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How to Write a Good Answer to Exam Essay Questions

Last Updated: July 9, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci . Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 650,400 times.

Answering essay questions on an exam can be difficult and stressful, which can make it hard to provide a good answer. However, you can improve your ability to answer essay questions by learning how to understand the questions, form an answer, and stay focused. Developing your ability to give excellent answers on essay exams will take time and effort, but you can learn some good essay question practices and start improving your answers.

Understanding the Question

• Analyze: Explain the what, where, who, when, why, and how. Include pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
• Compare: Discuss the similarities and differences between two or more things. Don't forget to explain why the comparison is useful.
• Contrast: Discuss how two or more things are different or distinguish between them. Don't forget to explain why the contrast is useful.
• Define: State what something means, does, achieves, etc.
• Describe: List characteristics or traits of something. You may also need to summarize something, such as an essay prompt that asks "Describe the major events that led to the American Revolution."
• Discuss: This is more analytical. You usually begin by describing something and then present arguments for or against it. You may need to analyze the advantages or disadvantages of your subject.
• Evaluate: Offer the pros and cons, positives and negatives for a subject. You may be asked to evaluate a statement for logical support, or evaluate an argument for weaknesses.
• Explain: Explain why or how something happened, or justify your position on something.
• Prove: Usually reserved for more scientific or objective essays. You may be asked to include evidence and research to build a case for a specific position or set of hypotheses.
• Summarize: Usually, this means to list the major ideas or themes of a subject. It could also ask you to present the main ideas in order to then fully discuss them. Most essay questions will not ask for pure summary without anything else.

• Raise your hand and wait for your teacher to come over to you or approach your teacher’s desk to ask your question. This way you will be less likely to disrupt other test takers.

Forming Your Response

• Take a moment to consider your organization before you start writing your answer. What information should come first, second, third, etc.?
• In many cases, the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure works well. Start with an introductory paragraph, use 3 paragraphs in the body of the article to explain different points, and finish with a concluding paragraph.
• It can also be really helpful to draft a quick outline of your essay before you start writing.

• You may want to make a list of facts and figures that you want to include in your essay answer. That way you can refer to this list as you write your answer.
• It's best to write down all the important key topics or ideas before you get started composing your answer. That way, you can check back to make sure you haven't missed anything.

• For example, imagine that your essay question asks: "Should the FIFA World Cup be awarded to countries with human rights violations? Explain and support your answer."
• You might restate this as "Countries with human rights violations should not be awarded the FIFA World Cup because this rewards a nation's poor treatment of its citizens." This will be the thesis that you support with examples and explanation.

• For example, whether you argue that the FIFA World Cup should or should not be awarded to countries with human rights violations, you will want to address the opposing side's argument. However, it needs to be clear where your essay stands about the matter.
• Often, essay questions end up saying things along the lines of "There are many similarities and differences between X and Y." This does not offer a clear position and can result in a bad grade.

• If you are required to write your answer by hand, then take care to make your writing legible and neat. Some professors may deduct points if they cannot read what you have written.

Staying Calm and Focused

• If you get to a point during the exam where you feel too anxious to focus, put down your pencil (or take your hands off of the keyboard), close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Stretch your arms and imagine that you are somewhere pleasant for a few moments. When you have completed this brief exercise, open up your eyes and resume the exam.

• For example, if the exam period is one hour long and you have to answer three questions in that time frame, then you should plan to spend no more than 20 minutes on each question.
• Look at the weight of the questions, if applicable. For example, if there are five 10-point short-answers and a 50-point essay, plan to spend more time on the essay because it is worth significantly more. Don't get stuck spending so much time on the short-answers that you don't have time to develop a complex essay.

• This strategy is even more important if the exam has multiple essay questions. If you take too much time on the first question, then you may not have enough time to answer the other questions on the exam.

• If you feel like you are straying away from the question, reread the question and review any notes that you made to help guide you. After you get refocused, then continue writing your answer.
• Try to allow yourself enough time to go back and tighten up connections between your points. A few well-placed transitions can really bump up your grade.

Community Q&A

• If you are worried about running out of time, put your watch in front of you where you can see it. Just try not to focus on it too much. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you need more practice, make up your own questions or even look at some practice questions online! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Look up relevant quotes if your exam is open notes. Use references from books or class to back up your answers.
• Make sure your sentences flow together and that you don't repeat the same thing twice!

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-services/library-tutoring-testing/learning-center/academic-coaching/documents/Strategies%20For%20Answering%20Essay%20Questions.pdf
• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/short-answer-essays.php

About This Article

To write a good answer to an exam essay question, read the question carefully to find what it's asking, and follow the instructions for the essay closely. Begin your essay by rephrasing the question into a statement with your answer in the statement. Include supplemental facts and figures if necessary, or do textual analysis from a provided piece to support your argument. Make sure your writing is clear and to the point, and don't include extra information unless it supports your argument. For tips from our academic reviewer on understanding essay questions and dealing with testing nerves, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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50 Essay Examples with High-Scoring Answers - PTE Academic

The Essay is the final question in part 1 of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.

You will be given a prompt and you have 20 minutes to write an essay response that is 200 to 300 words long. The prompt usually has a sentence that introduces the topic. Then, you will be asked a question or a few to guide your response.

In this article, I’m going to provide high-scoring answers to 50 example essay prompts.

Example Essays with Answers

With the rise of digital media, books are becoming less significant in everyday life. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your argument with examples and reasons.

The statement that books are becoming less significant in everyday life with the rise of digital media captures a current trend but does not fully encompass the continued relevance and evolution of books in our society. While it is true that digital media has altered how we consume information and entertainment, it has not rendered books obsolete.

Firstly, digital media, including ebooks, audiobooks, and online articles, has expanded the accessibility and convenience of reading. People can now carry entire libraries on their devices, making reading possible anywhere and at any time. This shift to digital does represent a change in the medium through which many people read, but it doesn't necessarily diminish the importance of books; rather, it transforms their format. For example, the increasing popularity of audiobooks has opened up the world of literature to busy commuters and those who may struggle with traditional printed text.

Furthermore, despite the digital surge, physical books continue to hold a unique appeal. Many readers prefer the tactile experience of holding a book and the absence of screen glare. Physical books do not require batteries or an internet connection, making them particularly valuable in areas with limited digital infrastructure. Additionally, books as physical objects can have sentimental value and aesthetic qualities that enhance personal libraries or serve as meaningful gifts.

In conclusion, although digital media has changed how we access and consume literature, it has not decreased the significance of books in everyday life. Instead, it has broadened the ways in which literature can be appreciated and accessed, indicating an evolution rather than a decline in the importance of books.

With the increasing prevalence of fast food, health issues related to diet have become more common. Should there be stricter regulations on fast food restaurants? Support your argument with reasons and examples.

In the face of rising health issues associated with diet, largely propelled by the widespread availability of fast food, there is a compelling argument for the implementation of stricter regulations on fast food restaurants. Primarily, such regulations could directly address the nutritional content of the foods offered, ensuring healthier options are available and prominent. This could include mandatory calorie counts on menus and restrictions on certain harmful ingredients like trans fats, which have been linked to heart disease.

Moreover, stricter regulations could also mandate fast food chains to provide clear and accessible nutritional information, empowering consumers to make more informed choices about their food consumption. For instance, detailed descriptions of ingredients and potential allergens could prevent health risks among individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies.

In addition, implementing regulations on marketing practices, especially those targeted at children, could reduce the appeal of unhealthy fast food options to vulnerable groups. The compelling nature of fast food advertising significantly influences eating habits, particularly in children, leading to poor dietary choices that carry into adulthood.

By enforcing these measures, not only could the immediate health of consumers improve, but it could also instigate a broader cultural shift towards healthier eating practices across society.

The arts (music, visual arts, theater) are as important as the sciences in education. How far do you agree with this statement? Justify your viewpoint with examples from your own experiences or observations.

I strongly agree that the arts are as essential as the sciences in education, as they contribute uniquely to the development of well-rounded individuals. Integrating arts into the curriculum fosters creativity, emotional expression, and cultural awareness, which are vital in today’s diverse society.

From my own experience, participation in school theater productions not only honed my public speaking skills but also enhanced my ability to work collaboratively within a team. These are practical skills that are valuable in any professional environment, not just in the arts. Moreover, the confidence I gained from performing in front of an audience has been instrumental in other areas of my academic and personal life, such as during presentations in science classes or leading group projects.

Observationally, I’ve noticed that students who engage in artistic activities seem more adept at problem-solving and thinking outside the box—skills that are crucial in scientific fields as well. For instance, a friend who excels in both music and mathematics often explains how studying music theory has improved her ability to recognize patterns and solve complex equations, suggesting a complementary relationship between these disciplines.

Therefore, I believe that sidelining the arts in favor of a more science-heavy curriculum could hinder the development of diverse skills that are applicable across various fields. Both the arts and sciences are fundamental to fostering a holistic educational environment that prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of the future.

Privacy in the digital age is increasingly becoming a myth. How far do you agree with this statement? Discuss the implications and provide examples to support your viewpoint.

I agree significantly with the statement that privacy in the digital age is increasingly becoming a myth. In today’s world, the proliferation of digital technologies means that vast amounts of personal data are collected, stored, and analyzed by various entities, often without the explicit consent of individuals.

For instance, social media platforms gather data on users' browsing habits, personal interests, and even location histories to tailor advertisements and content. This data collection is so pervasive that escaping it completely is nearly impossible unless one entirely opts out of using digital services, which is impractical for most people.

Moreover, the use of smartphones and other connected devices has led to a situation where privacy breaches are not just possible but are occurring with alarming regularity. Hackers can gain unauthorized access to personal information, leading to identity theft and financial fraud. Companies might also suffer data breaches that expose sensitive user information.

The implications of this erosion of privacy are profound. It affects individuals’ sense of security and can lead to a chilling effect on free expression online. People may feel less inclined to share honest opinions or explore sensitive topics if they fear that their activities are being monitored.

In conclusion, while technology has brought many benefits, the cost to personal privacy is a significant concern. The digital age indeed challenges the notion of privacy, turning it into something that feels more like a privilege than a guaranteed right.

Globalization brings more positive impacts than negative ones on cultures around the world. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your view with examples and reasons.

I agree that globalization tends to have more positive impacts than negative ones on cultures around the world. Globalization encourages the exchange of ideas, traditions, and values among diverse cultures, leading to greater understanding and cooperation among people.

One positive impact of globalization is the increased exposure to different cultures, which can enrich a society. For example, through globalization, culinary traditions from around the world have been introduced to different countries. This means that people can enjoy a wide variety of foods, such as sushi from Japan, tacos from Mexico, or curry from India, right in their hometowns. This not only enhances the culinary experience but also promotes appreciation and respect for other cultures.

Another benefit of globalization is the spread of technology and innovation. When cultures collaborate, they share technologies that can improve lives. For instance, many developing countries have experienced rapid technological advances due to globalization, such as access to smartphones and the internet. This connectivity helps bridge cultural gaps and fosters global awareness among populations.

However, it is important to acknowledge that globalization can also lead to the dilution of cultural identities if not managed properly. When cultures adopt aspects of others too rapidly, they may lose parts of their own traditions and heritage. Nonetheless, with conscious efforts to preserve cultural uniqueness while embracing beneficial exchanges, globalization can significantly enrich cultures rather than diminish them.

In conclusion, while there are some drawbacks, the positive impacts of globalization on cultures around the world generally outweigh the negatives, leading to a more interconnected and harmonious global society.

Renewable energy should completely replace fossil fuels in the next 20 years. Discuss the feasibility and implications of this statement. Provide arguments and examples to support your viewpoint.

The idea of replacing fossil fuels entirely with renewable energy within the next 20 years is ambitious and reflects a growing concern about environmental issues and climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer numerous benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions and diminishing pollution, which are crucial for sustaining our environment.

However, the complete replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy in just two decades poses several challenges. First, the infrastructure for renewable energy is not yet fully developed in many parts of the world. Building this infrastructure, including solar farms, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants, requires significant investment and time. Moreover, the technology for storing energy generated from renewable sources is not as advanced as needed for consistent and reliable energy supply, especially in regions with fluctuating weather conditions.

Additionally, the global economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Many industries use fossil fuels not only for energy but also as raw materials in products like plastics and pharmaceuticals. Transitioning these sectors to alternative materials could be complex and costly.

While aiming to replace fossil fuels entirely in 20 years might not be fully feasible, a gradual transition with increasing reliance on renewable sources is more practical. This approach allows for the development of necessary technologies and infrastructure, and provides time for industries to adapt to new methods, making the shift towards renewable energy sustainable and less disruptive to the global economy.

Public transportation should be made free to reduce environmental pollution. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this policy. Use examples to support your argument.

Making public transportation free could offer significant environmental benefits. Primarily, it could lead to a decrease in the number of cars on the road. As public transit becomes a more attractive option due to being cost-free, more people might choose it over driving their personal vehicles. This shift could reduce traffic congestion and the emission of pollutants like carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to air pollution and climate change.

Additionally, free public transit could be particularly beneficial in urban areas where traffic congestion is a common issue. For example, in cities like New York or London, where public transport systems are already heavily utilized, making them free could encourage even more commuters to leave their cars at home, further decreasing environmental pollution.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is funding. Public transportation systems are expensive to operate, and without fare revenue, money would need to come from other sources, such as increased taxes. This could be unpopular among taxpayers who do not use public transit regularly.

Moreover, if public transportation were free, there could be a surge in usage, potentially leading to overcrowded trains and buses. This could result in a decline in service quality and comfort, possibly deterring people from using public transit despite the lack of cost.

In summary, while offering free public transportation could help reduce environmental pollution and ease urban congestion, it also poses challenges related to funding and capacity.

Mental health awareness should be integrated into school curriculums from a young age. How far do you agree with this statement? Support your opinion with reasons and examples from your own experiences.

I strongly agree with the statement that mental health awareness should be integrated into school curriculums from a young age. Educating children about mental health can foster a positive and supportive environment, where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health.

Introducing mental health awareness in schools can equip children with the knowledge to identify and understand their emotions and the emotions of others. This understanding can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. For example, in my own school years, we rarely discussed mental health, which led to a lot of misconceptions and a general lack of support among peers facing mental health challenges.

Furthermore, incorporating mental health education into the curriculum can provide students with crucial coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In my experience, many students struggle with stress due to academic pressures but lack the tools to manage it effectively. If I had been taught strategies for dealing with stress in school, I believe I would have been better prepared to handle academic and personal challenges.

Lastly, mental health education can promote a healthier future generation. Children who learn about mental health from a young age are more likely to grow into adults who prioritize their mental well-being, seek help when needed, and support others in their community.

Overall, integrating mental health awareness into the school curriculum is essential for fostering a well-rounded, supportive, and empathetic society.

Education systems should focus more on practical skills than academic knowledge in the modern world. How far do you agree with this assertion? Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.

In the modern world, the debate between prioritizing practical skills over academic knowledge in education systems is significant. I agree to a large extent that education should focus more on practical skills, as these are crucial in preparing students for real-world challenges.

Firstly, practical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical abilities directly apply to various occupational fields. For example, a mechanic uses hands-on skills to repair vehicles, which he would learn more effectively through practical instruction rather than theoretical knowledge alone. Similarly, a nurse benefits more from simulated practice and real-life internships than just textbook information.

Secondly, focusing on practical skills in education systems can make learning more engaging for students. When learners see the direct application of their studies, it can enhance their interest and motivation. For instance, when students engage in projects or experiments, they often find the lessons more memorable and relevant compared to traditional lecture-based learning.

Moreover, in today's rapidly changing job market, employers increasingly value practical skills. They are looking for candidates who can perform tasks effectively from day one, rather than those who only have theoretical knowledge.

While academic knowledge remains important for foundational understanding and critical analysis, integrating more practical skills into the curriculum prepares students better for future careers and daily life. Therefore, education systems should adapt to include a greater emphasis on these practical skills.

With the increasing globalization of business, many people are required to work in countries other than their own. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad? Discuss with reference to cultural and economic aspects.

One major advantage is the opportunity for cultural exchange. Individuals working abroad immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a new language, and experience daily life in a different context. This broadens their perspectives, fosters personal growth, and enhances their adaptability and communication skills. Economically, working abroad can offer higher salaries, better employment opportunities, and the chance to work in industries that may not be available or developed in one’s home country. This can lead to professional advancement and financial benefits.

However, there are notable disadvantages as well. On a cultural level, expatriates might face significant challenges such as language barriers, homesickness, and cultural shock. These factors can lead to feelings of isolation or difficulty in adjusting to the new environment. Economically, while one might earn more, the cost of living in a foreign country can be higher. Additionally, job security can be a concern, especially in countries where foreign workers might be the first to face layoffs during economic downturns.

In conclusion, working abroad can be immensely rewarding but also challenging. The cultural exposure and economic benefits are significant, yet they come with the potential for cultural disorientation and financial uncertainties. Each individual’s experience will vary depending on their circumstances and the country they choose to work in.

The growth of online education has transformed the way students learn around the world. Do the benefits of studying online outweigh the disadvantages? Support your opinion with specific examples and evidence.

The growth of online education has indeed transformed the educational landscape globally, making learning more accessible and flexible than ever before. This transformation brings numerous benefits, but also several disadvantages, which need to be considered.

One of the primary benefits of studying online is accessibility. Students from remote or underserved areas can access quality education that previously might have been out of reach due to geographic or economic barriers. For example, a student in a rural village can now take courses from prestigious universities without the need to relocate.

Another significant advantage is flexibility. Online education allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance other responsibilities, such as work or family care, with their studies. It enables them to attend classes and complete assignments whenever it is most convenient, even if that means engaging in learning activities late at night or early in the morning.

However, online education also has its disadvantages. The lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder the development of interpersonal skills and reduce the opportunities for spontaneous discussion and deeper understanding that physical classroom settings offer. Additionally, students may face challenges with self-discipline and motivation without the structured environment of a traditional classroom.

In conclusion, while online education has disadvantages, its benefits of accessibility and flexibility make it a valuable option for many learners, allowing education to be more inclusive and adaptable to individual needs.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Discuss the role that individual actions can play in combating climate change. Are these actions enough to make a significant difference, or should the focus be on governmental and corporate policies?

Climate change represents a critical challenge that affects everyone globally. It's clear that addressing this issue requires action at various levels, including individual, corporate, and governmental.

Individual actions, such as reducing energy consumption, recycling, and using public transportation, are important. These efforts can lead to significant environmental benefits. For example, when people choose to recycle or cut down on waste, they help reduce pollution and conserve resources. Similarly, opting for public transport or carpooling can decrease the number of vehicles on the road, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, while these actions are beneficial and necessary, they may not be sufficient on their own to combat climate change effectively. This is because individual choices can only do so much when larger structural and systemic issues persist. For instance, if the energy provided to homes and businesses is still largely sourced from fossil fuels, individual efforts to reduce consumption will still indirectly support these harmful industries.

Therefore, the focus should also strongly be on governmental and corporate policies. Governments have the capacity to enact laws and regulations that require businesses to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy sources. Corporations, which are major contributors to pollution, must also be held accountable and encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices.

In conclusion, while individual actions are a part of the solution to climate change, they need to be supported by robust governmental and corporate policies to truly make a significant impact.

Public art plays an important role in cities around the world. What are the benefits of investing in public art, and how does it impact communities? Discuss with examples from different cities that you are familiar with or have researched.

Public art significantly enhances urban environments worldwide, offering numerous benefits to communities. By investing in public artworks, cities can transform mundane spaces into vibrant areas that foster community engagement and cultural expression.

One primary benefit of public art is its ability to beautify cities. For example, sculptures and murals in places like New York City's High Line Park convert an old rail line into a captivating outdoor gallery, making the area more attractive to both locals and tourists. This beautification helps improve the overall atmosphere of urban spaces, making them more welcoming and enjoyable.

