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IELTS Writing Task 2: advertising

'Advertising' has been the topic of IELTS writing task 2 several times this year. It's a popular topic, so you need some ideas and opinions about it.

Here are some opinions about advertising, taken from my ebook.

• Advertising should be ______.
• Advertising ______ children should be controlled or even banned.
• Unhealthy foods should not be marketed ______ attracts children.
• Products that can be a risk to health should ______ warnings.
• However, advertising is necessary in free ______ economies.
• It creates ______ products.
• Governments should only ______ false information or products that are harmful.

Fill the gaps with these words/phrases:
market, in a way that, regulated, display, censor, demand for, aimed at

Note:
'Advertising' is uncountable (you can't say "an advertising" or "advertisings"). 'Advertising' is the name of the industry, activity or profession (like 'marketing'). 'An advertisement' (or 'advertisements') is what you see on TV, in the street, in newspapers etc.

IELTS Writing Task 2: globalisation of culture

This was a recent exam question:

Differences between countries become less evident each year. Nowadays, all over the world people share the same fashions, advertising, brands, eating habits and TV channels.
Do the disadvantages of this trend outweigh the advantages?

Here's my outline for a 4-paragraph essay:

Introduction
It is true that many aspects of culture are becoming increasingly similar throughout the world. Although this trend has some benefits, I would argue that there are more drawbacks.

First sentence of paragraph 2
On the one hand, the globalisation of fashion, brands, eating habits and other areas of culture has some benefits. (Explain the benefits)

First sentence of paragraph 3
On the other hand, I believe that the disadvantages of cultural globalisation are even more significant. (Explain the disadvantages)

Conclusion
In conclusion, it seems to me that the drawbacks of globalisation, in terms of cultural habits such as the clothes we wear or the foods we eat, do outweigh the benefits.

IELTS Writing Task 2: recent question

This was the IELTS writing task 2 question two weeks ago in the UK:

It is right that university graduates should earn more money than less well educated people, but they should pay the full cost of their education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

My students and I planned a 4-paragraph essay:

1) Introduction: introduce the topic and respond to both parts of the question. We decided to agree that graduates deserve good salaries, but we disagree with the idea that they should pay the full cost of their degree courses.

2) Paragraph explaining why graduates should earn good salaries: they have invested time and effort into gaining their qualifications; they have knowledge, skills and training required for important jobs; they are an asset to society.

3) Paragraph explaining why graduates should not have to pay the full cost of education: this will be too expensive and will deter many young people from going to university; students will have huge debts; graduates contribute by paying taxes when they work.

4) Conclusion: repeat the two main ideas.

IELTS Writing Task 2: the '2 part' question

The following question confuses many students because it doesn't seem to be one of the 3 normal types (opinion, discussion, problem/solution).

Happiness is considered very important in life.
Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?

I call this a "2 part" question, and it's easier than you think. Just answer the first question in paragraph 2, and the second question in paragraph 3:

1. Introduction - topic + simple answer to both questions

2. Paragraph - explain why happiness is difficult to define

Some ideas: Explain that happiness means different things to different people; the same situation can make one person happy but another person sad/bored etc. Give examples of what makes different people happy (money, success, family, friends, hobbies). Give an example from your experience e.g. a hobby that makes you happy but that your friend hates.

3. Paragraph - give your opinions about how to achieve happiness

Some ideas: Try to organise your ideas logically - you could begin with humans' basic needs (in order to be happy we need to be healthy and have somewhere to live, food to eat etc.) then talk about the importance of family and friends. You could then write about career, money, success, status etc. - maybe you could explain that these things mean nothing if we do not have family and friends to share our experiences with. Give an example from your own life - what will make you happier than you are now?

4. Conclusion - repeat/summarise the main ideas

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'technology' topic

This was a recent IELTS exam question:

Early technological developments helped ordinary people and changed their lives more than recent developments.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here's the plan that I wrote with my students:

1. Introduction: we disagree because we think that early and recent technologies have had an equally significant impact on our lives.
2. Paragraph about how early technologies helped people.
3. Paragraph about how recent technologies help people.
4. Conclusion: repeat the significance of both.

