Model Essays Band 8-9 - by RyanIELTS PDF

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MODEL ESSAYS BY TOPICS

– BAND 8.0-9.0 –
Contents
TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................ 5
MODEL ESSAY 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 5
MODEL ESSAY 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 5
MODEL ESSAY 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 6
MODEL ESSAY 4 ......................................................................................................................................... 7
MODEL ESSAY 5 ......................................................................................................................................... 8
MODEL ESSAY 6 ......................................................................................................................................... 9
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 10
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 11
EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................. 11
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 11
MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 12
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 13
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 14
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 15
MODEL ESSAY 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 15
MODEL ESSAY 6.1 .................................................................................................................................... 16
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 17
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 18
MODEL ESSAY 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 19
MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 20
MODEL ESSAY 11 ..................................................................................................................................... 20
MODEL ESSAY 12 ..................................................................................................................................... 21
MODEL ESSAY 13 ..................................................................................................................................... 22
MODEL ESSAY 14 ..................................................................................................................................... 23
MODEL ESSAY 15 ..................................................................................................................................... 23
MODEL ESSAY 16 ..................................................................................................................................... 24
MODEL ESSAY 17 ..................................................................................................................................... 25
MODEL ESSAY 18 ..................................................................................................................................... 26
MODEL ESSAY 19 ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

https://www.ryanielts.com/
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MODEL ESSAY 20 ..................................................................................................................................... 28

MODEL ESSAY 21 ..................................................................................................................................... 28
MODEL ESSAY 22 ..................................................................................................................................... 29
MODEL ESSAY 23 ..................................................................................................................................... 30
MODEL ESSAY 24 ..................................................................................................................................... 31
MODEL ESSAY 25 ..................................................................................................................................... 32
MODEL ESSAY 26 ..................................................................................................................................... 33
MODEL ESSAY 27 ..................................................................................................................................... 34
MODEL ESSAY 28 ..................................................................................................................................... 34
MODEL ESSAY 29 ..................................................................................................................................... 35
MODEL ESSAY 30 ..................................................................................................................................... 36
MODEL ESSAY 31 ..................................................................................................................................... 37
MODEL ESSAY 32 ..................................................................................................................................... 37
MODEL ESSAY 33 ..................................................................................................................................... 38
MODEL ESSAY 34 ..................................................................................................................................... 39
MODEL ESSAY 35 ..................................................................................................................................... 40
MODEL ESSAY 36 ..................................................................................................................................... 40
MODEL ESSAY 37 ..................................................................................................................................... 41
MODEL ESSAY 38 ..................................................................................................................................... 42
ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 44
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 44
MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 44
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 45
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 46
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 47
MODEL ESSAY 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 48
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 48
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 49
MODEL ESSAY 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 50
MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 51
MODEL ESSAY 11 ..................................................................................................................................... 52
MODEL ESSAY 12 ..................................................................................................................................... 52
MODEL ESSAY 13 ..................................................................................................................................... 53
MODEL ESSAY 14 ..................................................................................................................................... 54
GLOBALISATION .......................................................................................................................................... 55

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MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 55

MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 55
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 56
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 57
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 58
MODEL ESSAY 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 59
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 59
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 60
MODEL ESSAY 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 61
MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 62
MODEL ESSAY 11 ..................................................................................................................................... 63
MODEL ESSAY 12 ..................................................................................................................................... 64
MODEL ESSAY 13 ..................................................................................................................................... 64
MODEL ESSAY 14 ..................................................................................................................................... 65
MODEL ESSAY 15 ..................................................................................................................................... 66
MODEL ESSAY 16 ..................................................................................................................................... 67
MODEL ESSAY 17 ..................................................................................................................................... 68
MODEL ESSAY 18 ..................................................................................................................................... 69
MODEL ESSAY 19 ..................................................................................................................................... 70
MODEL ESSAY 20 ..................................................................................................................................... 71
MODEL ESSAY 21 ..................................................................................................................................... 72
MODEL ESSAY 22 ..................................................................................................................................... 72
MODEL ESSAY 23 ..................................................................................................................................... 73
MODEL ESSAY 24 ..................................................................................................................................... 74
MODEL ESSAY 25 ..................................................................................................................................... 75
HEALTH........................................................................................................................................................ 76
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 76
MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 77
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 78
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 79
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 79
MODEL ESSAY 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 80
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 81
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 82
MODEL ESSAY 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 83

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MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 83

CRIME .......................................................................................................................................................... 84
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 84
MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 85
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 86
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 87
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 88
TV & ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................................... 89
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 89
MODEL ESSAY 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 90
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 91
MODEL ESSAY 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 92
MODEL ESSAY 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 93
MODEL ESSAY 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 94
MODEL ESSAY 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 95
MODEL ESSAY 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 96
MODEL ESSAY 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 97
MODEL ESSAY 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 97
MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 98
OTHERS ....................................................................................................................................................... 99
MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 99
MODEL ESSAY 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 100
MODEL ESSAY 3 ..................................................................................................................................... 101

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TECHNOLOGY
MODEL ESSAY 1
The advent of the Internet has made it possible for people to work from home.
Write an essay looking at the advantages and disadvantages of this professional
arrangement. Share personal examples in your essay.
The Internet has revolutionized the world in many different ways. Among these, it has
made it possible for people to work from home. Despite the many advantages that may
derive from this arrangement, it is felt that working from home is predominantly
disadvantageous to the professional. This will be proven by looking at how the home sets
professionals up to be both distracted and unable to detach themselves from work.
For one, although working from home may be effective for many, most people are likely
to get distracted under these conditions. For example, a former manager of mine once
delegated a writing task to me and instructed me to complete it at home. When I went to
engage the project, I found it difficult to stay focused in an environment I traditionally
relaxed in, and as a result the quality of my work suffered. My experience clearly shows
that for people like myself, working from home is disadvantageous to productivity.
In addition to this, the stay-at-home worker often finds it challenging to distance

themselves from their work, and this can be mentally exhausting. For instance, a colleague
of mine started his own business from home. Within the first few months, he was receiving
telephone calls, emails and faxes at all times of the day and night. In the end, he felt forced
to migrate this professional pursuit to a rented office apartment simply because it was
taking over his life. As this story illustrates, the disadvantages of a home-based job are
numerous.
To conclude, despite advantages of lower overhead and independence, working from

home has many more drawbacks than favourable points. It is thus hoped that
professionals everywhere think carefully before settling on this working arrangement.
(286 words)
Source: Ryan Higgins
MODEL ESSAY 2
Smart devices have put all of the world’s information at our fingertips. What are
the drawbacks of this development?
People today are capable of accessing the Internet through their mobile smart devices.
This puts them in touch with an infinite amount of information. Although this trend has
many positive ramifications, it is not without drawbacks. To illustrate this, the effect smart
devices have on memory and privacy will be analyzed.

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For one, smart devices have caused people to rely less on their memories. For example,
sites like Wikipedia make it easy for smartphone users to quickly access information
related to history and geography. The problem with this convenience is that these same
people are committing fewer and fewer things to memory, and this makes them slaves to
their devices. Thus, this is one of the main drawbacks to having a wide availability of
information through smart devices.
In addition to this, smart devices have encroached upon people’s privacy. For instance,
last year a child in America was unknowingly filmed by his classmate while performing an
embarrassing dance routine. After the video was uploaded, this child suffered extreme
teasing, which ultimately led him to develop a mental disorder. As this shows, the
exchanging of information through smart devices is not always a positive thing.
As the above makes clear, the access smartphones have to vast amounts of information
poses some drawbacks. It is predicted that these weaknesses will continue to grow in size
and scale into the foreseeable future.
(229 words)
MODEL ESSAY 3
Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of
ordinary people more than recent technological developments. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

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Source: High scoring IELTS writing
MODEL ESSAY 4
There are social, medical, and technical problems associated with the use of mobile
phones. What forms do they take? Do you agree that the problems outweigh the
benefits of mobile phone?

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Source: High scoring IELTS writing
MODEL ESSAY 5
Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialise online rather than face to face. Is
this a positive or negative development?
An increasing number of people meet and talk to their friends online instead of in person.
In my opinion, this is a negative development which can lead to isolation, potentially
harmful situations and also problems later on in life. One serious problem that can arise
from people socialising online is
that it can lead to isolation. Before the internet, people would frequently go out to meet
friends, for example in cafes, bars or restaurants, whereas now people prefer to stay at
home alone, chatting online. As a result, people are starting to spend the majority of their
time alone at home in their room without meeting others. Isolation of this kind is not
healthy and can sometimes lead to depression and other issues.

