IELTS TEST INFORMATION, TIPS AND ESSAY SAMPLES

READING

Section Number of Texts Types of Texts

1 2-3 short texts Notices, advertisements, publicity booklets, timetables, etc.

2 2 texts College catalogues, course descriptions, rules and regulations,

library guides, etc.

3 1 long text Newspapers, magazines, journals, books, etc.

(2000-2700 words total; 14 questions in Section 1, 13 questions in Section 2 and 3)

IELTS READING - TASKS

There are 10-11 types of questions on both the Academic or General Reading Module:
 Multiple choice
 Multiple matching
 Short-answer
 Sentence completion
 Tables, diagrams, flow charts
 Summary completion
 Paragraph headings
 Locating information
 Identifying writer's views or claims
 Classification
 Matching

IELTS READING - SKILLS

To do well in the IELTS reading test, you need global as well as macro reading skills. This means you should
to be able to do the following:
 grasp the big picture as well as the minor points.
 distinguish facts from opinions and attitudes
 identify the overall purpose of the passage
 follow the main arguments in a written text
 locate specific details and relevant information
 summarize the key points
 represent written information in graphic form
 infer meaning
 use accurate spelling and correct grammar

Specifically, three key reading skills will help you do the above most effectively:
 Skimming
 Scanning
 Reading for detail

READING TIPS
 In many cases, the questions follow the order of the information in the reading passages.
 Spelling matters, so take care while writing in the short answers. You will lose points for incorrect
spelling. Take special care when copying words from the text.
 Grammar counts too, so make sure you pay attention to this aspect as well.
 In sentence completion tasks, focus on the meaning to select the right answer.
 Read widely from a variety of sources to strengthen your general reading skills and enrich your
vocabulary.
 Look out for key synonyms used in the text or question, to help you identify where to find the answer
quickly.
 Use only the stated number of words in your answer or you will lose the mark. Hyphenated words
count as one word.
LISTENING

SPEECH STYLES
Each of the four sections (10 questions each) of the IELTS Listening Test focuses on a different type of
speech, as shown below:
 Section 1 – A social or transactional dialogue – 2 speakers
 Section 2 – A topic or short speech on a general topic – 1 speaker
 Section 3 – A conversation in an academic context – 2-4 speakers
 Section 4 – An academic lecture – 1 speaker

IELTS LISTENING - QUESTION TYPES

The listening test measures how well you can listen for main ideas, specific information, supporting
information, facts and opinions. You will find a variety of question types:
 multiple choice
 short answer
 sentence completion
 notes/diagram/flow chart completion
 matching
 classification

LISTENING TIPS
 The accents of the speakers on the tape are primarily British. This means you must become
accustomed to understanding the nuances of such accents.
 The expressions used also tend to be taken from British rather than American English. This
means you may hear unfamiliar idioms, which can confuse you. Speakers may also use British words for
common items such as "flat" for "apartment", "lorry" for "truck", or "advert" for advertisement.
 Learn to distinguish opinion from fact. In the third and fourth listening passages, you will probably
be tested on what one of the speakers thinks or what his / her view is. This may or may not be stated
outright, but as an underlying theme in the whole conversation or in the tone of the speakers’ voice,
rather than the words themselves.
 Follow instructions very carefully. If the instructions state, "Write no more than three words", then
you must not write more or you will receive no marks for your answer, even if some of the words you
wrote were part of the correct answer. Similarly, read each instruction carefully. Sometimes, you are
asked to circle two answers, sometimes three, and so on. You must read the instruction each time as it
may differ from the previous ones.
 The questions follow the oral text.
 Familiarize yourself with charts, graphs, flow-charts, bar charts and pie charts, etc. These often
appear as part of the answer choices in the fourth section.