Here's a picture of what we wrote for paragraph 2:

IELTS Writing Task 2: how to answer any question

Today I want to show you what happens in my brain when I see any IELTS Writing Task 2 question.

Here are my thinking steps:

1. I read the question very carefully, maybe three times. I ask myself "What's the topic? What is the question asking me to write about?"
2. I underline the key things that must be included in the essay. I always answer every part of the question.
3. Now I think about my 4 paragraph structure. I can write any type of essay in 4 paragraphs; I just need to decide what to put in each paragraph.
4. If I need to give my opinion, I think "What is the easiest opinion to explain? What good vocabulary could I use?"
5. Then I write down some vocabulary ideas that are related to the topic.
6. I try to write 2 sentences for the introduction: I introduce the topic, then give a simple answer (including my opinion if the question asks for it).
7. I write short 'topic sentences' to start each paragraph, then develop my ideas by explaining and supporting with examples.
8. I look at the question from time to time in order to check that I'm answering every part of it.
9. I know that I write about 10 words per line; I can quickly check the approximate number of words that I've written.
10. If I need more words (to reach 250), I expand one of my examples in the main body paragraphs. If necessary, I draw an arrow to show where I want to add the extra words.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'gender and university' essay

Here's my full essay using last week's plan:

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.

Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty per cent of the places needed to go to males.

Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it would be wrong to reject her in favour of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.

In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.

(265 words, band 9)

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'gender and university' topic

A few people have asked me about this question from Cambridge IELTS 5:

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

I did a lesson about this question with my students. Here are our ideas:

1. Introduction: We decided to completely disagree with the question statement. You don't need to explain both sides of the argument. Just give your opinion in the introduction, then support it in the main body paragraphs.
2. Paragraph 2: One reason why we decided to disagree is that it would not be practical or realistic to have exactly the same number of males and females on every course. Some courses have mainly male applicants, while others are more popular with females.
3. Paragraph 3: Another reason we disagreed is that it would not be fair to base admission to courses on gender. Universities should select candidates based on their qualifications, skills, experience etc.
4. Conclusion: Repeat the idea that selecting according to gender is not the best way to ensure equal opportunities for men and women at university.

I'll put a full example essay on the site next week. You are welcome to share your own ideas, but I'm afraid I can't give feedback, scores or corrections.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'helping poor countries' topic

This was the IELTS writing task 2 question on 28th May:

The money given to help poor countries does not solve the problem of poverty, so rich countries should give other types of help instead.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

My students and I planned a 4-paragraph essay:

1. Introduction: introduce the topic of helping poor countries, and agree that giving money is not the best way to help.
2. Paragraph explaining why giving money is a bad idea.
3. Paragraph explaining why other types of help are better.
4. Conclusion: repeat the argument (investing is better than giving).

We discussed some ideas and wrote paragraph 2 together:

In my opinion, it is a bad idea to simply give financial aid to governments of poor countries. If rich countries do this, there is a risk that the money will not go to the people who need it most. Governments may misuse the money they are given because they do not have the resources or the know-how to tackle the causes of poverty. In some cases, corrupt politicians have become rich while their citizens continue to suffer. For these reasons, it is important for developed countries to find ways to invest in developing nations, instead of just donating money.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'sports salaries' topic

As I've said before, you can't get a high score for IELTS writing task 2 if you don't have good ideas about the question topic. Here are some ideas from my ebook about the following question:

Some people believe that the salaries paid to professional sportspeople are too high, while others argue that sports salaries are fair.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

View 1: sports salaries are too high

• Sports professionals earn too much money.
• They do not provide a vital service.
• Football players earn enormous salaries by simply kicking a ball.
• We could all live happily without professional football.
• We should value professionals such as nurses and teachers more highly.

