The chart below shows the sleep patterns of people in five different occupations

according to a Canadian study.

Write a report for a university lecturer, describing the information below.

Give possible reasons for the differences.



asleep: awake:

Occupation Student Truck Driver Full-time

mother

Business

Executive Doctor

6-7 pm

7-8 pm

8-9 pm

9-10 pm

10-11 pm

11-12 pm

12-1 am

1-2 am

2-3 am

3-4 am

4-5 am

5-6 am

6-7 am

7-8 am

8-9 am

9-10 am

10-11 am

11-12 am

12-1 pm

1-2 pm

2-3 pm

3-4 pm

4-5 pm

5-6 pm

model answer:



Differences in sleep patterns appear to reflect differences in individuals' occupations.

A Canadian study has pointed out, for example, that students typically sleep for a

consecutive 8-hour period each night, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. This may be because the

central activity in their lives, study, takes place in normal daylight hours. Similarly,

business executives sleep consecutive hours, but perhaps because their jobs are

especially busy and stressful they sleep for 6 hours on average, getting up around 5 a.m..

By contrast, truck drivers, probably because of their need to keep their trucks on the road

over long periods, tend to sleep in two 3-hour blocks: one between 7 and 10 a.m. and

another from 4 to 7 p.m. Another occupation associated with broken sleep schedules is

that of doctors. They tend to retire to bed around 1 a.m. and start their day at 7 a.m.., but

may be woken up to deal with emergencies in the middle of the night. Finally, full-time

mothers, especially those with young children, tend to sleep when their babies do.

Typically, they will sleep from 10 p.m. and be awoken at 1 a.m. to comfort their babies

for a couple of hours. They then go back to bed to wake at 6 a.m., but nap for two hours

or so in the early afternoon.

Thus the influence on one's sleep pattern is worthy of consideration when choosing an

occupation.

The diagram below shows the average hours of unpaid work per week done by

people in different categories. (Unpaid work refers to such activities as childcare in

the home, housework and gardening.)

Describe the information presented below, comparing results for men and women

in the categories shown. Suggest reasons for what you see.





model answer:

The diagram reveals that the number of hours per week spent in unpaid work is

unequally distributed between men and women.

In households where there are no children, women are reported to work some 30 hours

per week in such tasks as housework and gardening. Men's contribution to these unpaid

jobs averages a considerably lower 18 hours.

When children enter the household, however, the inequality becomes even more

pronounced. In families of 1 - 2 children, men maintain approximately the same number

of hours of unpaid work as in childless households, but the number of hours women

work in the home rises to 52 per week, much of it, on doubt, due to childcare

responsibilities.

Interestingly, when there are three or more children in the household, men are found to

work even fewer hours around the house than before the appearance of the third child.

Whereas women's unpaid hours rise to approximately 56 per week, the corresponding

figure for men, 16, actually represents a decrease.

The data suggest that the increased presence of women in the paid work force has yet to

lead to an increased role for men in the home.

The table below shows social and economic indicators for four countries in 1994,

according to United Nations statistics.

Describe the information shown below in your own words. What implications do

the indicators have for the countries?





Indicators Canada Japan Peru Zaire

Annual income per person (in $US) 11100 15760 160 130

Life expectancy at birth 76 78 51 47

Daily calorie supply per person 3326 2846 1927 1749

Adult literacy rate (%) 99 99 68 34

model answer:

A glance at four indicators of economic and social conditions in four countries, Canada,

Japan, Peru and Zaire, in 1994 reflects the great differences that exist between wealthier

and poorer nations.

The table shows that Japan and Canada had annual incomes of $15 760 and $11 100 per

person, respectively. These figures were overwhelmingly greater than the corresponding

figures of $160 in Peru and $130 in Zaire.

Health indicators, too, reflected overall levels of affluence in the four nations. Life

expectancy at birth, for example, was higher among the more economically developed

countries. Japan reported the highest life expectancy, 78. This was followed by Canada,

76; Peru, 51; and Zaire, 47; This suggests that richer societies are able to put more

money into health care than poorer ones.

The amount of calories consumed daily per person roughly followed the same ranking.

Canadians each consumed some 3 326 calories per day while the Japanese took 2846

calories. The corresponding figures for Peru and Zaire were 1927 and 1749,

respectively.

Literacy rates among adults, too, were higher in wealthier countries, no doubt a

reflection of ability to invest in education. Canada and Japan both reported literacy rates

of 99%, while Peru claimed 68%. Zaire, the least economically developed of the four

countries, had a literacy rate of 34%.

The data appear to confirm the often cited link between national wealth and health and

education standards.



The diagram below shows the typical stages of consumer goods manufacturing,

including the process by which information is fed back to earlier stages to enable

adjustment.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the process shown.





model answer:

Most consumer goods go through a series of stages before they emerge as finished

products ready for sale.

Raw materials and manufactured components comprise the initial physical input in the

manufacturing process. Once obtained, these are stored for later assembly. But assembly

first depends upon the production planning stage, where it is decided how and in what

quantities the stored materials will be processed to create sufficient quantities of finished

goods. The production planning stage itself follows the requirements of the goods'

design stage that proceeds from extensive research. After assembly, the products are

inspected and tested to maintain quality control l Those units that pass the inspection and

testing stages are then packaged, dispatched and offered for sale in retail outlets. The

level of sales, which is the end point of the manufacturing process, helps determine



production planning.

A product's design is not only the result of product research, but is also influenced by

testing and market research. If the testing stage (after assembly and inspection) reveals

unacceptable problems in the finished product, then adjustments will have to be made to

the product's design. Similarly, market research, which examines the extent and nature

of the demand for products, has the role of guiding product design to suit consumer

demands which may change with time. Market research, while influenced by product

sales, also serves to foster future sales by devising suitable advertising for the goods.

Thus the reality of consumer goods manufacturing goes well beyond a simple linear

production process.


Eating sweet foods produces acid in the mouth, which can cause tooth decay. (High

acid levels are measured by low pH values)



Describe the information below and discuss the implications for dental health.


model answer:

Anyone who has visited a dentist has been told that eating excessive amounts of sweets

risks harming the teeth. This is because sweets lower pH levels in the mouth to

dangerous levels.

When the pH level in the mouth is kept above 5.5, acidity is such that teeth are unlikely

to be in danger of decay. Sweet foods, however, cause pH in the mouth to drop for a

time, and the longer pH levels remain below 5.5, the greater the opportunity for decay to

occur.

By comparing fruit sugar, cane sugar and honey, which are all common ingredients of

sweet foods, we find that cane sugar lowers pH levels for the longest period, thus

producing the greatest risk of the three. Approximately five minutes after consuming

cane sugar, pH levels drop to as little as pH 3.5. They then begin to rise slowly, but do

not rise above pH 5.5 until at least 30 minutes have elapsed. By contrast, fruit sugar,

which causes the mouth's acidity to fall to just above pH 4, poses a danger for a shorter

period: tooth decay is unlikely 20 minutes after consumption. Honey appears an even

less risky substance. Though acidity falls to about pH 4.75 within five minutes of

consumption, it returns to above pH 5.5 in under fifteen minutes.

The implications, then, are that people who insist on eating sweet foods should be aware

of the ingredients, and that fruit sugar or honey appear preferable to cane sugar.

(242 words)




The graphs below show the numbers of male and female workers in 1975 and 1995

in several employment sectors of the republic of Freedonia.

Write a report for a university teacher describing the information shown.


model answer:

The two decades between 1975 and 1995 brought significant changes in the

representation of women in Freedonia's work force, according to the graphs.



In 1975, for example, some 300 000 men and 250 000 women worked in the

communications sector. Twenty years later, though the number of men remained

unchanged, the number of women rose to 550 000.

A similar situation was seen in the wholesale and retail trade sector, where the number

of women rose from about 550 000 in 1975 to almost 800 000 two decades later. The

number of men in this sector remained stable over the period, at around 700 000.

Women also made gains in both the finance/banking industries and in the defence-

related public sector. Whereas some 125 000 women worked in finance and banking

institutions in 1975, the number increased to 450 000 by 1995. The number of men grew

only marginally from 425 000 to 480 000 over the same period. In defence, the number

of men declined from 225 000 to 200 000, while the number of women rose from 25 000

to over 100 000.

Two sectors that retained stable employment numbers for both men and women were

manufacturing, which had about 300 000 women and 650 000 men in both surveyed

years, and the public sector (non-defence), which employed 650 000 women and 850

000 men.

Thus, women appear to have made gains in the Freedonian work force but not at the

expense of men.

(243 words)

The graphs below show the types of music albums purchased by people in Britain

according to s3x and age.






model answer:

The three graphs provide an overview of the types of music people purchase in the UK.

At first glance we see that classical music is far less popular than pop or rock music.

While slightly more women than men buy pop music, the rock market is dominated by

men with 30% buying rock, compared to 17% of women. From the first graph we see

that interest in pop music is steady from age 16 to 44 with 20% of the population

continuing to buy pop CDs after the age of 45.

The interest in rock music reaches its peak among the 25 to 34 year olds, though it never

sells as well as pop. Interest also drops off after the age of 35 with an even sharper fall

from age 45 onwards, a pattern which is the opposite to the classical music graph.

The chart below gives information about global sales of games software, CDs and

DVD or video.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information.





model answer:

The chart shows the changes in the sales of video material / DVDs, games software and

CDs around the world in billions of dollars over a three-year period. It can be seen that

the sales of videos / DVDs and games software have increased, while the sales of CDs

have gone down slightly.