SPEAKING

IELTS SPEAKING - STRUCTURE

Part Time Category

1 4-5 minutes Introduction & Interview on Familiar Topics

2 3-4 minutes Individual Long Turn

or Extended Speaking
or Monologue

3 4-5 minutes Two-Way Discussion

or Topic Discussion
 IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 1
In the first part of the speaking section you will usually be asked to give:
 your full name
 your identification
 answers to basic questions about yourself, for example your hometown – what kind of place it is, what is
interesting there, what kind of jobs people do, whether it's a good place to live
 what you do –
o if working: what your job is, why you chose that kind of work, how long you've been
doing it, what you like / dislike about your job.
o if studying: what subjects, why you chose them, if you enjoy them and why
 Usually, two other topics, which might include the following topics: your family, learning English, your
hobbies, your food preferences, your daily routine, national festivals, what tourists do in your country,
etc.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 2

In this part, you will be handed a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to think about it and make
notes if you like. Then you need to speak about it for about one or two minutes.
Examples include:
 Describe someone who has influenced you in your life. Say how long you have known the person, why he
/ she is special and how he / she influenced you.
 Describe a book, story or movie which had a major impact on you. Tell the story, and why you think it
impacted you so greatly.
 Describe a person you would like to meet, explain why you chose this person and what effect such a
meeting would have on you.
 Describe a difficult time in your life, the problem, your solution, and what you learned.
 Describe a place that had a major impact in you, how it affected you and why.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 3

In this section, you will participate in a two-way discussion with your examiner. The topic will be an
extension of a subject you spoke about in Part 2. However, in Part 2, the question related more to your
personal experience, and in Part 3, you will be asked more general, extended or in-depth questions to test
your ability to expand on a topic and express your opinions.

SPEAKING TIPS
1. Give a full answer. Don't just give one word answers. Include more information. For example, when asked
where you're from, instead of just saying the name of the place, speak in a sentence which states the name,
the location, and how long you've been there. This shows the examiner you are confident speaking in English.
But don't speak too long or the examiner will think you've misunderstood the question!
2. Speak clearly and don't worry about your accent. Everyone has an accent when they speak English.
The important point is that you enunciate the best you can so the examiner can understand you. If you make
a mistake, don't worry, just correct yourself and keep going.
3. Use descriptive words. Don't use boring words like good, bad, nice, or okay. Use exciting words that
convey emotion. Practice using higher level words for every simple word you know – such as thrilled instead
of happy, or depressed instead of sad.
4. Speak up. Sometimes, students mumble and speak very softly because they are nervous or unsure of their
words. Use simple, correct language rather than complicated vocabulary and speak loudly enough that the
examiner does not have to strain to hear you. This indicates self-confidence and command of the language.
5. Don't use slang. You have 11 minutes to display the best English you know in all the years that you have
been learning English! Choose to be formal rather than informal.
6. Keep a steady pace. Don't speak too fast or too slow.
7. Don't try to memorize answers to sample subjects. The examiner has enough experience to recognize
that you are not speaking naturally and spontaneously and will change the subject or give you a lower score.
Use the sample subjects to give you practice speaking on a variety of topics, but not to memorize.
8. Explain names or words which are in another language. For instance, if you are asked to speak about
a festival, which involves using words in your language, say the words clearly and give the meaning if any
afterwards, so the examiner can follow your explanation.
9. Ask questions, if necessary, in Part 3 only. You cannot ask questions in Parts 1 and 2, but you can do
so, if necessary in Part 3.
10. Stay on topic. Don't change the subject or the examiner will think you have misunderstood and may give
you a lower mark.
WRITING

General Academic

Task 1 Minimum 150 words (~20 minutes) Minimum 150 words

Writing a letter in response to a situation Interpreting, describing, or comparing
– informal, semi-formal, or formal information presented in graphic form - a
diagram, bar chart, line graph, pie chart
or table

Task 2 Minimum 250 words (~40 minutes) Minimum 250 words

Writing a more personal essay – possible Writing an essay on a general academic
informal style topic – formal style

(1 hour for both tasks)

Make sure you check your writing for:

 verb tense agreement
 prepositions
 word order
 sentence patterns and sentence structure
 range of vocabulary. Avoid using the same verbs, nouns, or adjectives more than once. Do not
use slang at all.