View 2: sports salaries are fair

• It is fair that the best sportspeople earn a lot of money.
• Sport is a multi-million-pound industry.
• There is a large audience of sports fans who are willing to pay.
• Televised games or events attract many viewers.
• Being a top sportsperson requires hours of practice.

IELTS Writing Task 2: band 9 paragraph

Below is a 'band 9' paragraph about the benefits of zoos. I took the vocabulary ideas from this lesson (click here) and organised them in the following way:

1. Simple topic sentence.
2. The main benefit is that...
3. Another advantage of zoos is that...
4. From a personal point of view,...

I've underlined the band 9 vocabulary.

Zoos have several benefits. The main benefit is that zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation. They help to protect endangered species, such as pandas or rhinos, and allow scientists to study animal behaviour. Another advantage of zoos is that they employ large numbers of people, therefore providing job opportunities and income for the local area. Also, the money that zoos make can be used for conservation projects. From a personal point of view, zoos are interesting, educational and fun. They are entertaining for families, and teach children to appreciate wildlife and nature.

IELTS Writing Task 2: idea, explain, example

A good way to write main body paragraphs is this:

Start with an idea; Explain it in detail; Give an example

Here's an example of how I 'build' a paragraph using the above method:

A sense of competition is necessary for success in life, and should therefore be encouraged. Competition motivates children to get good grades at school or become better at sports, while adults compete to climb the career ladder. In a job interview, for example, candidates compete to show that they are the most qualified, hard-working and competent person for the post.

Note:
What's the topic of the paragraph above? What do you think the question was?

IELTS Writing Task 2: use related words

Look again at last week's question:

Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.
Discuss both views and give you own opinion.

Let's forget about the whole question. Just try to list some words that are related to the 3 main ideas.

Museums:

• exhibition, exhibit (verb, like 'show'), an exhibit (noun, 'item'), artifact, object, collection, history, science, art, culture, visitors, members of the public, public viewing...

Entertain:

• entertainment, entertaining, enjoy, enjoyment, enjoyable, have fun, interesting, fascinating, spectacular, impressive, leisure time, free time, a day out, tourist attraction...

Educate:

• education, educational, teach, learn, explain, understand, know, gain/expand/pass on/transmit knowledge, skills, experience, open your mind, broaden your horizons...

Making lists of related words is a good way to generate ideas. You might not have time to do this in the exam, but it's a useful study technique.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'museums' essay

Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.
Discuss both views and give you own opinion.

People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.

On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain. Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many people will want to see. The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.

On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know. Usually this means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition. In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life.

In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting, enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same time.

(253 words, band 9)

IELTS Writing Task 2: how to write a paragraph

Today I'm going to write a paragraph about gun control. I'll start with some vocabulary ideas, then I'll make them into full sentences.

Ideas: why should the ownership of guns be limited/controlled?

1. Topic sentence to introduce the idea of gun control
2. risk of accidents, danger to children
3. more violent crimes, criminals will use guns, police will need guns
4. higher suicide rates
5. guns create violent societies

Here's my paragraph using the ideas above. I've divided the paragraph into separate sentences so that you can see what I have done more clearly.

1. In many countries, gun ownership is strictly controlled.
2. Supporters of this policy point out the risk of accidents with guns, especially when children can gain access to them.
3. They also argue that the number of violent crimes increases when guns are available, and that police are forced to use guns to combat armed criminals.
4. Furthermore, suicide rates have been shown to rise in places where guns are legal.
5. All in all, gun control advocates believe that guns create violent societies with high murder rates.

Of course, in the IELTS exam you would probably have to explain the opposite view: the arguments in favour of gun ownership.

IELTS Writing Task 2: sample discussion essay

Here's an example of how I write a 4-paragraph essay for "discuss and give your opinion" questions. Notice that I give my opinion in 3 places (introduction, paragraph 3, conclusion).

Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.

The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a successful career.

On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete.

For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.

(271 words, band 9)

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'job satisfaction' topic

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

The following paragraph answers the second part of the question (How realistic..)