Between 2000 and 2003, the sale of videos and DVDs rose by approximately 13 billion

dollars. In 2000, just under 20 billion dollars worth of these items were sold, but in 2003,

this figure had risen to a little over 30 billion dollars.

The sales of games software also rose during this period, but less sharply. Sales

increased from about 13 billion dollars in 2000 to just under 20 billion dollars three

years later. By contrast, during the same time period, the sale of CDs fell from 35 billion

dollars in 2000 to about 32.5 billion dollars in 2003.

The chart and graph below give information about sales and share prices for Coca-

Cola.






model answer:

The pie chart shows the worldwide distribution of sales of Coca-Cola in the year 2000

and the graph shows the change in share prices between 1996 and 2001.

In the year 2000, Coca-Cola sold a total of 17.1 billion cases of their fizzy drink product

worldwide. The largest consumer was North America, where 30.4 per cent of the total

volume was purchased. The second largest consumer was Latin America. Europe and

Asia purchased 20.5 and 16.4 per cent of the total volume respectively, while Africa and

the Middle East remained fairly small consumers at 7 per cent of the total volume of

sales.

Since 1996, share prices for Coca-Cola have fluctuated. In that year, shares were valued

at approximately $35. Between 1996 and 1997, however, prices rose significantly to $70

per share. They dipped a little in mid-1997 and then peaked at $80 per share in mid-98.

From then until 2000 their value fell consistently but there was a slight rise in mid-2000.


The graph and table below give information about water use worldwide and water

consumption in two different countries.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make





Country Population Irrigated land Water consumption per person

Brazil 176 million 26,500 km² 359 m³

Democratic

Republic

of Congo

5.2 million 100 km² 8 m³

model answer:

The graph shows how the amount of water used worldwide changed between 1900 and

2000.

Throughout the century, the largest quantity of water was used for agricultural Purposes,

and this increased dramatically from about 500 km³ to around 3,000 km³ in the year

2000. Water used in the industrial and domestic sectors also increased, but consumption

was minimal until mid-century. From 1950 onwards, industrial use grew steadily to just

over 1,000 km³, while domestic use rose more slowly to only 300 km³, both far below

the levels of consumption by agriculture.

The table illustrates the differences in agriculture consumption in some areas of the

world by contrasting the amount of irrigated land in Brazil (26,500 km³) with that in the

D.R.C. (100 km²). This means that a huge amount of water is used in agriculture in

Brazil, and this is reflected in the figures for water consumption per person: 359 m³

compared with only 8 m³ in the Congo. With a population of 176 million, the figures for

Brazil indicate how high agriculture water consumption can be in some countries.

(180 words)




The graph below gives information about the preferred leisure activities of

Australian children.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown.


model answer:

The graph shows the preferred leisure activities of Australian children aged 5-14. As

might be expected, it is clear from the data that sedentary pursuits are far more popular

nowadays than active ones.

Of the 10,000 children that were interviewed, all the boys and girls stated that they

enjoyed watching TV or videos in their spare time. In addition, the second most popular

activity, attracting 80% of boys and 60% of girls, was playing electronic or computer

games. While girls rated activities such as art and craft highly – just under 60% stated

that they enjoyed these in their spare time – only 35% of boys opted for creative

pastimes. Bike riding, on the other hand, was almost as popular as electronic games

amongst boys and, perhaps surprisingly, almost 60% of girls said that they enjoyed this

too. Skateboarding was relatively less popular amongst both boys and girls, although it

still attracted 35% of boys and 25% of girls.

(157 words)


The table below provide information on rental charges and salaries in three areas

of London.





Weekly rents per property

(£/w) Salaries needed (£/year)

Area

Notting Hill

Regent's

Park

Fulham

1 bed 2 bed 3 bed

375 485 738

325 450 650

215 390 600

1 bed 2 bed 3 bed

98,500 127,500 194,000

85,500 118,000 170,500

56,500 102,500 157,500

model answer:

The table shows two sets of related information: the relative cost, in pounds, of renting a

property with one, two or three bedrooms in three different suburbs of London and an

indication of the kind of annual salary you would need to be earning to rent in these

areas.

Of the three areas mentioned, Notting Hill is the most expensive with weekly rents

starting at £375 (salary approximately f 100,000) and rising to £738 per week for a 3-

bedroom property. To afford this, you would require a salary in the region of £200,000

per annum. Alternatively, Fulham is the cheapest area shown with rents ranging from

£215 per week for a one bedroom property to £600 per week for a 3-bedroom property.

To rent in this area, salaries need to be somewhere between £85,000 and £170,000

depending on the number of bedrooms required. For those able to pay in the middle

price range for accommodation, Regent's Park might be a more suitable district.

(163 words)


The diagrams below give information about the Eiffel Tower in Paris and an

outline project to extend it underground.





model answer:

The Eiffel Tower is situated close to the Seine River in Paris. It is a metal structure that

is 1,063 feet high and weighs 7,417 tons. The tower has been a tourist attraction since

1889, when it was built, and there are 1,665 steps that can be climbed in order to reach

the two viewing platforms.

There are now plans to build below the foundations of the tower. These plans include the

development of five underground levels that will incorporate the tower's ticket office,



shopping facilities, a cinema and museum and two floors of underground parking.

Although details have yet to be finalized, the principle is that the five floors will be

connected by two vertical passenger lifts on either side of the tower. In addition, the

floor immediately below the tower, which is planned to house the ticket office, will also

consist of a large atrium with a glass ceiling so that visitors can look directly up at the

tower itself.

(162 words)


The diagram below gives the information about the Hawaiian island chain in the

centre of the Pacific Ocean.



model answer:

The Hawaiian island chain, in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, is approximately 2,700

km in length. It is formed of volcanoes and the active ones are at the south-east tip of the

archipelago, where Hawaii itself is located.

It is believed that the chain began to form nearly 80 million years ago. Each island

started to evolve after an eruption on the sea floor. First, a `hot spot' existed on the ocean

bed, which let out a plume of material called magma. This magma may originate as deep

as 2,883km below the ocean bed. Next, further eruptions took place, which built up the

volcano. Eventually, it emerged above the surface of the ocean.

Since that time, the spume of magma has remained static as the Pacific tectonic plate

moves in a north-west direction across it at a speed of 7-9cm per year. As it moves, a



volcano forms as it passes over the hotspot and then become inactive when it has passed

it.

(164 words)


The bar chart below shows the results of a survey conducted by a personnel

department at a major company. The survey was carried out on two groups of

workers: those aged from 18-30 and those aged 45-60, and shows factors affecting

their work performance.



model answer:

The bar chart indicates a survey on two different age groups on the factors contributing

to make their environment pleasant for working.

These factors are divided into external and internal factors. The internal factors are team



spirit, competent boss, respect from colleagues and job satisfaction. The external factors

are chance for personal development, job security, promotional prospects and money.

On the internal factors above 50% in both age groups agreed that team spirit, competent

boss and job satisfaction are essential to make their environment pleasant. Whereas on

the external factors, there are contrasting results. On the chance for personal

development and promotional aspects, 80% to 90% of the younger groups were in favor

while only less than 50% of the older group thought so. A similar pattern is also noted

on job security. With regards to money, 69% to 70% on both age group said it is

essential.

In conclusion, the internal factors have similar responses from the two age groups while

they had dissimilar responses on the external factors.

(170 words)


examiner's comment:

The information contained in the bar chart has been described accurately and concisely

and follows a clear progression. There is a clear introduction followed by effective

comparisons between the age groups and a valid conclusion. Good formulaic phrases

(the bar chart indicates, these factors are divided), although the candidate uses the same

language to describe the factors in the bar chart and does not attempt to rephrase them in

any way.


The graph below compares the number of visits to two new music sites on the web.





model answer 1:

The graph shows the number of hits to two new music sites on the web, measured in

thousands over a period of fifteen days. As far as Music Choice is concerned, the

number of visits to the Site fluctuated between 20,000 and 40,000 in the first eleven

days, except for Day 3 when they reached 60,000. By contrast, visits to the Pop Parade

Site fell erratically from approximately 120,000 hits on Day 1 to around 40,000 on Day

7.

Between days 11 and 15 visits to Music Choice fluctuated dramatically, hitting a peak of

over 120,000 on Day 14. Despite a drop to less than 40,000 hits, Pop Parade Saw a huge

increase in the number of hits between Days 9 and 11, reaching a total of over 150,000

hits on Day 11. At the end of the fifteen-day period the number of hits to Pop Parade

peaked at around 170,00, whereas those for Music Choice Showed a marked decline to

around 70,000.

(163 words)

model answer 2:

The graph shows people using new music places on the Internet in fifteen days period of

time namely personal choice and trendy pop music.

The overall trend shows fluctuation with slight Increased towards the end of the period.

Starting with Music Choice websites; 40,000 people went on this new site on first-day.

Half of them backed out the next day. In Contrast to this Pop Parade net sites were

visited by 120,000 music lovers on day one which decreased slightly on the next day



thereafter regaining the same fame on 3rd day.

After 3rd day the enthusiasm for both music lines on Internet dropped slowly- reaching

maximum fall of 40,000 on 7th day. Whereas Music choice gained popularity, slightly

Improving to get the original strength of 30,000 viewers on screen, but was getting still

less visitors than their opponent Pop group i.e. 40,000 on day 7.

In the beginning of the next week both gained remarkable recovery after a few

fluctuations for 8th and 9th day having 40,000 and 50,000 visitors respectively, reaching

to their peaks of one and a half thousand new viewers for Pop Parade on 11th day

showing a contrast of very few people visiting Music choice for the same day.