Additionally, public art serves as a platform for cultural expression and education. In Melbourne, Australia, the city’s laneways are adorned with ever-changing street art, showcasing works that reflect current social issues and cultural trends. This not only enriches the urban aesthetic but also stimulates discussions among viewers, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives within the community.

Public art also boosts local economies by attracting tourism. Cities like Lisbon have integrated public art into their tourism strategies, drawing visitors eager to explore unique installations and vibrant street art scenes. This influx of tourists supports local businesses and creates job opportunities, enhancing economic vitality.

In conclusion, investing in public art brings multiple advantages to cities, including beautification, cultural expression, and economic growth. It enriches urban life, making cities not just places to live but places to experience and enjoy.

The rise of remote work has changed how many people work. Discuss the impact of working from home on productivity and work-life balance. Include arguments and examples to support your point of view.

The rise of remote work has significantly transformed the landscape of employment, affecting productivity and work-life balance. On one hand, working from home has led to increased productivity for many. Without the need to commute, employees can save time and start their workday feeling fresher and more focused. Additionally, the flexibility to design their workspace and schedule allows workers to operate during their peak productivity hours, leading to more efficient workdays.

For example, a typical office worker might have spent an hour commuting each way to the office; now, that time can be used for work or personal activities, effectively extending the day without adding stress. This flexibility often results in higher quality of work and faster completion of tasks.

On the other hand, remote work can blur the boundaries between personal life and work, potentially leading to poor work-life balance. The constant presence of work in a home environment can make it difficult to 'switch off' and fully engage in personal activities. Some individuals might find themselves working longer hours than they would in an office because their work is always accessible.

For instance, a parent working from home might continue to answer work emails during family time, finding it hard to fully detach from work responsibilities. This can lead to burnout and reduced overall well-being, as personal time is encroached upon by work demands.

Overall, while remote work offers the advantage of flexibility and potential for increased productivity, it also poses challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Urbanization is a trend seen in nearly every country. What are the primary benefits and challenges associated with living in large cities as opposed to rural areas? Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

Urbanization, the migration of people from rural to urban areas, presents both benefits and challenges for those living in large cities.

One of the primary benefits of urban living is the accessibility to amenities and services. Large cities often offer more job opportunities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and entertainment options than rural areas. For example, a resident of a large city might have the convenience of using public transportation to commute to work, access to diverse cultural festivals, and multiple choices for shopping and dining.

However, urbanization also comes with significant challenges. One major issue is the high cost of living. Housing in large cities can be much more expensive than in rural areas, making it difficult for many people to afford comfortable living spaces. For instance, a small apartment in a major city like New York or London can cost as much as a large house in a rural area.

Additionally, large cities often struggle with pollution and overcrowding. The concentration of vehicles, factories, and large populations can lead to poor air quality and congested streets. This not only affects daily life by increasing commute times but can also have long-term health impacts on the residents.

In conclusion, while urban areas offer enhanced access to services and job opportunities, they also pose economic and environmental challenges. The decision to live in a city or a rural area often depends on personal priorities and lifestyle choices.

The impact of social media on mental health is a topic of growing concern. Analyze how social media usage affects mental well-being, particularly among adolescents. Discuss both the positive and negative aspects, supported by personal experiences and observations.

The impact of social media on mental health, especially among adolescents, is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, social media provides a platform for young people to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and express themselves creatively. It can be especially beneficial for those who feel isolated geographically or socially, as it offers a way to communicate with others who share similar interests and experiences.

However, there are also significant negative impacts associated with social media use. One of the main concerns is the pressure to maintain a perfect image online, which can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Adolescents may compare themselves to others and feel inadequate if their own lives do not seem as exciting or happy as what they see on their feeds. Additionally, the need to constantly check updates and respond to messages can lead to addiction and reduce the time spent on other important activities, such as studying or sleeping.

From personal observation, it is clear that excessive use of social media can affect young people's mental health. I have seen peers who are deeply affected by the comments and likes they receive, basing their self-worth on these digital validations. This dependence on social media approval can lead to emotional disturbances, highlighting the need for balance and awareness in its use. In conclusion, while social media has its benefits, it is vital to use it wisely and maintain a healthy perspective on its role in our lives.

Multilingualism is increasingly viewed as a necessary skill in the global marketplace. Discuss the advantages and potential challenges of raising children to be bilingual or multilingual. Include personal examples or observations, if relevant.

Multilingualism, the ability to communicate in multiple languages, is becoming an essential skill in today's interconnected world. Raising children to be bilingual or multilingual can offer numerous advantages. Firstly, children who learn multiple languages often develop better cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. This enhanced cognitive flexibility helps them in various areas of learning throughout their lives. Additionally, multilingual children typically have a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which is invaluable in our diverse global society.

However, there are also challenges associated with raising bilingual or multilingual children. One potential difficulty is the initial confusion that might occur in young children as they try to differentiate and switch between languages. This can sometimes lead to a temporary delay in language proficiency in one or both languages. Another challenge is maintaining the child's interest and proficiency in each language, especially if one language is less spoken in their everyday environment. For instance, a child learning a language that is not spoken by their peers may feel less motivated to use it.

From personal observation, children who grow up in a bilingual household often find innovative ways to merge their languages, creating a rich, unique way of expressing themselves. Although there are challenges, the long-term benefits of raising multilingual children—such as enhanced cultural empathy and better career prospects in a globalized economy—far outweigh the initial hurdles.

The influence of technology on children's development is a topic of growing interest and concern. Discuss the positive and negative effects of early exposure to technology on children's cognitive, social, and physical development.

Technology has a profound impact on children's development, encompassing cognitive, social, and physical aspects. Starting with the positives, technology enhances cognitive development by providing interactive and engaging educational content. Apps and games designed for learning stimulate problem-solving skills and creativity. Children can access a vast array of information that supports diverse learning experiences, aiding in knowledge acquisition and mental growth.

However, technology also presents several challenges. Excessive screen time can hinder cognitive development by reducing attention spans and impairing learning abilities. When children spend too much time on devices, they may struggle to concentrate on longer tasks or complex problems.

Socially, technology offers benefits such as connecting with peers across the globe and enhancing communication skills through interactive and social media platforms. It allows children to build relationships and learn about different cultures, fostering a sense of global community.

Conversely, early exposure to technology can negatively affect social skills. Physical interactions are often replaced by digital communication, which can limit children's ability to develop empathy and understand non-verbal cues. This might lead to isolation and difficulties in forming real-life relationships.

Physically, technology encourages sedentary behavior, which can lead to health issues like obesity and poor posture. Children who are glued to screens for extended periods may not engage enough in physical activities, which are crucial for healthy growth and development.

In conclusion, while technology provides valuable educational tools and connectivity, it is essential to balance its use to safeguard and nurture all aspects of a child's development.

Evaluate the impact of technology on the role of teachers in the classroom. With the increasing use of digital tools and resources, how might the role of teachers evolve in the next decade?

Technology has significantly influenced the role of teachers in the classroom and is poised to further alter their responsibilities and methods in the coming decade. Traditionally, teachers have been the primary source of knowledge, delivering information directly to students. However, with the advent of digital tools and resources, this dynamic is shifting.

One major impact of technology is the transformation of teachers into facilitators rather than sole providers of knowledge. With abundant information available online, teachers are increasingly guiding students on how to access, assess, and apply this information effectively. This involves teaching critical thinking and digital literacy skills, which are essential in navigating the vast resources available on the internet.

Furthermore, technology allows for more personalized learning experiences. Teachers can use software and applications to track individual student performance, identify areas of need, and tailor educational content accordingly. This shift can help meet diverse learning needs within the classroom, making education more inclusive and effective.

In the next decade, the role of teachers is likely to evolve to incorporate more mentorship and coaching. As educational tools become more sophisticated, teachers will spend less time on traditional lecturing and more on supporting students' individual learning journeys. This could lead to a more collaborative and interactive classroom environment where teachers facilitate discussions and project-based learning, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Overall, technology does not diminish the teacher's role but rather enriches it, requiring them to adapt new skills and methods to better serve their students.

Analyze the importance of continuing education in a person's career. How can professionals stay competitive in their fields through lifelong learning?  Should employers support ongoing education for their employees?

Continuing education is crucial for personal and professional development, enabling individuals to stay relevant and competitive in their careers. As industries evolve due to advancements in technology and changes in market demands, the skills that were once sufficient may no longer be adequate. Lifelong learning allows professionals to keep up with new techniques, technologies, and industry standards, ensuring they remain valuable to their employers and on the cutting edge of their fields.

Professionals can engage in lifelong learning in various ways, such as attending workshops, enrolling in courses, or obtaining certifications that are related to their fields. This not only broadens their knowledge and skills but also demonstrates a commitment to their profession and a willingness to invest in their own growth.

Employers play a significant role in supporting ongoing education for their employees. By encouraging and sometimes funding further education and professional development opportunities, employers benefit from a workforce that is skilled, innovative, and efficient. This support can be provided in the form of tuition reimbursement, time off for educational purposes, or access to training programs.

Ultimately, ongoing education is beneficial for both employees and employers. It leads to improved job performance, fosters innovation, and contributes to job satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, it is in the interest of employers to invest in the continuous education of their workforce.

Cultural heritage is important for national identity. To what extent do you think governments should invest in preserving cultural landmarks? Support your view with examples and reasons.

Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in shaping national identity by connecting people to their history and traditions. Governments should invest significantly in preserving cultural landmarks for several reasons.

Firstly, cultural landmarks are physical representations of a country's history and achievements. They remind citizens of their shared past, fostering a sense of unity and pride. For example, historic buildings, monuments, and sites tell the story of a nation's journey through time. Without these landmarks, future generations might lose touch with their heritage and identity.

Secondly, preserving cultural landmarks can boost tourism, which benefits the economy. Tourists are often attracted to countries with rich histories and well-preserved sites. For instance, the preservation of ancient ruins or historic districts can draw visitors from around the world, creating jobs and generating revenue for local businesses.

Additionally, maintaining cultural landmarks can also support education and cultural awareness. Schools and universities can use these sites as real-life classrooms, allowing students to learn about their heritage in an engaging way. This hands-on experience can make history more tangible and memorable for learners.

However, it is important for governments to balance their investments. While preserving cultural landmarks is essential, they should also ensure that funds are allocated to other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By striking the right balance, governments can protect their cultural heritage without neglecting other societal needs.

In conclusion, governments should invest in preserving cultural landmarks to maintain national identity, boost tourism, and support education. These efforts help ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage while benefiting from the economic and educational advantages such preservation brings.

Education systems around the world are emphasizing STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math). Should there be equal emphasis on humanities and social sciences? Explain your viewpoint with examples from your own experiences or observations.

Education systems globally are prioritizing STEM subjects to prepare students for the modern workforce. While STEM education is undoubtedly important, I believe that humanities and social sciences deserve equal emphasis. These fields offer critical insights into human behavior, culture, ethics, and communication, which are essential for a well-rounded education.

From my experience, studying humanities subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy has significantly broadened my perspective. For instance, learning about historical events helps us understand current societal structures and challenges. Literature encourages empathy by allowing us to experience diverse lives and viewpoints. Philosophy teaches us to question, reason, and develop strong arguments, fostering critical thinking skills.

Moreover, social sciences like psychology, sociology, and economics equip students with an understanding of societal dynamics and human behavior. These subjects are crucial in developing effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. For example, understanding economic principles can help individuals make informed financial decisions, while knowledge of psychology can improve interpersonal relationships.

In today's interconnected world, problems are rarely isolated within one discipline. Addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare requires interdisciplinary approaches. STEM provides the technical solutions, but humanities and social sciences offer the ethical and social frameworks necessary for implementing these solutions responsibly.

In conclusion, equal emphasis on humanities and social sciences alongside STEM subjects is vital for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. These skills are indispensable in both personal and professional spheres, contributing to a more empathetic and informed society.

Climate change is often described as the greatest challenge of our time. How far do you agree with this statement? Support your argument with examples and reasons.

Climate change is often considered the greatest challenge of our time, and I agree with this statement to a significant extent. The reasons are clear and multifaceted, affecting both the environment and human life on a global scale.

Firstly, climate change leads to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. These events disrupt lives, destroy homes, and cause significant economic damage. For instance, stronger and more frequent hurricanes devastate coastal regions, displacing families and requiring massive rebuilding efforts. Similarly, prolonged droughts affect agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and higher prices, which hit the poorest communities the hardest.

Secondly, climate change affects biodiversity. As temperatures rise, many species are unable to adapt quickly enough, leading to extinction or forced migration. The loss of biodiversity affects ecosystems, which in turn impacts human life. For example, bees are crucial for pollinating many of the crops we rely on for food. A decline in bee populations due to changing climates can threaten food security.

Furthermore, climate change has health implications. Increased temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which thrive in warmer climates. Additionally, heatwaves can cause heat strokes and exacerbate existing health conditions, especially among the elderly and children.

Addressing climate change requires a global effort. It is not just an environmental issue but one that affects economies, health, and social stability. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have roles to play in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts. In conclusion, given its widespread and profound effects, climate change indeed stands as one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Video games are often blamed for violence in youth. Do you think video games influence behavior? Provide reasons and examples to support your view.

Video games are a popular form of entertainment, especially among young people. Some believe that these games can lead to violent behavior, but this connection is not straightforward. While it's true that some video games contain violent content, whether they cause violent behavior depends on various factors.

First, it's important to consider the environment in which a young person is playing these games. If a child is raised in a supportive and understanding family, they are more likely to distinguish between game violence and real-life behavior. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in guiding their children and helping them understand that what happens in a game should not be imitated in real life.

Second, video games can have positive effects. Many games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. For instance, multiplayer games encourage cooperation and communication skills. These positive aspects can contribute to a child's development in beneficial ways, showing that video games are not entirely negative.

Additionally, it's worth noting that not all children who play violent video games become violent. Many children can play these games and still lead peaceful, productive lives. This suggests that individual personality and external influences, like family, friends, and community, are more significant factors in determining behavior than video games alone.

In conclusion, while video games with violent content might influence behavior to some extent, they are not the sole cause of violence in youth. A child's environment, guidance from adults, and individual personality are much more crucial in shaping behavior. Therefore, blaming video games alone for youth violence oversimplifies a complex issue.

Recycling should be mandatory for everyone. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss your reasons and give examples.

I strongly agree that recycling should be mandatory for everyone. Recycling helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources. When we recycle, materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal can be reused to make new products. This reduces the need to extract raw materials from the earth, which can harm the environment.

One of the main reasons recycling should be mandatory is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills take up a lot of space and can produce harmful chemicals that pollute the soil and water. By recycling, we can decrease the amount of waste in landfills and protect our environment.

Another important reason is that recycling can save energy. Producing new products from raw materials requires a lot of energy, but recycling uses less energy. For example, recycling aluminum cans saves about 95% of the energy needed to make new ones from raw materials. This energy savings can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Moreover, mandatory recycling can create jobs and boost the economy. Recycling programs need workers for collection, sorting, and processing materials. This can provide employment opportunities in communities and contribute to economic growth.

Some people might argue that making recycling mandatory is inconvenient or expensive. However, the long-term benefits of recycling far outweigh these short-term challenges. Many communities have already implemented successful recycling programs, proving that it is feasible and effective.

In conclusion, mandatory recycling is a crucial step toward a sustainable future. It helps protect the environment, saves energy, and creates jobs. Everyone should participate in recycling to ensure a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Eating together as a family is important. Do you agree? Justify your answer with reasons and personal experiences.

I strongly agree that eating together as a family is important. Sharing meals brings family members closer and strengthens relationships. In today’s busy world, finding time to connect with loved ones can be challenging, and mealtime offers a perfect opportunity for this connection.

One reason eating together is important is that it allows family members to communicate and share their experiences. When I was growing up, my family always made it a point to have dinner together. During these meals, we would talk about our day, discuss any problems we were facing, and celebrate our achievements. This open communication helped us understand each other better and provided emotional support.

Another reason is that eating together creates a sense of routine and stability. For children, especially, having a set time to eat with the family can provide a sense of security and belonging. I remember looking forward to dinner time because it was a moment when we could all be together, regardless of how busy our schedules were. This routine helped me feel grounded and gave me something to rely on.

Additionally, eating together can promote healthier eating habits. When families eat together, they are more likely to prepare home-cooked meals, which tend to be healthier than fast food or takeout. In my family, we often cooked meals together, which taught me valuable cooking skills and the importance of a balanced diet.

In conclusion, eating together as a family is important because it fosters communication, creates stability, and encourages healthy eating habits. These benefits have a lasting impact on family relationships and individual well-being.

Online shopping is becoming more popular than going to physical stores. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Explain your opinion with examples.

Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and this trend brings both positive and negative aspects. Overall, I believe the positives outweigh the negatives, making it a beneficial development for many reasons.

Firstly, online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. People can browse and purchase items from the comfort of their homes without the need to travel to physical stores. This saves time and effort, especially for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. Additionally, online stores are open 24/7, allowing people to shop whenever it suits them, unlike physical stores with fixed operating hours.

Secondly, online shopping provides access to a wider range of products. Customers can easily compare prices and features from different sellers around the world, often finding unique or better-priced items that are not available locally. This increased variety enhances the shopping experience and often leads to more informed purchasing decisions.

However, there are also some drawbacks to online shopping. One significant concern is the impact on local businesses. As more people choose to shop online, small local stores may struggle to compete, potentially leading to their closure. This can negatively affect communities by reducing the availability of personalized customer service and the charm of local shopping areas.

Additionally, online shopping can lead to impulsive buying due to the ease of making purchases. Without the physical act of going to a store, people might buy things they don’t really need, leading to unnecessary spending and waste.

In conclusion, while online shopping presents some challenges, its benefits of convenience, variety, and accessibility make it a positive development overall. With mindful shopping habits and support for local businesses, we can enjoy the advantages of online shopping while mitigating its downsides.

Sports are important in the development of young people. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give examples and reasons to explain your view.

Sports play a crucial role in the development of young people for several reasons. Firstly, sports promote physical health. Engaging in regular physical activity helps young people maintain a healthy weight, develop strong muscles and bones, and improve cardiovascular health. This foundation of physical fitness can lead to a healthier lifestyle as they grow older.

Secondly, sports teach valuable life skills. Participating in sports requires discipline, time management, and teamwork. Young people learn how to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and manage their time effectively to balance sports with academic and other responsibilities. Team sports, in particular, teach cooperation, communication, and how to work with others towards a common goal. These skills are essential in both personal and professional life.

Additionally, sports can boost mental health and social development. Physical activity is known to reduce stress and anxiety, and participating in sports can improve mood and overall mental well-being. Being part of a team or sports community provides a sense of belonging and can help young people build friendships and social networks. This social interaction is important for developing communication skills and self-confidence.

Finally, sports can instill a sense of discipline and perseverance. The challenges and setbacks faced in sports teach young people resilience and the importance of hard work and dedication. These qualities can be applied to various aspects of life, helping young people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

In conclusion, sports significantly contribute to the physical, mental, and social development of young people. By promoting health, teaching life skills, and providing social interaction, sports help shape well-rounded and resilient individuals.

"Televised sports are as important to society as live sports events." Debate this claim, considering both the social and economic impacts of each.

Televised sports and live sports events both hold significant importance in society, each bringing unique social and economic impacts.

Televised sports have revolutionized the way people engage with sports. They offer accessibility, allowing millions to watch games from the comfort of their homes. This inclusivity means that regardless of location or financial capability, people can enjoy major sporting events. Televised sports also bring families and friends together, fostering social bonds as they gather to watch their favorite teams. Economically, televised sports generate substantial revenue through advertising and broadcasting rights, supporting various industries such as media, hospitality, and retail.