IELTS GENERAL WRITING - TASK 1

You are asked to write a letter to a friend, government agency or interest group. The level of formality depends
on who you are writing to and how well you know them, so the style may be formal, semi-formal or informal.
You are given a brief description of a problem or situation, followed by bulleted instructions on what to include
in your letter. Make sure you write about each and every one of the points mentioned. Sample Task 1 tasks
include:
 writing to a college administration officer about problems with your dormitory
 writing to a landlord to resolve problems with the heating system
 writing to a friend to invite him/her to a surprise party

IELTS GENERAL WRITING - TASK 2

You have to write a minimum 250-word essay on a topic of general interest. You might have to solve a
problem, present your opinion, or compare differing viewpoints on a given topic. A sample structure is
shown below:

Paragraph 1 Introduction Restate the topic, thesis statement (for Opinion and Discussion essays),
essay outline

Paragraph 2 Body Main idea (Advantages for an Advantage/Disadvantage essay; Problems for
Problem/Solution essay), supporting idea (and the reason you
agree/disagree with this viewpoint for a Discussion essay),
examples/reasons why you agree/disagree

Paragraph 3 Body Main idea (Disadvantages for an Advantage/Disadvantage essay; Solutions

for Problem/Solution essay), supporting idea (and the reason you
agree/disagree with this viewpoint for a Discussion essay),
examples/reasons why you agree/disagree

Paragraph 4 Conclusion Summarise ideas, restate position/opinion/recommendations

Sample Task 2 tasks include:

 whether it is possible to take a vacation from your problems
 whether families today are closer than they used to be.
 whether smoking in public should be banned
 whether old people should go to nursing homes
The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:
 Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
 Advantages and Disadvantages
 Problem and Solution
 Discussion (Discuss both view)
 Two-part Question

WRITING TIPS
1. Identify the type of letter you are being asked to write. Is it a formal, semi-formal or informal letter?
2. Open and close the letter correctly. Remember that each type of letter requires a different opening and
closing. The chart below will help you remember this:

Style Characteristics Opening Ending

To someone you have not met, whose name you don't Yours
Formal Dear Sir / Madam
know faithfully

Semi- To someone you may or may not have met, whose last Dear Mr Brown, Yours
formal name you know & use Dear Ms Stone sincerely

To someone you know well, whose first name you know Dear John Best regards
Informal
and use Dear Anita Warm wishes

3. Open a formal and semi-formal letter with a formal sentence. Don't try to be friendly, as you do not
know the person you are writing to. Get right down to business and indicate the reason you are writing, as
shown below:
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to inquire about / I am writing in connection with...
Dear Mr Jones,
I am writing to inform you ... / I am writing in connection with...
4. Open an informal letter with a general, friendly paragraph. With friends whom we know, we care
about the whole person. In fact, the first paragraph could be purely friendly small talk, unrelated to the reason
for your writing. Look at the example below:
Dear Jane
I hope you and your family are all well. It was such a pleasure to see you again last summer. We sure had a
great time catching up with each other after so many years. You have always been a cherished friend, no
matter how much of a gap there has been since we met.
Anyway, the reason I'm writing is that I have some good news - I am getting married this summer...
5. Identify the main purpose of the letter. Are you asking for help, apologizing, inviting someone,
complaining or thanking someone? Learn appropriate and polite expressions that will support what you need
to say.
6. Learn and use standard written phrases. Students sometimes struggle to finish their writing in time.
The fact is, in conventional letter writing in English, we use a number of standard expressions and phrases
and add on to them the specific information we wish to communicate. By learning how to use these
expressions, you will find the letter writing task much easier and will never have to fight for time.
7. Make sure you write at least 150 words. Practice writing letters till you know what 150 words feels like
and looks like. You will lose marks if you write less.
8. Learn the correct spelling of commonly used words.
9. Stay on topic. The General IELTS Task 1 does require you to make up a bit of a story to complete your
letter, but don't make your story so complicated that you run out of time.
10. Include all three bulleted points. If you exclude even one of the points given to you in the question
prompt, you will lose valuable marks. Practice writing letters that include the three points and go back and
check that you have included them in each practice exercise you do.