Thereafter Music choice gained popularity on 12th day for having more than 120,000

new visitors on web.

In the end of the period Pop sites were visited by maximum viewers of 180,000 whereas

sites located to Music choice were not explored by more than 80,000 explorers on the

last day of the report.

(257 words)


The table below shows the proportion of different categories of families living in

poverty in Australia in 1999.




Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own

knowledge or experience.

Family type Proportion of people from each

household type living in poverty

single aged person

aged couple

single, no children

couple, no

children

sole parent

couple with

children

6% (54,000)

4% (48,000)

19% (359,000)

7% (211,000)

21% (232,000)

12% (933,000)

11% (1,837,000)



all households

model answer:

The table gives a breakdown of the different type of family who were living in poverty

in Australia in 1999.

On average, 11% of all households, comprising almost two million people, were in this

position. However, those consisting of only one parent or a single adult had almost doubt

this proportion of poor people, with 21% and 19% respectively.

Couples generally tended to be better off, with lower poverty levels for couples without

children (7%) than those with children (12%). It is noticeable that for both types of

household with children, a higher than average proportion were living in poverty at this

time.

Older people were generally less likely to be poor, though once again the trend favoured

elderly couples (only 4%) rather than single elderly people (6%).

Overall the table suggests that households of single adults and those with children were

more likely to be living in poverty than those consisting of couples.

(154 words)


The take below gives information about the underground railway systems in six

cities.






Underground Railways Systems

City Date opened Kilometres of

route

Passengers per year

(in millions)

London 1863 394 775

Paris 1900 199 1191

Tokyo 1927 155 1927

Washington DC 1976 126 144

Kyoto 1981 11 45

Los Angeles 2001 28 50

model answer:

The table shows the details regarding the underground railway systems in six cities.

London has the oldest underground railway systems among the six cities. It was opened

in the year 1863, and it is already lye years old. Paris is the second oldest, in which it

was opened in the year 1900. This was then followed by the opening of the railway

systems in Tokyo, Washington DC and Kyoto. Los Angeles has the newest underground

railway system, and was only opened in the year 2001. In terms of the size of the railway

systems, London, For certain, has the largest underground railway systems. It has 394

kilometres of route in total, which is nearly twice as large as the system in Paris. Kyoto,

in contrast, has the smallest system. It only has 11 kilometres of route, which is more

than 30 times less than that of London.

Interestingly, Tokyo, which only has 155 kilometres of route, serves the greatest number

of passengers per year, at 1927 millions passengers. The system in Paris has the second

greatest number of passengers, at 1191 millions passengers per year. The smallest

underground railway system, Kyoto, serves the smallest number of passengers per year

as predicted.

In conclusion, the underground railway systems in different cities vary a lot in the site of

the system, the number of passengers served per year and in the age of the system.

(233 words)


examiner's comment:

This answer selects and describes the information well. Key features are clearly

identified, while unexpected differences are highlighted and illustrated. The answer is

relevant and accurate with a clear overview.

Information is well-organised using a good range of signals and link words. These are



generally accurate and appropriate, although occasional errors occur.

The writer successfully uses some less common words. There is a clear awareness of

style but there are occasional inaccuracies and there is some repetition. Grammar is well-

controlled and sentences are varied and generally accurate with only minor errors.


The charts below show the percentage of their food budget the average family spent

on restaurant meals in different years. The graph shows the number of meals eaten

in fast food restaurants and sit-down restaurants.






model answer:

Over the past 30 years, the average family has dramatically increased the number of

meals that they eat at restaurants. The percentage of the family's food budget spent on

restaurant meals steadily climbed. Just 10 percent of the food budget was spent on

restaurant meals in 1970, and 15 percent in 1980. That percentage more than doubled in

1990, to 35 percent, and rose again in 2000 to 50 percent.

Where families eat their restaurant meals also changed during that 30-year period. In

1970, families ate the same number of meals at fast food and sit-down restaurants. In

1980, families ate slightly more frequently at sit-down restaurants. However, since 1990,

fast food restaurants serve more meals to the families than do the sit-down restaurants.

Most of the restaurant meals from 2000 were eaten at fast food restaurants. If this pattern

continues, eventually the number of meals that families eat at fast food restaurants could

double the number of meals they eat at sit-down restaurants.

(164 words)


The map below is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for

the town. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket.








model answer:

The first potential location (S1) is outside the town itself, and is sited just off the main

road to the town of Hindon, lying 12 kms to the north-west. This site is in the

countryside and so would be able to accommodate a lot of car parking. This would make

it accessible to shoppers from both Hindon and Garlsdon who could travel by car. As it

is also close to the railway line linking the who towns to Cransdon (25 km to the south-

east), a potentially large number of shoppers would also be able to travel by train.

In contrast, the suggested location, S2, is right in the town centre, which would be good

for local residents. Theatrically the store could be accessed by road or rail from the

surrounding towns, including Bransdon, but as the central area is a no-traffic zone, cars

would be unable to park and access would be difficult.

Overall, neither site is appropriate for all the towns, but for customers in Cransdon,

Hindon and Garlsdon, the out-of-town site (S1) would probably offer more advantages.

(179 words)




The table below shows CO2 emissions for different forms of transport in the

European Union.

The Pie Chart shows the percentage of European Union funds being spent on

different forms of transport.




model answer:



The chart shows CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre for various methods of

transport in the European Union while the pie chart shows European Union spending on

transport. Flying by air produces by far the greatest CO2 emissions, approximately three

times as much as passenger cars which are the next largest producers. Very little is spent

by the EU on air travel while roads make up more than half of the EU transport budget.

Trains produce about three times less CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre than

passenger cars and eight times less than air travel. Nearly a third of EU transport funds

are spent on railways.

Ships are a clean form of transport and produce about the same amount of CO2 per

passenger kilometre as trains do. However, only 2 percent of EU funds are spent on

ports. A further one percent is spent on inland waterways.

Coaches are the cleanest form of transport. Emissions of CO2 per passenger kilometre

from coaches are half those of buses. Buses emit less than half as much CO2 per

passenger kilometre as cars. The European Union spends 10 percent of its transport

budget on public transport, such as buses and coaches.

(197 words)


The table below shows the sales at a small restaurant in a downtown business

district.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make





Fulfilling the Work Experience Requirement

Credits will be awarded when the final report is submitted.

Application

Choose potential workplaces from approved list and arrange

interviews. Submit applications to places of interest.

Approval

When acceptance letter is received, submit it

to professor for approval.



Schedule

Arrange schedule to work a minimum of 10

hours/ week over 20 weeks.

Reports

Complete weekly Report Form and submit to

professor every Friday.

Evaluation

During final workweek, participate in evaluation meeting

with work supervisor. Supervisor submits Evaluation Form.

Final Report

Submit Final Report before last week of spring term.

model answer:

Gaining work experience prior to graduation helps university students to succeed in

getting their first job. For this reason, some universities insist that all students must

complete a Work Experience Requirement. Completing the following six stages results

in the requirements’ fulfillment.

The process begins with the Application stage. A student reviews an approved list of

workplaces and submits applications to places where he would like to work. Next is the

Approval stage. When a student receives an acceptance letter, he gives it to the professor

for approval. The third stage, Schedule, requires a student to arrange his work schedule.

The student should work at least 10 hours/week over 20 weeks. Reports are next. The

student must complete a Weekly Report Form and turn it in to the professor every

Friday.

The fifth stage, Evaluation, takes place during the final work week. A student

participates in an evaluation meeting with his work supervisor, who submits an

Evaluation Form. The last stage requires that a student submit a Final Report before the

last week of spring semester.



By following these stages and subsequently submitting the final report, the student

receives credit from the university.

(192 words)


The table below shows the sales at a small restaurant in a downtown business

district.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make





Sales: week of October 7-13

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

Lunch $2,400 $2,450 $2,595 $2,375 $2,500 $1,950 $1,550

Dinner $3,623 $3,850 $3,445 $3,800 $4,350 $2,900 $2,450

model answer:

The sales at this small restaurant during the week of October 7 to 13th followed a fairly

set pattern from Monday to Friday, and then showed notable shift on the weekend. The

lunch and dinner sales during the week peaked on Friday and then dipper down as the

weekend set in.

During the week of October 7-14th, the lunch sales averaged at approximately $2,400.

The highest lunch sales occurred on Friday, and the lowest occurred on Sunday.

Sunday's lunch sales were approximately $1,000 less than the average lunch sales during

the rest of the week.

Dinner sales, which generated at least $1,000 to $1,500 more a day than lunch sales, also

remained steady during the week. Just like the lunch sales, the dinner sales peak on

Friday and dipped down for the weekend.

Excluding Wednesday and Thursday, the lunch and dinner sales from October 7-11 rose

gradually until the end of the business week. Midweek, on Wednesday and Thursday,

the sales were slightly lower than they were on Tuesday.

According to the sales report, this restaurant has a steady lunch and dinner crowd. The



most profitable day during the second week of October was Friday. Sunday, was the

least profitable day, with the full day's sales totaling/totaling less than the Friday dinner

sales. These numbers are reflective of a restaurant that is located in a business/financial

district where business hours are Monday through Friday.

(234 words)


In June 1996, an experimental flu vaccine was trialed in a large country town on

females only.








model answer:

The diagrams show data for a flu epidemic which hit a large country town in 1996.