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Another issue is that meeting people online can be risky. In other words, people can
assume fake identities online as well as hide their true characteristics. This is particularly
concerning for teenagers who are impressionable and can easily be led into dangerous
situations. Furthermore, as this interaction is online, parents have no way of monitoring it
and protecting their children.
Finally, socialising online can end in difficulties years later as conversations and shared
photos that had been forgotten reappear. This situation is currently critical for many
people, again especially for teenagers who do not think carefully before posting online.
That is to say, information which is put online can remain there forever and while people
may share intimate communications with close friends, these words can then resurface
later on leading to much embarrassment.
In conclusion, although it has become more popular for people to socialise through the
internet, it has brought about too many problems for this to be considered a positive
trend.
(286 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 6
It is inevitable that traditional cultures will be lost as technology develops.
Technology and traditional cultures are incompatible. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this view?
Some people believe that technological developments lead to the loss of traditional
cultures. I partly agree with this assertion; while it may be true in the case of some
societies, others seem to be unaffected by technology and the modern world.
On the one hand, the advances in technology that have driven industrialisation in
developed countries have certainly contributed to the disappearance of traditional ways
of life. For example, in pre-industrial Britain, generations of families grew up in the same
small village communities. These communities had a strong sense of identity, due to their
shared customs and beliefs. However, developments in transport, communications and
manufacturing led to the dispersal of families and village communities as people moved
to the cities in search of work. Nowadays most British villages are inhabited by commuters,
many of whom do not know their closest neighbours.
On the other hand, in some parts of the world traditional cultures still thrive. There are
tribes in the Amazon Rainforest, for example, that have been completely untouched by
the technological developments of the developed world. These tribal communities
continue to hunt and gather food from the forest, and traditional skills are passed on to
children by parents and elders. Other traditional cultures, such as farming communities in

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parts of Africa, are embracing communications technologies. Mobile phones give farmers
access to information, from weather predictions to market prices, which helps them to
prosper and therefore supports their culture.
In conclusion, many traditional ways of life have been lost as a result of advances in
technology, but other traditional communities have survived and even flourished.
(266 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 7
Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that
people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?
It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people.
Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion, there are both
positive and negative effects.
Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life.
Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact
without ever meeting each other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for
relationships between students and teachers. For example, a student can now take video
lessons with a teacher in a different city or country. Finally, many people use social
networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share common
interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.
On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between
people in different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited
to written letters or telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are
almost as good as face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions,
either in work or social contexts. On the other hand, the availability of new communication
technologies can also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction.
For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing with
their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real
friendships.
In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people,

but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.
(257 words)
Source: Simon

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MODEL ESSAY 8
In the future, it seems more difficult to live on the Earth. Some people think more
money should be spent on researching other planet to live, such as Mars. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
It is true that the Earth would not be able to survive eternally, potentially pushing all
species including mankind to the brink of extinction. Although focusing on finding other
Earth-like planets seems plausible, the benefits still do not justify the costs.
Space exploration has been and will always be extortionately expensive, in terms of both
labor and resources. First, if space exploration were to be the main focus, recruiting more
scientists and administrative staff would be inevitable. In fact, the salaries and wages paid
to astronomers and research teams are the highest among industries, which would add
to current deficit. Second, in order to conduct various required experiments and bring
objects into space for the purpose of finding other planets, space-exploration projects
usually consume a great deal of natural resources from the Earth, such as oil and metals.
This means that there would be less input to develop other industries and grow the
economy.
In addition, the chance of finding other planets is very slim and even if humans succeeded,
it would still be virtually impossible to bring humans there. First, distances between stars
and planets are vast, given human longevity. For example, it would take millions of years
for the fastest manmade space craft to reach the nearest star, by which time all humans
would no longer exist. Second, what appears more realistic is solving current
environmental problems on Earth, which requires more attention from scientists, the
media and the public alike. Climate change, for example, should top the list since it does
and will directly impact all species living on Earth in the near future.
In conclusion, finding other planets needs a great amount of resources but offers little
returns for humans. By focusing more on existing issues, humans can make the Earth
friendlier to live in.
(299 words)
Source: Kien Tran
EDUCATION
MODEL ESSAY 1
Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today. In the not too
distant future, technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement?

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The use of technology is increasing rapidly in the modern world. Growing technological
influence can even be seen in the classroom. Despite this, it is disagreed that technology
will completely replace the classroom teacher in the foreseeable future. Analyzing the
inability of a technology-driven teacher to both cater to student learning needs and
instill motivation will show this.
Firstly, a teacher powered by artificial intelligence would have difficulty interpreting the
educational needs of a classroom of students. For example, Honda Asimov, one of the
world’s most advanced robots, has trouble distinguishing simple human emotions. If
today’s most advanced artificial intelligence cannot categorize these basic physical cues,
it is difficult to believe that a robot could be capable of altering study plans and teaching
styles in a dynamic classroom setting. Thus, this makes it clear that a technology-driven
teacher is not going to be operational anytime in the near future.
Secondly, a robotic teacher would not be able to establish the emotional connection
needed to motivate students. The American scientific theory of education plays a good
example here. This widely supported theory argues that young learners are most
motivated when they share an emotional relationship with their instructor. As most would
agree expecting children to form emotional ties to machinery is unrealistic, the argument
that technology will replace the teacher in the classroom can be debunked.
In summary, a robotic teacher would lack the classroom dynamism and emotional
intelligence needed to be an effective instructor. Thus, it is clear why having a class run
entirely by a machine is an idea that will not be realized anytime soon. It is predicted that
computer technology will not replace traditional human teachers in the foreseeable
future.
(283 words)
MODEL ESSAY 2
In order to improve a country’s education system, young students should be allowed
to openly criticize their teachers during class time. What is your opinion? What are
some other ways education systems could be improved?
Arguments over how to best improve education systems have been going on since the
practice of teaching began. The idea that young students should be allowed to openly
criticize their teachers in an effort to better an education system is considered
preposterous. The alternatives of altered school scheduling and teacher monitoring
through video will be analyzed for viability.

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Firstly, modified school scheduling would promote educational benefits in a way that
openly criticizing could not. For example, many Scandinavian school boards run education
systems that take periodic three-week breaks throughout the academic year instead of
an extended two-month break at summertime. Overall, students have just as much
holiday time as their peers in traditional school arrangements, but there is not such a long,
education-deterring break at summer, and this allows students to mentally retain more of
their studies. This example is clearly a more plausible alternative to the argument that
students should be allowed to criticize their teachers.
In addition to this, schools should consider videotaping classes to both monitor teacher
performance and student conduct. For instance, I once taught at a school with this
arrangement and this made it easy for the students’ parents to stay attune to both their
children’s lessons and conduct during class time. This sort of educational adjustment
would do more for improving a child’s education than open student criticism of
instructors. Thus, the plausibility of this alternative is clear.
It can be concluded that both scheduling and class transparency would be more positive
alterations to the current education system than a system of public ridicule. It is thus
hoped these changes gain support in the foreseeable future.
(272 words)
MODEL ESSAY 3
Nowadays young people lack an understanding of how to manage their finances
after they finish high school. Explain why they do not know how to manage money
and how this can be changed.
Many young people are leaving school without a basic and vital understanding of how
personal finances ought to be managed in the adult world. This lack of knowledge is due
to a lack of life experience and limited education which can be solved in two simple ways.
One main reason why so many young people are unable to manage their own finances
upon finishing high school is that they have been living with their parents for free. As a
result, they have never needed to earn a salary or save their money in order to pay bills.
Another cause is that schools do not factor personal financial management into their
curriculum. Schools focus instead on classic subjects, such as maths, geography, history
and languages, which means important life skills are not being taught. Both teachers and
parents are failing to prepare young people for the real world.
There are two options for solving young people’s inability to manage personal finances.
Firstly, parents should spend time with their children teaching them how money is earned,
budgeted and used for either savings or expenses. One simple step could be for parents