On the other hand, live sports events provide an irreplaceable experience. The atmosphere in a stadium, with its excitement and energy, creates a sense of community among fans. Attending a live game can be a memorable experience, one that televised events can't fully replicate. Live events also boost local economies significantly. From ticket sales to merchandise and food, the spending associated with attending games supports local businesses and provides jobs.

However, live events have limitations. They can be costly, making them less accessible to many people. Travel and accommodation can add to the expense, making it a luxury for some. In contrast, televised sports break down these barriers, offering a more democratic form of entertainment.

In conclusion, both televised and live sports events are crucial to society. Televised sports provide broad access and significant economic benefits through widespread viewership. Live sports events, while less accessible, offer unique experiences and support local economies directly. Together, they complement each other, enhancing the overall impact of sports on society.

"Libraries are no longer necessary in the digital age." Challenge or support this statement using specific examples and reasoning.

Libraries have always been vital centers for learning and community engagement. Despite the advent of the digital age, libraries remain necessary, and their roles have evolved rather than diminished.

Firstly, libraries offer access to resources that many people might not afford otherwise. Not everyone has the luxury of owning a computer or subscribing to various online databases. Libraries provide free internet access and computers, making them essential for bridging the digital divide. They ensure that all members of the community, regardless of their financial situation, have access to information and technology.

Additionally, libraries serve as community hubs. They host events, workshops, and programs that cater to various interests and age groups. These activities promote lifelong learning, cultural exchange, and social interaction. For instance, children's story hours, job search workshops, and book clubs are just a few examples of how libraries foster a sense of community and support personal development.

Moreover, the digital age has brought about an overwhelming amount of information, and not all of it is reliable. Libraries offer a curated collection of resources, both physical and digital, ensuring that the information is accurate and trustworthy. Librarians play a crucial role in helping people navigate this information landscape, teaching them how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

In conclusion, libraries are more important than ever in the digital age. They provide equal access to technology, serve as community centers, and offer reliable information. Rather than becoming obsolete, libraries have adapted to meet the changing needs of society, continuing to be indispensable resources for learning and connection.

Explore the potential consequences of eliminating cash and moving to a fully digital economy. What might be the benefits and drawbacks of such a shift?

Eliminating cash and transitioning to a fully digital economy can bring about significant changes in how we manage and use money. One of the main benefits is convenience. Digital payments are quick and easy, allowing people to make transactions with just a tap or a click. This can save time and reduce the need to carry physical money, which can be lost or stolen. Digital transactions also create a record, making it easier to track spending and manage finances.

Another advantage is security. Digital payments can be more secure than cash, as they often include protections against theft and fraud. If money is stolen or lost, digital systems can sometimes recover it, unlike cash, which is gone once taken.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider. One major concern is privacy. Digital transactions can be tracked, and this data could be used in ways that infringe on personal privacy. For example, companies could use this information for targeted advertising, or governments could monitor financial activities more closely.

Additionally, moving to a fully digital economy could exclude those who are not tech-savvy or who do not have access to digital devices. This includes older adults, people in remote areas, and those who cannot afford smartphones or computers. These groups might find it challenging to adapt to a cashless society, leading to greater inequality.

In conclusion, while a fully digital economy offers convenience and security, it also raises important issues around privacy and accessibility. It is crucial to consider these factors to ensure that everyone can benefit from such a shift.

Discuss the role of social media in shaping public opinion during election campaigns. Evaluate whether social media platforms should have a greater responsibility in regulating misinformation. Provide examples to support your argument.

Social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion during election campaigns. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide a space where people can share their views, follow political leaders, and access news. These platforms make it easy for information to spread quickly, allowing voters to stay informed and engage in discussions about the candidates and their policies.

However, social media can also be a breeding ground for misinformation. False news and misleading content can influence people's opinions and decisions, sometimes without them even realizing it. For instance, during election campaigns, fake news stories can go viral, spreading incorrect information about candidates. This can sway public opinion unfairly and affect the outcome of an election.

Given this, social media platforms should take on a greater responsibility in regulating misinformation. They have the tools and technology to detect and remove false content. By implementing stricter policies and improving their fact-checking processes, social media companies can help ensure that the information people see is accurate. This would help voters make more informed decisions based on facts rather than falsehoods.

For example, platforms can flag suspicious posts and provide users with links to verified information. They can also work with independent fact-checkers to review content and take down posts that spread false information. By taking these steps, social media platforms can play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of election campaigns and supporting a healthy democratic process.

Mental health awareness has increased significantly in the past decade. Discuss the impact of this greater awareness on societal attitudes and healthcare policies. Support your discussion with examples of changes in public perception or policy shifts.

The past decade has seen a significant increase in mental health awareness, which has had a profound impact on societal attitudes and healthcare policies. This greater awareness has led to a shift in how people view mental health, moving from a taboo subject to an important topic of public conversation. Society is now more accepting and understanding of mental health issues, which has helped reduce the stigma that once surrounded them. People are more willing to talk about their experiences, seek help, and support others who are struggling.

In terms of healthcare policies, this shift in awareness has prompted changes that aim to improve mental health services and accessibility. For example, many countries have implemented policies that require health insurance to cover mental health treatments just as they would physical health treatments. This ensures that more people can afford to get the help they need. Additionally, there has been an increase in funding for mental health programs, including those in schools and workplaces, which focus on early intervention and prevention.

Public campaigns and educational programs have also played a crucial role in changing perceptions and policies. Campaigns such as World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month bring attention to the importance of mental health, encouraging people to seek help and support each other. Schools and workplaces are increasingly offering mental health training and resources, which helps create environments where mental well-being is prioritized.

Overall, the increase in mental health awareness has led to a more supportive and understanding society, as well as significant improvements in healthcare policies, making mental health care more accessible and equitable for all.

Examine the influence of artificial intelligence on creative industries such as music, writing, and art. Discuss whether AI can truly be creative or if it merely mimics human creativity. Use specific examples to support your points.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted creative industries such as music, writing, and art. AI tools like deep learning algorithms and neural networks can produce music compositions, generate written content, and create visual art pieces. These advancements have sparked debates about whether AI can be truly creative or if it merely mimics human creativity.

In the music industry, AI can compose songs by analyzing patterns in existing music. For example, AI programs have created symphonies in the style of famous composers like Beethoven. These compositions can be impressive, but they often lack the emotional depth and personal touch that human composers bring to their work. While AI can generate new music, it does so by processing and combining existing patterns, which suggests it is mimicking rather than creating original content.

In writing, AI tools like language models can generate articles, stories, and even poetry. These models analyze vast amounts of text to learn grammar, style, and structure. While AI-generated writing can be coherent and well-structured, it often lacks the nuanced understanding and emotional resonance of human writing. For instance, an AI can write a news article, but it may miss the subtle insights and perspectives that a human journalist provides.

In the art world, AI can create paintings and digital art by learning from a database of images. AI-generated art can be visually striking and innovative, but it typically relies on pre-existing styles and techniques. This reliance on existing data suggests that AI is imitating rather than inventing new artistic expressions.

In conclusion, while AI has made impressive strides in creative industries, its creations often lack the emotional and personal elements that characterize true human creativity. AI mimics patterns and styles, producing content that is impressive yet fundamentally derivative. Thus, AI's role in creative fields is more about enhancing and augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it.

The aging population in many countries presents economic and social challenges. Discuss the implications of this demographic shift and propose solutions that could alleviate potential problems. Include examples of successful aging policies from around the world.

The aging population in many countries presents both economic and social challenges that need addressing. Economically, an increasing number of elderly people means a higher demand for pensions and healthcare services. This puts pressure on government budgets and can lead to higher taxes or reduced spending in other areas. Additionally, a smaller working-age population can result in a shortage of workers, which can hinder economic growth and productivity.

Socially, the aging population may face issues such as loneliness, inadequate care, and age discrimination. Older individuals often require more healthcare and support services, which can strain family members and social systems. Without proper care, the quality of life for the elderly can significantly decline, leading to increased rates of depression and other health issues.

To alleviate these potential problems, several solutions can be considered. Firstly, policies that encourage higher birth rates, such as family-friendly work policies, child care support, and parental leave, can help balance the age distribution. Secondly, immigration policies that attract younger workers can help mitigate the labor shortage and support the economy.

Implementing successful aging policies is also crucial. For example, in Japan, the government has introduced programs that promote lifelong learning and active aging, encouraging older adults to stay engaged in the workforce and community. Similarly, in Nordic countries, comprehensive social welfare systems ensure that elderly citizens receive adequate healthcare and financial support, reducing the burden on families and improving overall well-being.

By adopting and adapting these policies, countries can better manage the economic and social challenges posed by an aging population, ensuring a more balanced and supportive society for all ages.

The importance of cybersecurity has never been more evident. Discuss the key challenges that individuals and companies face in maintaining digital security. Propose strategies that could improve overall cybersecurity readiness.

The importance of cybersecurity has never been more evident in today's digital age. Both individuals and companies face numerous challenges in maintaining digital security. One key challenge is the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks. Hackers are constantly developing new methods to breach systems, making it difficult to stay ahead of threats. Another challenge is the human factor. Many security breaches occur due to human error, such as weak passwords or falling for phishing scams. Additionally, the vast amount of data being generated and stored online makes it a lucrative target for cybercriminals.

Companies face the additional challenge of protecting not only their own data but also the data of their customers. This responsibility requires significant resources, both in terms of technology and personnel. Smaller companies, in particular, may struggle to allocate sufficient funds for comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

To improve overall cybersecurity readiness, several strategies can be implemented. First, education and training are crucial. Individuals and employees should be regularly trained on best practices for digital security, such as creating strong passwords and recognizing phishing attempts. Second, companies should invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption tools to protect sensitive data.

Third, adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity can make a significant difference. This involves regularly updating software and systems to fix vulnerabilities and conducting frequent security audits to identify potential weaknesses. Lastly, fostering a culture of cybersecurity within organizations can help. Encouraging employees to prioritize security and report suspicious activities can lead to a more secure digital environment.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies, individuals and companies can enhance their cybersecurity readiness and better protect themselves against digital threats.

Explore the ethical implications of genetic engineering in humans. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of editing human DNA, using examples from scientific research or speculative scenarios.

Genetic engineering in humans is a fascinating and controversial topic. On one hand, it offers the potential to eliminate genetic diseases, improve human capabilities, and extend life expectancy. On the other hand, it raises significant ethical concerns about the impact on society and the natural course of human evolution.

One potential benefit of genetic engineering is the ability to eradicate hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease. By editing the DNA of embryos, scientists can remove or alter genes that cause these conditions, leading to healthier individuals and potentially reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems. This technology could also be used to enhance human abilities, such as improving intelligence, physical strength, or resistance to diseases.

However, these advancements come with serious ethical risks. One major concern is the possibility of creating a genetic divide in society. If only wealthy individuals can afford genetic enhancements, it could lead to increased inequality and social division. Additionally, there is the risk of unintended consequences. Editing the human genome is complex and not fully understood, and changes could have unforeseen effects on the individual and their descendants.

Furthermore, the idea of "playing God" by altering human DNA raises moral questions. Some argue that it is unnatural and that humans should not interfere with the fundamental aspects of life. Others worry about the loss of genetic diversity and the potential for new forms of discrimination based on genetic characteristics.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering in humans has the potential to bring significant benefits, it also poses serious ethical challenges. Society must carefully consider these implications and establish regulations to ensure that this powerful technology is used responsibly and equitably.

The rise of veganism and plant-based diets has implications for health, the environment, and the economy. Discuss the potential impacts of a widespread shift to plant-based eating.

The rise of veganism and plant-based diets is a significant trend that can affect health, the environment, and the economy in various ways.

Firstly, on health, shifting to a plant-based diet can lead to numerous benefits. Plant-based foods are often rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and can help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. People who adopt vegan diets may experience improved digestion and overall well-being. However, it is essential to ensure that a plant-based diet is balanced and includes all necessary nutrients, which might require more careful meal planning.

Secondly, the environmental impact of widespread plant-based eating can be profound. The production of plant-based foods generally requires fewer resources, such as water and land, compared to animal-based foods. Additionally, it generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which are a significant contributor to climate change. A global shift towards plant-based diets could help reduce deforestation and biodiversity loss, contributing to a healthier planet.

Lastly, the economic implications of a move towards plant-based diets can be both positive and challenging. The demand for plant-based products could spur innovation and growth in the food industry, creating new jobs and market opportunities. However, it might also disrupt traditional agricultural sectors that rely heavily on livestock farming. Farmers and businesses might need support and adaptation strategies to transition to new methods and crops.

In conclusion, a widespread shift to plant-based eating holds potential benefits for health and the environment, while also presenting economic opportunities and challenges. Careful planning and support will be essential to manage this transition effectively.

Debate the pros and cons of implementing a four-day workweek in various industries. Consider productivity, work-life balance, and economic impacts. Provide case studies or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate your points.

Implementing a four-day workweek has both advantages and disadvantages, impacting productivity, work-life balance, and the economy in various ways.

One of the main benefits of a four-day workweek is improved work-life balance. Employees have more time to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, or rest, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being. This can also reduce stress and burnout, resulting in happier and healthier employees.

Productivity might also see a boost. With longer weekends, employees may return to work more refreshed and motivated. For instance, some companies that have adopted a four-day workweek report that their workers accomplish the same amount, if not more, in less time. This suggests that shorter workweeks could lead to more focused and efficient work.

However, there are potential downsides. In industries where continuous service is crucial, such as healthcare or customer service, a four-day workweek might be challenging to implement without affecting service quality. Companies may need to hire more staff or adjust shift patterns, which can increase operational costs.

Economic impacts can be mixed. On one hand, reduced work hours can lead to lower operational costs for businesses, such as savings on utilities and office supplies. On the other hand, if productivity does not increase proportionally, companies might face higher labor costs per hour worked, which can affect their competitiveness.

In a hypothetical scenario, consider a tech company that switches to a four-day workweek. Employees might initially enjoy the extra day off, but if deadlines remain tight, the pressure to deliver could increase, potentially leading to stress. Conversely, a creative agency could benefit greatly, as employees might produce higher-quality work due to reduced burnout.

In conclusion, while a four-day workweek offers significant benefits for work-life balance and potential productivity gains, it also presents challenges in maintaining service levels and economic viability in certain industries. Each company must weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.

Examine the role of women in leadership positions within corporations and government. Discuss the barriers they face and propose solutions to increase female representation in leadership roles.

Women in leadership positions within corporations and government play a crucial role in fostering diversity, promoting innovative ideas, and driving social progress. However, they often face significant barriers that hinder their advancement to these roles.

One major barrier is the persistent gender stereotypes that suggest women are less capable leaders compared to men. These stereotypes can lead to biases in hiring and promotion practices, making it harder for women to reach top positions. Additionally, women often struggle with work-life balance due to societal expectations regarding family responsibilities. This challenge can limit their career growth and opportunities for leadership roles.

Another barrier is the lack of mentorship and support networks for women. Men are more likely to have mentors who can guide them and advocate for their career advancement. Without similar support, women may find it more difficult to navigate their career paths and access leadership positions.

To increase female representation in leadership roles, several solutions can be implemented. First, organizations and governments should actively promote gender diversity by setting clear goals and policies to ensure equal opportunities for women. This can include initiatives such as gender quotas or diversity training programs to address unconscious biases.

Second, creating supportive environments for women in the workplace is essential. This can involve offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to help women balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Additionally, establishing mentorship programs specifically for women can provide them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Lastly, raising awareness about the importance of gender diversity in leadership can help change societal attitudes and reduce stereotypes. Education and advocacy campaigns can highlight the benefits of having women in leadership positions, encouraging more organizations to prioritize gender equality.

By addressing these barriers and implementing these solutions, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment where women can thrive in leadership roles, benefiting both organizations and society as a whole.

Write an essay on the impact of social media on modern communication. Discuss how it has changed the way people interact and the consequences for personal relationships and professional communications.

Social media has significantly transformed modern communication, affecting both personal relationships and professional interactions. One of the most noticeable changes is the speed and convenience with which people can now connect. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow individuals to share updates, photos, and messages instantly, regardless of geographical distances. This ease of communication has helped people maintain relationships that might have otherwise faded over time due to physical separation.

In personal relationships, social media has enabled people to stay connected with friends and family, sharing life events and daily experiences. However, it also has downsides. The constant influx of information and the pressure to maintain a certain online image can lead to stress and anxiety. Moreover, online interactions often lack the depth and emotional connection of face-to-face conversations, which can weaken the quality of personal relationships.

Professionally, social media has opened new avenues for networking, marketing, and collaboration. LinkedIn, for example, has become a vital tool for job seekers and employers, enabling them to connect and interact in ways that were not possible before. Businesses use social media to engage with customers, promote products, and build brand loyalty. Despite these benefits, there are challenges as well. Miscommunications can occur easily through text, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Additionally, the line between personal and professional lives can become blurred, sometimes leading to issues with privacy and professionalism.

In conclusion, social media has revolutionized communication by making it faster and more accessible. While it has brought many advantages in maintaining relationships and facilitating professional interactions, it also poses challenges that need to be managed carefully to maintain the quality and integrity of our communications.

Discuss the role of renewable energy sources in combating climate change. Evaluate the potential of solar and wind power in replacing fossil fuels and the challenges that might arise during this transition. Use examples from various countries.

Renewable energy sources play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Among these renewable sources, solar and wind power stand out for their potential to significantly replace fossil fuels.

Solar power harnesses energy from the sun using photovoltaic panels. Countries like Germany and Australia have made great strides in integrating solar power into their energy grids. Germany, for instance, has implemented policies that encourage the installation of solar panels on rooftops, making solar energy more accessible to households and businesses. Similarly, Australia benefits from its sunny climate, allowing it to generate substantial solar power.

Wind power is another promising renewable energy source. It involves using wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity. Denmark and the United States are leading examples of countries investing heavily in wind power. Denmark aims to be completely fossil fuel-free by 2050, largely through wind energy. The U.S. has significant wind farms, particularly in states like Texas, which contribute to a cleaner energy mix.

Despite the promise of solar and wind power, several challenges must be addressed during the transition from fossil fuels. One major challenge is the intermittency of these energy sources; the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. This intermittency requires the development of efficient energy storage systems and smart grids to ensure a reliable supply of electricity.

Another challenge is the initial cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure. While long-term savings and environmental benefits are substantial, the upfront investment can be a barrier for many countries. Additionally, existing fossil fuel industries may resist the transition due to economic and employment concerns.

In conclusion, while solar and wind power have the potential to replace fossil fuels and mitigate climate change, addressing their intermittency and the economic challenges of transitioning are essential for a successful shift to a sustainable energy future.

Discuss the importance of preserving indigenous languages. What are the broader cultural and societal implications if these languages continue to disappear, and what steps can be taken to revitalize them?

Preserving indigenous languages is crucial for maintaining the cultural heritage and identity of native communities. These languages are not just means of communication but are deeply embedded with the traditions, knowledge, and worldviews of their speakers. When an indigenous language disappears, it takes with it a unique way of understanding and interacting with the world.

The loss of indigenous languages has broader cultural and societal implications. It often leads to the erosion of cultural diversity, as each language carries its own set of stories, practices, and perspectives. This diversity is valuable because it enriches the global tapestry of human culture and provides different ways of thinking and solving problems. Additionally, the disappearance of these languages can lead to a loss of community cohesion and identity, as language is a key component of group solidarity and continuity.

To revitalize indigenous languages, several steps can be taken. First, education systems should incorporate indigenous languages into their curricula, allowing children to learn and use these languages from a young age. Community programs can also play a role, offering classes and activities that encourage the use of indigenous languages in daily life. Additionally, technology can be a powerful tool, with apps and online resources developed to support language learning and usage.

Governments and organizations should support these efforts by providing funding and resources. Policies that recognize and protect indigenous languages can also create an environment where these languages can thrive. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that indigenous languages continue to be a living part of our world, preserving the cultural richness they bring to all of humanity.