Figure 1 gives the number of persons who died; Figure 2 shows the percentage

breakdown of females who received a new flu vaccine; and Figure 3 gives the number of

cases of flu before and during the epidemic.

In Figure 1 it can be seen that the flu was responsible for the deaths of 2 females but no

males in the period from March to May. However, from June to August, there were 4

female deaths and 1 male death.

According to the pie chart in Figure 2, only those females most at risk were given the

new flu vaccine; 28% did not take part in the trial. Of those females who took part, 35%

were aged (over 65 years old); 24% were babies or children; and 13% were either



hospitalised or receiving other medical attention.

From Figure 3 it is clear that the new vaccine had a positive effect on the number of new

cases of flu reported in females. There were just over 1000 cases reported in March,

climbing rapidly to a peak of 3500 in June. Thereafter, the number of cases dropped

slowly to about 2800 in August, before levelling off at 2500 for the rest of the year. For

males, the figures were lower but showed a similar trend throughout the epidemic.

(232 words)


The chart below shows estimated world literacy rates by region and by gender for

the year 2000.



model answer:

In this report I will describe a bar chart that shows the estimated world illiteracy rates by

gender and region for the year 2000.

First I will look at male illiteracy for the 6 areas shown. The lowest rates were in

Developed Countries, Latin America/Caribbean and East Asia/Oceania with rates of 1%

(approximately), 10% and 8% (approximately) respectively. The rates for the next three



areas were much higher and quite similar to each other. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab

States and South Asia had rates of approximately 31%, 29% and 34%.

Female illiteracy was much higher relatively in each area except Latin

America/Caribbean where it was only slightly higher. The lowest rates for female

illiteracy were again Developed Countries, Latin America/Caribbean and East

Asia/Oceania with rates of approximately 2%, 12% and 20%. Again the rates for the

next three areas were much higher and quite similar to each other. Sub-Saharan Africa,

the Arab States and South Asia had rates of approximately 48%, 52% and 56%.

This ends my report.

(168 words)


The chart shows the number of mobile phones and landlines per 100 people in

selected countries.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information given.


model answer:

The graph shows the number of mobile phones and landlines per 100 users, for selected

countries. Overall, most of the countries included in the graph have more mobile phones

subscribers than landlines.

Most European countries have high mobile phone use. The biggest users of mobile



phones are the Italians, with 88 cell phones per 100 people. For example, Italy has twice

as many mobile phones as landlines, with 88 mobiles per hundred people compared to

45 for landlines. Mobile phone use is low in Canada, with fewer than 40 phones per 100

people. Denmark is also unusual because it has slightly more landlines than mobile

phones.

However, in some countries, the number of landlines is higher than the number of

mobile phones. One example is the USA, where the number of mobiles, at 50 per 100

people, is much lower than the number of landlines, at almost 70 per hundred. A similar

pattern can be seen in Canada. The highest number of landlines in the graph is in

Denmark, with about 90 per 100 people. In contrast, the lowest figures for fixed lines are

in Italy and the UK.

In conclusion, it seems that mobile phone use is higher in Europe than in North America.


The graphs show enrolment in different colleges in the Higher Colleges of

Technology in 1999.

Write a total of 150 - 200 words about the information in the three graphs.





model answer:

The charts shows student enrolment by gender and level in different colleges of the

Higher Colleges of Technology colleges in the UAE.

There are clear differences in male and female enrolment. Females outnumber men in all

the colleges, with almost 25% more students in Dubai Women's college than in Dubai

Men's. Ras Al-Khaimah Women's College has almost 180 students, compared to only

100 in the Men's college.

Females also outnumber males by level, with almost double the number of men at

Higher Diploma level (330 compared to 181). Only at Diploma level does the number of

men slightly exceed that of women.



Over half the students are in Certificate level, with less than a quarter at Higher Diploma

or Bachelor level.

In conclusion, most students in the Higher Colleges are enrolled at Diploma level or

below, and the majority of students are women.

(143 words)


The line graph below shows the number of annual visits to Australia by overseas

residents. The table below gives information on the country of origin where the

visitors came from. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the

information given.


NUMBER OF VISITORS (million)

1975 2005

SOUTH KOREA

JAPAN

CHINA

USA

BRITAIN

EUROPE

2.9

3.2

0.3

0.4

0.9

1.1

9.1

12.0

0.8

1.1

2.9

4.5



Total 8.8 30.4

model answer:

The given line graph illustrates information on the number of overseas visitors traveling

to Australia in millions of people. Overall, one notable trend seems to be that Australia

has steadily become more popular as a destination spot. For example, there were 20

million more visitors to Australia in 2005 than in 1975. That's a jump from 10 million to

30 million in 20 years.

The second table gives statistics showing the countries whose residents went to Australia

between 1975 and 2005. In both years, the largest number of visitors came from Japan,

followed by South Korea and Europe. Britain, the United States and China also had

many people traveling to Australia in these years. In fact, the number of people visiting

Australia grew in every one of these countries. For example, in 2005, 12 million people

went there from Japan compared with only 3.2 million in 1975.

(147 words)


The table below shows the consumer durables (telephone, refrigerator, etc.) owned

in Britain from 1972 to 1983.



Consumer

durables 1972 1974 1976 1978 1979 1981 1982 1983

Percentage of

households

with:

central

heating 39 43 48 52 55 59 60 64

television 93 95 96 96 97 97 97 98

video 18

vacuum

cleaner 87 89 92 92 93 94 95

refrigerator 73 81 88 91 92 93 93 94

washing

machine 66 68 71 75 74 78 79 80

dishwasher 3 3 4 4 5

telephone 42 50 54 60 67 75 76 77



model answer:

The chart shows that the percentage of British households with a range of consumer

durables steadily increased between 1972 and 1983. The greatest increase was in

telephone ownership, rising from 42% in 1972 to 77% in 1983. Next came central

heating ownership, rising from 37% of households in 1972 to 64% in 1983. The

percentage of households with a refrigerator rose 2 1% over the same period and of

those with a washing machine by 14%. Households with vacuum-cleaners. televisions

and dishwashers increased by 8%, 5% and 2% respectively. In 1983. the year of their

introduction, 18% of households had a video recorder.

The significant social changes reflected in the statistics are that over the period the

proportion of British houses with central heating rose from one to two thuds, and of

those with a phone from under a half to over three-quarters. Together with the big

increases in the ownership of washing machines and refrigerators, they are evidence of

both rising living standards and the trend to lifestyles based on comfort and convenience.


The chart below shows the figures for imprisonment in five countries between 1930

and 1980.

Write a report for a university, lecturer describing the information shown below.


model answer:



The table shows that the figures for imprisonment in the five countries mentioned

indicate no overall pattern of increase or decrease. In fact there is considerable

fluctuation from country to country.

In Great Britain the numbers in prison have increased steadily from 30 000 in 1930 to

80,000 in 1980. On the other hand in Australia, and particularly in New Zealand the

numbers fell markedly from 1930 to 1940. Since then they have increased gradually,

apart from in 1980 when the numbers in prison in New Zealand fell by about 30,000

from the 1970 total. Canada is the only country in which the numbers in prison have

decreased over the period 1930 to 1980, although there have been fluctuations in this

trend. The figures for the United States indicate the greatest number of prisoners

compared to the other four countries but population size needs to be taken into account

in this analysis. The prison population in the United States increased rapidly from 1970

to 1980 and this must be a worrying trend.


The chart below shows the employment rates across 6 countries in 1995 and 2005.

Summarize the information by choosing and describe the main idea, and make

comparisons where appropriate.


model answer:

The graph shows changes in employment rates in six countries between 1995 and 2005,

for men and women. Overall more and more people of working age are employed, and

there have been significant improvements for women, although they leg behind men in

entering the workforce.



The most obvious trend in the graph is that women have lower employment rates in most

of the countries in the graph. For example, in Australia in 1995, 57 percent of men could

find work or retain a job, but only 27 percent of women. The difference was even bigger

in New Zealand, with 60 percent of women. Even in Switzerland and Iceland, lightly

more men than women were in the job market.

The second biggest trend in the graph is the improvement in employment between 1995

and 2005. In all countries shown, figures for both men and women improved. The

biggest change was in the United Kingdom, from 55 percent of men in 1995 to 73

percent over the ten years period.

Furthermore, the increases in employment rates for women were much higher in New

Zealand. The percentage of working women jumped from 25 percent to 42 percent, and

in the United States from 45 percent to 61 percent over the decade.

In conclusion, all the countries in the graph showed at least a 12 percent increase in

employment rates of both men and women over the ten years. While men had relatively

higher employment rate throughout the period, more and more women appear to be

entering the labour market.


The line graph below gives information on cinema attendance in the UK.



model answer:



The given line graph illustrates information on the percentage of people who went to the

movies in the United Kingdom between 1990 and 2010. The people's attendance is

divided into four different age groups.

Overall, younger people seemed to, and are predicted to, be more active in movie going

than their older counterparts. However, all four age groups showed a gradual increase in

attendance numbers during the given period, except for a slight drop between 1995 and

2000.

To be specific, a larger percentage of people between the ages of 24 and 34 went to, and

are expected to, go to the cinema than those in any other age group. Approximately 51%

of the respondents from this age group are expected to attend movies in 2010 compared

with only 38% in 1990. Even in the group that had the smallest number of movie goers,

those between the ages of 44 and 54, there was an increase of 6% in their attendance.

(161 words)

The graph shows Underground Station Passenger Numbers in London.





model answer:

The graph shows the fluctuation in the number of people at a London underground

station over the course of a day.