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to start by teaching young children how to manage their pocket money and, as their child
grows up, expand into more serious household expenses. Secondly, schools should
incorporate life skills into their curriculum for final year students. In this way, children will
be able to learn in a supportive environment how their finances need to be budgeted and
managed to avoid debt problems later in life.
In conclusion, young people lack financial management skills due to the negligence of
parents and schools, which can only be solved if both take more responsibility for
equipping school leavers with the right skills.
(289 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 4
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study
online. Is this a positive or negative development?
It is true that online courses are becoming a common feature of university education.
Although there are some drawbacks of Internet-based learning, I would argue that there
are far more benefits.
The main drawback of the trend towards online university courses is that there is less
direct interaction. Students may not have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with
their teachers, and will instead have to rely on written forms of communication. Similarly,
students who study online do not come into direct contact with each other, and this could
have a negative impact on peer support, discussion and exchange of ideas. For example,
whereas students on traditional courses can attend seminars and even discuss their
subjects over coffee after lessons, online learners are restricted to chatting through
website forum areas. These learners may also lack the motivation and element of
competition that face-to-face group work brings.
Despite the negatives mentioned above, I believe that online university courses are a
positive development for various reasons. Firstly, they allow learners to study in a flexible
way, meaning that they can work whenever and wherever is convenient, and they can
cover the material at their own pace. Secondly, the cost of a university education can be
greatly reduced, while revenues for institutions may increase as more students can be
taught. Finally, online learning offers open access to anybody who is willing to study,
regardless of age, location, ability and background. For example, my uncle, who is 65 years
old, has recently enrolled on an online MBA course in a different country, which would
have been impossible in the days before Internet-based education.
In conclusion, while I recognise the possible disadvantages of online learning, I consider
it to be a positive development overall.
(288 words)

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Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 5
Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and allow their children to
do whatever they want. Is this a good way to raise children? What consequences
could this style of parenting have for children as they get older?
It is true that some parents are overly permissive and tend to spoil their children. In my
opinion, this is not a good parenting style, and it can have a range of negative long-term
consequences.
If parents want to raise respectful and well-behaved children, I believe that a certain
amount of discipline is necessary. Having worked with children myself, I have learnt that
clear expectations and boundaries are necessary, and it is important to be able to say ‘no’
to children when they misbehave or try to push against these boundaries. This is the only
way to help young people to regulate their desires and develop self-control. In my view,
parents who do the opposite and constantly give in to their children’s demands, are
actually doing more harm than good. They are failing their children rather than being kind
to them.
The children of indulgent or lenient parents are likely to grow up with several negative
personality traits. The first and most obvious danger is that these children will become
self-centred adults who show little consideration for the feelings or needs of others. One
consequence of such an attitude could be that these adults are unable to work
successfully in teams with other colleagues. A second negative trait in such people could
be impulsiveness. A person who has never lived with any boundaries is likely to lack the
patience to carefully consider options before making decisions. This may lead, for
example, to compulsive shopping, unwise financial decisions, or even criminal activity.
In conclusion, parents should help their children to develop self-control and respect for
others, and I do not believe that the permissive parenting style supports this objective.
(283 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 6
(same topic)
Today, there is a growing trend among parents towards trying to accommodate their
children’s every demand and giving them more personal freedom. In this essay, I am
going to demonstrate how this child-rearing practice is detrimental to children before
arguing that its repercussions may reverberate in their adulthood.

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Parents may wean their kids on an over-reliant lifestyle by fulfilling all of their
wishes. Kids who are granted every request typically develop a habit of
pestering and relying on their parents for everything. This dependence may deprive
them of the motivation to strive in life, which may take a heavy toll on their school
performance, for example. As these children become grown-ups, the inability to lead an
independent lifestyle will cause them to struggle in many facets of life. For instance,
people who are given generous allowances when they are small are unlikely to be able to
budget and manage their personal finances. This is an example of the adverse impacts
that parents’ over-indulgence may have on small kids.
In addition to spoiling children, entitling them to too much personal freedom may also
result in dire consequences. People’s personality is shaped at an early age, and without
parents’ close supervision, children may be vulnerable to negative influences and adopt
harmful habits. For example, many children use profanities from as early as primary
school because their parents allow them to play video games at Internet shops where
cussing is the norm. This type of behaviors, which often incites disobedience and
recklessness, may be the precursor to an adulthood of crime. In fact, it has been shown
that many criminals began rebelling and committing illegal acts from a young age as a
result of their parents’ negligence. This is a testament to how an unsupervised childhood
may cause small kids to suffer serious consequences as they become adults.
In conclusion, granting children all of their wishes may do serious harm to their personal
development, and thus this practice should be rejected to ensure a healthy lifestyle for
their kids.
(335 words)
Source: Guide to IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 6.1

(tham khảo)
Some people believe that children will have a bright future if they are always
rewarded by their parents and teachers when they behave well. However, other
people argue that if the children misbehave, they should receive punishment so that
they can become qualified citizens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Teaching children to behave well through rewards and discipline is an important part of
their education as all people are judged by their actions. In order to effectively teach
children, it is important to balance rewards with discipline as rewards can be used to
encourage positive behaviour while discipline can be used to discourage undesirable
behaviour. In this essay the role of rewards and discipline in teaching children will be
discussed.

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Rewards are an important tool that is used by parents to reinforce positive behaviour in
children. Children who are rewarded for positive actions are more likely to repeat the
behaviour and therefore rewards can be a powerful way of encouraging children.
However, it is critical that rewards are proportionate to the action otherwise rewards may
distort children’s behaviour. For example, performing a simple task such or not engaging
in previously discouraged behaviour should be encouraged through praise and
acknowledgement rather than by gifts. However, when children perform significant acts
that require patience and discipline such as passing an exam or achieving to their
potential at school it may be appropriate to reward them with a gift. In this way children
can be taught that the greater the effort and achievement the greater the reward.
Discipline plays a similarly important role by discouraging undesirable behaviour in

children. However, as for rewards, discipline must be proportionate to the behaviour.
Children should generally receive warnings for minor and first time poor behaviour.
However, more significant discipline should result from more serious or repeated
misbehaviour. A further important consideration for both rewards and discipline is that
parents must apply a consistent approach. If they do this, children will quickly understand
the consequences of any action and can quickly decide whether they wish to accept the
consequences of that action.
In summary, rewarding and disciplining is important for children in developing positive

habits and becoming productive adults. However, discipline and rewards must be applied
consistently and appropriately in order to achieve the best results.
(330 words)
Source: Smart Bruce
MODEL ESSAY 7
(tham khảo)
It is important to lean the difference between right and wrong at an early age.
Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction. To what extend do you
agree and disagree with this opinion? What sort of punishment should parents and
teachers be allowed to use to teach good behavior to children?
One important stage in a child’s growth is certainly the development of a conscience,

which is linked to the ability to tell right from wrong. This skill comes with time and good
parenting, and my firm conviction is that punishment does not have much of a role to
play in this. Therefore, I have to disagree almost entirely with the given statement.
To some extent the question depends on the age of the child. To punish a very young
child is both wrong and foolish, as an infant will not understand what is happening or why
he or she is being punished. Once the age of reason is reached however, a child can be

18
rewarded for good behaviour and discouraged from bad. This kind but firm approach will
achieve more than harsh punishments, which might entail many negative consequences
unintended by the parents.
To help a child learn the difference between right and wrong, teachers and parents should
firstly provide good role modelling in their own behaviour. After that, if sanctions are
needed, the punishment should not be of a physical nature, as that merely sends the
message that it is acceptable for larger people to hit smaller ones - an outcome which
may well result in the child starting to bully others. Nor should the punishment be in any
way cruel.
Rather, teachers and parents can use a variety of methods to discipline their young
charges, such as detention, withdrawal of privileges, and time-out. Making the
punishment fit the crime is a useful notion, which would see children being made to pick
up rubbish they have dropped, cleaned up graffiti they have drawn, or apologise which
leads to much better future behaviour than does punishment.
(286 words)
Source: IELTS Cambridge
MODEL ESSAY 8
(tham khảo)
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good member of
society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both
these views and give your own opinion.
A child’s education has never been about learning information and basic skills only. It has
always included teaching the next generation how to be good members of society.
Therefore, this cannot be the responsibility of the parents alone.
In order to be a good member of any society the individual must respect and obey the
rules of their community and share their values. Educating children to understand the
need to obey rules and respect others always begins in the home and is widely thought
to be the responsibility of parents. They will certainly be the first to help children learn
what is important in life, how they are expected to behave and what role they will play in
their world.
However, learning to understand and share the value system of a whole society cannot
be achieved just in the home. Once a child goes to school, they are entering a wider
community where teachers and peers will have just as much influence as their parents do
at home. At school, children will experience working and living with people from a whole