It is difficult to imagine a world in which everyone is truly satisfied with their job. Most people work in order to earn a salary, and they would probably not choose to spend eight or more hours each day doing their jobs if they did not need the money. The need to earn money to pay mortgages, bills and everyday living costs is of much greater concern than job satisfaction. In fact, I would argue that the majority of people dislike their jobs and are unhappy about their salaries, working hours, workloads, or their bosses.

(95 words)

Note:
What "band 7 vocabulary" can you find in the paragraph above?

IELTS Writing Task 2: how to write introductions

Here is a review of my advice for task 2 introductions:

• Make the introduction short and do it quickly. The main body paragraphs are more important.
• Two sentences are enough: 1) introduce the topic. 2) give a basic answer to the question.

Example question:

All high school students should be encouraged to take part in community service programmes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

My introduction:

Some people believe that high school students would benefit from doing unpaid work in their local communities. I completely agree that community service programmes for teenagers are a good idea.

IELTS Writing Task 2: strong or balanced opinion

The following question asks for your opinion. You can either have a strong opinion or a more balanced opinion, but make it clear in your introduction.

Governments should not have to provide care or financial support for elderly people because it is the responsibility of each person to prepare for retirement and support him or herself.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Introduction (strong opinion):
People have different views about whether or not governments should help senior citizens. I completely disagree with the idea that elderly people should receive no support from the state.

Introduction (more balanced opinion):
People have different views about whether or not governments should help senior citizens. Although I accept that we all have a responsibility to save money for retirement, I disagree with the idea that elderly people should receive no support from the state.

Note:
After the first introduction, try to write 2 paragraphs that both explain why you disagree. The second introduction allows you to discuss both sides (which might be easier).

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'dependence' question

The following question was used in several countries last Saturday. I've listed some ideas below.

Some people think that in the modern world we have become more dependent on each other, while others think that people are now more independent.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

First view: we have become more dependent

• Life is more difficult and expensive, and we are less self-sufficient
• Young people rely on their parents for longer
• Unemployed people receive state benefits
• Our jobs are much more specialised, and we need to work in teams

Second view: we are more independent

• We rely on machines more than we depend on each other
• The Internet allows us to solve problems without needing help
• Families are more dispersed, and therefore provide less support
• Education gives us the freedom to make our own choices

By linking these points together and supporting them with examples, you could easily write two good paragraphs.

IELTS Writing Task 2: the 'two-part' question

Usually the question tells you to "discuss both views" or it asks whether you "agree or disagree". However, sometimes the question looks different:

Competitiveness is considered to be a positive quality among people.
How does competitiveness affect individuals?
Is competitiveness a positive or negative quality?

Notice that the question above gives you the topic (competitiveness) and then two questions. I call this a "two-part" question.

For this kind of question, just write 4 paragraphs (see below), and make sure you write an equal amount for paragraphs 2 and 3.

1. Introduction: topic + general response
2. Answer the first question
3. Answer the second question
4. Conclusion: repeat your response

IELTS Writing Advice: correcting yourself

Takuya wrote to me about an interesting cultural difference:

"In Japan, students are told to correct their work using an eraser. They are not allowed to insert words or cross words out."

This is not true in the IELTS exam. You don't need to waste time using an eraser. Your writing needs to be clear, but not perfect.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'minority languages' essay

Today, I'd like to share a 'band 9' sample essay for the question below.

Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages should be protected and preserved.

There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each minority group.

Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are less widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it. If a language disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes societies more interesting. By spending money to protect minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part of a country’s history.

In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage.

(258 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'women and work' topic

Dana sent me the following question:

Women should have an equal role alongside men in both police and armed forces. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is my plan for a 4-paragraph essay:

1. Introduction: topic + response
- Introduce the topic e.g. "Increasing numbers of women are choosing to..."
- Respond to the question e.g. "I completely agree that women should be able..."