The busiest time of the day is in the morning. There is a sharp increase between 06:00

and 08:00, with 400 people using the station at 8 o'clock. After this the numbers drop

quickly to less than 200 at 10 o'clock. Between 11 am and 3 pm the number rises, with a

plateau of just under 300 people using the station.

In the afternoon, numbers decline, with less than 100 using the station at 4 pm. There is

then a rapid rise to a peak of 380 at 6pm. After 7 pm, numbers fall significantly, with

only a slight increase again at 8pm, tailing off after 9 pm.

Overall, the graph shows that the station is most crowded in the early morning and early

evening periods.

The graph shows Internet Usage in Taiwan by Age Group, 1998-2000.





model answer:

The graph shows changes in the age profile of Internet users in Taiwan between 1998

and 2000.

The main users of the Internet in Taiwan are young adults between 16 and 30 years old.

In 1998, they accounted for more than half of all users. In 1999 the number dropped

slightly to 45%, but even in 2000 they were the biggest group.



The second biggest group of users is aged between 31 and 50. They made up 41% in

1998, falling slightly to 37% in 2000. When combined with the 16-30 age group, over

94% of users in 1998 were between 16 and 50.

However this number is dropping steadily as more children and older users log on. In

1999, the number of children online quadrupled from 2% to 8%, and it continued to

increase in 2000. There were similar increases for older users, rising from 4% in 1998 to

10% in 2000.

In summary, while adults between 16 and 50 still represent the great majority of Internet

users in Taiwan, their share is declining as more children and older users join the web.




model answer:

The chart shows male and female graduates from the Higher Colleges of Technology

colleges in the UAE.

The most outstanding feature of the graph is female graduates outnumber males in all the

colleges. For example, in Dubai, there are 30% more women graduates than men. There

are also large differences in Al Ain and in Ras Al Khaimah. However, the number of

men and women is almost equal in the colleges in Abu Dhabi.

There are also big differences in the sizes of the colleges. Ras Al Khaimah has less than



300 students altogether, while Abu Dhabi has about 600 and Dubai has almost 1000

In summary, women outnumber men in all the colleges, and there are significant

differences in the sizes of the colleges.

The graph shows estimated oil production capacity for several Gulf countries

between 1990 and 2010.





model answer:

The graph shows Oil Production Capacity in millions of barrels per day for selected Gulf

countries. There are several features in this graph.

The most significant feature is that oil production will increase sharply in almost all the

countries shown. Kuwait and Iraq are both expected to double their output between 1990

and 2010, with Kuwait's production rising from 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in 1990

to 3.8 in 2010. Iran will also increase its output by a slightly smaller amount. After

remaining steady at 2.5 million bpd from 1990 to 2000, the UAE's output is expected to

approach 4.0 million bpd in 2010. Only Qatar's production is predicted to fall, back to

0.8 million bpd after a slight rise in 2000.

However, the greatest increase will be from Saudi Arabia. In 1990, its output capacity at

8.5 million bpd exceeded the combined production of Iran, Iraq and Kuwait. This lead is



expected to continue with a 75% increase in production to 14.5 million bpd 2010.

In summary, while most of the countries are expected to show increases, Saudi Arabia

will maintain and strengthen its position as the major producer.

The chart below shows information about Heart Attacks by Age and Gender in

USA.





model answer:

The graph shows how age and gender influence the frequency of heart attacks in the US.

Less than 6% of all heart attacks occur in the 29-44 age group. The number of women

who suffer heart attacks in this group is negligible - only 3000 per year, compared to

123,000 men.

However the proportion of men and women with heart attacks rises dramatically

between 45 and 64, with over half a million per year. Over 420,000 men a year in this

age group have heart attacks. The incidence amongst women increases - women have

one heart attack for every three men in this age group.

Over the age of 65, the number of men suffering heart attacks only increases slightly.

However there is a huge increase in the number of women with heart attacks - they

comprise over 40% of all victims.



In conclusion, men are more likely to be the victims of heart attacks at all ages, but

women are increasingly likely over the age of 65.

The charts below show the main reasons for study among students of different age

groups and the amount of support they received from employers.







model answer:

The first graph shows that there is a gradual decrease in study for career reasons with

age. Nearly 80% of students under 26 years, study for their career. This percentage

gradually declines by 10-20% every decade. Only 40% of 40-49yr olds and 18% of over

49yr olds studying for career reasons in late adulthood.

Conversely, the first graph also shows that study stemming from interest increases with

age. There are only 10% of under 26yr olds studying out of interest. The percentage

increases slowly till the beginning of the fourth decade, and increases dramatically in

late adulthood. Nearly same number of 40-49yr olds study for career and interest.

However 70% of over 49yr olds study for interest in comparison to 18% studying for

career reasons in that age group.

The second graph shows that employer support is maximum (approximately 60%) for

the under 26yr students. It drops rapidly to 32% up to the third decade of life, and then

increases in late adulthood up to about 44%. It is unclear whether employer support is

only for career-focused study, but the highest level is for those students who mainly

study for career purposes.


examiner's comment:

This answer summarises the key features of both charts and integrates them well. Clear

trends are identified and supported with appropriately-selected figures. The answer

could only be improved by adding an introduction to the general topic of the charts.

The information is well organised, with a clearly-signalled progression. Linking words

are used accurately and precisely, although there is occasional omission. Paragraphing is

used well initially, but lapses in the later section.

A very good range of vocabulary is used to convey the information concisely and

accurately with only occasional in appropriacy. Words are used precisely and there are

no errors in spelling or word form.

A wide range of structures is used and most sentences in this answer are accurate. Errors

are rare and do not affect communication in this answer.


The pie charts below show the average household expenditures in a country in 1950

and 2010.






Average Household Expenditures by Major Category

Look at the phrases in italic. Choose the phrase which sounds more formal.

The two pie charts give information about what households spent their money on /

household expenditure on goods and services in 1950 and 2010. It is immediately

obvious that there are some quite significant differences / some things are significantly

different between the two charts.

In 2010 the largest proportion of expenditure was / most money was spent on food

whereas in 1950 it was on housing, with food for just 11.2%. There is a great difference

in terms of the amount of money people’s spent on housing / housing

expenditure between the two years. In 1950 72.1% of the total household budget / the

total of what households spent went towards housing, compared to only 22% in 2010.

There has been a notable increase in / People have notably increased the amount of

money spent on transportation between the two dates. In addition, the charts show a

significant rise in the proportion of money spent on health care / that people spent more

on health care in 2010 compared to 1950.

There are some similarities, however. For example, in both 1950 and 2010 people spent

a similar proportion on education. / the proportion of education expenditure was

roughly the same.




The table below shows the average band scores for students from different

language groups taking the IELTS General Test in 2010.




Listening Reading Writing Speaking Overall

German 6.8 6.3 6.6 6.9 6.7

French 6.3 6.1 6.5 6.6 6.5

Indonesian 6.3 6.1 6.1 6.7 6.3

Malay 6.2 6.4 6.0 6.6 6.4

model answer:

The table illustrates the breakdown of scores for the IELTS General Test in 2010. It

shows separate scores for all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking),

together with the overall score for students from four different language groups around

the world.

From an overall perspective, German speakers achieved the highest grades with an

average score of 6.7 across all four sections. Moreover, they scored the highest of all

four language groups in three sections of the four sections (Listening, Writing,

Speaking).

French speakers scored the second highest scores overall, closely followed by Malay and

Indonesian speakers. Although French speakers did not do so well in the Reading,

Speaking and Listening sections compared to Indonesian and Malay speakers, there was

a significant difference in their grades for the Writing section. These grades were high

relative to Indonesian and Malay candidates. Surprisingly, Malay speakers, who

achieved the second lowest results overall, achieved the highest results of all four

language groups for the Reading section.

As a final point, it is interesting to note that the scores for each section show that all

students on average scored the highest marks for the Speaking section and the lowest

marks for the Reading section.

(200 words)




The graph below shows the population figures of different types of turtles in India

between 1980 and 2012.




model answer:

The total number of all species of turtles in India has been relatively stable over the last

two decades, although there were significant drops in numbers between 1987 and 1989

and again in 1992 and 1996. Since 2004 there has been an improvement in numbers of

all species, although the graph shows a slight decrease in 2010.

In contrast, the population of Leatherback turtles has suffered a severe decline,

particularly in 1988 when numbers fell dramatically. The rate of decline in the

population appears to have slowed and it has remained relatively stable since 2009.

There was also a fall in the number of Green turtles of around 30% between 1984 and

2002. The population increased slightly in 2010 but it had dropped again by 2012.



It is only Olive Ridley turtles that have seen a steady increase in population over this

period. Their numbers dropped slightly in 2007 and again in 2012 but the overall trend

has been a positive one.

(162 words)


The following diagram shows how greenhouse gases trap energy from the Sun.



Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or phrase from the box below.



lead to release result in subsequently

fell reach less decades

amounts as a result of

Energy from the Sun .................... the Earth as heat. Some of this heat energy

is.................... radiated into space, while some of it is trapped by greenhouse gases in the

atmosphere and reflected back to Earth. This is a natural process, but in

recent...................., human activities have .................... an increase in the.................... of

greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which is now trapping too much heat.

One of the main greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, and extra quantities of

this.................... into the atmosphere .................... burning fossil fuels as a source of

energy in power stations, factories and homes. Exhaust gases from cars and

lorries.................... further emissions of carbon dioxide.