KEY EXPRESSIONS for IELTS WRITING

Apologizing
I'm sorry about...
I am sorry that...
I'm very sorry about...
I'm very sorry for...
Please forgive me for...
I'd like to apologize for...
Please accept my apologies.
Please accept my sincere apologies. (very formal)
Asking for Help
I'd be grateful if you could...
I would be grateful if you could...
I would appreciate it if you could...
Could you please...
I was wondering of you could help me.(informal)
I would like to know...
Asking for Information
I am writing to enquire about...
I am writing to find out about...
What I am looking for is...
I would like to know about/if...
Closing
I look forward to seeing you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to meeting you.
Complaining / expressing dissatisfaction
I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction with...
I'm writing to express my annoyance with...
I am not happy about...
...was very disappointing.
Conveying regards
Please give my best regards to your family.
Please pass on my best wishes to your wife and children.
Please give my regards to your parents.
Expressing satisfaction
I was delighted to hear that...
I was very happy to learn that...
I was thrilled to find out that...
I was glad to hear that...
...was very enjoyable.
Expressing concern / sympathy
I was sorry to hear about... (your accident/ illness)
I am writing to express my concern about...
Giving bad news
I regret to inform you that...(semi-formal)
I am sorry to tell you that...(informal)
I regret to advise you that...(formal)
I am afraid I have some bad news.(informal)
Giving good news
I am pleased to inform you that...(semi-formal)
I am delighted to tell you that...(informal)
I am happy to advise you that...(formal)
I thought you might like to know that...
Giving reasons
This is because...
This is because of...
This is due to... (formal)
This is as a result of...(formal)
This is owing to...(formal)
Making suggestions
Would it be a good idea to...
Perhaps it would be a good idea to...
Thanking
Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you kindly.
I can't thank you enough.
No words can express my gratitude.
I am extremely grateful for...
KEY WORDS for IELTS WRITING

Stating Your Opinion

In my opinion, According to me,

In my view, To me,

From my point of view, I think

It seems to me that I believe

From my perspective I feel

It appears that I imagine

I realize I understand

Giving Examples
For example, For instance,

such as In other words,

as like

that is namely

To illustrate To paraphrase

Comparing
Similar to As...as

in common also

Either...or In the same way,

Neither...nor At the same time

Just as resemble

Contrasting
However, But

On the contrary, On the other hand,

Alternatively, Nevertheless

Although Though

Even though Instead

Generalizing
Generally, Generally speaking,

Overall, On the whole,

In general, By and large,

 It seems to me that I believe

All in all, Basically,

Essentially, As a rule,

All things considered For the most part

Expressing Certainty
Certainly, Undoubtedly,

Doubtless, No doubt,

Definitely, Of course,

Expressing Partial Agreement

More or less, To some extent,

Up to a point, Almost,

In a way, So to speak,

Showing cause
Due to Because

Because of Owing to

Showing effect
Therefore, As a result,

Consequently, For this reason,

Thus, So,

thereby Eventually,

Hence, The reason why

Marking time
First, Last

Second, Lastly,

Third, Then,

Firstly, First of all,

Secondly, Before

Thirdly, After

During While

To begin with At the same time

Simultaneously After this / that

 Since Meanwhile

Afterwards Following this

When As soon as

Adding Information
Furthermore In addition

Also And

Moreover Similarly

Likewise As well as

Besides Too

Even What’s more

Expressing condition
If Whether

In case Unless

Provided that So that

Concluding
To summarize In conclusion

Lastly, Finally,

To conclude with, In short,

GENERAL WRITING TASK 1 – FORMAL

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the
heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate.
Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter:
 give details of what went wrong
 explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time
 say what action you would like the manager to take
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing in connection with my recent stay at the Four Seasons in London, England. Unfortunately, due to
a malfunctioning heater in my room, I spent three miserable nights at your hotel from April 26 - 29, 2010.

When I arrived in London, there was an unexpected snowstorm. I understand it does not usually snow in April;
however, when I got to my room, there was no heat. After complaining, a technician was sent up, who
informed me they had to install a new heating unit. When I asked to be moved to another room, I was told
the hotel was completely booked. Unfortunately, each night after work I returned to discover the problem had
not been rectified. Eventually, I spent three horribly uncomfortable nights, wearing my coat to bed, wearing
socks around the room and ending up with a bad cold from the unheated room. I had no time to complain as
I had to catch a flight home right after my conference.