19
variety of backgrounds from the wider society. This experience should teach them how to
co-operate with each other and how to contribute to the life of their community.
But to be a valuable member of any community is not like learning a simple skill. It is
something that an individual goes on learning throughout life and it is the responsibility
of every member of a society to take responsibility for helping the younger generation to
become active and able members of that society.
(264 words)
Source: IELTS Cambridge
MODEL ESSAY 9
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers
go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or
a negative development?
It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband, while more
women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons
for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal rights
movements have made great progress, and it has become normal for women to gain
qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay
at home and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant
that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before starting a family.
Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who works and who stays at
home depending on the personal preference of each partner, or based on which partner
earns the most money.
In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be happy
to live in a society in which men and women have equal opportunities, and in which
women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that
men should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this
is what they wish to do. Couples should be left to make their own decisions about which
parental role each partner takes, according to their particular circumstances and needs.
In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider
changes in society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.
(274 words)
Source: Simon

20
MODEL ESSAY 10
Once children start school, teachers have more influence than parents on their
intellectual and social development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The beliefs and values of young people are shaped through a myriad of influences. Among
the most major of these are a child’s parents and teachers. I argue that ultimately teachers
have more influence than parents on the intellectual and social development of children.
This will be proved by looking at how students are more attentive when interacting with
teachers and how teachers engage students in an environment more conducive to
emulation and learning.
Firstly, teachers have the opportunity to interact with their students during periods of the
day when young people are more attentive. To illustrate, an American study once proved
that human beings more readily commit new skills and ideas to memory in the morning
as opposed to the afternoon or evening. As teachers spend five mornings a week with
young people, this example makes it clear that they have an advantage over parents when
it comes to developing a young person’s mind. Thus, it is clear that teachers affect the
intellectual and social growth of a child in a manner that the child’s parents cannot match.
In addition to this, the classroom environment is a powerful place that puts a child in a
frame of mind that encourages learning. For example, it has been proven that students
who are home schooled tend to have more difficultly than classroom-taught students in
absorbing the information their instructor presents to them. I feel this disparity exists
because a classroom surrounds student with an environment of academia, and this
promotes the acquisition of knowledge. As this sort of environment is not always present
in a child’s home, it is clear that teachers are in many ways more influential than parents
in expanding a child’s mind.
After looking at the above, it can be seen that instructors have advantages over parents
when it comes to shaping the minds of children. Because of the enduring nature of the
traditional classroom style of learning, I do not expect this pattern to be drastically altered
in the foreseeable future.
(334 words)
MODEL ESSAY 11
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school
students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their teachers.
Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss
both views and give your own opinion.

21
There has been a heated controversy on whether high school students should be free to
evaluate and criticise their educators. While some people think that disrespect and
indiscipline are the unavoidable aftermath of this approach, I would contend it would
result in increased educational quality.
On the one hand, there is a common belief that enabling students to judge teachers may
undermine students’ sense of respect and discipline. High school students are generally
immature, inexperienced and impulsive; they tend to lose their temper and overreact each
time they are disciplined by the teachers. The problem is even worse when all the students
see their peers criticising the teachers. They may think of such action as a right way to
behave and start to imitate it. As a result, the classroom learning environment can be filled
with disrespect and indiscipline.
On the other hand, I side with those who believe that giving students the total freedom
in expressing their thoughts and feelings towards teachers may enhance educational
standards. Many countries are promoting students-centred teaching with two-way
communication, where open discussions between teachers and students are encouraged.
This approach has a clear advantage of making students become proactive in studying. It
also provides teachers with a chance to better their pedagogical skills by receiving
feedbacks from students. By this way, both the learners and the educators can achieve
higher academically.
In conclusion, the educational of encouraging high school students to judge their teachers
may undoubtedly lead to enhanced academic achievements, despite the possibility that
a disrespectful and undisciplined attitude amongst the class.
(260 words)
Source: IPP
MODEL ESSAY 12
(same topic)
Finding ways to improve educational quality is often one of the top priorities in every
education system. In some cultures, high school students are encouraged to give their
opinions about teachers, but I believe that this can also give rise to lack of respect and
discipline in the classroom.
On the one hand, it is true that feedback from learners may contribute to an improvement
in educational quality. In many cases, the level of comprehension of students relies very
much not on the content of the lesson but on the way teachers conduct it. If, for example,
the class is slow, it will be ineffective for teachers to teach too fast so that most students
fail to retain the information. Without the comments of students, it would be difficult to

22
know whether the speed of the lesson is appropriate for the class, which may eventually
impair the quality of the lesson.
However, there are several drawbacks of allowing students to make comments and
criticism on their teachers. Firstly, teachers can be vulnerable to the negative words of
students. Many will feel that their efforts in delivering the lesson deserve praise rather
than criticism or any form of feedback. This idea is commonly shared by teachers in the
education systems of many Asian countries. Secondly, the classroom may be in chaos due
to massive numbers of comments. Opinions vary from students to students, and it would
be impractical for teachers to work out a way of teaching that can satisfy all students.
In conclusion, it seems to me that encouraging high school students to comment about

their teachers does not necessarily mean an improvement in education quality.
(276 words)
Source: Vinh IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 13
(tham khảo)
In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behavior. What do
you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Poor student behaviour seems to be an increasingly widespread problem and I think that
modern lifestyles are probably responsible for this. In many countries, the birth rate is
decreasing so that families are smaller with fewer children. These children are often spoilt,
not in terms of love and attention because working patients do not have the time for this,
but in more material ways. They are allowed to have whatever they want, regardless of
price, and to behave as they please. This means that the children grow up without
consideration for others and without any understanding of where their standard of living
comes from.
When they get to school age, they have not learnt any self control or discipline. They have
less respect for their teachers and refuse to obey school rules in the way that their parents
did.
Teachers continually complain about this problem and measures should be taken to
combat the situation. But I think the solution to the problem lies with the families, who
need to be more aware of the future consequences of spoiling their children. If they could
raise them to be considerate of others and to be social, responsible individuals, the whole
community would benefit.
Perhaps parenting classes are needed to help them to do this, and high-quality nursery
schools could be established that would support families more in terms of raising the next

23
generation. The government should fund this kind of parental support, because this is no
longer a problem for individual families, but for society as a whole.
(256 words)
Source: Cambridge IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 14
(tham khảo)
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies.
It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from
studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students
who have the money to travel but is also evident among poorer students who choose to
work and become economically independent for a period of time.
The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes
directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and
experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living or
travelling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal resources to
draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic
study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the
challenges of student life.
However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults
may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to re-adapt to an
academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job or
to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is
less likely today when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable
career.
My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is
the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their
lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and
motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.
(291 words)
MODEL ESSAY 15
‘The Internet will never replace traditional course books in schools.’ How far do you
agree with this prediction?

24
There is a huge range of resources available to the modern teacher, and the right selection
is crucial in delivering effective lessons. I agree that there will always be a place for course
books in the school curriculum, despite the many benefits of the Internet.
Firstly, course books (whether conventional or digital) have been developed by

pedagogical experts and designed to be incorporated into a subject syllabus, leading to
testing procedures such as formal examinations or continuous assessment. This means
that they are proven to improve students’ academic achievement, enhancing their
potential for progression to further or higher education. Furthermore, the use of modern
course books allows pupils to coordinate their studies as part of group work, hopefully
making their lessons less teacher-led and more about autonomous learning. This in itself
teaches study skills such as independent research and synthesising sources, rather than
old-fashioned rote-learning. This is where the Internet, in fact, can play a useful part: to
supplement and add to knowledge which the students are assimilating via their course
books. However, it is the role of teachers and school management generally to ensure
that use of the Internet remains a guided learning process, and not an exercise in data-
gathering from Internet sources which may be unreliable or even misleading.
It is true that the Internet can be invaluable for adults (for example in distance learning or
self-study modules) who are able to discriminate between sources and sift information to
marshal their facts. However, this is a mature skill and we should not assume that school
age pupils are ready to do this.
Overall, it appears that course books, with their quality and depth of material, are set to
remain an integral part of the syllabus. The internet can be judged a useful supplement
to this, if used carefully and under supervision.
(304 words)
Source: IELTS band 9
MODEL ESSAY 16
Some people believe that children should spend all of their free time with their
families. Others believe that this is unnecessary or even negative. Discuss the
possible arguments on both sides, and say which side you personally support.
Nobody can deny that parental influence is important for children, at least in cases where
children live with their parents, foster parents or guardians. However, it is by no means
clear that children should spend time exclusively in the family, as we will see.
On the one hand, it may appear advisable for parents to act as role models and to
establish ground rules for behaviour by spending as much time as possible with their
children. This allows the youngsters to absorb conventions and codes of conduct which
they can then follow themselves, hopefully leading to an absence of problems such as

25
bullying, truancy and delinquency later on. Furthermore, being with the family should
reduce the risk of hildren falling victim to crimes such as abduction, or coming under the
influence of negative peer pressure.
On the other hand, we have to ask whether this is a practical proposition. In a society
where many families are dual-income, or where one parent’s role as breadwinner means
he/she is away from the family for long periods, it is inevitable that children cannot spend
all of their time with the family. Child-minding and after-school childcare are often used
in these cases, and if managed properly, these can be perfectly viable alternatives. Equally,
it seems that children can in some cases learn a considerable amount from their peers in
addition to adults, and allowing them to play without direct supervision may be a benefit.
To conclude, it appears that, while family time is essential for bonding and absorbing
patterns of behaviour, there are definite advantages when children are outside the family
too. This is provided that they are in a safe, well-behaved environment with peers who
are themselves reasonably well brought-up.
(287 words)
MODEL ESSAY 17
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies.
It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from
studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students
who have the money to travel but is also evident among poorer students who choose to
work and become economically independent for a period of time.
The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes
directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and
experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living or
travelling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal resources to
draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic
study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the
challenges of student life.
However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults
may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to re-adapt to an
academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job or
to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is
less likely today when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable
career.