Plants serve to remove some of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by absorbing it

through their leaves. However, as large areas of forest .................... in the Amazon and

elsewhere,.................... carbon dioxide is removed in this way.



How to Write an IELTS Essay

On this page you will find some guidance on how you should write an IELTS essay.

There are then model answers on the following pages for different types of essay and

different questions, with some brief guidance on each.

It is important to analyze model answers for IELTS essays because there are different

essay types, and these will require different ways to answer them.

However, as you will see from the guidance on this page, they can all follow the same

basic structure.

These are some of the types of IELTS essay we will look at:

• Agree / disagree

• Discuss two opinions

• Advantages & disadvantages

• Causes (reasons) & solutions

• Causes (reasons) & effects

• Problems & solutions

• Compare & contrast

Not every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do. You may get some of these

tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and

then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it.

The golden rule is to ALWAYS read the question very carefully to see exactly what you

are being asked to do.

View this lesson for more practice on analyzing essay questions.



How do I Write an IELTS Essay?

In order to answer this, let’s first look at a sample question:


Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the

following topic.

In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information

technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email.

However, future developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than

positive.

To what extent do you agree with this view?


experience or knowledge.


An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter.

There are three key elements:

1. Introduction

2. Body Paragraphs

3. Conclusion

We will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example.

1) Introduction

You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have

40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning.

Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start

writing your body paragraphs.

You should do just two things:

• State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take

from the question)

• Say what you are going to write about



Here is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT:

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected

by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances

have brought many benefits to the world, it can be argued thatfuture IT developments

will produce more negative effects than positive ones.

As you can see, the first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts

about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not copy

from the rubric!

The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the

writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does).

View this lesson for more advice on writing IELTS essay introductions.

2) Body Paragraphs

For an IELTS essay, you should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less.

For your body paragraph, each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have

sentences to support this.

Let’s look at the first paragraph for the essay about IT. The essay is about the benefits

and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs.

Here is the first body paragraph:

To begin, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster,

resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and business. Furthermore, the World

Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us.

For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and

much more via the internet. It is evident that these improvements have made life far

easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to do so for

decades to come.

The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', and there are two

supporting ideas, which are underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph

would then lose coherence.

Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are

more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these.

The topic sentence in the next paragraph therefore tells us we are changing the focus to

the negative points:

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For

example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional

forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation.



This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each

other on a day-to-day basis.

The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:

In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate

and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable

websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the

future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

3) Conclusion

The conclusion only needs to be one or two sentences, and you can do the following:

• Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in

different words)

• Give some thoughts about the future

Here is an example:

In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe

developments relating to new technology in the future are likely to produce many

negative effects that must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts to

individuals and society.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Useful Language

Memorizing set phrases for use in the IELTS test is a highly effective way of achieving a

higher score. Try learning the following signposting language which will make you

sound more confident and sophisticated when writing an opinion or argument essay in

Task 2. As with our Task 1 useful language yesterday, for each function the language is

graded approximately for level, from regular use (Bands 5-6) to higher-level use (Bands

7-9).

Introducing the topic

Some people argue that…

Have you ever considered… ?

The question raises the issue of…

Stating an opinion (thesis statement)

I believe that…

It is my belief that…

This essay will argue that…

http://ielts-academic.com/2012/03/06/ielts-writing-task-1-useful-language/



Indicating the scope of the essay

In this essay, I will state…

This essay will examine…

… will be covered in this essay.

Giving reasons

One reason for this is that…

This can be explained by…

This can be attributed to the fact that…

Giving further reasons

Not only that, but…

A further reason is…

It should also be stated that…

Citing general opinions

It has been claimed that…

It is widely believed that…

There is a widespread belief that…

Refuting opinions

I would dispute this, however.

However, this is not necessarily the case.

There are some faults with this reasoning, however.

Hedging strategies

It could be argued that…

One explanation might be that…

This suggests that…

Strengthening an argument

There can be no doubt that…

Therefore, we can say beyond any doubt that…

These are just some of the reasons why…

Concluding and summarising

To sum up, … / In summary, … / In short, …

Overall, … / On the whole, …

To return to my original idea,…

The full IELTS Essay:



The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected

by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances

have brought many benefits to the world, it can be argued that future IT developments

will produce more negative effects than positive ones.

To begin, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster,

resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and business. Furthermore, the World

Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us.

For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and

much more via the internet. It is evident that these improvements have made life far

easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to do so for

decades to come.

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For

example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional

forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation.

This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each

other on a day-to-day basis.

In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate

and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable

websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the

future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe

developments relating to new technology in the future are likely to produce many

negative effects that must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts to

individuals and society.

(287 words)

Improve your Information Technology Vocabulary

Comments

The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus

introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion.

The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the

opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all

the effects...), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements.

The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses).

Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future.

The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement.



Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation (...this has made

life...) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (...likely to increase..., might get

worse...).

Model Essay for IELTS 2



following topic.

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s

society.

To what extent do you agree with this view?




Essay for IELTS Model Answer

The world that we live in today is dominated by advertising. Adverts are on television,

on the World Wide Web, in the street and even on our mobile phones. However, many

of the strategies used to sell a product or service can be considered immoral or

unacceptable.

To begin with, the fact that we cannot escape from advertising is a significant cause for

complaint. Constant images and signs wherever we look can be very intrusive and

irritating at times. Take for example advertising on the mobile phone. With the latest

technology mobile companies are now able to send advertising messages via SMS to

consumer’s phones whenever they choose. Although we expect adverts in numerous

situations, it now seems that there are very few places we can actually avoid them.

A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical is the way that it

encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford. Children and

young people in particular are influenced by adverts showing the latest toys, clothing or

music and this can put enormous pressure on the parents to buy these products.

In addition, the advertising of tobacco products and alcohol has long been a

controversial issue, but cigarette adverts have only recently been banned in many

countries. It is quite possible that alcohol adverts encourage excessive consumption and

underage drinking, yet restrictions have not been placed on this type of advertising in the

same way as smoking.

It is certainly true to say that advertising is an everyday feature of our lives. Therefore,

people are constantly being encouraged to buy products or services that might be too



expensive, unnecessary or even unhealthy. In conclusion, many aspects of advertising do

appear to be morally wrong and are not acceptable in today's society.

(296 words)

Comments

This essay for IELTS is well organized as there are five clear paragraphs, each

containing ideas that are relevant, well expressed, and related to the topic.

Focusing on the language and structures in particular, the essay starts with an

appropriate introductory sentence. Linking words are used accurately (However, In

addition, Therefore).

Phrases that signal opinions are evident (A further aspect of advertising that I would

consider unethical.) backed up by reasons (...encourages people to buy products they

may not need or cannot afford) and examples (Children and young people in particular,

are influenced by adverts).

In general, many other useful phrases are used, indicating a good control of language (It

is quite possible... Many people consider. .. It is certainly true to say.. .).

IELTS Sample Essay 3



following topic.

Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at

best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Give reasons for you answer and include any relevant examples from your own



IELTS Sample Essay Model Answer



Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine

and it is still used by many people all over the world. I am unconvinced that it is

dangerous, and feel that both alternative and conventional medicine can be useful.

There are several reasons why the conventional medical community is often dismissive

of alternatives. Firstly, there has been little scientific research into such medicine, so

there is a scarcity of evidence to support the claims of their supporters. Furthermore,

people often try such treatment because of recommendations from friends, and therefore

come to the therapist with a very positive attitude, which may be part of the reason for

the cure. Moreover, these therapies are usually only useful for long-term, chronic

conditions. Acute medical problems, such as accidental injury, often require more

conventional methods.

On the other hand, there remain strong arguments for the use of alternatives. Despite the

lack of scientific proof, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that these therapies

work. In addition, far from being dangerous, they often have few or no side effects, so

the worst outcome would be no change. One of the strongest arguments for the

effectiveness of alternative therapies in the West is that, whilst conventional medicine is

available without charge, many people are prepared to pay considerable sums for

alternatives. If they were totally unhelpful, it would be surprising if this continued.

I strongly believe that conventional medicine and alternative therapies can and should

coexist. They have different strengths, and can both be used effectively to target

particular medical problems. The best situation would be for alternative therapies to be

used to support and complement conventional medicine.

(280 words)

Comments

The writer in this IELTS sample essay introduces the topic in the introductory paragraph

(Alternative medicine...) and puts forward a clear view on the issue (I am

unconvinced...and feel...).

The essay has a well-balanced argument looking at both sides of the issue. The first body

paragraph expresses some doubt about alternative therapies (...little scientific research..

.only useful for long term...), but in the second body paragraph the writer takes a

different view (On the other hand...) and examines the benefits(...few side effects).

The writer's concluding paragraph offers a strong opinion (I strongly believe...) and

sums up the fact that both types of treatment are valid today.

There is also a good range of grammatical structures (If they were totally unhelpful, it

would be...), and connectors (despite the fact, in addition, finally).

IELTS Writing Example 4




Write about the following topic:

Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs.

Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals

and society.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.




IELTS Writing Example - Model Answer

These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While

some people are of the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to

improve job prospects, others think that society and the individual benefit in much

broader ways.

It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The

majority of people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university

is one of the best ways to do this as it increases a person’s marketable skills and

attractiveness to potential employers. In addition, further education is very expensive

for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more

secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very important.

However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence

of living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social

skills and improve as a person. A case in point is that many students will have to leave

their families, live in halls of residence and meet new friends. As a result, their maturity

and confidence will grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives. Secondly, society

will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the economy. We are

living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to

compete and prosper.