I am shocked by this terrible service. This is not what anyone expects for $400 a night! To compensate me
for this tremendous inconvenience, I ask that you refund my money right away and offer me a free, more
comfortable stay in one of your finer suites in the future. If not, I am prepared to take my complaint to a
higher authority.

I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest,

Yours faithfully,
Mr John McFee

WRITING TASK 1 – FORMAL

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day. However, you think it needs some improvements.
Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
 explain what you like about the cafeteria
 say what is wrong with it
 suggest how it could be improved
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing in connection with our college cafeteria. Since almost every student spends some time here every
day, I believe it is in everyone's best interest to find ways to improve the quality of this central eatery.

The cafeteria itself is modern, spacious and attractive. The newly painted murals of the seaside give the
seating area an open, airy, outdoor feeling which makes it very pleasant to eat meals there. This is further
enhanced by the large green plants and flowing water fountains.

The main problem with the cafeteria is in the food served! First of all, there is a very limited selection available.
Each day offers up only standard North American fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and French
fries. Not only is this selection unhealthy, but also uninteresting day in and day out. We have so many
international students on campus, it would be wonderful to have some curries, burritos and falafel added to
the menu. Secondly, since this is a student cafeteria, prices need to stay low. We have unfortunately seen
two price hikes in the last two years.
I am sure if we offer a wider range of foods, at better prices, the cafeteria will continue to run profitably as
more students choose to eat there.

Yours faithfully,
Daniel Bernard

WRITING TASK 1 – SEMI FORMAL

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone you knew when you were at school.
Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter:
 say what job you have applied for
 explain why you want this job
 suggest what information the teacher should include
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________

Dear Mrs Sweeney,

How are you? I hope everything is fine at the school and that you have been well. I still remember the dynamic
way in which you taught grammar to me and all of the teacher trainees in your English class. Thanks again
for those important lessons.

I am writing in connection with a letter of reference that I need for a job that I have applied for recently. As I
am due to graduate next month, I have applied for a position as an ESL teacher at a private language school
in Tokyo, Japan. You might remember my telling you how very much I looked forward to teaching and traveling
around the world. Now I have the chance. I am confident that I can make a difference in the lives of students
who need to learn English.

In the letter of reference, I would appreciate it if you could include information related to my trustworthiness,
my enthusiasm and my cross-cultural awareness while in teacher training college. As the job is in Japan, they
do not have the chance to interview me and will base their decision largely on my letters of reference. I would
need to have the letter in two weeks, by July 1st.

Thank you kindly in advance,

Yours sincerely,
Grace Smith

WRITING TASK 1 – SEMI FORMAL

You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need somewhere to live
while you are there.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter:
 explain your situation
 describe the accommodation you require
 say when you will need it
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________

Dear Mrs Walker,

I am writing in connection with my upcoming training course at your college in Sydney, Australia. I will be
there to attend the Brain- Based Learning program at Victoria College for a period of three weeks from July
2st to July 22st, 2010. I am hoping that you will be able to assist me with my accommodation arrangements.

As I am slightly older than most of the other participants, I would appreciate it if you could find a private
studio apartment for me, close to the college. It would be ideal if I could walk to school each day, but if not,
I would need access to public transportation. I understand some of the events on campus finish quite late so
I would prefer not to walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after dark. In terms of the apartment, all I require
is a bed, a desk, a TV, an Internet connection, a kitchen and a bathroom. My budget is around US $1000 for
3 weeks.

As I will be arriving on July 1st, I would need the apartment to be available from that night until the day of
my departure, which is July 23rd. My last night in the apartment would be July 22nd.

Please let me know if you are able to find such an apartment and if not, please suggest other suitable
arrangements. I look forward to hearing from you,

Yours sincerely,
Jane Goodwin

WRITING TASK 1 – INFORMAL

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for
information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,
 offer to find somewhere to stay
 give advice about what to do
 give information about what clothes to bring
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________,

Dear Julie,

Thanks so much for your latest letter. I'm really excited to hear that you're planning to visit Toronto. It will
give me a chance to take you around, as you did so kindly for me when I was in Amsterdam last year.