26
My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is
the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their
lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and
motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.
(291 words)
MODEL ESSAY 18
Some people believe that a gap year between school and university is a good idea,
while others disagree strongly. Consider both sides of this debate and present your
own pinion.
While gap years are increasingly popular, they continue to be rather controversial because
the benefits are hard to quantify exactly. There are arguments on both sides of this very
topical debate, and I will discuss them now.
On the one hand, opponents of gap years point to the cost involved in areas such as air
fares, accommodation and living expenses. All this money has to come from the student’s
family, or even from borrowing to be paid later. Secondly, it is often said that gap years
take a young person’s focus away from studying, and allows them to get involved in
distractions such as travelling. This can make it hard to adjust to university life, damaging
the student’s performance. Finally, there is a concern over the safety of young people if
they are travelling to remote places. Being kidnapped or mugged is a poor start to an
academic career, after all.
On the other hand, supporters of gap years say that the skills learned outweigh the
disadvantages. They highlight the independence and assertiveness that a student will
acquire, in areas such as time management and interpersonal skills. They also say that
these skills lead to greater career success later in life, thus cancelling out the costs
involved. Furthermore, there are many examples of young people using gap years to
achieve something significant, whether in voluntary work or in a sector of business that
interests them.
In conclusion, my own feeling is that a year off can indeed be a useful activity, with the
experience leading to improved skills that are invaluable in the future. Of course, this is
provided that the year is planned carefully and used for something genuinely worthwhile.
(281 words)

27
MODEL ESSAY 19

28
Source: High scoring IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 20
Some teachers say students should be organized into groups to study. Others argue
students should be made study alone. Tell the benefits of each study method. Which
one do you think is more effective?
MODEL ESSAY 21
Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their
teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the
education of children. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

29
People’s opinions differ as to whether or not school children should be given homework.
While there are some strong arguments against the setting of homework, I still believe
that it is a necessary aspect of education.
There are several reasons why people might argue that homework is an unnecessary
burden on children. Firstly, there is evidence to support the idea that homework does
nothing to improve educational outcomes. Countries such as Finland, where school
children are not given homework, regularly top international educational league tables
and outperform nations where setting homework is the norm. Secondly, many parents
would agree that the school day is already long enough, and leaves their children too
tired to do further study when they return home. Finally, it is recognised that play time is
just as beneficial as study time from the perspective of brain development.
In spite of the above arguments, I support the view that homework has an important role
to play in the schooling of children. The main benefit of homework is that it encourages
independent learning and problem solving, as children are challenged to work through
tasks alone and at their own pace. In doing so, students must apply the knowledge that
they have learnt in the classroom. For example, by doing mathematics exercises at home,
students consolidate their understanding of the concepts taught by their teacher at
school. In my view, it is important for children to develop an independent study habit
because this prepares them to work alone as adults.
In conclusion, homework certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe that the benefits
outweigh them in the long term.
(270 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 22
Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a
good job. On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and
developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
It is considered by some that being a university graduate is the key to securing a good
job, while there are others who think that it is better to have experience and soft skills. In
my opinion, I believe that having university education is essential for academic jobs while
soft skills and experience are more useful in business.
On the one hand, many think it is easier for most people to find a good job if they are
university graduates with a good degree. In other words, having tertiary education puts
people one step ahead of others who do not and this can be the deciding factor in getting
a good job. The competition to get in to universities and the increasing number of

30
graduates show just how significant this level of education is for people’s future work
opportunities.
On the other hand, having work experience and soft skills, such as leadership skills and
other interpersonal skills, can also throw the balance in favour of the applicant, according
to some. For many positions there are an overwhelming number of applicants and,
therefore, it is often thought that having relevant experience in that line of work or having
acquired useful soft skills that can be valuable to a company, can put one ahead of the
game when applying for a position.
Finally, in my opinion, whether needing high level education or skills and experience,
depends on the position being applied for. Take for example law, medicine or teaching, it
is impossible to be considered for a position without the required educational
background. In contrast, in business, it would be more important for a candidate to have
soft skills and experience in that line of business so they can step into a position without
further training and be of immediate benefit to the company.
In conclusion, getting a good job requires a relevant background either in experience or

education depending on the type of work and field. People should make sure they attain
the necessary skills or degrees before applying for a job in order to be sure of success.
(348 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
Comments: This is a a band score 9 essay. It has over 300 words but all sentences are
relevant, focused and well written. Band score 8.5 and 9 students can attempt long essays
successfully but students from band 8 to band 6, should aim for around 270 to 290 words.
Both sides are clearly discussed and the opinion is also clearly given. Linking devices are
well used.
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
MODEL ESSAY 23
In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities.
However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender
in every university subject.
Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic.
Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives.
If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would
need enough applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with

31
one gender than the other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For
example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult
to fill these courses if fifty per cent of the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair
to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select
the best candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both
men and women have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be
successful if they work hard to achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the
best candidate for a place on a course, it is surely wrong to reject her in favour of a male
student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would
be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.
(265 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 24
In modern society, many people think primary schools should teach science and
technology rather than history and geography, which are useless and boring. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement?
The matter of the fact is thát modem society expects its students and prospective
professionals with an all-round pool of knowledge and skills. The topic statement clearly
plays favourite with sciences while belittling liberal arts, which, in my view, is biased and
misleading, and may also cause negative influences among students.
Those people who advocate that only science and technology subjects should be taught
at school are ignorant of what knowledge is composed of. They fail to understand the
relationships between different subjects and their mutual overlap; they only see the
individual trees in the forest, rather than the forest as a whole. A student cannot learn
science well without a basic knowledge of human evolution and scientific history. In order
to learn technology well, a student must start from the very basics of geography that deals
with the interaction of the diverse physical, biological and cultural features of the earth’s
surface.
Furthermore, 1 feel that those people may indeed be somewhat short-sighted as they see
nothing but the possible commercial benefits that science and technology products could
generate. It is true that state-of-the-art devices are an important part of our lives, but this
should not mean that the achievements of other subjects are brushed aside. A society
needs well-educated people in all fields, including history, geography, and

32
many others like arts and music. They are equally important as sciences, and all play a
significant and expansive role in the society.
In the final analysis, the primary school is a seat of learning to develop intelligence and
talents. There should not be any prejudice at all towards a series of subjects offered.
(272 words)
Source: high scoring IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 25
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like.
Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful
in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these
views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about how much choice students should have with regard to
what they can study at university. While some argue that it would be better for students
to be forced into certain key subject areas, I believe that everyone should be able to study
the course of their choice.
There are various reasons why people believe that universities should only offer subjects
that will be useful in the future. They may assert that university courses like medicine,
engineering and information technology are more likely to be beneficial than certain art
degrees. From a personal perspective, it can be argued that these courses provide more
job opportunities, career progression, better salaries, and therefore an improved quality
of life for students who take them. On the societal level, by forcing people to choose
particular university subjects, governments can ensure that any knowledge and skill gaps
in the economy are covered. Finally, a focus on technology in higher education could lead
to new inventions, economic growth, and greater future prosperity.
In spite of these arguments, I believe that university students should be free to choose
their preferred areas of study. In my opinion, society will benefit more if our students are
passionate about what they are learning. Besides, nobody can really predict which areas
of knowledge will be most useful to society in the future, and it may be that employers
begin to value creative thinking skills above practical or technical skills. If this were the
case, perhaps we would need more students of art, history and philosophy than of science
or technology.
In conclusion, although it might seem sensible for universities to focus only on the most
useful subjects, I personally prefer the current system in which people have the right to
study whatever they like.
(297 word)