Immigration has complex effects on a country's economy and cultural landscape. What are the challenges and benefits of immigration? What steps can governments take to encourage the advantages and mitigate the disadvantages?

Immigration is a multifaceted issue that brings both challenges and benefits to a country's economy and cultural landscape. One major benefit is that immigrants often fill labor shortages, contributing to economic growth and bringing diverse skills and perspectives. They can start businesses, create jobs, and add to the cultural richness of a society by introducing new traditions, foods, and ideas.

However, immigration also presents challenges. Economically, there may be increased competition for jobs, which can lead to tensions with local workers. Socially, there might be difficulties in integrating immigrants into the community, leading to issues such as discrimination or cultural clashes.

Governments can take several steps to maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges of immigration. Firstly, they can implement policies that facilitate the integration of immigrants into society, such as language and cultural education programs. This helps immigrants adapt to their new environment and promotes mutual understanding with the local population.

Secondly, governments can create fair and efficient immigration systems that match immigrants' skills with labor market needs. This ensures that immigrants can contribute effectively to the economy without displacing local workers. Additionally, offering support for immigrant entrepreneurs can stimulate economic growth and innovation.

Lastly, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect is crucial. Anti-discrimination laws and community-building initiatives can help create a welcoming environment for immigrants, reducing social tensions and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.

In conclusion, while immigration poses challenges, it also offers significant benefits. With thoughtful policies and a commitment to inclusivity, governments can harness the positive aspects of immigration while addressing its potential downsides.

The future of work is being reshaped by automation and robotics. What are the potential benefits for the workforce and employers, and what strategies can be implemented to address the challenges this change brings?

Automation and robotics are transforming the future of work, bringing both benefits and challenges. For the workforce, these technologies can improve job efficiency and safety by taking over repetitive or dangerous tasks. This shift allows workers to focus on more complex and creative activities, potentially increasing job satisfaction and opening up new career opportunities. For employers, automation and robotics can lead to cost savings, higher productivity, and consistent quality in production. These benefits can enhance a company's competitiveness and profitability.

However, the transition to a more automated workplace also presents challenges. Workers may face job displacement, requiring new skills to stay relevant in the changing job market. This can lead to economic instability for those unable to adapt quickly. Employers, on the other hand, must invest in new technologies and manage the integration of robots and automation systems, which can be costly and complex.

To address these challenges, several strategies can be implemented. For the workforce, continuous education and training programs are essential. These programs can help workers acquire new skills and adapt to new roles created by automation. Additionally, promoting a culture of lifelong learning can encourage employees to stay updated with technological advancements.

For employers, a phased approach to automation can be beneficial. Gradually introducing new technologies allows time for adjustment and reduces the risk of large-scale disruptions. Collaborating with educational institutions and governments can also help create a supportive ecosystem for both workers and businesses.

In conclusion, while automation and robotics offer significant benefits, careful planning and proactive strategies are crucial to ensuring a smooth transition for both the workforce and employers.

"Fast fashion" refers to the rapid production of large quantities of stylish clothing. It often leads to a lot of waste because once a particular style goes out of fashion, no one wants the clothing any longer. Why is "fast fashion" so popular? Should anything be done to address to the issues associated with it?

Fast fashion is popular for several reasons. Firstly, it offers trendy clothing at affordable prices, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Consumers can quickly update their wardrobes with the latest styles without spending a lot of money. This instant gratification appeals to many, especially younger generations who are influenced by social media and celebrity trends. Additionally, fast fashion brands often release new collections frequently, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among shoppers.

However, fast fashion has significant drawbacks, primarily its environmental impact. The rapid production cycle leads to a high turnover of clothing, resulting in a massive amount of waste. Many of these clothes end up in landfills because they are made of low-quality materials that do not last long. Moreover, the production processes of fast fashion often involve harmful chemicals and significant water usage, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

To address these issues, several steps can be taken. One approach is to promote sustainable fashion practices. Consumers can be encouraged to buy fewer, higher-quality items that last longer. Additionally, brands can adopt more eco-friendly production methods and use sustainable materials. Another solution is to increase awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion. Educating people on the consequences of their purchasing choices can lead to more responsible consumer behavior.

In conclusion, while fast fashion's popularity is driven by affordability and trendiness, its negative environmental effects cannot be ignored. By promoting sustainability and raising awareness, we can help mitigate the issues associated with fast fashion.

Mental health has long been an overlooked aspect of our health. However, mental health issues are increasingly discussed more openly. What has caused this increased awareness of the importance of mental health? What other measures could be taken to further increase awareness?

The increased awareness of mental health can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rise of social media and digital platforms has played a significant role. These platforms allow people to share their personal experiences and struggles with mental health more openly, creating a community of support and understanding. Stories that once went untold are now shared widely, helping to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.

Secondly, there has been a growing recognition within the healthcare community of the importance of mental health. Doctors and healthcare professionals now emphasize that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. This shift in perspective has led to more discussions about mental well-being in medical settings and more resources being allocated to mental health services.

Celebrities and public figures have also contributed to this increased awareness. When well-known individuals speak out about their mental health struggles, it resonates with the public and normalizes the conversation around mental health. Their influence helps to break down the barriers and misconceptions associated with mental health issues.

To further increase awareness, educational institutions should integrate mental health education into their curriculums. Teaching students about mental health from a young age can help them understand and manage their emotions better. Additionally, workplaces should implement mental health programs and provide resources for employees to seek help without fear of judgment.

Public campaigns and community programs can also play a significant role. By organizing events, workshops, and seminars, communities can foster a more supportive environment for discussing mental health. Increased funding for mental health research and services is crucial to ensure that those who need help can access it easily. Overall, continued efforts in education, community support, and resource allocation are essential for sustaining and furthering the awareness of mental health.

Debate the necessity and effectiveness of international aid. Is aid beneficial to developing countries, or does it lead to dependency? Provide examples to support your argument.

International aid is a topic of great debate, with arguments both for and against its necessity and effectiveness. On one hand, international aid is seen as crucial for helping developing countries overcome poverty, improve healthcare, and build infrastructure. For example, aid can provide immediate relief in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, by supplying food, clean water, and medical assistance. It can also support long-term development projects, like building schools and hospitals, which are essential for a country's growth and stability.

However, there are concerns that international aid can lead to dependency. When countries rely heavily on aid, they may not develop the necessary skills and resources to sustain themselves. This dependency can create a cycle where aid is continuously needed, rather than fostering self-sufficiency. For instance, some argue that aid can discourage local businesses and agricultural industries, as people may prefer free or subsidized goods over locally produced ones.

Moreover, the effectiveness of aid is often questioned due to issues like corruption and mismanagement. In some cases, aid money does not reach the intended recipients but is instead lost through bureaucratic inefficiencies or siphoned off by corrupt officials. This not only wastes resources but can also undermine trust in international aid efforts.

In conclusion, while international aid has the potential to bring significant benefits to developing countries, it must be carefully managed to avoid fostering dependency and to ensure that the aid reaches those who need it most. Building sustainable systems and empowering local communities are essential to making aid truly effective.

Celebrity endorsements play a significant role in modern marketing strategies. Analyze their impact on consumer behavior and how they influence the perception of brands.

Celebrity endorsements are a powerful tool in modern marketing, significantly impacting consumer behavior and brand perception. When celebrities endorse products, their fans and followers often view these products more favorably. This is because people tend to trust and admire their favorite celebrities, believing that if a product is good enough for them, it must be good enough for everyone.

This influence can be seen in various ways. For instance, a sports star endorsing a particular brand of sneakers can lead to increased sales among their fans who aspire to emulate their success and lifestyle. Similarly, when a popular actor promotes a skincare brand, consumers might believe that using these products will help them achieve similar beauty and confidence.

Celebrity endorsements also help in building brand credibility. A well-known and respected celebrity can lend their positive image to a brand, making it appear more trustworthy and high-quality. This can be especially important for new or lesser-known brands trying to establish themselves in a competitive market.

However, there are potential downsides to this strategy. If a celebrity faces a scandal or public backlash, the brands they endorse can suffer as a result. Consumers might also feel deceived if they find out that the celebrity does not genuinely use or believe in the product they are promoting.

In conclusion, celebrity endorsements can greatly influence consumer behavior and brand perception, making them a valuable marketing strategy. However, companies must carefully choose the right celebrities and manage these relationships to avoid potential risks.

Discuss the role of scientific research in shaping public policy on health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic. How can governments better utilize scientific advice to make informed decisions?

Scientific research plays a crucial role in shaping public policy, especially in health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. During such times, governments rely heavily on scientific findings to formulate effective strategies to protect public health. Researchers provide essential information on virus transmission, effective treatments, and preventive measures, guiding policymakers in their decisions.

One significant aspect of scientific research is its ability to offer evidence-based recommendations. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists conducted numerous studies to understand how the virus spreads and which interventions are most effective. This information helped governments implement measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination campaigns. Without scientific input, these policies might have been less effective or even harmful.

To better utilize scientific advice, governments can take several steps. Firstly, they should establish clear communication channels between scientists and policymakers. This ensures that scientific findings are promptly and accurately conveyed to those making decisions. Secondly, governments should foster a culture of trust in science among the public. By promoting transparency and explaining the rationale behind policies, they can improve compliance and reduce misinformation.

Additionally, governments should invest in continuous scientific research and ensure that funding is available for studies that address emerging health threats. This proactive approach enables a quicker and more efficient response to future crises. Finally, involving a diverse range of experts from various fields can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, leading to more robust policy decisions.

In conclusion, scientific research is vital for informing public health policy, especially during pandemics. By improving communication, fostering trust, investing in research, and involving diverse experts, governments can better utilize scientific advice to make informed decisions and protect public health.

ESSAYS PAST QUESTIONS MODEL ANSWERS

Past IELTS writing questions as well as model answers and vocabulary written by IELTS examiners to help you learn how to structure and write your own essays to pass your test.

Click on questions below for model answers: ARTS AND MEDIA Some people feel that entertainers such as 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?

Some museums and art galleries charge admission fees, while others have free entry. Do you think the advantages of free admission outweigh the disadvantages?

CRIME AND LAW Some people feel that the design of newly constructed buildings in big cities should be controlled by governments. Others believe those who finance the construction of a building should be free to design it as they see fit. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Some people think that there should be strict laws to control the amount of noise a person makes because of the disturbance it causes to people. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

CULTURE A country becomes more interesting and develops more quickly when its population includes a mixture of nationalities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It’s generally believed that success in fields such as art and sport can only be achieved if a person has natural talent. However, it’s sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or artist. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

ECONOMY Some people think that we live in a society where money and possessions are given too much importance. Others believe that this is improving our lives. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but it does not solve poverty. Therefore, developed countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

EDUCATION Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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.

ENVIRONMENT 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?

There is growing evidence that man-made activities are making global temperatures higher. What are the causes of temperatures rising? How should we deal with this problem?

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

Teenagers who commit serious crimes, such as burglary or murder, should be treated in the same way as adults who commit crimes. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and give your own opinion?

HEALTH Many people say that cooking and eating at home is better for the individual and the family than eating out in restaurants. Do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, the average weight of children is increasing and their level of health and fitness is decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

TECHNOLOGY The Internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before. What are the most serious problems associated with the Internet? What are the best ways to solve them?

Some people believe that time spent on television and computer games can be valuable for children. Others believe this has negative effects on a child. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

TRAVEL AND LANGUAGES Many people believe children should begin learning a foreign language in primary school instead of secondary school. Do you think the advantages of learning a foreign language in primary school outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Recent questions in 2018 In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Some people think that parents have a great influence on their children. Others believe that the media is a bigger influence. Discuss both views and give your own opinion

Many people believe cities should not try to preserve its old, historic buildings and instead, they should destroy them and replace them with modern buildings. To what extent do you agree?

Past IELTS Essay Questions without answers Some people think that the education system should prepare students for employment, while others believe it has other functions. Discuss both sides and then give your own opinion.

Some people believe that sports people and entertainers are paid too much money. What is your opinion?

The range of technology available for individuals will increase the gap between the rich and poor. Others think it is having an opposite effect. What is your opinion?

Some people think that elderly people should be forced to retire at a certain age, such as 65. Others say that people should be allowed to work for as long as they are able and want to. Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

Nowadays, people in some countries can choose to live and work anywhere they want, because of the improvement of the communication technology and transport. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your own opinion.

In some countries the elderly are put into nursing homes rather than being taken care of by their family. Do you see this as a positive or a negative development?

In some countries students who do not behave are asked to leave the school permanently. In other countries they can return to their school after a suspension period.

Discuss both options and give your opinion.

Today more and more young children have electronic gadgets such as computers and mobile phones. Some people say that this is a positive development. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to deal with, and that action is needed from the government while others think that individuals should take some action. Discuss both sides of the argument and then give your opinion.

Some people believe that the fast pace and stress of modern life is having a negative effect on families. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think music plays an important role in society. Others think it is it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion

Some people believe that it is the government’s responsibility to take care of every citizen who is disadvantaged. What is your opinion?

Nowadays people live in a society where consumer goods are relatively cheaper to buy. Do you think the advantages far outweigh its disadvantages?

When visiting foreign countries, visitors should take full advantage of learning the culture and traditions of that country. Why are some people not interested in learning about the culture and traditions of a country? What are some ways to learn about the culture and traditions of the country?

Some people claim that students should focus on the subjects that they are interested or in best at, while others believe that should learn all school subjects. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.

Oil and coal are the main sources of energy in many countries. However, in some countries the use of renewable sources of energy, such as solar or wind energy are encouraged. Is it a positive or negative development?

As cities get bigger, many people do not know their neighbours and the sense of community is being lost What problems does this cause? What are some potential solutions?

Some think that in the 21st. Lots of changes will occur that will improve our society. Do you agree or disagree? What kind of changes will be occur?

Obesity is an increasing problem in today’s society. Some people say that the government should put our tax on fast foods in order to solve this problem. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your own opinion.

Some people argue that teachers should make the choice about the subjects and lesson contents for their classes. Others think this should be decided by the government.. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In countries all over the world the volume of road traffic is increasing at are faster rate than new roads can be built.

What are the causes of this problem? What are some potential solutions?

Some people think that young people should go to university, while other people say that they should skip university and go straight to work. To what extent do you agree?

People in the past would always repair damaged products. However, nowadays, people like to throw out and purchase new products. What are the reasons for this? What problems might this cause?

Many people these days believe that young people should travel abroad for a year after finishing high school. But others think, it is a waste of time and money What is your opinion?

In some countries, some school leavers choose to work or travel for a year between finishing secondary school and attending university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your opinion.

Some people believe cities should try to preserve its old, historical building, but others think we should destroy them and replace them with modern buildings.

Discuss both points of view on this issue and then give your own opinion.

Some people think advertising is discouraging us from being different individuals and makes everyone to be the same.

To what extent do you agree or disagree.

Human activities in many countries have negative effects on plant and animal species.

What do you think are the negative effects?

What are some potential solutions ?

Some people think that the education system should prepare students for employment, while others believe it has other functions.

Discuss both sides of the argument and then give your own opinion.

In some countries the elderly are put into nursing homes rather than being taken care of by their family.

Do you see this as a positive or a negative development?

Today more and more young children have electronic gadgets such as computers and mobile phones. Some people say that this is a positive development.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that the fast pace and stress of modern life is having a negative effect on families.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In countries all over the world the volume of road traffic is increasing at a faster rate than new roads can be built.

People in the past would always repair damaged products. However, nowadays, people like to throw out and purchase new products.

What are the reasons for this? What problems might this cause?

In some countries, some school leavers choose to work or travel for a year between finishing secondary school and attending university.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your opinion about it. eBook for Essays Complete writing eBook Get your writing corrected Join my website to receive updates Essay writing on my website

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Cambridge IELTS 17: Sample Band 9 Answers

Posted by David S. Wills | Sep 17, 2022 | Model Essays | 1

Cambridge recently released the 17 th instalment in their IELTS series and I wanted to give you my sample answers for four of the essays in this book. I’ll also make some comments on the questions where I think it’s important to discuss the meaning, potential problems, or anything else that might arise. These are all task 2 essays because I don’t want to break any copyright laws by posting images from those books.

Below, you can find my sample band 9 answers to the task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 17 .

Test 1: Taking Risks

Here’s the first task 2 question in the book:

It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?

First of all, I’ll say that this really reminds me of several older questions, which is not a surprise because the IELTS test makers like to recycle topics and ideas. It is most similar to this question:

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Although the words and even format of the question are totally different, it is almost the same in terms of its general meaning. Still, you always need to read very carefully and respond directly to the question rather than previous, similar questions.

Sample Band 9 Answer: Tasking Risks

People differ in their attitude towards taking risks, with some people seemingly born to be risky and others rather risk averse. This essay will look into the advantages and disadvantages of an adventurous attitude and conclude that taking some risks is a positive thing.

First of all, it should be noted that taking risks is necessary for success. History is full of such examples in all fields, from science to war and from sport to literature. Those who simply continue tradition and never try anything new are doomed to repeat the past and typically content themselves with mediocrity. However, when people try new things, they may risk failure, but they also bring about the possibility of tremendous success. Looking at literature, for example, we can see great writers like James Joyce and William Burroughs, who completely redefined what a novel could be by breaking all the rules. They could easily have wasted their time and become mired in failure, but their risks paid off and they are today considered giants in their field.

Of course, that is not to suggest that taking a risk always results in success. Naturally, for every great success there are countless failures. To continue the idea of literature, one can only begin to imagine the number of writers who attempted to do something entirely new but failed because they were misunderstood. Taking risks in everyday life can be an even bigger problem because the consequences can be more severe. Young men often hurt themselves in foolish stunts because they took a risk to impress their peers. In such cases, it would clearly have been better not to take that risk at all.

In conclusion, whether it is better to take risks or not depends entirely upon the risk. In some scenarios, it is best to take a chance and see what happens because the potential outcome could be immensely rewarding, but in many cases it is rather pointless. Still, overall it is better to take some risks than avoid them altogether.  

Notes and Language

I started this essay with a nice general statement but without being too random. I’ve tried to avoid clichéd IELTS language like “There is a hot controversy about…” This is neither true nor is it appropriate.

Although I mostly wanted to show that taking risks is a good thing, I split the essay into two body paragraphs and tried to show both sides of the issue. You don’t need to provide a balanced answer in IELTS writing task 2, but in this case I thought it was for the best. The main thing was to make sure that my position was clear throughout. This began with a clear and precise outline sentence . I also gave some interesting and appropriate examples and I stretched one theme (literature) over two paragraphs for continuity.

In terms of language, I used words like “risky and “risk averse,” which are obviously very topic specific. I did, however, have to use more vague terminology like “adventurous attitude” because I didn’t want to repeat “risk” too much. I also used phrases like “break the rules” and “attempt to do something new.” This also helps to avoid repetition.

Test 2: Smartphones

The next question is also similar to some previous ones, but because it’s 2022 it has been specifically written to include smartphones rather than computers or other types of technology :

Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative trend?

This is a two-part question that includes a positive or negative question ! This might seem weird, but actually it’s become fairly common in recent years to include positive/negative questions inside a two-part question, so you should be ready to answer something like this. The key is not to go at length about the positive/negative aspect and instead squeeze it into just one paragraph.

Sample Band 9 Answer: Smartphones

It can be seen nowadays that young people, including small children, spend a lot of time on their phones. This essay will explain why and then argue that it is an overwhelmingly negative development.

To begin with, children use their phones a lot because they are enjoyable to the point of being addictive. Indeed, numerous studies have shown that phones are as addictive for children as sugar or drugs, and this makes it hard for them to moderate their behaviour. The apps on most phones are designed to appeal to people by rewarding them with dopamine and children are particularly susceptible to this. In addition, the bright images, simple games, and immersive experience make phones thoroughly appealing for young users.