2. First reason why I agree: equal opportunities
Explain why women should have the same right as men to choose their profession. People should be chosen for jobs according to their skills, qualifications, character etc.

3. Second reason why I agree: women's capabilities
I would disagree with the view that women are less able than men to do certain jobs. Also, I would argue that policewomen, for example, may be better at controlling a situation by communicating more effectively. Police and military work requires more than just physical strength. Teamwork, leadership and communication can be much more important.

4. Conclusion: one sentence
Repeat your response in a different way.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'robots' topic

A student sent me this question:

Some people believe that robots will play an important role in future societies, while others argue that robots might have negative effects on society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Today my students planned an essay for this topic. The photo below shows the ideas they had in the lesson:

IELTS Advice: essay introductions

On Wednesday I wrote a lesson about introductions for IELTS writing task 2. Since then, several students have asked me this question:

"Will my introduction get a good score?"

Answer: your introduction alone will not get you a high score, even if it is perfect. The introduction is necessary, but the main body paragraphs decide your score.

Write a short, clear introduction. Then spend most of your time on the main body of the essay.

IELTS Writing Task 2: introductions

Here are some example introductions for 3 different types of essay. My technique is to write 2 sentences:

1. A sentence to introduce the topic
2. A sentence giving a general response to the question or instruction

Problem & Solution Essay:

It is true that children's behaviour seems to be getting worse. There are various reasons for this, and both schools and parents need to work together to improve the situation.

Discussion (& Opinion) Essay:

People have different views about how children should be taught. While there are some good arguments in favour of teaching children to be competitive, I believe that it is better to encourage co-operation.

Opinion (Agree / Disagree) Essay:

In recent years it has become more common for women to return to work after having a child. However, I do not agree that this has been the cause of problems for young people.

My advice:
Keep your introduction short. Main body paragraphs are more important.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'academic ability' topic

Some people think schools should group pupils according to their academic ability, but others believe pupils with different abilities should be educated together. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here are some "band 7" (or higher) ideas from my ebook:

For grouping by ability:

• Teachers can work at the right speed for their students.
• Teachers can plan more suitable lessons.
• High-level groups may progress faster.
• Lower level groups can benefit from a slower pace.

Against grouping by ability:

• Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students.
• Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others.
• Being in a lower level group could damage their self esteem.
• Mixed ability classes encourage children of all abilities to cooperate.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'road safety' topic

Road safety could be the topic of a "problem/solution" essay:

Despite improvements in vehicle technology, there are still large numbers of road accidents. Explain some of the causes of these accidents, and suggest some measures that could be taken to address the problem.

Here are some ideas from my ebook:

Causes:

• Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous.
• Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers.
• They draw the driver’s attention away from the road.

Solutions:

• The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries.
• Punishments are becoming stricter.
• Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely.
• Speed cameras have become more common.

You could also add the causes mentioned in yesterday's lesson.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'marriages' topic

Marriages are bigger and more expensive nowadays than in the past. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

To plan an essay for this topic, consider the following questions:

1. Would you call this an 'opinion' essay or a 'discussion' essay?
2. For a 4-paragraph essay, what would each paragraph be about?
3. What 2 things do you need to do in the introduction?
4. Do you have any ideas to explain why weddings are bigger/expensive?
5. Should you choose 'positive' or 'negative', or can you discuss both?

Feel free to answer these questions in the comments area. I'll give you my answers tomorrow, and I'll try to write a full essay for next week.

Note:
Please don't send me full essays. I can't check them or give you a score.

IELTS Writing: to what extent do you agree?

A good way to answer this question is:

To a certain extent I agree that... However, I also think that...

By saying that you agree to a certain extent (not completely), you can now talk about both sides of the argument.

Example question:
People visiting other countries should adapt to the customs and behaviours expected there. They should not expect the host country to welcome different customs and behaviours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

My introduction:
To a certain extent I agree that visitors to other countries should respect the culture of the host country. However, I also think that host countries should accept visitors' cultural differences.

After this introduction, you can write one paragraph about each view.