Regarding your visit, I would be happy to help in any way possible. First, unless you really like freezing
weather, I suggest you come in the summer months of July or August. Though most hotels are expensive at
that time, we have some wonderful guest suites available in our high-rise building, for only about $50 per
night. They are fully furnished studio apartments, with a kitchen, so you can have the option of eating in. Just
let me know your dates and I can make a reservation for you.

Summer is also the time when all the tourist sites are open. We can visit Centre Island, Canada's Wonderland,
Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Science Centre and Thousand Islands. The
weather should be warm and comfortable, around 25-30 degrees Celsius, so bring your informal summer
clothes, a swimsuit and an umbrella too. We do get summer showers quite often.

I can't wait for you to come! Write soon with more details,

Warm wishes,
Irene

WRITING TASK 1 – INFORMAL

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have recently started work in a new company.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter,
 explain why you changed jobs
 describe your new job
 tell him / her your other news
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________,

Dear Eva,

How are you? I hope you've been well. Sorry for having been out of touch for a short while. There have been
some changes in my life and I wanted to let you know the latest from my side.
The big news is that I have finally changed my job! Do you remember when you were here on holiday, I
always talked about how I hated my boring bank job? Well, it was clear I needed a change. So, finally, I took
a part-time TESL course and trained to be an ESL teacher. Now I'm working full-time in a private language
school. I teach General English, Business English and IELTS. Each day, I look forward to going to work. My
students come from all over the world and I love teaching them as well as learning from them.

Aside from that, I also moved to a new apartment near the school where I work. It's small, but downtown, so
I am right in the heart of the city, instead of way out in the suburbs. Suddenly, there's so many fun things to
do, in the evenings too. I am a much happier person today because of these recent changes.

So, how about you? I hope you'll have a chance to visit Canada again soon. In the meantime, please write
and let me know what's new with you.

Warm wishes,
Kim

WRITING TASK 2 – OPINION

Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on children. Do you
agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Medium Score - Band 5-6

In today's modern world, computers are needed everyday. Around the world, children use computers from
the time they are little. It's true that children should have fun when they are young; however, in my opinion,
a child who knows how to use the computer will be more successful in the future. My reasons for this view are
personal, academic and professional.

From a personal point of view, computers can help young people to learn more about the world. For example,
some children use the Internet to find information on different subjects. In this way, they learn to find answers
by themselves. By using the computer when they are little, children feel more comfortable around computers.
They also know how to use the computer for different reasons.

From an academic viewpoint, children have to learn how to use this new invention. For instance, when I was
in college, many students used to bring their laptops to class. They used to take notes, do research and share
information. They wrote their essays, made presentations and created useful lists. Children who can use the
computer when they are young have more confidence than other children.

From a professional perspective, the computer is found in every kind of office. Today, employers will still hire
people who cannot use computers and give them computer training. But tomorrow, companies will expect
people to have these skills already. As a result, by encouraging children to use the computer for a short time
every day, parents are preparing their children for future jobs.

In conclusion, it is clear that computers are now a part of our regular life. Children who can use computers
easily and confidently will do better in the future.

WRITING TASK 2 – DISCUSSION

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other
important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

The world of sports is a multimillion dollar industry. Around the globe, people flock to sporting events or watch
their favourite teams faithfully each week on television. As a result, professional sports athletes receive huge
salaries – well above, for example, those of doctors, lawyers, teachers or social workers. There is some debate
about whether such outrageously high salaries are justified.
On the one hand, sport is viewed as a professional career, in which the top players should rightly earn high
salaries. Athletes train rigorously from an early age to become peak performers in their field. They face
tremendous pressure in each and every game, match or competition. Their personal lives are compromised
and they lose all privacy. At the same time, their strong achievements bring honour and attention, not only
to themselves, but also to their teams, schools, cities or countries.