This constant usage brings various problems, with perhaps the most alarming being the impact on people’s health. Using a phone is something that the human body has not yet adapted to and there are various risks. The most obvious one is neck damage. Doctors often warn that the postures people use when using their phones lead to neck strain, which can also trigger problems in the back and head. Some people worry about eyestrain, too, though this is unproven. Then, of course, there is the fact that for children almost the entirety of their entertainment comes in the form of these phones and so they no longer go outside to play games in the fresh air, getting necessary exercise and socialising. They are stuck indoors, staring at their phone and becoming overweight, fragile, and unsociable.

In conclusion, the current situation with children using their phones a lot is utterly negative. Even if there were any possible benefits, they would be grossly outweighed by the damage that these devices cause.

Again, my introduction is clear and precise. It starts by explaining the topic and then gives an explicit outline. There is nothing clichéd or confusing here. A reader would be well prepared for the next parts.

The structure is simple. One body paragraph deals with the first sentence and the next deals with the second sentence. It was a challenge to keep this simple because the questions certainly raise a lot of ideas. I could have written a thousand words on why children like smartphones so much! However, keep it short and to the point. Don’t waste time.

Important vocabulary here included “addictive” and “dopamine.” I also needed to talk about health (you can learn about health vocabulary here ), so I mentioned various issues, including “neck strain.”

Test 3: Professionals

Here’s the third writing question from Cambridge IELTS 17 :

Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Interestingly, this question has also been asked in different ways over the years! I have seen it written as a problem and solution question but now it is a “ discuss both views ” one. It is also frequently shared on websites and social media with various mistakes because people saw it in a test and misremembered it. (Read about the dangers of fake questions .)

Anyway, it’s a fascinating topic that hopefully everyone has something thoughts on. I know I did. 😉

Sample Band 9 Answer: Professionals

A small number of people think that highly trained professionals should be required to work in the same country where they did their training, but most people disagree with this. This essay will also disagree, suggesting that they should be free to work where they want.

To begin with, it is understandable that people might argue in favour of professionals working in the country where they trained because in some cases that country has paid for their training. Take, for example, a doctor who received medical training at the government’s expense in a relatively poor country. If they moved to another country, perhaps in order to earn a higher salary, then the government’s investment would have been wasted.

However, there are a few problems with that viewpoint. First of all, professionals of this nature usually pay for their own education, and so if they were required to stay in that country then it would be unfair. A lot of people invest in their education purely to gain the chance of moving to another country for a better life. Then, of course, there is the argument that all people should have some freedom of movement. Particularly in the case of highly trained professionals, who can bring value to different societies, it is beneficial to have them move around the world, sharing their skills and increasing diversity. Perhaps they ought to give something back to the society in which they were trained, but they should not be restricted by any law because that would be a violation of their fundamental rights.

In conclusion, people who have important skills should be free to move to other countries if they wish. They should not have a legal obligation to stay in the nation where they earned their skills, but perhaps for the sake of decency they might consider staying a short while and giving back to that society.

You might be curious about my first line: “A small number of people think…” Why did I say that? Well, the question says “Some people” and honestly I don’t think that many people share this view, so I used my words carefully to reflect that. Remember: Don’t just paraphrase blindly ! Use your own language and ideas to express a clear and intelligent point.

I began my concession paragraph by saying “it is understandable that people might argue…” I want to show the opposing view so that I can do a better job of arguing against it. I went on to argue convincingly in favour of the opposing view.

Note: You don’t need to talk about doctors and engineers! IELTS candidates often read the question, see these examples, and think that they are the main idea. However, they are not. These are purely examples. You don’t need to mention them at all.

My language here is related to the topic of work and migration. I also tried to avoid repetition . I used some great phrases like “at the government’s expense” and “a violation of their fundamental rights.” These are descriptive and specific.

Test 4: Alternative Medicine

Finally, we come to a question about a controversial issue:

Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Here, we have a question about alternative medicines vs conventional ones. This is a difficult subject to talk about and people will have different opinions on the matter, but don’t worry too much. Whether you support or oppose the use of alternative medicines, the examiner should not be prejudiced against you. Just make sure to explain your position clearly and convincingly.

Sample Band 9 Answer: Alternative Medicine

It has been claimed that more people are now using alternative medical practices rather than using proper doctors. This essay will argue that it is a dangerous development.

To begin with, there is simply no good argument for using alternative medicines. Any alternative treatment that works will be incorporated into conventional medicine, so to go outside of the mainstream is to take a pointless risk. The vast majority of alternative medical practices, no matter how they are marketed, are at best useless and at worst highly dangerous.

Using any alternative treatment has two potential outcomes. The first is that nothing will happen because most of them are in fact fake. Take acupuncture, homeopathy, or folk medicine, for example. These are simply archaic or idealistic ideas that mostly rely upon the placebo effect. In most cases, they do nothing and any genuine use that they could pose has or will be incorporated into conventional medicine through the scientific method and peer review. In such cases, a patient with an illness will not recover and will waste time in seeking real treatment. In severe cases, these fraudulent practitioners will actually harm their patients because their treatments are dangerous. These alternative medicines are unregulated and used by people who have no proper training, which means that they will not only fail to help but may even introduce new health problems.

In conclusion, the trend of people seeking alternative forms of medicine is massively problematic and puts people at serious risk of illness and death.

You will notice that there is not much balance to this essay. I have taken a very firm position here and that’s just fine. It actually makes it easier to write an essay when you have a firm belief. That’s why I started paragraph two with a strong statement: “there is simply no good argument for using alternative medicines.”

Of course, if you make a statement like this, you need to be able to back it up with explanation or evidence. I explained my position in the second paragraph and then gave more detail in the third.

Questions relating to medicine can be hard because they might require you to draw upon difficult vocabulary. Here, you can see I have done that, although not all of it is medical in nature: archaic, idealistic, placebo, fraudulent, practitioner , etc. In terms of Lexical Resource , you shouldn’t strive for difficult words, but rather aim for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

I hope that you have found these sample band 9 answers to Cambridge IELTS 17 questions useful. You should not try to copy my words or ideas, but rather view them as inspiration for your own essays. There is no perfect formula for an IELTS task 2 essay, and so you should figure out your own ways of directly addressing the question and developing your answers thoroughly.

If you found this useful, maybe you will enjoy my sample answers for Cambridge IELTS 16 and Cambridge IELTS 18 .

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

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Introduction

This collection of sample answers is intended to help you understand what is necessary in order to write a great essay. All of these answers have been written by a native speaker who is also a professional writer and IELTS trainer with more than ten years of experience. It is important to note before we begin that these answers are not the only way to score band 9. Whether you study English, Korean, Arabic, Spanish, or any other language, it is important to note that there is more than one way to express yourself. If we gather 1,000 professional writers, they would produce 1,000 different IELTS essays.

The fifty answers in this book have been written in order to guide IELTS candidates to the most effective means of composing an essay. They show how to fulfil the requirements of the marking rubric without using overly complex language.

In fact, that is one of the most important things that you should remember. Accuracy and range are more important than using “difficult” language. The best way to approach IELTS writing is through common sense. You could broadly categorise any good approach to an IELTS essay like this:

1) Analyse the question 2) Structure your answer 3) Write your essay 4) Check your writing

Obviously, the hardest part is #3 because there is so much to consider. However, it is important to note that you do not need to achieve perfection in your essay. You just have to make it very good.

When it comes to structure, I always tell people to keep it simple. Do not try to reinvent the wheel. Every task 2 essay requires an introduction and conclusion, as well as two or three body paragraphs. Your structure should look like this: 1) Introduction 2) Body paragraph 1 3) Body paragraph 2 4) Conclusion

The sample answers in this book should help you to understand the construction and execution of a very good IELTS essay. Do not think that these are the only ways to do it. They are intended as models to help you but ultimately the process of planning and writing an essay comes down to one person – you.

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7 model answers: IELTS writing task 2

Updated:  February 2024

An IELTS essay is a ‘discursive essay’ where you may have to discuss an issue, give an opinion, explain the advantages or disadvantages, write about problems or causes of problems, and give solutions. There are 5 variations to an IELTS discursive essay.

In this blog post, there are 7 model answers for IELTS writing task 2. These are based on essays my students have written with help from me to correct them and make them more concise and clear.

First, let’s look at these important points.

In a problem-solution essay or an advantage-disadvantage essay, the instruction words will ask something like:

• What problem s does this cause, what solution s can you suggest?
• Do the advantage s outweigh the disadvantage s ?
• What are the advantage s and disadvantage s of this?

Notice the plural form here, advantage s and disadvantage s . Many students (and IELTS teachers) think they have to write more than one advantage and disadvantage or more than one problem and solution. Yes, you can certainly do this but you can also make it much simpler by writing about one advantage and one disadvantage. The same goes for a problem solution essay.

Another point to consider is that you may run out of time if you write 2 of each. You will have only 40 minutes for the essay. Planning time is around 10 minutes so that means 30 minutes of writing. Another danger of writing about 2 of each is that your word count will go well over 300 words.

What does the marking criteria say?

• Band 8 Task Response states-> ‘presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended and supported ideas…’  

There is nothing mentioned in the marking criteria about having more than one advantage or disadvantage only that it needs to be well-developed, relevant, and supported. So you can take one advantage and one disadvantage, explain them well, and support them with a specific example within an essay of between 260 to 300 words. Same for a problem solution essay, one problem one solution.

•  Band 7 coherence and cohesion  it states-> ‘presents a clear central topic within each paragraph…’

So you can run with one central idea or one main advantage and disadvantage, or problem/solution, as long as you can explain it well and give a clear relevant example. You will see this technique in the model answers below.  

In the first causes solution model answer below there are 2 problems and 2 solutions . The only issue though is that it tends to end up as a very long essay at way over 300 words. Realistically, you will not have the time in the exam to write an essay over 300 words and you will have more chance of making mistakes.

You do not get a higher band score with a very long essay, such as a 380-word essay. I have often been sent these kinds of essays to mark and it is frustrating. Just keep it concise between 260 to 300 words.

Causes solution essay (long version)

Task question.

All over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. This problem affects both children and adults. What are the reasons for this rise in obesity, How could it be tackled?

Model Answer

Nations worldwide are dealing with the increasing issue of obesity which is a cause for concern for all age groups. There are two main causes, over-consumption of fast food and lack of exercise. Possible solutions would be a government tax on fast food and special incentives for gym membership to get people to exercise.

One of the reasons that people are becoming overweight these days is that they are eating more junk food, ready meals, and convenience food rather than cooking healthy meals at home. This is because many people tend to lead a busy life, so after a long day at work, it is easier to just buy convenience food or get a takeaway. For instance, research by the UK government found that sales of these types of foods have risen considerably in the past two decades. To tackle this issue the government should take steps to increase taxes on trans fats, high sugar, or unhealthy foods. Therefore, people would think twice about the foods they consume which could lead to them losing weight.

Another problem that needs to be considered is a lack of exercise. As a result of leading a hectic life with work commitments, many people are just too tired to go to the gym or join a sports club. For example, after work, the vast majority of people prefer to come home and sit in front of the TV. Furthermore, when people have time off they tend to relax rather than go to a gym. One possible solution is for employers to consider the well-being of their employees and offer in-house company gyms or special incentives, such as discounts to join sports or fitness clubs. If this is implemented it would have a positive effect on people’s health and a reduction in weight gain.

In conclusion, being overweight is an increasing issue because of the consumption of fast food, convenience foods, and not enough exercise due to work commitments. The government needs to look at taxing fast food and companies should set up incentives for gyms, sports, or fitness clubs.

The word count here is very high at around 345 words. This is because I chose to include 2 problems and 2 solutions. You can just take one problem and one solution as long as it is well-developed and explained. There is a shorter version below this.

Causes solution essay (shorter version)

Nations worldwide are dealing with the increasing issue of obesity which is a cause for concern among all age groups. One main cause of this issue is the overconsumption of fast food and convenience foods. A possible solution would be a government tax on these foods with lower costs for fresh produce.

One reason that people are becoming overweight these days is that they are eating more junk food and convenience food rather than cooking healthy meals at home. This is because many people tend to lead a busy life so it is easier to just buy ready meals or get a takeaway rather than cook at home. For instance, studies by the UK government have found that sales of these types of foods have risen considerably in the past two decades. If the issue is not addressed soon there will most likely be an epidemic of obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes shortly.

To tackle this issue governments need to increase the tax on high-sugar or unhealthy foods, especially those that contain trans fats. This would mean that consumers would think twice about the food they consume, so in the long run, this could lead to them losing weight and leading a much healthier life. To illustrate this, recently Norway implemented tough regulations and higher taxes on food containing high levels of sodium and saturated fats. They also fixed a lower price for organic vegetables to attract more consumers of fresh produce in supermarkets. This had a dramatic effect on reducing the consumption of junk foods.

In conclusion, being overweight is an increasing issue for children and adults globally because of the consumption of fast food and convenience foods. Authorities need to look at taxing these foods and make healthier options more available.

This essay is 297 words long. It takes one cause of the problem and explains it, then in main body 2, the solution is given. Notice the conclusion just rephrases the introduction. I paraphrased the word ‘governments’ to ‘authorities’.  Yes, there is some repetition of words such as fast food, etc…  you can repeat words as long as this is done sparingly.

You can write about one problem and one solution and still get band 7 as long as it is well-supported . The issue with a two problems two solutions essay is that you will run out of time as it will be a very long essay. Aim for under 300 words in writing task 2.

Discussion essay with opinion.

Some people believe that schoolchildren should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think it is not a good idea for teachers to assign home study tasks to school children, while others say it is an essential part of learning. I believe youngsters need homework to achieve better exam results as it gives them a chance of entering higher education.

On the one hand, some believe that homework is of no benefit and becomes a burden to school children. This is because pupils spend their whole day studying, taking part in after-school clubs, and feel exhausted after returning home. For instance, in Japan, the majority of youngsters are under pressure to complete vast amounts of homework along with extracurricular activities. If they fail to finish their assignments they may not do well in exams, meaning they would be unable to get into a good high school. I think home assignments are beneficial but children should not be put under this kind of pressure.

Other people would say that homework plays a vital role in the development of knowledge for students and I agree with this. One reason for this is that home study tasks help pupils understand school subjects better and allow them to attain higher grades. For example, according to extensive research, pupils aged between 10 and 16 who are given a large amount of mathematics homework do far better in tests than those who are not given any home assignments. I believe that home study tasks improve a child’s chances of entering tertiary education and eventually obtaining a well-paid job.

To conclude, although views differ concerning children being assigned homework, I would argue that home assignments are necessary to help pupils get good grades, which allows them to secure a place at university and improves their career chances.

Word count is 294 words, this is long enough for an IELTS essay. Notice the way I have used specific language to mention people’s views.. ‘ On the one hand, some believe that…’  / ‘ Other people would say that …… One reason for this is….’   This is needed in a discussion essay. I also stated my views in every paragraph, my position is very clear as I agree with the side that says homework is necessary for children.

Opinion essay.

Students today can easily access information online, so libraries are no longer necessary. Do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that libraries are unnecessary these days because students have easy access to information via the internet. I disagree with this because libraries allow people to attain specialised types of information and are important for students to study in a quiet environment.

Even though it is true that students find it much easier to get specific academic information connected to their studies on the internet, I think that libraries are still essential in schools and universities as well as public library facilities. One reason for this is that some types of specialised information cannot be found on the internet. For instance, most well-known academic authors do not immediately publish their recent work online, instead, they publish books explaining their analyses and results. Therefore these books are usually found in university or school libraries before they appear on the world wide web.

Another reason why I believe that they are necessary is that students need places to concentrate and focus. Libraries are perfect environments for this as they are very quiet and everyone there is motivated to investigate and study. As a result, they create an academic environment that encourages deep concentration. To illustrate this, there is some evidence to suggest that more and more students are spending a larger proportion of their time in the library researching and writing. This is because a silent academic atmosphere helps them to study harder which leads to better results in exams.

In conclusion, although the internet is of great benefit to students, I believe that libraries are still necessary as they grant access to specialised sources of information and their facilities provide better conditions for studying.

Word count is 282 words here, long enough. I have disagreed with the opinion presented in the task question . In main body one is the first reason why I disagree , in main body two is the second reason why I disagree . The conclusion rephrases my views. My opinion and examples do not have to be true (actually I think academic authors first publish online rather than in books) but this doesn’t matter as I have taken the main idea and developed it. The examiner wants to see how you use language.

‘Outweigh’ Advantage Disadvantage essay.

Traffic and accommodation problems are increasing and the government should encourage businesses to move from cities to rural areas. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Housing and traffic congestion is a growing issue in metropolitan areas, and it is argued that the government ought to persuade companies to relocate to the countryside. I think that the advantages of this outweigh the downsides because housing and business overheads are more affordable and there are fewer traffic problems.

Admittedly, there are disadvantages to relocating businesses and companies to rural areas. One particular downside is that many employees have settled with their families and own their own homes, so moving to a rural area would uproot them and their families. Besides this, they may not be suited to life in the country, which could cause stress and motivation issues. To illustrate this, research has shown that many people who are transferred to new offices in small towns and rural locations feel bored, and lonely, and have trouble settling down.  

Despite the downsides, I believe that the advantages of moving out of big cities far outweigh the disadvantages. This is because housing is larger and much more affordable in rural areas. That is to say, a small apartment in London costs three times that of a large apartment in Wiltshire which is in a very rural location. Company overheads are also far more cost-effective outside of cities. For instance, an office space 20 miles out of London tends to be much bigger, and overall rental costs are considerably lower than that of central London. Another obvious benefit is that traffic congestion is no longer an issue in rural areas or villages.  

In conclusion, although there may be downsides to companies moving out of cities, I think that relocating to the countryside carries more advantages because of cost-effective housing, less traffic, and business rents are lower.

Word count is 285 words here. This is a special type of essay as you need to state your opinion, the question ‘ Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? ‘means which side do you think is stronger? the advantages or the disadvantages? In this essay, my position is that ‘ the advantages of businesses moving to the countryside are stronger than the disadvantages.’ You must also cover the disadvantages, as I have done in main body one.

Advantage Disadvantage essay.

Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a child having a large number of toys?

Some parents purchase many toys for their children to play with. One particular advantage of this is that these toys help to develop a child’s cognitive abilities and motor skills, however, the disadvantage is that children may take too many toys for granted and lose focus and concentration.

One benefit of giving children many toys is that they can develop their cognitive functions and coordination faster. This means that if a young child has access to building blocks they learn about balance and coordination. Additionally, when a child plays with educational games, such as alphabet soup or toy cash registers, they will develop their thought processes and overall brain function. For instance, there is evidence to suggest that children under the age of seven, who play with various kinds of handheld puzzle toys, play doctor kits, and coding kits, had better hand-eye movement and improved their basic math and phonics skills rapidly.

However, the downside to having too many toys is that it is easy for children to become bored and restless with so many choices. This is because they lose interest quickly and their focus tends to become scattered as they flit from one toy to another. For example, compared to when I was a child, youngsters nowadays tend to have a huge collection of toys. After they get a new present for Christmas they become bored with it, and within a few days, they ignore it. As a result, many youngsters become impatient and their attention span becomes much shorter. This can lead to a lack of focus particularly with studying and homework.

In conclusion, although a child’s cognitive processes improve with having a wide choice of toys, the downside is that this can lead to boredom, poor concentration, and impatience.

This type of advantage disadvantage essay does not ask for a direct opinion, so I just clearly stated what the advantages and disadvantages are in both main body paragraphs and explained them well. My position is clear throughout the essay even though I do not state ‘I think…’ or ‘In my view…’

I have taken one advantage and one disadvantage here. This is ok and can still get you a Band 7 as long as it is well-explained, relevant, and supported.

Two-part question essay.

Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?

Many people agree with the idea that happiness cannot be bought. This is difficult to define because everyone has a different concept of happiness. I believe that people can become happier by developing an optimistic mindset and pursuing interesting hobbies.  

One of the reasons why the definition of happiness is hard to grasp is that views differ on what contributes to being happy. Some people feel that money and career are important, while others would say that close family is the main factor, and yet others believe that freedom and self-expression create a happy existence. To illustrate this, studies carried out by leading psychologists in the USA showed that opinions varied greatly. Participants in these studies said that having freedom and few commitments were important, while the majority stated that a high salary and career status were crucial to being happy.  

In my view, people can become happier by developing a positive mentality. In other words, when someone tries to see things optimistically, it leads to emotional maturity and contentment. Moreover, I believe that by having engaging hobbies and pastimes people can achieve far greater contentment than focusing on material success, such as making a lot of money or pursuing job promotions. For example, there is evidence to suggest that people who have work pressures and earn high salaries, such as doctors or lawyers, have the highest rates of depression. However, those who have a positive attitude and spend their free time doing fulfilling activities are the least depressed.

To sum up, although happiness is hard to categorise due to differing opinions, I think that through positivity and taking up fascinating hobbies an individual can develop a greater sense of well-being.

Word count is 287 words. It is pretty straightforward here, just answer the first question in main body one: Why is happiness difficult to define?  then answer the second question in main body 2: How can people achieve happiness?

The second question asks for my opinion as it says ‘How?’. The thesis statement answers the 2 questions concisely. My whole introduction is simple and concise at 43 words.

Any Questions? Leave a comment below

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Sample Answers

It is important for you to look at sample essays when you are studying to see if your work is on the way to becoming a band score 7 or higher.

Sample Essay 1 – Pie Charts

The pie charts show the ratio of goods shipped from Great Britain from 2010 to 2015. The products are measured by percentage.

On the other hand, the diagrams illustrate an increasing rise in the production of plastics at over 4% since 2010. Furthermore, the most relevant feature is the increase in the export of organic chemicals from 2010 (7%) to 2015 (10%). There is a huge difference in the production of pharmaceuticals, due to the fact that it experienced a decrease from 2010 (27%) to 2015 (18%). 

Sample Essay 2 – Line Graph Showing Future Trends

The line graph presented depicts the loan status of the Royal Bank of Scotland between the years 2012 to 2022. It is measured in millions of pounds sterling.

Firstly, it is clear that student loans and mortgages are following a very similar pattern over the years. Student loans stood at just under 1.500 million in 2012, noticeably, being the highest of the four groups. Though they remained constant up to 2013, they are expected to climb steadily to approximately 2.5 billion in 2022. Like the student loans, mortgages are predicted to follow a similar pattern and increase.

Finally, personal loans were staged at the lowest level of the four groups, at under 500 million in 2012. Despite climbing up and overtaking auto loans briefly in 2016 to about 800 million, this level will continue decreasing until 2022 to 400 million.

(Word Count = 223  / Band Score 9)

Sample Essay 3 – Process

To begin, a body of water is stored in a large water reservoir holding the water until it goes into the intake. The dam will then control the flow of water to the intake. After that, water will flow to a cylindrical passage called a penstock, making it flow with a strong pressure until it reaches the turbine. Next, the current of the flowing water from the river passing through the penstock will maintain the turbine’s rotation.

Sample Essay 4 – Line Graph

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What is a well written answer to an essay question?

Well Focused

Be sure to answer the question completely, that is, answer all parts of the question. Avoid "padding." A lot of rambling and ranting is a sure sign that the writer doesn't really know what the right answer is and hopes that somehow, something in that overgrown jungle of words was the correct answer.

Well Organized

Don't write in a haphazard "think-as-you-go" manner. Do some planning and be sure that what you write has a clearly marked introduction which both states the point(s) you are going to make and also, if possible, how you are going to proceed. In addition, the essay should have a clearly indicated conclusion which summarizes the material covered and emphasizes your thesis or main point.

Well Supported

Do not just assert something is true, prove it. What facts, figures, examples, tests, etc. prove your point? In many cases, the difference between an A and a B as a grade is due to the effective use of supporting evidence.

Well Packaged

People who do not use conventions of language are thought of by their readers as less competent and less educated. If you need help with these or other writing skills, come to the Writing Lab

How do you write an effective essay exam?

• Read through all the questions carefully.
• Budget your time and decide which question(s) you will answer first.
• Underline the key word(s) which tell you what to do for each question.
• Choose an organizational pattern appropriate for each key word and plan your answers on scratch paper or in the margins.
• Write your answers as quickly and as legibly as you can; do not take the time to recopy.
• Begin each answer with one or two sentence thesis which summarizes your answer. If possible, phrase the statement so that it rephrases the question's essential terms into a statement (which therefore directly answers the essay question).
• Support your thesis with specific references to the material you have studied.
• Proofread your answer and correct errors in spelling and mechanics.

Specific organizational patterns and "key words"

Most essay questions will have one or more "key words" that indicate which organizational pattern you should use in your answer. The six most common organizational patterns for essay exams are definition, analysis, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, process analysis, and thesis-support.

Typical questions

• "Define X."
• "What is an X?"
• "Choose N terms from the following list and define them."

Q: "What is a fanzine?"

A: A fanzine is a magazine written, mimeographed, and distributed by and for science fiction or comic strip enthusiasts.

Avoid constructions such as "An encounter group is where ..." and "General semantics is when ... ."

• State the term to be defined.
• State the class of objects or concepts to which the term belongs.
• Differentiate the term from other members of the class by listing the term's distinguishing characteristics.

Tools you can use

• Details which describe the term
• Examples and incidents
• Comparisons to familiar terms
• Negation to state what the term is not
• Classification (i.e., break it down into parts)
• Examination of origins or causes
• Examination of results, effects, or uses

Analysis involves breaking something down into its components and discovering the parts that make up the whole.

• "Analyze X."
• "What are the components of X?"
• "What are the five different kinds of X?"
• "Discuss the different types of X."

Q: "Discuss the different services a junior college offers a community."

A: Thesis: A junior college offers the community at least three main types of educational services: vocational education for young people, continuing education for older people, and personal development for all individuals.

Outline for supporting details and examples. For example, if you were answering the example question, an outline might include:

• Vocational education
• Continuing education
• Personal development

Write the essay, describing each part or component and making transitions between each of your descriptions. Some useful transition words include:

• first, second, third, etc.
• in addition

Conclude the essay by emphasizing how each part you have described makes up the whole you have been asked to analyze.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect involves tracing probable or known effects of a certain cause or examining one or more effects and discussing the reasonable or known cause(s).

Typical questions:

• "What are the causes of X?"
• "What led to X?"
• "Why did X occur?"
• "Why does X happen?"
• "What would be the effects of X?"

Q: "Define recession and discuss the probable effects a recession would have on today's society."

A: Thesis: A recession, which is a nationwide lull in business activity, would be detrimental to society in the following ways: it would .......A......., it would .......B......., and it would .......C....... .

The rest of the answer would explain, in some detail, the three effects: A, B, and C.

Useful transition words:

• consequently
• for this reason
• as a result

Comparison-Contrast

• "How does X differ from Y?"
• "Compare X and Y."
• "What are the advantages and disadvantages of X and Y?"

Q: "Which would you rather own—a compact car or a full-sized car?"

A: Thesis: I would own a compact car rather than a full-sized car for the following reasons: .......A......., .......B......., .......C......., and .......D....... .

Two patterns of development:

• Full-sized car

Disadvantages

• Compact car

Useful transition words

• on the other hand
• unlike A, B ...
• in the same way
• while both A and B are ..., only B ..
• nevertheless
• on the contrary
• while A is ..., B is ...
• "Describe how X is accomplished."
• "List the steps involved in X."
• "Explain what happened in X."
• "What is the procedure involved in X?"

Process (sometimes called process analysis)

This involves giving directions or telling the reader how to do something. It may involve discussing some complex procedure as a series of discrete steps. The organization is almost always chronological.

Q: "According to Richard Bolles' What Color Is Your Parachute?, what is the best procedure for finding a job?"

A: In What Color Is Your Parachute?, Richard Bolles lists seven steps that all job-hunters should follow: .....A....., .....B....., .....C....., .....D....., .....E....., .....F....., and .....G..... .

The remainder of the answer should discuss each of these seven steps in some detail.

• following this
• after, afterwards, after this
• subsequently
• simultaneously, concurrently

Thesis and Support

• "Discuss X."
• "A noted authority has said X. Do you agree or disagree?"
• "Defend or refute X."
• "Do you think that X is valid? Defend your position."

Thesis and support involves stating a clearly worded opinion or interpretation and then defending it with all the data, examples, facts, and so on that you can draw from the material you have studied.

Q: "Despite criticism, television is useful because it aids in the socializing process of our children."

A: Television hinders rather than helps in the socializing process of our children because .......A......., .......B......., and .......C....... .

The rest of the answer is devoted to developing arguments A, B, and C.

• it follows that

A. Which of the following two answers is the better one? Why?

Question: Discuss the contribution of William Morris to book design, using as an example his edition of the works of Chaucer.

a. William Morris's Chaucer was his masterpiece. It shows his interest in the Middle Ages. The type is based on medieval manuscript writing, and the decoration around the edges of the pages is like that used in medieval books. The large initial letters are typical of medieval design. Those letters were printed from woodcuts, which was the medieval way of printing. The illustrations were by Burn-Jones, one of the best artists in England at the time. Morris was able to get the most competent people to help him because he was so famous as a poet and a designer (the Morris chair) and wallpaper and other decorative items for the home. He designed the furnishings for his own home, which was widely admired among the sort of people he associated with. In this way he started the arts and crafts movement.

b. Morris's contribution to book design was to approach the problem as an artist or fine craftsman, rather than a mere printer who reproduced texts. He wanted to raise the standards of printing, which had fallen to a low point, by showing that truly beautiful books could be produced. His Chaucer was designed as a unified work of art or high craft. Since Chaucer lived in the Middle Ages, Morris decided to design a new type based on medieval script and to imitate the format of a medieval manuscript. This involved elaborate letters and large initials at the beginnings of verses, as well as wide borders of intertwined vines with leaves, fruit, and flowers in strong colors. The effect was so unusual that the book caused great excitement and inspired other printers to design beautiful rather than purely utilitarian books.

From James M. McCrimmon, Writing with a Purpose , 7th ed. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980), pp. 261-263.

B. How would you plan the structure of the answers to these essay exam questions?

1. Was the X Act a continuation of earlier government policies or did it represent a departure from prior philosophies?

2. What seems to be the source of aggression in human beings? What can be done to lower the level of aggression in our society?

3. Choose one character from Novel X and, with specific references to the work, show how he or she functions as an "existential hero."

4. Define briefly the systems approach to business management. Illustrate how this differs from the traditional approach.

5. What is the cosmological argument? Does it prove that God exists?

6. Civil War historian Andy Bellum once wrote, "Blahblahblah blahed a blahblah, but of course if blahblah blahblahblahed the blah, then blahblahs are not blah but blahblah." To what extent and in what ways is the statement true? How is it false?

For more information on writing exam essays for the GED, please visit our Engagement area and go to the Community Writing and Education Station (CWEST) resources.

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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

• Agree / Disagree
• Discuss Two Opinions
• Problems and Solutions
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

• Advertising
• Alternative Medicine
• Spending on the Arts
• Human Cloning
• Social Interaction & the Internet
• Airline Tax
• Free University Education
• Scientific Research
• Banning Smoking
• Employing Older People
• Vegetarianism
• Paying Taxes  
• Examinations or Formal Assessment 
• Multinational Organisations and Culture
• Internet vs Newspapers
• Technology Development  
• Dying of Languages
• Animal Extinction
• Truth in Relationships
• Role of Schools
• Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

• University Education
• Reducing Crime
• Animal Rights
• Child Development
• Diet & Health
• Donating Money to Charity
• Closing Zoos   
• Becoming Independent  
• Formal and Informal Education  
• Influence of Scientists and Politicians
• Sources for Stories
• Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

• Child Obesity
• Skin Whitening Creams
• Family Size
• Having Children Later in Life
• Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

• Youth Crime
• Global Warming
• Paying Attention in Class
• International Travel & Prejudice 
• Museums & Historical Places
• Disappearance of Traditions
• Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

• Family Closeness
• Living Alone
• Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

• Overpopulation
• Competing for Jobs  
• Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

• Traffic Problems
• Food Additives
• Computer Games
• Age Discrimination at Work  
• Children using Tablets and Computers  
• Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
• Working from Home 
• Eating Locally grown  Produce  
• Oil and Gas Essay  
• Peer Pressure on Young People
• Online Fraud
• Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

• Protecting Old Buildings
• Animal Testing
• Fear of Crime
• Communication Technology
• Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

• IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

• Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
• Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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• IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes).

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

In this task you should:      Explain the first point of view      Explain the second point of view      Add your opinion

Sample answer:

What's the happiest time in people's lives: youth or old age; school, career or retirement? All of these have been suggested, but teenage years and adulthood both have many supporters.

Those who believe teenagers are the happiest people cite their lack of responsibilities as a significant factor. They are supported financially and emotionally by their parents, and although they may be included in family decisions, they're not ultimately responsible. However, adolescents are on the threshold of adult life: they're old enough to get a part-time job, so they can enjoy their first taste of financial independence, and their future study and career lie ahead.

Away from these serious concerns, young people have an active social life with their friends, often simply by hanging out with them. And of course, there’s the excitement of first love and first heartbreak. With all this to experience, teenagers see their parents' lives as boring and stressful.

However, the reverse is also true. Adults see anxious, self-dramatising adolescents, and appreciate the joys of maturity. These may include a contented family life, long-lasting friendships and a career. Long-term relationships may not have the fireworks of adolescence, but are stronger for it, because of the wealth of shared experience. At work, many of us are challenged and stimulated by the increasing, professional skills we acquire, which ensures that our jobs remain interesting.

The greatest benefit, though, is that maturity gives you greater confidence in your own judgement, in all areas of life. You’re not afraid to express your opinion when others disagree and, unlike a teenager, you know when to let things go.

Both these periods can be happy times, but I look back at my own teenage years, with no desire to go back. Adult life may be less dramatic, but fireworks don’t keep you warm

In cities and towns all over the world the high volume of traffic is a problem.

What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

It is undoubtedly the case that urban areas around the world increasingly suffer from congestion. In this essay, I examine the reasons for this trend and suggest some practical policies the authorities could implement to reduce the level of traffic in our cities.

The first step is to understand why traffic has increased in towns and cities. Broadly speaking, there are three main reasons for this. One is that cars have become more affordable for the average consumer and they are no longer a luxury item, but something that most families expect to own. A second reason is that public transport has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, not least because many bus and train services have been reduced because of the difficulty in funding them. The third reason is that society has in general become more mobile and this means more people are prepared to commute to work by car than they were before.

There is almost certainly no one solution to this problem given the complexity of its causes. However, one option has to be to improve the reliability of public transport to encourage people to take the bus or the train rather than get in the car. It would also be possible to discourage people from driving to work by introducing special tariffs for using the roads, especially during peak periods. A successful example of this is the congestion charge scheme in London which has certainly reduced the level of trafficin inner-city areas.

In conclusion, there are a variety of different factors that have led to rising levels of traffic in urban areas. While it may not be possible to find a complete solution, any action should probably involve encouraging greater use of public transport and making it more expensive for the motorist to drive in urban areas.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Here we write about the benefits. Remember: 1 advantage = 1 paragraph.

In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger. While some people think this may be damaging to a child’s development, or to a child’s relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age. Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn. Another advantage of going to school at an early age is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger. So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments.

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100 Writing Practice Lessons & Exercises

by Joe Bunting | 50 comments

Start Your Story TODAY! We’re teaching a new LIVE workshop this week to help you start your next book. Learn more and sign up here.

Want to become a better writer? How much time do you spend on your writing practice? Perhaps you want to write novels, or maybe you just want to get better grades in your essay writing assignments , or maybe you'd like to start a popular blog .

If you want to write better, you need practice. But what does a writing practice actually look like? In this post, I'm going to give you everything you need to kick off your writing practice and become a better writer faster.

What Is Writing Practice?

Writing practice is a method of becoming a better writer that usually involves reading lessons about the writing process, using writing prompts, doing creative writing exercises , or finishing writing pieces, like essays, short stories , novels , or books . The best writing practice is deliberate, timed, and involves feedback.

How Do You Practice Writing?

This was the question I had when I first started The Write Practice in 2011. I knew how to practice a sport and how to practice playing an instrument. But for some reason, even after studying it in college, I wasn't sure how to practice writing.

I set out to create the best writing practice I could. The Write Practice is the result.

I found that the best writing practice has three aspects:

Deliberate . Writing whatever you feel like may be cathartic, but it's not an effective way to become a better writer or build your writing skills. You'll get better faster by practicing a specific technique or aspect of the writing process each time you sit down to write.

This is why we have a new lesson about the writing process each day on The Write Practice, followed by a practice prompt at the end so you can put what you learned to use immediately.

Timed . It's no secret writers struggle with focus. There are just too many interesting distractions—Facebook, email, Kim Kardashian's Instagram feed (just kidding about that last one, sort of)—and writing is just too hard sometimes.

Setting a timer, even for just fifteen minutes, is an easy and effective way to stay focused on what's important.

This is why in our writing practice prompt at the end of each post we have a time limit, usually with a link to an online tool egg timer , so you can focus on deliberate practice without getting distracted.

Feedback . Getting feedback is one of the requirements to deliberately practice writing or any other craft. Feedback can look like listening to the reactions of your readers or asking for constructive criticism from editors and other writers.

This is why we ask you to post your writing practice after each lesson, so that you can get feedback from other writers in The Write Practice community. It's also why we set up The Write Practice Pro community , to provide critique groups for writers to get feedback on each finished piece of writing.

Our 100+ Best Creative Writing Practice Exercises and Lessons

Now that you know how we practice writing at The Write Practice, here are our best writing practice lessons to jumpstart your writing skills with some daily writing exercises, for beginner writers to even the most expert writers:

All-Time, Top 10 Writing Lessons and Exercises

These ten posts are our most viewed articles to boost your writing practice:

1. What is Plot? The 6 Elements of Plot and How to Use Them . Great stories use similar elements in wildly different ways to build page-turning stories. Click here to read what they are and learn how to start using them !

2. Top 100 Short Story Ideas . Here are over a hundred writing prompts in a variety of genres. If you need ideas for your next story, check this out!

3. How To Use Neither, Nor, Or, and Nor Correctly . Even good writers struggle figuring out when to use neither/nor and either/or. In this post, our copy-queen Liz Bureman settles the confusion once and for all. Click to continue to the writing exercise

4. Ten Secrets To Write Better Stories . How does Pixar manage to create such great stories, year after year? And how do you write a good story? In this post, I distill everything I've learned about how to write a good story into ten tips. Click to continue to the writing exercise

5. 35 Questions To Ask Your Characters From Marcel Proust . To get to know my characters better, I use a list of questions known as the Proust Questionnaire, made famous by French author, Marcel Proust. Click to continue to the writing exercise

6. How a Scene List Can Change Your Novel-Writing Life . Creating a scene list changed my novel-writing life, and doing the same will change yours too. Includes examples of the scene lists from famous authors. Click to continue to the writing exercise

7. Why You Need to be Using the Oxford Comma . Most people I've met have no idea what the Oxford comma is, but it's probably something that you have used frequently in your writing. Click to continue to the writing exercise

8. Six Surprising Ways to Write Better Interview Questions.  The interview is the most-used tool in a journalist's bag. But that doesn't mean novelists, bloggers, and even students can't and don't interview people. Here's how to conduct a great interview. Click to continue to the writing exercise

9. Why You Should Try Writing in Second Person . You've probably used first person and third person point-of-view already. But what about second person? This post explains three reasons why you should try writing from this point-of-view. Click to continue to the writing exercise

10. The Secret to Show, Don't Tell . You've heard the classic writing rule, “Show. Don't Tell.” Every writing blog ever has talked about it, and for good reason. Showing, for some reason, is really difficult. Click to continue to the writing exercise.