Therefore, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best

job, there are clearly further benefits. If we continue to promote and encourage

university attendance, it will lead to a better future for individuals and society.

(279 words)

Improve your IELTS Education Vocabulary

Comments



The writer in this IELTS writing example has a clear thesis in the second sentence of the

introduction, establishing that two sides of this issue will be discussed (While some

people are of the opinion...others think that...).

Looking at the structure, the topic sentences make it clear when the first opinion is being

discussed (It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better

job.) and when the writer is moving onto the next opinion (However, there are other

benefits for individuals and society.).

Connectors (To begin... Also... Firstly... Secondly) are used well to introduce each new

supporting idea. Further connectors (For example...A case in point is that...As a result...)

are used to expand on these ideas.

Finally, the writer has demonstrated that they are able to use complex sentence structures

(While...that...in order to...as...), andhas discussed both views and combined this with

his/her opinion, thus ensuring the question has been answered.

IELTS Essays - Example 5



Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences.

Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.




IELTS Essays - Model Answer

Crime is a serious and growing problem in most societies. Although many people

believe that the best way to tackle this is to place people in prison for longer periods,

others are of the opinion that other measures will be more effective.

There are benefits of giving offenders longer prison sentences. Firstly, spending a long

time in prison provides an opportunity for the prison services to rehabilitate a prisoner.



For example, someone who has committed a serious offence such as assault will need a

long time in prison in order to be sure they can be re-educated not to re-offend. In

addition to this, longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent for someone who is

thinking of committing a crime.

However, some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time means that

they will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve. One

alternative is community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to give

something positive back to society, and so it may improve their character. Also, the

government could focus its resources on the causes of crime, which would lead to less

crime in the future.

In my opinion, it is important to look at alternative methods. Many countries have

lengthy prison sentences, but crime has continued to increase throughout the world, so it

is clear that this is not completely effective. That said, long prison sentences should

remain for those who commit serious crimes such as assault or murder, as justice for the

victim and their family should take priority.

To conclude, there are good arguments for and against long sentences, so governments

must continue to research the various methods of crime reduction to ensure effective

policies are in place.

(290 words)

Improve your Crime Vocabulary

Comments

The writer of this essay has produced a well balanced and coherent piece of writing.

They clearly answer the question. The first body paragraph is dedicated to discussing the

merits of long sentences, and the second body looks at alternative methods. Finally, the

writer provides their own opinion on the issue.

Very important for IELTS essays, each paragraph has a clear central topic which is

expanded upon in the supporting sentences.

Regarding grammar, the writer has successfully demonstrated their ability to use a mix

of sentence structures, including a variety of complex sentences (although... someone

who... in order to... means that... which would...).

Ideas are coherently presented by using transition words (Firstly,... For example,... In

addition to this,... However, .... In my opinion,... To conclude,...)..

It is important in IELTS essays to have good topic related vocabulary in order to achieve

a higher score, and this is evident in this piece of work (re-offend... rehabilitate... re-

educated... deterrent... committing a crime...)..



Also of importance with regards to vocabulary is to vary your word choices and not to

repeat the same word. This can be done by using synonyms, as the writer has done with

the word alternative 'ways', using variations of this (methods... measures...).

Sample IELTS Writing 6



Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of money.

Governments must invest this money in public services instead.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?




Sample IELTS Writing - Model Answer

These days, the government spends a large part of its budget not only on public services,

but also the arts. Although I agree that it is important to spend money on public services,

I do not think spending on the arts is a waste of money.

There are several reasons for spending a significant amount of the government budget on

public services. First and foremost, public services are the things such as hospitals, roads

and schools, and these things determine the quality of life that most of us will have. For

example, if the government does not spend enough money on hospitals, the health of our

society may decline. Similarly, if not enough money is spent on schools, our children

may not be properly educated. Also, it will be the poor in our society that will be

affected more if we do not spend enough on these things because they are the ones more

dependent on such services.

However, this does not mean that the arts should be completely neglected. To begin, it is

difficult for many arts institutions to generate much profit, so without some help from

the government, many theaters and other such places may have to close. Moreover, the

arts also have an important impact on our quality of life. Many people get great pleasure

in going to see music and theatre performances so it is important that the government

assists such institutions so that they can continue to provide entertainment to the public.

To sum up, there are clear benefits of ensuring a large amount of investment goes into

public services as this influences the quality of life for nearly all of us. That said, I do

not believe spending money on the arts is a waste of money as this too provides

important benefits.



(299 words)

Comments

The essay gives a clear thesis at the beginning. This makes it clear that the writer partly

agrees with the statement i.e. it is not a waste of money, but it is if too much is spent on

it.

It is also a well-organized essay. The first paragraph sets out why the writer thinks a

significant portion of money should go on public services. This is supported with

reasons and examples.

The second paragraph in this sample IELTS writing then sets out clearly why some

money should also go on the arts.

The conclusion then restates the authors opinion.

Sample IELTS Writing 7



Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world.

What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.




Sample IELTS Writing - Model Answer

Over the last few decades, many cities around the world have seen alarming increases in

the levels of youth crime. This essay will discuss the reasons for this and provide some

possible solutions.

The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a

balanced way, it is very important that he or she is nurtured well by his or her parents.

However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected. This may be

because of the fact that many parents in cities now both have to work so are often not

around to give their children support when needed. Another factor is the increasing



levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with globalization the rich get richer

and the poor get poorer, and this inevitably means that those who are poorer will have to

resort to illegal means to get what others have. Of course, this will include the children

in the poorer families.

However, there are ways to tackle such problems. Firstly, one of the ways to combat the

problem is to have stricter punishments. Although, as discussed above, it can be outside

factors that lead to crime, it is still important to have severe punishments to deter

teenagers from crime. All too often, because they are young, the courts are too lenient.

Parents also have to take more responsibility for their children’s actions. They too

should be punished if their children commit crime.

To sum up, several factors have led to increases in youth crime, but measures are

available to tackle this problem.

(267 words)

Comments

The topic is clearly stated in the general statement of the introduction, and the thesis tells

the reader that reasons and solutions will be discussed.

It is organized well, with reasons for youth crime discussed in the first body paragraph

and solutions in the next. Each paragraph has two ideas and they are clearly signaled and

well supported.

There are some good complex structures (In order for…, often the case that…, means

that…,) and some good examples of topic related vocabulary (nurtured…, neglected…,

illegal…, severe punishments…, deter…, commit crime…).

IELTS Cambridge BOOK 1 – 8

WRITING TASK 2

Book - 1


Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of

the

following topic:

There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need

music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the

International music that is heard everywhere nowadays?


Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with

examples

and relevant evidence.





the

following topic.

Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer

nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the

responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their

citizens themselves?



examples

and with relevant evidence



the

following topic:

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in

newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we

become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was

reported?



examples and relevant evidence.



the

following topic:

The idea of having a single career is becoming an old fashioned one. The

new fashion mil be to have several careers or ways of earning money and

further education will be something that continues throughout life.



examples

and relevant evidence.

Book – 2



the



following topic.

"Fatherhood ought to be emphasised as much as motherhood. The idea that women are

solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that

they

are also responsible for bringing the children up."

To what extent do you agree or disagree?


You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments

with




the

following topic.

"Prevention is better than cure."

Out of a country's health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to

spending on health education and preventative measures.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?



with




the

following topic.

The position of women in society has changed markedly in the last twenty years. Many

of

the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency, arise from the

fact that many married women now work and are not at home to care for their children.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?





with


You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.

As part of a class assignment you have to write about the following topic.

Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia,

Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.

Why do so many people want to study in English?

Why is English such an important international language?

Give reasons for your answer.


Book – 3



the

following topic.

Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are

essential in

easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.



with





the

following topic.

When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It

is pointless to try and keep them alive.





with





the

following topic.

In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard

this as

completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for

learning

and taking responsibility.

What are your opinions on this?


with





the

following topic.

Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer

nations. However, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for

helping the poorer nations in such areas.



with




You have been asked to write about the following topic.



Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational, otherwise

they

are a complete waste of time.

Do you agree or disagree?

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


Book – 4



Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as

media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the

most effective.

• comics

• books

• radio

• television

• film

• theatre


knowledge

or experience.




Happiness is considered very important in life

Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?




knowledge

or experience.




Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas ( in

words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish.There should be no

government restrictions on what they do.

In what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?


knowledge

or experience.




In may countreis schools have severe problems with students’ behavior.

What do you think are they causes of this?

What solution can you suggest?


knowledge

or experience.


Book – 5



Universities should accept equal members of males and females in every subjects.





knowledge

or experience.




In some countreis young pepopel are encouraged to work or travel for a year between

finishing high schools and starting university studying.

Discuss the advantages or disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.


knowledge

or experience.




Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged . others

believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more

useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.


knowledge

or experience.




Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence

on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life.

Which do you consider to be the major influence?


knowledge



or experience.




Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish.

Why do you think this is happening?

What can governments do to help reduce the amount of rubbish produced?


knowledge

or experience.




You have a full-time job and also doing a part-time evening course.

You now find that you cannot continue the course.

Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter.

Describe the situation

Explain why you cannot continue at this time.

Say what action you would like to take.


knowledge

or experience.


Book – 6



Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflects the power of advertising and

not the real need of the society in which they are sold.





knowledge

or experience.




Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other

important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while other think it is

unfair.



knowledge

or experience.




Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and

behavior. Others disagree and think that the host county should welcome cultural

differences.



knowledge

or experience.






Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change.

Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.



knowledge

or experience.


Book – 7



It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for

sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can

be taught to become a good sports person or musician.



knowledge

or experience.




Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime.

Others , however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the

motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the

punishment.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.




knowledge

or experience.




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 for all workers?


knowledge

or experience.




Some people think that universities should provide gradutes with the knowledge and

skills needed in the workplace. Other think that the true function of a university should

be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is

useful to an employer.

What , in your opinion , should be the main function of a university?


knowledge

or experience.






Some people feel that entertainers (e.g film stars, pop musicians or sports stars ) are paid

too much money.

Do you agree or disagree?

Which other types of job should be highly paid?


knowledge

or experience.


Book – 8



IIEELLTTSS SSppeeaakkiinngg:: RReeaall TTeesstt Part 2 Topic Card

1. Describe a museum

1) How often do you visit the museum?

2) Which type of museum is popular in your country?

3) Why do you want to visit the museum?

Follow-up:

� What do you think of the importance of museums in history?

� How do you think of the heritage of a country?

� Compare the museums nowadays and in the past

2. Describe your favorite photograph

1) Where was the photo taken?

2) Who took the photo?

3) What can be seen from the photo?

4) Explain why it is the favorite photograph for you.

Follow-up:

� How to take good photo?

� When do people use camera?

� How can the new technology put cinema’s skill advanced?

3. The important historic place

1) What is the place?

2) Where is it located?

3) Why do you think it is important?

Follow-up:

� What do you think of the historic place in the future?

� Will the government increase or decrease the safety guard?

� What are the changes to the local people and economy?

� What is the impact on the historic place by tourists?



4. Describe a party

1) What is the party?

2) Why was the party held?

3) Who attended the party?

4) What did you do for that party?

Follow-up:

� What’s the difference between serious party and friendly party?

� Why are some people late for parties intentionally?

� Why do some people like party while others hate it?

� What would you do if the guests feel bored?

� Will there be more and more people to attend parties?

5. Describe a subject taught in your school?

1) Who teaches it?

2) How is it taught?

3) What do you learn from the class?

Follow-up:

� Is there any difference between the traditional and modern educational systems?

� What are the pros and cons of the current educational system in your country?

� Do you think it is necessary to give comment or criticism to teachers?

6. What is the important invention before the age of computer?

1) What is the invention?

2) Why do you think it is very important?

3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the invention?

Follow-up:

� What is the significant impact of modern inventions on life?

� Which skills do you want to study in the future?

� Do you think it’s necessary to develop modern invention in the countryside?



7. Describe a foreign country you have never been to

1) Where is the country?

2) When will you go there?

3) Why would you like to go there?

Follow-up:

� Say something about the tourism development in China, facility, services and

the effect on environment.

� What is the importance of travel and tourism industry?

� What do you think the function of tourist guides?

8. Describe your favourite movie

1) What’s the name of the film?

2) What’s the theme of the film?

3) Why do you like it?

Follow-up:

� Describe a type pf movie you like.

� What’s the difference between Chinese and American movies?

� What do you think of the violent films (Hollywood films)?

� Why movies need computer techniques? Any example of movie using

computer techniques

� Which parts of cinema are the most important and how to improve it?

9. Describe a newspaper or magazine

1) What’s your habit for reading?

2) What are the benefits of reading?

3) What's the main difference between newspaper and magazine?

Follow-up:

� What do you think the important qualities for a news reporter?

� What’s the function of a report to the society?

� What kinds of books/newspapers/magazines do Chinese adolescents read?

� With the popularity of Internet, do you think newspapers and magazines will

disappear?



10. Describe a children’s game (sports not suggested)

1) How is it played?

2) What can you learn from the game?

3) What impact does it bring on your growth?

Follow-up:

� What do you think of the benefits of children’s games?

� Nowadays children have less and less time for game, what do you think about it?

� What do you think the difference between games nowadays and in the past?

� What’s the negative aspect of games?

11. Describe a happy event in your life?

1) When did it happen?

2) Where did it happen?

3) What was it?

Follow-up:

� Tell me how you organize your study time?

� What do you think is important in achieving happiness?

� How do Chinese celebrate some happy events?

� What do the camera and video play in celebrating?

12. Describe a thing which is important to you

1) Who gave it to you?

2) What is the thing?

3) What does the thing mean to you?

Follow-up:

� What are the changes of city between now and past?

� Does money represent happiness and why?

� How do you regard as the things people want to earn?



13. Describe one of your neighbours

1) When did you become neighbours?

2) Do you often meet?

3) State whether your neighbour is a good one

Follow-up:

� What is the difference between neighbours and friends?

� Why do people like to watch TV serials in their houses?

� How do you think of the relationship in the city?

� How to improve the neighbourhood?

14. Describe one of the shopping centers you often go to

1) Where is the shopping center?

2) How often do you go to the center?

3) Why do you often go to it and its characteristics?

Follow-up:

� Will smaller shops survive in the current business system?

� What are the characteristics of shopping malls and smaller shops and their

difference?

� What is the trend of future shopping centers?

� Talk about Internet shopping

15. Describe your favourite animal

1) What kind of animal is it?

2) Describe it briefly

3) Why do you like the animal?

Follow-up:

� What do you need to do to take care of it?

� What’s the future trend of the animal?

� How do you think of the poaching of some precious animals such as pandas?



16. Describe a historical place

1) What is the place?

2) Where is it located?

3) What is the historical meaning of the place?

Follow-up:

� What do you think of the future trend of historic places?

� Will government strengthen its protection toward historic places?

� What are the changes brought about by the historic place in local economy,

people, etc?

� What is the effect of tourists on the place?

17. Advertisement

1) What are the forms of advertisement?

2) What are the functions of advertisement?

3) What is the effect of advertisement to people?

Follow-up:

� Do you feel bored and disgusted about advertisement?

� What do you think are the criteria of assessing a good piece of advertisement?

� What will happen if unauthoritative advertisements prevail in the market?

18. Describe an important letter

1) When did you receive the letter?

2) From whom did you receive the letter?

3) Explain the reasons why it is important

Follow-up:

� What is the significance of handwriting?

� Does your country have handwriting lesson now?

� Compare the handwriting now and past

� With the popularity of computers and Internet, will people lose their ability to

write letters?



19. Describe the best present you have received

1) Who sent it to you?

2) When did you receive it?

3) Detailed information about the present

Follow-up:

� Do you think that present giving will play an important role in Chinese daily life?

Why?

� Do you think that the brand name is very important for sales?

� In terms of the media, which do you think will play a main role in present giving,

television, newspaper or Internet?

20. Describe your holidays

1) Where do you go for the holidays and how long do them last?

2) Who do you go with?

3) Talk about any interesting thins happening during your holidays

Follow-up:

� What do the Chinese people mostly do in their leisure time?

� What's the difference between holidays today and 5 years ago and the

reasons for the change?

� Do you think people will spend more time on leisure or working in the future?



Suggested questions for stage 1

Warm-up

1. Could you show me your identification card please?

2. Could you tell me your full name please?

3. What shall I call you?

4. Does your name have any special meaning?

5. Why do so many people change their names?

6. Is your name important to you?

Hometown or birth place

1. Where do you come from?

2. Where do you live?

3. Can you tell me something about your hometown?

4. Can you tell me some famous landscapes or scenic spots in your hometown?

5. Can you tell me some history of your hometown?

Personal background and information

1. Are you a student or do you have a job?

2. What do you like most about your study?

3. What kind of job do you prefer after graduation?

4. What is your major?

5. What do you do for living?

6. Could you tell me a typical day of yours?

7. How do you get your job?

8. Are you satisfied with your job?

9. What do you like most about your job?

10. What kind of job do you prefer in the future?

Hobby or inclination

1. What do you usually do in your spare time?

2. Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?

3. What do you usually do on weekends and weekdays?

4. What do you usually do when you go out?

5. What do you usually do with your friends?

6. Do you like reading?

7. What kind of books do you like best?

8. Do you like English? Why or why not?



9. What do you think of the importance of English?



10. What are good hobbies and bad hobbies? Why?

Future plan

1. Why do you take the IELTS test?

2. What are you planning to do in the next five years?

3. What are you planning to do in the next ten years?

4. What is the first thing you will do when you arrive at the new place? Suggested stage 2 questions most frequently asked in stage 1

1. Traveling

Do you like traveling?

Do you like travel alone or with your friends?

Have you traveled to other places? Where are they?

What do you usually do when you first arrive in a new

place? What are the benefits of traveling?

Why do so many people like traveling nowadays? 2. Friends

Do you have many friends? Are they casual acquaintances or close

friends? Do you prefer to stay with your family or with your friends?

Do you prefer one or two close friends or many

friends? Can you talk about your best friend?

How to make friends?

What do you usually do with your friends?

Is the time you spend with your friends as much as that you spend with your family? 3. Music

Do you like music?

What are the benefits of listening to

music? What kind of music do you like

best?

Why do you like this kind of music? 4. Transportation

Can you say something about the transportation in your

hometown? What is the common means of transport in your

country?

Do traffic jams often occur in your hometown or in the city where you

live? How to solve the problem?



What changes in transportation have taken place in the past several years in your

country? 5. Building

Can you tell me an interesting building in your

hometown? Can you tell me an interesting building in

Guangzhou?

English Message Service, Lahroe, Pakistan. Contact: 0092-300-8052112,

[email protected]

151 | P a g e C o m p i l e d B y A s a d Y a q u b , I E L T S T r a i n e r , P a k i s t a n