On the other hand, various professions contribute to making our world run smoothly. Doctors put in at least
ten years of gruelling study and internship; their work saves lives. Teachers educate and inspire young people
to be responsible citizens: their efforts produce the citizens of tomorrow. Social workers rescue individuals
facing physical, mental and psychological challenges: their intervention creates safer societies. Yet,
professionals in the fields above usually struggle to get by, despite their meaningful and critical contribution
to the world.

In my view, paying enormous salaries to sportspeople is unnecessary. We need to reconsider our social
priorities and eliminate the great disparity in income received by diverse professionals. By doing so, we can
build societies in which each one feels valued, appreciated and appropriately compensated for their own
vocation or specialization.

WRITING TASK 2 – PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels
are continuing to rise at alarming rates.

What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions?

Write at least 250 words.

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century and ocean levels are increasing
dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this phenomenon is the
flooding of homes and then submit building flood protection as the most viable solution.

The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the flooding of peoples’ residences. Millions of
people all over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will be inundated
with water and lose their property. Shelter is one of the most basic of human needs and widespread flooding
would cause millions of people to become homeless, not to mention losing all of their possessions. The
devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which
millions of people were displaced.

A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such as dikes, dams and
floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching populated
areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable
to flooding and they have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost
challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but a
possible solution could be to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland. It
is predicted that more and more countries will be forced to take such measures to avoid a watery
catastrophe.

WRITING TASK 2 – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Computers are becoming an essential part of education.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

Information technology is becoming a ubiquitous part of learning. This essay will show that this is a welcome
development and can enhance educational practice. It will first suggest that the instant availability of huge
amounts of information is the primary advantage, followed by a discussion of how it can sometimes lead to
plagiarism.
The main benefit computers bring to learners is easy access to vast amounts resources. Learners were once
limited to the books they had and the knowledge of their teacher, now they can learn about anything they
choose at the touch of a button. Google is a prime example, because it allows people to easily search for
whatever they are looking for quickly and accurately.

One possible drawback is that using the internet to complete academic work can sometimes lead to pupils
copying articles from the internet. As a result, students do not have to think about their tasks and learn very
little. The Sunday Times recently reported that 72% of college graduates in the UK admitted to copying and
pasting Wikipedia articles at least once.

Overall, it is a very positive development because most students will take advantage of the power of the
information superhighway to enhance their studies, rather than using it to cheat. For example, in 2005
Cambridge University found that students who regularly used a computer were 26% more likely to get a
first-class degree than those who did not.

In conclusion, the web has provided a gateway to knowledge unlike anything seen before and although it
can sometimes lead to a few taking the easy route and plagiarising, it is a very positive step in the evolution
of education.

WRITING TASK 2 – TWO-PART QUESTION

The United Nations recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. What benefits has it brought
during this time? Do you think the UN will last another 70 years?

You should write at least 250 words.

Medium Score - Band 8-9

The United Nations was established at the end of the Second World War in order to provide a peaceful way
to resolve national differences. Since its formation 70 years ago, there has not been a Third World War.
Furthermore, the UN has expanded its global role to include many more activities besides
peacekeeping. This essay will look at some of the UN’s achievements and predict what the future might hold
for the organisation.

It is difficult to imagine a world without the United Nations. The organisation plays a leading role in
everything from conflict resolution and peacekeeping to emergency food aid and global public health. Many
people trust the UN because it is a democratic organisation that reflects the interests of all its member
states and not just one particular country. In this way, it can be argued that the UN has restricted the
influence of powerful countries like the USA, Russia and China, while allowing smaller nations a say in global
affairs. It is also effective at collecting funds from richer member states and redistributing it as economic aid
or emergency assistance to parts of the world which need it most.

Yet the world is a very different place from how it looked in 1945, which has led some people to question
the need for a powerful organisation like the UN. In particular, there are some proponents of free trade who
argue that competition and not cooperation between nations is the fastest way to pursue economic
development. However, I would argue that the more nations become interdependent, the more they will
require a global forum to resolve their differences. While there are other global organisations that can play a
similar role, such as the World Bank and International Criminal Court, none has the scope of the UN. For
that reason, the UN is sure to exist for decades to come, and possibly for another 70 years.

In conclusion, the UN remains the most viable organisation for dealing with the world’s problems, and this is
unlikely to change very soon.