12 Exercises and Lessons To Become a Better Writer

How do you become a better writer? These posts share our best advice:

• Want to Be a Better Writer? Cut These 7 Words
• What I Mean When I Say I Am A Writer
• How to Become a Writer: 3 Simple Steps
• 72% of Writers Struggle With THIS
• 7 Lies About Becoming a Writer That You Probably Believe
• 10 Questions to Find Your Unique Writing Voice
• The Best Writing Book I’ve Ever Read
• The Best Way to Become a Better Writer
• The Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Tools You Can’t Write Without
• Should You Write More or Write Better: Quantity vs Quality
• How to Become a Better Writer in One, Simple Step
• 11 Writing Tips That Will Change Your Life

6 Lessons and Exercises from Great Writers

If you want to be a writer, learn from the great writers who have gone before you:

• 23 Essential Quotes from Ernest Hemingway About Writing
• 29 Quotes that Explain How to Become a Better Writer
• 10 Lessons Dr. Seuss Can Teach Writers
• 10 Writing Tips from Ursula Le Guin
• Once Upon a Time: Pixar Prompt
• All the Pretty Words: Writing In the Style of Cormac McCarthy

12 Genre and Format Specific Writing Lessons and Exercises

Here are our best writing lessons for specific types of writing, including essays, screenplays, memoir, short stories, children's books, and humor writing:

• Writing an Essay? Here Are 10 Effective Tips
• How To Write a Screenplay: The 5 Step Process
• How to Write a Great Memoir: a Complete Guide
• How to Write a Short Story from Start to Finish
• How to Write a Thriller Novel
• How to Write a Children's Book
• How to Write a Love Story
• How to Write a Coming of Age Story or Book
• How to Write an Adventure Book
• 5 Key Elements for Successful Short Stories
• 4 Tips to Write a Novel That Will Be Adapted Into a Movie
• Humor Writing for People Who Aren’t Funny

14 Characterization Lessons and Exercises

Good characters are the foundation of good fiction. Here are our best lessons to create better characters:

• Character Development: How to Create Characters Audiences Will Love
• Writing Villains: 9 Evil Examples of the Villain Archetype
• How NOT to Introduce a New Character
• The Strongest Form of Characterization
• The Most Important Character Archetype
• How Do You Build A Strong Character In Your Writing?
• 75+ Antihero Examples and How to Use Them
• How to Explore Your Characters’ Motivations
• 8 Tips for Naming Characters
• The Protagonist: How to Center Your Story
• Heroes vs. Anti-Heroes: Which Is Right For Your Story?
• The Weakest Form of Characterization
• How to Write With an Accent
• How To Create a Character Sketch Using Scrivener

15 Grammar Lessons and Exercises

I talk to so many writers, some of whom are published authors, who struggle with grammar. Here are our best writing lessons on grammar:

• Is It Okay To End A Sentence With A Preposition?
• Contractions List: When To Use and When To Avoid
• Good vs. Well
• Connotation vs. Denotation
• Per Se vs. Per Say
• When You SHOULD Use Passive Voice
• When Do You Use “Quotation Marks”
• Polysyndeton and Asyndeton: Definition and Examples
• The Case Against Twilight
• Affect Versus Effect
• Stop Saying “Literally”
• What Is a Comma Splice? And Why Do Editors Hate Them?
• Intra vs. Inter: Why No One Plays Intermural Sports
• Alright and Alot: Words That Are Not Words
• The Poor, Misunderstood Semicolon

5 Journalism Lessons and Exercises

Want to be a journalist? Or even use techniques from journalism to improve your novel, essay, or screenplay? Here are our best writing lessons on journalism:

• Six Ways to Ask Better Questions In Interviews
• How to Conduct an Author Interview
• Interview In Person or Via Email?  
• What If They Don’t Want to Talk to You?
• Eleven Habits of a Highly Effective Interviewers

16 Plot and Structure Lessons and Exercises

Want to write a good story? Our top plot and structure lessons will help:

• The Nine Types of Story and How to Master Them
• Points of a Story: 6 Plot Points Every Story Needs
• How to Shape a Story: The 6 Arcs
• 7 Keys To Write the Perfect First Line of a Novel
• The Secret to Creating Conflict
• 4 Tips to Avoid Having Your Short Story Rejected by a Literary Magazine
• 7 Steps to Creating Suspense
• 5 Elements of Storytelling
• 3 Important Rules for Writing Endings
• A Writer’s Cheatsheet to Plot and Structure
• Overcoming the Monster
• How to Satisfy Your Reader With a Great Ending
• Pow! Boom! Ka-Pow! 5 Tips to Write Fight Scenes
• The Dramatic Question and Suspense in Fiction
• How to Write a Memorable Beginning and Ending
• How to Write the Perfect First Page

6 Lessons and Exercises to Beat Writer's Block

Writer's block is real, and it can completely derail your writing. Here are six lessons to get writing again:

• How To Write Whether You Feel Like it Or Not
• This Fun Creative Writing Exercise Will Change Your Life
• When You Should Be Writing But Can't…
• What to do When Your Word Count is Too Low
• 7 Tricks to Write More with Less Willpower
• When You Don’t Know What to Write, Write About Your Insecurities

7 Literary Technique Lessons and Exercises

These writing and storytelling techniques will teach you a few tricks of the trade you may not have discovered before:

• 3 Tips to “Show, Don’t Tell” Emotions and Moods
• 3 Reasons to Write Stream of Consciousness Narrative
• 16 Observations About Real Dialogue
• Intertextuality As A Literary Device
• Why You Should Use Symbolism In Your Writing
• 6 Ways to Evoke Emotion in Poetry and Prose
• 3 Tips To Write Modern Allegorical Novels
• Symbol vs. Motif: What’s the Difference

3 Inspirational Writing Lessons and Exercises

Need some inspiration? Here are three of our most inspiring posts:

• Why We Write: Four Reasons
• You Must Remember Every Scar
• 17 Reasons to Write Something NOW

3 Publishing Blogging Lessons and Exercises

If you want to get published, these three lessons will help:

• The Secret to Writing On Your Blog Every Day
• How to Publish Your Book and Sell Your First 1,000 Copies
• How to Submit a Short Story for Publication

11 Writing Prompts

Need inspiration or just a kick in the pants to write. Try one of our top writing prompts :

• Grandfathers [writing prompt]
• Out of Place [writing prompt]
• Sleepless [writing prompt]
• Longing [writing prompt]
• Write About Yourself [writing prompt]
• 3 Reasons You Should Write Ghost Stories
• Road Trip [writing prompt]
• Morning [writing prompt]
• The Beach [writing prompt]
• Fall Writing Prompts
• How to Use Six-Word Stories As Writing Prompts

Is It Time To Begin Your Writing Practice?

It's clear that if you want to become a writer, you need to practice writing. We've created a proven process to practice your writing at The Write Practice, but even if you don't join our community, I hope you'll start practicing in some way today.

Personally, I waited  far  too long to start practicing and it set my writing back years.

How about you? Do you think practicing writing is important?  Let me know in the comments section .

Choose one of the writing practice posts above. Then, read the lesson and participate in the writing exercise, posting your work in the Pro Practice Workshop . And if you post, please give feedback to your fellow writers who also posted their practices.

Have fun and happy practicing!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

Work with Joe Bunting?

WSJ Bestselling author, founder of The Write Practice, and book coach with 14+ years experience. Joe Bunting specializes in working with Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, How To, Literary Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, and Self Help books. Sound like a good fit for you?

50 Comments

You have THE BEST content for writing on this blog!!

Thank you, Kristen. This made my morning. 🙂

Thanks Mitch. 🙂

I can’t remember when I started following this website. I have to look in my notebooks because that’s where I did these practices. I didn’t have access to a computer when I did them, so I wrote them out, setting the time limit. But even when I do get to a computer, I have my reservations about putting my practices on the page. even though it’s practice, I want them to be the best, almost perfect. But I know it won’t be. I’ve gotten feedback before that says so. It still gets to me that I didn’t put something together that not everyone liked. I need to get over it. After all, that is what these practices are about: to learn and improve on our craft.

I don’t know either, George, but it’s been several years. Perfectionism is something so many of us face, and it’s made worse when you don’t have a critique community as warm and encouraging as ours is. I hope you and everyone here are always willing to try something new, even if it comes out a little messed up, because you know we’ll support you and try to make you better.

What a great share! Thanks so much!

You’re so welcome, Elizabeth. Thank you for commenting.

when I ran writing classes I wrote. when I am “a member of writing classes” the teacher/leader/facilitator is NOT MY AUDIENCE and so I don’t write as well/as much. I don’t get the feedback I need from fellow students because most of them have never run their own writing projects/workshops. So many people expect you to write their story for them. I’ve actually got quite a few stories of me own. I have finally decided I like owning them. 😉

It sounds like you need a new critique group, Patience! Hope you can find a place where you get the feedback you need.

Wow! Terrific round-up of resources. 🙂

Thanks Stephanie. 🙂

Practice is necessary, period. It doesn’t matter what you want to learn. If you want to improve, practice is vital.

It’s odd. I’ve known and applied that principle for years on a variety of things. Painting. Drawing. Blogging. Gardening. Laundry.

But never writing.

Like you, I had the notion that just writing every day was all it took to improve. Why not the same level of dedication to writing?

Perhaps it’s time to change that!

I can relate, Carrie. It’s easy to confuse the craft of writing with journaling, thinking that you can just write whatever you feel like and you’ll get better, write something worth reading. The truth is that writing interesting things to read is a skill, but the good news is that you can get better at it with practice. Thanks for practicing with us! 🙂

I love these suggestions , and have set Writing Practice as my homepage so the first 15 minutes of my day is spent writing, whether its a practice or exercise here or another that is sprinkled through out this site, Thank you for all you do everyone here at The Write Practice

This is great Debra. I want to write the first 15 minutes of my day too!

I agree with Joe, Do it. Could be your to do list… ( that could lead to something else story wse later)

I love that, Debra. Such a good way to start your day.

Thanks Joe!

The best! Thank you so much for this.

You’re very welcome!

I simply LOVE all the tips and suggestions given on this blog. They are super helpful!

THANK you. We love sharing them with you. 🙂

Hi! You forgot the link to How to Write a Story a Week: A Day-by-Day Guide.

Thanks a lot for your work! This post is amazing.

It’s a great post Thiago. Definitely one of our most shared. Thanks for mentioning it! BTW here’s the link:

https://thewritepractice.com/a-story-a-week/

Wow!! There are so many exercises…. I just love it..! I am gonna really enjoy it..!

Awesome! Thank you for reading and practicing with us. 🙂

I only read halfway , My tootie is jumping all over me, and typing this is a struggle when a 3yr old wants his Toy Story movie on Youtube in this computer. Thank you for this article, will come back later to finish reading.

I know the feeling! Good luck!

Can’t wait to get stuck in with this! 🙂

Very helpful! Thank you!

I’ve just bookmarked this page. Thanks for this wonderful list.

This is awesome! So many helpful tips. I will be coming back to this often. Thanks for posting this!

Wow, so many goodies! Thank you for always providing such amazing content!!

I have enjoyed all these articles. Thank you for the help an inspiration to get my writing on its way. My creativity is boosting with confidence. Tootle loo.

Amazing contents for beginners like me Joe. I am highly inspired by your commitment. Thank you.

Hey, thanks!

Although I have only read half of thisc article, the practice exercises are excellent. Some of them are exactly what a beginning writer like myself needs. I am committing to at least try ALL of them. Thanks Joe!!

very helpful! thank you..

Amazing articles! Thanks so much for sharing!

My god this article made me love this site . You know it’s kinda hard for a beginner writer, who don’t know where to start and fixing goals, even samll ones give us a direction . A place to go , an aim for our creativity so thanks you , this community and this site. Love you all . At your pens ! 😉

Wow. This is great. I find all your posts informative, but this one is the best for me to use as a guide to get my self starting to write….Thank you.

I’m an old lady who wants to publish one more book before I die — have published several, all non-fiction, and done two under contract to a major publisher (reference books). So help me, the BIGGEST problem I have all along, is keeping track of the damned paper work and research that goes into a book!!! Yet I never ever see articles on something as simple as “How to file” — Oh I know, there’s wonderful software these days so probably I will never find a way to get paper organized — everybody will use software and do it on the computer. I’m too old for that — just one look at the learning curve for software, even putting the damned stuff into computer files is even MORE frustrating than paper!! Oh well, somehow I managed in the past to get books published, I may be able to do it one more time.

you enjoy writing more than anything else and you do indeed care to help others write. I love writing but translation from Arabic into English and English into Arabic is taking all of my time from the early hours of the morning till the evening. I will soon get all of your books in order to read them as soon as possible. One thing I am sure of. You know what you are doing very well. Hamzah

Excellent! Many useful tips. Many thanks!

Liz and Joe, I have only looked at a few exercises. Already, I am convinced that your site is one of the best sites out there. Thank your for sharing your wisdom.

Wow, these are the best lessons and exercises for writing. Actually i’m participating in a compitition this wendsday. so, i’m quite nervous and exited. this helped me a lot

Magnificent post ever I have read. This article will help me a lot to write a right way. Thank you.

i need your help to improve to become a better writer please. i think i usually commit moist of these errors and i don;t pay attention to many advices too.

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IELTS Podcast

Pass IELTS with expert help.

35 Sample Band 9 IELTS Essays

Take a look at these 35 sample Band 9 IELTS essays for writing task 2 of the IELTS exam . Task 2 can cover a wide range of essay topics for the IELTS writing task section of the test, so preparation is key. Use the following samples when preparing your IELTS essays to see how close you are to a band 9!

These IELTS band 9 essay samples will help you highlight your mistakes and improve your writing band 9 level.

See the below IELTS essay writing sample questions and answers to practice for your IELTS writing task 2 .

You will find the IELTS essay questions and answers categorised by the following essay types.

• Do you agree/disagree
• Discuss both views and give your opinion
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
• Discuss the problems and possible solutions
• Is this a positive or a negative development

For a FREE ebook of our top 10 IELTS Band 9 essay samples in PDF, click here!

1. agree or disagree .

• Some people believe that technology has made man more social. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Some people think that a person improves their intellectual skills more when doing group activities. To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view.
• In some countries, the number of shootings increase because many people have guns at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Some people believe that international sporting events are the ideal opportunity to show the world the qualities of the hosting nation. Others believe that these events are mainly a large unjustifiable expense. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Crime is a big problem in the world; many believe that nothing can be done to prevent it. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.
• Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
• 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. To what extent do you agree?
• Advances in health and biology and other areas of society in the last 100 years have transformed the way we live as well as postponing the day we die. There is no better time to be alive than now. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• The world is consuming natural resources faster than they can be renewed. Therefore, it is important that products are made to last. Governments should discourage people from constantly buying more up-to-date or fashionable products. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• 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.
• Many governments in the world spend large amounts of money on art, which helps to improve the quality of people’s lives. However, governments should spend money on other things rather than art. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.

2. Discuss both views and give your point of view?

• NEW SEPTEMBER 2022: Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Nowadays most green energy is becoming evermore prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Some argue they greatly reduce costs and are better for the environment, others believe they are a serious threat to energy security. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people are of the opinion that children should be rewarded for good behaviour. Others think they should be punished for bad behaviour. Discuss both views and give your personal opinion and reasons.
• Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples .
• Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Other people think that it is a waste of valuable school time. What do you think? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• Some products can be made quickly by a machine. Other items take a long time to be made by hand. As a buyer, which do you prefer and why? Give specific details and examples in your answer.
• Some people think women should be given equal chances to work and excel in their careers. Others believe that a woman’s role should be limited to taking care of the house and children. Which opinion do you agree with and why? Include specific details and examples to support your choice.
• Most schools are planning to replace sports and exercise classes with more academic sessions. How will this change affect children’s lives in your view?
• Some people think that schools have to be more entertaining, while others think that their sole purpose is to educate. Which do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
• Some people think that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research for the benefit of human beings, while other people argue that it is wrong.
• Should humans adapt to technology or should technology be adapted to us? Is technology making us intellectually weaker or more intelligent?
• Do copyright laws limit creativity or reward it? Would society function better without such rules and regulations?
• Should education and healthcare be free of charge and funded by the government, or should it be the responsibility of the people to pay for these services? Discuss the above and give your opinion using examples.

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages

• Is it good for children to start using computers from an early age and spend long hours on them? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
• Some people think high school graduates should travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to study at university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

4. Two questions, for example: Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?

• These days some people spend a lot of money on tickets to go to sporting or events. Do you think this is a positive or negative development ?
• Some people like to travel outside their country. Others would rather travel to tourist spots in their own country first, before travelling abroad. Which do you prefer to do and why? Include specific details and examples to support your choice.
• Women can do everything that men can and they even do it better. They also can do many things that men cannot. But it is a fact that their work is not appreciated as much as men’s, although they have to sacrifice a lot for their family and career… It is said: “A woman’s place is in the home.” What do you think?

5. Discuss the problems and possible solutions OR discuss the causes and what problems it causes?

• People are using a lot of online language translation apps. Do the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Obesity is a serious problem in many countries, especially in rich countries. Discuss ways to solve the problem. Provide specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Today, the quality of life in large cities is decreasing.  Discuss the causes and solutions.
• Research shows that global warming is caused by human activity. What are the possible effects of climate change and what can governments and individuals do to reduce these?
• In many countries, recently young single people have been living far from their parents, from the time they began studies or work and until they married. Do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages to this trend?
• Traditional schooling is out of date, boring and stifles a child’s natural talents, various professionals have pushed for an education revolution. Are there alternatives in the education system? Is traditional education doing more harm than good?

Take a look at some of our writing tasks to help you prepare for your IELTS exam , and if you need more help, we have a course that is guaranteed to help you pass IELTS. Practicing IELTS writing task 2 essays is very important for your exam preparation.

Video: IELTS Band 9 Writing Sample – Body Paragraphs

Click here for a FREE ebook of our top 10 IELTS Band 9 samples for writing task 2 in PDF,

For more preparation, take a look at our latest tutorials:.

• Band 9 Model Essay and Vocabulary-Cryptocurrency
• Sample task 2 questions
• Sample Band 9 Essay: Children and Education
• Sample Answers: discuss the advantages and disadvantages
• How to get ideas for task 2
• Full guide to academic collocations
• How to write a agree/disagree essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2: advantages and disadvantages questions

For a FREE ebook of our top 10 sample essays, click here!

Enhance Your Essays with Our Efficient Online IELTS Essay Checker

Practicing for IELTS Writing Task 2? You’re in the right place. But after you practice, how can you know if your essay is good? We have a tool to help! It’s called the online IELTS essay checker .

You can find it here . This tool is very easy to use. You write your essay, and our tool checks it. It tells you what mistakes you made and how to fix them. This means you can learn and get better faster. The best part? You save money.

Many students pay a lot for IELTS classes or teachers to check their essays. But our online IELTS essay checker is cheaper and works fast. You don’t have to wait! So, after you read the sample essays on this page, use our online IELTS essay checker .

It can help you see where you can do better. And it’s a good way to get ready for the IELTS exam without spending a lot of money. So, if you want to write better essays and save money, try our online IELTS essay checker .

We made it for students like you. We hope it helps you get the score you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to score band 9 in ielts writing.

You can score band 9 in IELTS writing by following these steps:

• Make sure you understand the question and answer what is being asked.
• Plan out your essay before you start writing
• Write your essay, review it and then “rewrite” it .
• Get feedback on your essays and find out where you may be losing points.
• Improve your language skills.