33
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 26
In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a
range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to
a particular career. Which of these two systems is more appropriate in today’s
world?
Secondary school curricula have drawn major public attention to their spectrum of
subjects. While an education program containing a wide range of subjects would be
beneficial to some extent, I firmly believe that a career-oriented one would be a better
choice.
A curriculum providing general knowledge of diverse subjects benefits secondary

students in different ways. The most obvious benefit is that students could gain the
overview of a wide range of subjects, helping them grasp an overall understanding of
different aspects of life and develop essential personal skills. Without the general
knowledge of Math, writers, singers, and actors would find daunting difficulties in
managing their family or personal finance. Vice versa, economists whose expertise is in
Math and Finance would fail to explain socio-economic matters if they do not have a
background in social sciences. Another clear benefit is that an education program with
various subjects empowers students with essential orientation to determine their career
passions which seldom come into shape during their teenage years. Students have the
opportunities to get exposed to and engaged in various subjects to identify their
occupation fields of interest.
However, I am of the opinion that a specialized training curriculum is a better choice

because it would facilitate secondary students’ future career preparation. The primary
reason is that such a training program allows students to nurture in-depth knowledge and
skills in the occupation that they set their heats on, paving a way for major professional
advances. In the current overwhelmingly competitive labor market, having a profound
insight into a particular field would endow young students with ultimate advantages over
other candidates, and, hence, provide them with brighter job opportunities. Secondly, an
education program with a strong focus on profession-oriented modules can maximize
students’ study efforts and investment. In the era of overloading information,
concentrating on a few subjects would be the wisest learning way which could guarantee
the usefulness and fruitfulness of investment in education.
In conclusion, while the option of teaching diverse subjects has its merits, I contend that
specialized training system provides favorable education and optimal professional
preparation for secondary students to lead successful career paths.
(354 words)

34
Source: IPP
MODEL ESSAY 27
(same topic)
To begin with, a learning programme providing knowledge of a major subject is beneficial

in some ways. Being exposed to expertise and skills required by a certain speciality at the
young age, the students would stand a great chance to not only have a well-defined
career path, but also become competent workers in their later life. For example, with
students having ambition to work as translators or applied language researchers in the
future, it is a course of basic grammar and vocabulary at their secondary school that can
realise the dream. In addition, current society of specialization tends to favour employees
with a good grounding in a single field over those who have general knowledge but do
not expert in a particular area. Therefore, it is absurd to say that such career-driven
programmes are not appropriate to today's world.
In stark contrast, however, it is better for the teenagers to have access to a curriculum
containing basic knowledge of various fields. The final purpose of developing the
comprehensive thinking of children should lie at the heart of any secondary school
learning programme, as they seem to be too young to decide on a specific occupation to
follow at that age. An ideal job is one that provides enjoyment for the workers, and it is a
well-rounded course that can help children seek for a major they are interested in and
nurture the passion for it. To illustrate, secondary schools in the UK aim to teach children
different subjects ranging from Math to Arts, and their educational philosophy is to put
job orientation in the high school curriculum.
In final words, my opinions are on par with the idea that secondary schoolchildren should
be supplied with knowledge in as many fields as possible.
(336 words)
Source: Thanh Nguyen
MODEL ESSAY 28
Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that
studying the past history can help us better understand the present. Please discuss
the two views and give your own opinion.

35
MODEL ESSAY 29
Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their
free time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the
individual teenager and society as a whole. Do you agree or disagree?
Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both
the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore
force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being
given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding
as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework and exam revision
on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do have some free time, we

36
should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing sports and other
leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when they finish their
studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young
people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free
and fair society to force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this
can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who would feel that they were being
used, and parents, who would not want to be told how to raise their children. Currently,
nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion
we should not make this compulsory.
(250 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 30
In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people
regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work
experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your
opinions on this?
The issue of children doing paid work is a complex and sensitive one. It is difficult to say
who has the right to judge whether children working is ‘wrong’ or ‘valuable’. Opinions will
also differ as to ‘learning’ benefits: no doubt teachers and factory owners, for example,
would have varying concerns.
An important consideration is the kind of work undertaken. Young children doing arduous
and repetitive tasks on a factory production line, for example, are less likely to be ‘learning’
than older children helping in an old people’s home. There are health and safety issues to
be considered as well. It is an unfortunate fact that many employers may prefer to use the
services of children simply to save money by paying them less than adults and it is this
type of exploitation that should be discouraged.
However, in many countries, children work because their families need the additional
income, no matter how small. This was certainly the case in the past in many industrialized
countries, and it is very difficult to judge that it is wrong for children today to contribute
to the family income in this way.
Nevertheless, in better economic circumstances, few parents would choose to send their
children out to full-time paid work. If learning responsibilities and work experience are
considered to be important, then chitdren can acquire these by having light, parttime jobs

37
or even doing tasks such as helping their parents around the family home, which are
unpaid, but undoubtedly of value in children’s development.
(251 words)
MODEL ESSAY 31
Nowadays young people lack an understanding of how to manage their finances
after they finish high school. Explain why they do not know how to manage money
and how this can be changed.
Many young people are leaving school without a basic and vital understanding of how
personal finances ought to be managed in the adult world. This lack of knowledge is due
to a lack of life experience and limited education which can be solved in two simple ways.
One main reason why so many young people are unable to manage their own finances
upon finishing high school is that they have been living with their parents for free. As a
result, they have never needed to earn a salary or save their money in order to pay bills.
Another cause is that schools do not factor personal financial management into their
curriculum. Schools focus instead on classic subjects, such as maths, geography, history
and languages, which means important life skills are not being taught. Both teachers and
parents are failing to prepare young people for the real world.
There are two options for solving young people’s inability to manage personal finances.
Firstly, parents should spend time with their children teaching them how money is earned,
budgeted and used for either savings or expenses. One simple step could be for parents
to start by teaching young children how to manage their pocket money and, as their child
grows up, expand into more serious household expenses. Secondly, schools should
incorporate life skills into their curriculum for final year students. In this way, children will
be able to learn in a supportive environment how their finances need to be budgeted and
managed to avoid debt problems later in life.
In conclusion, young people lack financial management skills due to the negligence of
parents and schools, which can only be solved if both take more responsibility for
equipping school leavers with the right skills.
(289 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 32
Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a
successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after
school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

38
When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue
their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I
would argue that it is better to go to college or university.
The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young
people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become
independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of
their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies,
may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn
practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a
successful career.
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies.
Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is
impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As
a result, university graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they
tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market
is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants
for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications from a
university or college will not be able to compete.
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be
successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.
(271 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 33
Some people think that schools should reward students who show the best
academic results, while others believe that it is more important to reward students
who show improvements. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Educationists have long used rewards as an important motivational technique to keep

students enthusiastic with studying. While some people think that students with
improvements deserve a reward, I firmly believe top students are more rewardable.
Advocates of the idea of rewarding according to improvements can base their argument
upon the foundation of utilitarian beliefs. Compared to the small quantity of high-
achievers at school, the number of average students is massive, and the improvements of
the majority must be ensured. Given this rewarding scheme, average students, who are
often demotivated by the idea that top positions are always beyond their reach, are

39
properly targeted. With a little reward at each step, these students’ inclination for study is
maintained, and their scores may increase accordingly.
However, I side with those who believe only excellent students should be rewarded. While
improvement in academic results can be gained by determination in the short term, the
pursuit of academic excellence requires sustainable efforts throughout the whole course
of studying. It is therefore rational and fair to reward the best students, the ones who have
devoted the most to study. In addition, this rewarding method reflects the exact reality
when a student enters the labour market, where the finest job offers are only available to
those who excel in what they do. All the students, including the average ones,
acknowledging this, are motivated to endeavour to achieve higher academically.
The discussion of rewarding policies based on either improvements or outstanding study

records shows clear and convincing evidence that it is more appropriate to reward first-
class students.
(260 words)
Source: IPP
MODEL ESSAY 34
Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay
taxes that support the state education system. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need
to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this
view.
For a variety of reasons, it would be wrong to reduce taxes for families who pay for private
education. Firstly, it would be difficult to calculate the correct amount of tax reduction for
these families, and staff would be required to manage this complex process. Secondly, we
all pay a certain amount of tax for public services that we may not use. For example, most
people are fortunate enough not to have to call the police or fire brigade at any time in
their lives, but they would not expect a tax reduction for this. Finally, if wealthy families
were given a tax discount for sending their children to private schools, we might have a
situation where poorer people pay higher taxes than the rich.
In my opinion, we should all be happy to pay our share of the money that supports public
schools. It is beneficial for all members of society to have a high-quality education system
with equal opportunities for all young people. This will result in a well-educated workforce,
and in turn a more productive and prosperous nation. Parents of children in private
schools may also see the advantages of this in their own lives. For example, a company