Read this post for more tips.

How do you write a 9 band essay?

Practice each essay type and be clear about the criteria for a perfect score. Basically, you need clear formal paragraphing, an essay that ‘flows’ logically and stays focused on the question, which is answered fully with high-level vocabulary and near-perfect grammar.

How can I get 9 in IELTS writing?

Look at model answers and memorize phrases that work for most essays – ‘In the modern world’ is a great way to start. A focus on global issues and international examples rounds out your answer and practice timed essays before the test.

Can you get 10 in IELTS?

No, the top band score is a 9. Be realistic though, some of the best universities in the world require a band 7 or 7.5 for their most challenging courses so a perfect score isn’t necessary in most situations.

IELTS Writing Topics August & September 2024

The collection of writing topics that were reported by IELTS student in 2024 . These questions could be repeated from previous months. Keep in mind that the provided questions are not predictions.

Pick one of the topics and improve your writing skills every day. If you can't come up with ideas for a topic just click the "Answers" button and you will see the different ideas.

• Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
• Unlimited Task 2 checks Practice and perfect your skills with essays.
• Personalized suggestions Know how to boost your score.
• Detailed mistakes analysis Get instant feedback. Spot every mistake.
• Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
• Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
• Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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ADVANCED IELTS

Recent New Lessons

Ideas in ielts essays & in ielts speaking, test yourself with linking words, ielts speaking part 2 cue card topics – 2024, new reading exercise for you (july 2024), ielts gt writing task 1 letter: using the prompts for a high score.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2

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How to Write a Personal Narrative: A Step-by-Step Guide

“As I sat down to write this article, memories flooded back, each one a brushstroke in the painting of my past…”

That could be the beginning of your personal narrative. Writing it lets you turn your memories and experiences into stories that click with others. This type of writing goes beyond school assignments or essays for college applications; it’s a chance to get really good at sharing your life's events in ways that matter. 

In this article, we're going to explore what personal narratives are all about and guide you through a simple seven-step process to create your own. You’ll learn how to pull out moments that make your story stand out and how to tweak your writing until it’s just right. We’ve got practical examples for you to follow along, making sure you have everything you need to tell your story. 

What is a Personal Narrative?

A personal narrative is a way to tell your own story. It's a style of writing that puts your experiences front and center, inviting readers into your world. Teachers often assign personal narratives to encourage free, expressive writing. 

The personal narrative definition is wider than academic settings, though. . These narratives can also show potential employers who you are beyond your resume. At its core, writing a personal narrative is a form of storytelling, using a first-person perspective to bring real-life tales to life. Whether it's for a grade, a job, or just for fun, it's about getting your story out there.

Your Story, Perfected

Let our experts refine your personal narrative, making sure every detail shines and your story is both clear and impactful.

How to Write a Personal Narrative: Steps

In this section, we'll break down the process into manageable steps, starting with how to zero in on the right topic that speaks about who you are.

Step 1. Choosing a Personal Narrative Topic

The first step in crafting your personal narrative is picking the perfect topic. It should be something meaningful to you, something that has not just happened, but also shaped who you are or has a significant story behind it. Here’s how to frame your personal narrative ideas:

• Story Arc : Your narrative is like a mini-movie. Start with setting the scene, build up to the main event, and wrap up with a reflection. For example, if you’re writing about your first solo travel experience, begin with your initial feelings, describe the challenges you faced, and end with what you learned about yourself.
• Thematic Focus : Instead of moving through time, center your narrative around a central theme. Maybe it’s about resilience, and you could link different times you had to be resilient, ending with a major life challenge.
• A Day to Remember : Sometimes a single day can tell a lot about you. Pick a day that was particularly memorable and unpack it from start to finish. Maybe it was a seemingly ordinary day that brought unexpected lessons or joys.

Step 2. Working on Your Personal Narrative Outline

When putting together your personal narrative, starting with a solid outline can help keep your story on track. Here's how you can lay it all out:

• Introduction: Kick things off with a hook that grabs attention, like an intriguing question or a vivid snapshot of a key moment. Set the scene and introduce the main theme.
• Setting and Characters : Give a good sense of where your story is unfolding and who's involved. Paint a clear picture of the backdrop and the key people.
• Plot Development : Lay out the events in the order they happened, or group them around major themes. Build up to your main event, adding conflicts or challenges as you go.
• Climax : This is the high point of your story, where everything comes to a head. Make it a moment that has the most impact.
• Resolution : Wrap up the main storyline, showing how things settled down after the climax.
• Reflection : Spend some time reflecting on what happened. Share what you learned or how you changed because of the experience.

If you're looking for help crafting your personal narrative, consider checking out some legit essay writing services to get professional guidance.

Step 3. Writing the First Draft of Your Personal Narrative

Now let’s move on to the fun part! Don't worry about getting everything perfect right away — the first draft’s goal is to let your story flow naturally:

• Start with Your Hook: Revisit the introduction you outlined and flesh it out. Begin with the attention-grabbing sentence that will make readers want to continue.
• Let the Story Unfold: Follow your outline, but allow yourself some flexibility. As you write, new memories or details may come to mind. Embrace them! Think about what you saw, heard, and felt during these moments. Were you sitting in a sunlit room, listening to the hum of a busy street outside? Maybe you felt the chill of an autumn breeze? 
• Stay True to Your Voice: This is your story, so let your unique voice shine through. Whether you're humorous, reflective, or serious, maintain a consistent tone that feels authentically you. Keep the tone conversational and straightforward, as if you’re telling this story to a friend. 

Once the first personal narrative draft is done, set it aside for a bit before revisiting it with fresh eyes.

Step 4. Revising Your Personal Narrative

Once the first personal narrative draft is done, set it aside for a bit before revisiting it with fresh eyes:

• Tighten Up the Story : As you go through your draft, focus on making everything clear and to the point. If you’ve talked about how nervous you were before a big event more than once, try to combine those thoughts into one powerful sentence that really captures how you felt.
• Keep Your Tone Consistent : Make sure your voice stays the same throughout the story. If you start off with a casual, conversational tone, like saying, “I couldn’t shake the nerves before my big test,” stick with that style instead of suddenly becoming formal later on.
• Adjust the Pacing : Pay attention to how smoothly your story flows from one part to the next. When you’re describing a key moment, like meeting someone important or going through a major experience, give it the detail and time it deserves. Let those moments develop naturally without rushing.
• Enhance Your Descriptions : Make your imagery more vivid to help the reader visualize your story. For example, instead of just saying, “The room was noisy,” you could say, “The room buzzed with excited chatter.” These small tweaks can make your story feel more alive and engaging.

Step 5. Adding Personal Touches

As you polish your personal narrative, focus on making it uniquely yours. You can include personal reflections on your experiences. For example, if you’re writing about a challenging project, discuss not just the struggle but how it impacted you personally and professionally.

Besides, add unique details that only you can share. Instead of generic descriptions, use specific anecdotes or sensory details, like how the scent of freshly baked cookies from your grandmother's kitchen made you feel nostalgic.

Last but not least, incorporate dialogues or direct quotes from people involved in your story to add authenticity and depth. For instance, if your mentor gave you advice, include their exact words to capture the moment’s impact. This approach will help you understand how to write a personal narrative that is both engaging and deeply personal.

Not sure where to begin? You can always buy a narrative essay from experts who can help shape your story.

Step 6: Editing for Clarity and Style

When you’re editing your personal narratives, the goal is to make sure everything flows smoothly and makes sense. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Clarify Your Message: Check for any parts of your story that might be a bit confusing. If you talked about being excited about a project and then suddenly shifted to its challenges, make sure to connect these thoughts clearly. For instance, you might rephrase it as “I was excited about the project, but I soon faced some unexpected challenges, like tight deadlines.”
• Simplify Complex Sentences: Break down long or complicated sentences. Instead of saying, “My enthusiasm for the project, which was incredibly high despite the difficulties I faced, was the driving force behind my perseverance,” you could simplify it to, “Even though the project was tough, my excitement kept me going.”
• Smooth Transitions: Check how your paragraphs and sections flow together. If you jump from describing a problem to the solution without a clear link, add a transition. For example, “After struggling with the project’s challenges, I realized that asking my mentor for help was the key to overcoming the obstacles.”

Oh, and read your narrative out loud. This can help you spot any awkward phrases or spots where the story might be a bit choppy. It’s a great way to catch any issues and make those final tweaks to get everything just right.

Personal Narrative Prompts

Here are ten personal narrative prompts to get you thinking about different moments in your life:

Need more tips on how to get started? Check out this guide on how to start a narrative essay to kick off your writing with a strong opening.

Personal Narrative Examples

Here are a few personal narrative beginnings to spark your creativity. These snippets are designed to get you started and inspire your own storytelling.

Wrapping Up

As you finish up your story, think about how those moments shaped who you are today. It's not just about what happened, but how it changed you. When learning how to write a personal narrative, it’s important to focus on the moments that truly matter to you and tell them in your own voice. This way, your narrative can really connect with others. 

Remember, the best stories come straight from the heart, so trust yourself and let your experiences shine through!

If you're working on a personal statement, you might want to explore a personal statement service that can help you create a compelling narrative.

Turn Memories into Masterpieces

Let us transform your experiences into a beautifully crafted narrative that stands out and makes an impact.

How to Start a Personal Narrative?

Can a personal narrative be about anything, what is the format of a personal narrative.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• The New York Times. (2020, January 7). Personal Narrative Essay Winners. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/learning/personal-narrative-essay-winners.html

• Grades 6-12
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How To Use the RACE Writing Strategy (Plus Free Printables)

Plus, how is the RACES writing strategy different?

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for students to be able to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely through the written word. One easy way to help them strengthen their skills is by using the RACE writing strategy. This structured method guides writers through creating a strong response to reading comprehension and other short-answer questions, including those found on standardized tests. Here’s how it works and how to teach it.

Don’t forget to grab our free printable set of graphic organizers. We’ve included options for both RACE and RACES, in color and black-and-white. Plus, get printable images for an easy RACE/RACES anchor chart!

What is the RACE writing strategy?

How is the races writing strategy different, how to teach the race/races writing strategy.

• What’s included in the RACES Printable Bundle?

This simple method is one of many writing strategies educators use to help students ensure they’re answering questions and writing prompts clearly, concisely, and thoroughly. It’s most commonly used with reading comprehension short-answer essay questions, but it works for any situation where students need to provide a written response in paragraph form.

The easy-to-remember acronym breaks the process into four parts, and the best way to explain it is to see it in action. To explore how the strategy works, we’ll use this passage about penguins:

“Penguins have special ways to live in their cold environments. Their smooth bodies and flippers help them swim fast to catch fish, squid, and krill. Their thick, waterproof feathers keep them warm and dry, and a layer of fat, called blubber, gives them extra warmth and helps them float. Penguins have special behaviors too, like huddling together to stay warm and protect their eggs and babies from the cold. Their black-and-white feathers help them hide from predators by blending in with the ocean. All these things help penguins survive and do well in very cold places.”

Question: How do penguins’ bodies help them survive their environment?

First, students turn the question into a statement, to ensure they fully understand what’s being asked. The statement is usually open-ended, because they’ll complete the sentence in the second step.

RACE Writing Strategy Example: “Penguins’ bodies help them survive their environment because they …”

Then, students answer the question with a clear, succinct response. Essentially, they complete the sentence they began in the “Restate” step with a direct answer. ADVERTISEMENT

RACE Writing Strategy Example: ” … help them swim fast, protect them against the cold, and hide them from predators.”

In this key step, students back up their answers by pointing to evidence from the text itself. They may quote or paraphrase what’s written to prove their point.

RACE Writing Strategy Example: “For instance, penguins have smooth bodies and flippers, along with thick black-and-white feathers and blubber.”

Now, students expand on their citation in their own words, so they’re not just parroting back what they’ve read. They explain how the facts they’ve cited help to answer the question.

RACE Writing Strategy Example: “Their bodies and flippers help them swim fast to catch their favorite foods, and their waterproof feathers and blubber keep them warm in the cold weather. Predators have a hard time seeing them because their black-and-white feathers blend into the landscape.”

Some teachers add an S to the RACE strategy, which stands for “Summarize.” This is the conclusion sentence at the end of the response that reinforces the main points in the answer. A complete answer using the RACES strategy might look like this:

“Penguin bodies help them survive their environment because they help them swim fast, protect them against the cold, and hide them from predators. For instance, penguins have smooth bodies and flippers, along with thick black-and-white feathers and blubber. Their bodies and flippers help them swim fast to catch their favorite foods, and their waterproof feathers and blubber keep them warm in the cold weather. Predators have a hard time seeing them because their black-and-white feathers blend into the landscape. All of these body parts help penguins survive in cold and dangerous environments.”

Most teachers begin introducing this method in the mid-elementary years, often around third grade. Continue to use and reinforce it throughout the rest of the elementary years and into the middle grades. By high school, students should be very comfortable with RACE/RACES and consider it an important part of their writing strategies toolbox .

Try these activities and teaching methods to introduce and use this valuable strategy with your students.

Anchor Chart

Create and hang an anchor chart students can refer back to throughout the school year. Make things even easier on yourself by using our free printables to create your chart in no time flat!

Modeling and Guided Practice

As with nearly any strategy, it helps to model the correct behavior for your students first. Use the paragraph above about penguins, or choose any other reading passage you like. Then, walk through the steps together, demonstrating the thinking process and writing out the responses.

Next, provide students with another reading passage ( AI can be a real help here , and short stories work too ) and a comprehension question. Ask them to work in groups to try out the RACE/RACES model. Share each group’s response with the class, then work together to evaluate, correct, and strengthen them as needed.

Graphic Organizers

This organizational tool is ideal for RACE/RACES. Use our free printables (see below), or encourage kids to draw their own simple chart. They can use these organizers to make notes and sketch out their responses before finalizing their answer in paragraph form.

Color Coding

Pull out your highlighters! After students write their responses using the RACE/RACES method, ask them to highlight the various sections that match each letter of the model (e.g., orange for Restate, yellow for Answer, etc.). This ensures they don’t miss any of the steps in writing a complete response. We’ve included color-coded versions in our graphic organizer set to make the process even easier.

Sentence Starters

Jump-start the process by providing a list of sentence stems and starters . These are especially helpful for the Cite, Explain, and Summarize sections. Try these examples:

• The passage says …
• As noted in the text …
• The writer tells us that …
• According to the author …
• As mentioned in the article …
• This shows that …
• The author means …
• This example demonstrates …
• This is how we know that …
• The evidence supports the idea because …
• In summary …
• In conclusion …
• Based on these facts …
• For these reasons …

Find more conclusion sentence starters here.

RACE Writing Strategy Free Printables Bundle

RACE Graphic Organizer

Use the color-coded version of this organizer along with highlighters to help kids create strong short answers. There’s a black-and-white version too.

RACES Graphic Organizer

These organizers include a Summarize section to help students wrap up their answers neatly. Get a color-coded or black-and-white version.

RACE or RACES Anchor Chart

Use these free printables to create an easy anchor chart. You can use all the pages for a RACES chart, or leave off the Summarize pages for the traditional RACE writing strategy chart. We’ve even included some fun race-car-themed graphics to jazz things up!

Get your free printable RACE writing strategy set instantly by filling out the form on this page.

How do you use the race writing strategy with your students come share your thoughts and ask for advice in the we are teachers helpline facebook group ..

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How to Write a Response Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

In academic settings, teachers often ask students to write response essays. These essays require you to think carefully about things you've read, watched, or listened to. Writing a good response essay means organizing your thoughts and explaining them clearly.

This guide will help you write a strong response essay. We'll go through each step, from understanding why you're writing to giving real examples. By the end, you'll know how to share your thoughts on any topic you're given.

What Is a Response Paper?

A response paper is a type of schoolwork where you share what you think and feel about a certain topic or idea. It's different from just summarizing a book or movie. In a response paper, you dig deeper into your own thoughts and reactions.

The main parts of a response paper are:

• Summing up ideas from what you read or saw
• Telling what you think about those ideas
• Connecting the topic to your own life or to bigger issues

Why Write a Response Essay?

Writing response essays helps you grow as a student and thinker. When you write these essays, you learn to look carefully at what others say and form your own opinions. Response essays also teach you to explain your ideas clearly, which is important in many jobs. They push you to think about why you agree or disagree with something instead of just accepting what you read or hear. By writing response essays, you become better at understanding complex topics and seeing different points of view. This can help you make smarter decisions and have more interesting conversations with others.

Response Paper Types

There are different kinds of response papers, depending on the assignment and material:

• Responses to books or poems
• Thoughts on movies, documentaries, or news articles
• Looking at research papers or scientific theories
• Connecting course materials to your own experiences
• Examining arguments in scholarly or journalistic pieces
• Writing about a lecture or show you went to
• Sharing your take on a painting, sculpture, or other artwork

Each type is different, but they all follow the same basic rules.

How to Start a Response Essay

Starting your response essay can be the hardest part. Here's how to begin:

• Read or observe the thing you're responding to carefully. Take notes on important points and your first thoughts.
• Come up with your main idea or argument.
• Draft a plan for your essay to keep your thoughts in order.
• A hook to grab the reader's attention
• A quick explanation of what you're responding to
• Your main idea

Here's an example of how to start a response essay:

"In 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the author presents a haunting portrayal of mental health treatment in the 19th century. The story makes you think about old-fashioned ideas and asks important questions about what it means to be sane and how important it is to express yourself. As I read Gilman's story, I found myself feeling uncomfortable but also very interested in what it means for how we talk about mental health and gender roles today."

Writing Your Response Paper

When you write your response paper, use this structure:

• Introduction: Tell readers what you're responding to. 
• Summary: Briefly explain the main points of what you read or watched. 
• Analysis: Look at what's good and not so good about the material. 
• Personal response: Share what you think and feel about it. 
• Conclusion: Sum up your main ideas and say your main point again.

Use examples from what you read to back up what you say. For instance:

"Gilman describes the wallpaper as 'repellent, almost revolting; a smoldering, unclean yellow.' This shows how the main character's mind is deteriorating and helps us see her growing obsession and worry."

Make sure you don't just summarize. Your own thoughts should be the most important part, backed up by details from what you read.

Response Essay Example

Here's a short response essay example about George Orwell's book "1984":

George Orwell's book "1984" shows a scary future where the government controls everything. The story makes people think about what could happen if those in power get too strong and start manipulating what's true. Even though it was written a while ago, many readers resonate with it today.

The main character, Winston Smith, fights to be himself in a world that wants everyone to be the same. He falls in love with Julia when he's not allowed to and he tries to join others who want to change things. This shows how people want to be free and connect with others, even in the toughest of circumstances.

Orwell's idea of "doublethink" — believing in two opposite things simultaneously — is really important today. We hear about "alternative facts" and see a lot of false information. This makes us think hard about what we read and hear and who we should trust.

Personally, I found "1984" to be a profound and unsettling read. The parallels between Orwell's fictional world and certain aspects of our modern society are striking. This book made me realize how important it is to have privacy and to be able to think for ourselves. It also shows how dangerous it is when any group, whether it's the government or a corporate entity, has too much control over information.

To sum up, "1984" is a powerful book that makes readers question people in charge, care about their privacy and fight to keep the truth and freedom for each person.

This example shows how to mix summary, analysis, and personal thoughts in a clear, interesting way.

Key Points to Remember

To write an exceptional response paper, you need to:

• Understand what you're responding to
• Clearly explain your own thoughts and reactions
• Balance summary, analysis, and your own ideas
• Use examples to support what you say
• Keep your essay organized from start to finish

Remember, the goal is to show that you've thought hard about the material and can think critically about it. If you follow these steps and practice a lot, you'll get better at writing response essays.

Aithor's writing tools can assist you throughout the process of writing your response essay, from generating ideas to polishing your final draft. With practice and the right tools, you'll be crafting insightful, well-structured written responses in no time.

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