40
owner will need well qualified and competent staff, and a well-funded education system
can provide such employees.
In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people
who choose private education.
(269 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 35
Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people,
while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views
and give your own opinion.
People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion,
museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.
On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain.
Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting
objects that many people will want to see. The average visitor may become bored if he or
she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so museums often put more
of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This type of museum is designed to
be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part of its
exhibitions.
On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim
of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know.
Usually this means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained,
and this can be done in various ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk
to their visitors, while other museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed
commentary about the exhibition. In this way, museums can play an important role in
teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life.
In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting,

enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something
at the same time.
(253 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 36
(same topic)

41
MODEL ESSAY 37
(tham khảo)
Some people think that it is parents who are responsible for teaching children to be
good members of society. However, some people believe that it is the responsibility
of schools and teachers. Who is responsibility do you believe it is?
Teaching children to become good members of society is extremely important because

children will become adults that influence our society in future. Initially, the responsibility
for teaching children falls primarily on parents as they spend a great deal of time with
children and are important role models. As children grow older and attend school the
influence of parents diminishes and schools become an important part of children’s
learning not just in academic areas, but also in social behaviour. In this essay, the role of
parents and teachers in teaching children will be discussed.

42
The influence of parents on their children should not be underestimated. Children spend
the first years of their life almost exclusively with parents and therefore parents have a
profound influence on the development of children. Throughout our lives people learn
mostly by observing and listening to others,
so time spent with a child and influence are dependent. This teaching extends across
many areas including basic manners, showing respect and care for others, teaching culture
and convention and teaching skills including those that are not taught in schools but are
essential to succeeding in society such as managing time, personal finances, using tools
and even driving cars. Although the influence of parents diminishes over time (this is a
good thing as children must eventually become independent) it is profound and is
reflected in the fact that people can often see mannerisms and behaviours in themselves
that they observe in their parents or children.
Teachers also play an important role in teaching children because children also spend
many hours in the care of teachers. The role of teaching children extends far beyond
teaching them subject material because school is the beginning of independence and
teachers guide students through that process. School can be viewed as a small society,
where students must navigate relationships without the oversight of parents, and
teachers, other students and the school environment support this process. A key part of
schooling is that students are not just exposed to their parents but many teachers with
different experiences and views and this helps children broaden their worldview and
become better members of society. The influence of teachers can be measured by the
large number of people who can reflect upon their school days and remember a teacher
who helped change their lives for the better.
In summary, although in most cases parents exert the greatest influence on children in
becoming good members of society, teachers also play an extremely important role. In
fact, it is the responsibility of all members of society to support the learning and care of
children as they represent our future.
(438 words)
Source: Smart Bruce
MODEL ESSAY 38
(tham khảo)
In developing countries, some people believe that governments should give people
access to new technology in order to improve their lives, while others think
governments should offer free education. Discuss both ideas and give your own
opinion.

43
Developing countries have many challenges that make it difficult to improve the quality
of people’s lives. Probably the largest barrier to improving the quality of people’s lives is
the political and legal systems in developing countries. Only if fair political and legal
systems are in place will governments focus on improving people’s quality of life through
education and technology because this will ensure that money is used to benefit the
country rather than those in power. In this essay the methods of assisting countries will
be discussed.
One of the major problems facing developing countries is their political and legal system.
The political system in these countries is often above the law resulting in leaders being
unaccountable for their actions. As a consequence, leaders of developing countries are
often corrupt and use the countries money to build their personal wealth rather than assist
the population. This problem is widespread and leaders in countries as diverse as Libya,
Zimbabwe and the Philippines all have current or previous leaders that have made
themselves exceptionally wealthy at the expense of the wellbeing of their citizens.
Corruption also limits the aid that can be provided from outside the country by
governments and individuals as there is a risk that any money that is provided will
ultimately finish up in the hands of the countries’ leaders and not benefit the general
population.
If issues of corruption can be overcome then education is one of the best methods of
improving the economic situation of a country as well as the wellbeing of a country’s
citizens. Education not only gives people access to information but also helps develop
thinking and creativity allowing people in poorer countries to develop better solutions to
their problems and more efficient methods of producing goods. There are also further
benefits in that people’s lives are generally improved by education because through
education people generally become more tolerant, have access to ideas through books
and learn to better appreciate the world.
In the initial stages of a country development, providing technology is an ineffective way

of developing countries as widespread use of technology is expensive and unaffordable.
It is only as a country develops through education and begins to become wealthier that
technology becomes available to many people.
In summary, a country’s political and legal systems are the most critical factors in ensuring
that it can develop. Once these are in place, money is much more likely to be spent on
education which can help countries to improve. As a country develops and becomes
wealthier, it will gradually be able to access better technology.
(431 words)
Source: Smart Bruce

44
ENVIRONMENT
MODEL ESSAY 1
The world’s air pollution levels are rising year on year. Discuss what you feel are
the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
The growing level of airborne pollutants has proven to be a major obstacle for humanity
in the 21st century. To address this issue, encouraging popular understanding is a
paramount first step. This essay will examine the major causes and effects of atmospheric
pollution.
Firstly, the greatest causes of airborne pollution growth today come as a result of both
progression in the developing world and wastage in the developed world. For example,
as the affluence of over 2 billion Indian and Chinese people continues to grow, sales of
pollution-causing vehicles will move in tandem. As this phenomenon compounds with the
tremendous levels of pollution already coming out of the developed world, a recipe for
unshrinking levels of air pollution can be seen. Thus, demand for petrol vehicles in the
developing world and resource wastage in the developed world can be concluded today’s
greatest causes of airborne pollutants.
The effects of these airborne pollutants tend to manifest themselves as health issues. For
instance, it is estimated that a larger percentage of children have asthma today than ever
before in human history. To make matters worse, scientists are now finding air pollution
can cause abnormal foodstuffs growth among farming populations the world over, and
consumption of these foods has been linked to cancer. Thus, growing asthma and cancer
rates are the most chilling effects of the world’s rising air pollution.
Following this look, unfortunate trends in the developed and developing worlds are
inciting swelling numbers of asthma and cancer sufferers. These are considered to be the
most significant causes and effects of the planet’s air pollution levels. Thus, controlling
byproducts of human activity has to become central to humanity’s collective strategy for
the 21st century.
(282 words)
MODEL ESSAY 2
The world is heavily dependent on oil for energy, which is unsustainable due to
global warming. What future resource do you think will take oil’s place? Why do
you think this?
Most would agree that oil will not remain the world’s main energy source indefinitely.
With major breakthroughs in humanity’s ability to harvest power from the sun, it is argued
that solar power will one day become a cheaper and healthier alternative to petrol. This
45
will be shown viable by looking at how the price of solar energy per watt has almost
decreased to that of oil and how companies producing solar technology have specialized
their skill.
Firstly, the power of energy produced by oil is almost equal to that of energy produced
by solar wafers. For example, a recent study published in Scientific America magazine
predicted that the rising price of oil energy and the falling price of solar energy would
meet in 2020. What this means is that from 2020 onwards, it would be more economical
for a person to fuel their car using solar energy than it would using oil. As people are
driven by price, it is clear how solar energy will take the place of oil as humanity’s next
major energy resource.
Secondly, as solar technology develops it is becoming a much more versatile energy

producer. For instance, traditional solar panels were large, square boards that had to be
facing the sun directly to produce energy. Today, solar collectors come in all shapes and
can be contoured to fit a range of product designs, from the rounded exterior of a car to
the back of an iPhone. This flexibility is yet another reason that illustrates why solar energy
is fit to take over oil as the world’s top energy source.
After looking at both its increasingly competitive price and versatility, it is clear why solar
power will replace oil. For the sake of the world’s health, it is hoped this transfer happens
sooner rather than later.
(300 words)
MODEL ESSAY 3
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What
can governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?
Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take
steps to reduce the damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss
environmental problems and the measures that governments and individuals can take to
address these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions
from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have
a devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human population increases, we
are also producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and
pollutes rivers and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could
introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable

46
energy from solar, wind or water power. They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers
and airline companies. In this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport
and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.
Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment.
They can take public transport rather than driving, choose products with less packaging,
and recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for
shoppers as well as ‘banks’ for recycling glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By
reusing and recycling, we can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking
after the environment.
(250 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 4
Describe some of the problems overreliance on cars can cause and suggest a
possible solution.
In the modern world, humanity’s reliance on motorized vehicles has reached levels never
seen before in history. With the rise of the developing world, these numbers are only
going to continue to swell. It is felt that pollution and the draining of world resources are
the most serious problems caused by this trend. Carpooling will be argued a feasible
response to these challenges.
Firstly, pollution and the reduction of natural resources are major problems caused by
human overreliance on cars. For example, the world’s collective car exhaust has now
dissolved the ozone and raised temperatures so much that certain island nations like the
Kiribati may cease to exist. In addition to this, a statistic was recently released stating that
there simply is not enough steel in the world to build cars for all of China and India’s
adults. As these examples show, if humanity’s consumption of cars is not curbed, it will
have extreme repercussions on both pollution and natural resource levels. Thus,
something must be done to stop this development.
A suggested solution to the above is carpooling. In many Western countries, for example,
reserved lanes make the practice of carpooling attractive, and this has had substantial
effects on the levels of exhaust pumped into the atmosphere every day. Thanks to
carpooling, it is estimated that car fumes are almost 10% lower today than 5 years ago in
countries like the UK and Canada. As this shows, carpooling could be a plausible solution
to humanity’s overdependence on motorized vehicles.

47
Following this look at the challenges and potential solutions to this topic, it is clear that
something has to be done in order to reduce the world’s reliance on motor vehicles. It is
thus hoped carpooling lanes are introduced in all big cities the world over.
(296 words)
MODEL ESSAY 5
Pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect
the environment. What are the possible causes of water pollution, and what effects
does this have on animal life and human society?
Water contamination is a serious form of pollution, and one that can be challenging to
rectify. There seem to be two main causes involved, and a variety of damaging effects on
people and the biosphere, which we will discuss here.
Probably the main factor is the issue of emissions from cars, factories and other human
activities. These emissions contain damaging pollutant particles which can contaminate
rainwater run-off and thus enter the water cycle, by transferring through the water table
into aquifers, streams and rivers. Filtration and processing are not really viable options for
such large volumes of water, and so the water table remains tainted with these elements
over long periods, as we see in Eastern Europe today. In situations where soil erosion and
logging have already damaged the local environment, the accumulation can be very
serious. The other major cause is accidental or deliberate dumping of waste products in
places outside of controlled landfills or waste processing centres. Even small amounts of
abandoned waste can enter water supplies through the ground, often undetected.
The effects on animal life can be severe, especially for species which are already
endangered by such threats as poaching, habitat loss and food chain disruption.
Contaminated water can lead to dwindling numbers or even potential extinction, as may
indeed happen to the Asian tiger populations. The impact on human society can also be
distressing, including the poisoning of drinking water, famine or drought due to lack of
safe irrigation, and long-term loss of land as we see, for example, after the Bhopal
poisoning catastrophe in India. Such effects tend to have an especially grave impact on
the very poorest in society, with the least resources to counter the environmental effects.
Overall, we see that emissions and dumping are the main origins of the problem, and that
the effects on both humans and animals are exacerbated by the existing environmental,
criminal or social problems.
(316 words)

48
MODEL ESSAY 6
There are many extinct animals’ species in the world. Some people think we should
protect animals from dying out, while others believe we should spend more time on
problems of human beings. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
The rate of extinction is now greater than at almost any point in history and this is
important not just for the species that are dying out, but also impacts humans. The loss
of species not only reduces the understanding, diversity and beauty of the planet, but also
has the potential to create an unstable ecological environment. In addition, there is no
reason environmental problems cannot be addressed alongside other human problems.
In this essay the importance of protecting animal species will be discussed.
It is important to protect animal and plant species from dying out due to human activity
as their loss means that the genetic history of that species will be lost along with the
opportunity to study and understand the world better. In addition, the world would be a
far less interesting and beautiful place without the many now endangered species such
as giant pandas, tigers and polar bears.
Of even greater concern is that the loss of species creates the risk of creating an ecological
environment that is unstable, with a small number of species dominating the planet as
they become free from predators leading to an environment that lacks genetic diversity
and becomes vulnerable to diseases or natural disasters. In addition, the lack of diversity
could slow the recovery from such disasters.
Although, there are many other human problems in the world to be solved including,
poverty, political instability, wars and pollution, people should not ignore environmental
issues. It is possible for societies to attempt to address many problems simultaneously
and all issues that threaten the long-term stability of the planet should be addressed
urgently.
In summary, maintaining the diversity of the planet is critical for human survival and
should be dealt with along with many other important problems.
(294 words)
Source: Smart Bruce
MODEL ESSAY 7
The unlimited use of cars may cause many problems. What are those problems? In
order to reduce the problems, should we discourage people to use cars?
Having a car has become an essential part of many people’s lives. It offers flexibility to
their life and work, and also provides ready access to a variety of services and leisure
options. However, a range of problems have been identified and need to be addressed.

49
The problems associated with frequent car use are becoming increasingly familiar to the
general public. The widespread use of cars has real environmental costs. Vehicles are
major sources of urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is reported that
road traffic is the source of one third of all harmful air pollution in the world. Car exhaust
contributes to acid rain, carbon dioxide and lead, which cause global warming and
damage human health. Traffic jam is another problem. As more and more people drive to
work rather than walk, cycle or take public transport, there are heavy traffic jams almost
everyday at rush hours. The most serious problem, however, is safety. Car accidents cause
huge numbers of casualties every year.
To solve these problems, some people suggest that the government should impose a
strict restriction on the use or cars, but I do not think this is the best option, because this
would lead to reduced mobility for people and a decline in the car industry. I think a better
solution would be for car manufacturers to design more environmentally friendly cars.
which run on solar power or hydrogen. Also, traffic problems can be alleviated by building
more underground tunnels and parking garages, and safety problems can be avoided by
educating drivers as well as pedestrians to use greater caution on the road.
So, in conclusion, I think that while discouraging the car use might seem a quick solution
to many problems currently facing the society, it is most unlikely to be a permanent cure.
(303 words)
MODEL ESSAY 8
People generally know that the environment is important. However, most
individuals still don't take responsibility to protect the environment. Why is this?
what should be done to encourage people to protect the environment?
Humans have been damaging the environment ever since we realised our power to
harness nature. Global warming and air pollution are now frequent headlines on TV and
in the newspapers all over the world, which keep reminding us of our obligation to protect
the environment. However, few actions are actually being taken at the individual level,
and I think there are two major reasons why people are being so indifferent.
The first reason is that many people consider the environmental problems as a future
concern. Environmental reports often warn us of the dire consequences of climate change
or energy crisis 100 or 200 years later. As a result, many people feel that money and time
are better spent on solving more immediate problems such as housing shortage and
traffic congestion than on preventing a disaster that is only predicted to happen in the
future. Also, people feel that the environmental problems are too complex for individual

50
people to cope with. Indeed, a combination of factors causes environmental problems,

many of which are impossible to be controlled through individual actions.
The above attitudes are understandable but are obviously mistaken, so the government
needs to take proactive measures to make people more environmentally responsible.
They can make more public service advertisements to encourage people to consume
more green products instead of disposable goods that are harmful to the environment.
They can also offer more incentives to people who are have been active in cleaning up
the neighborhood or severely punish those who have been unfriendly to the environment.
There is always a dilemma between environment and development, but as and individual,
we can do something to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the
environment. Certainly, we do not want to see the Earth turn into an uninhabitable planet.
(289 words)
MODEL ESSAY 9
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are used in many countries. The use of
alternative sources of energy, including wind and solar power is encouraged. Is this
trend a positive or negative development?
I think that the use of alternative sources of energy (also known in some cases as ‘green’
energy) is a positive trend of development, and indeed their use should be encouraged
further. As the demand for energy worldwide is increasing, especially in developing
countries, the strains on the existing and already limited resources also increase. To solve
this problem, we must consider two issues: how to better use the existing, limited fossil
fuel resources and how we can encourage the use of alternative energy sources.
It is universally acknowledged that there is a limitation on the use of fossil fuels, especially
coal and oil. Some countries are rich in oil deposits like OPEC, whereas China completely
dependent on the import of resources. For all countries – resource rich versus resource
poor, alternative energy should be encouraged and utilizes to reduce the dependence on
fossil fuels ads well as to keep the global environment in balance and ‘healthy’.
The only way is to turn to other sources to get energy supply. Wind power and solar power
are at present feasible alternatives. France is one country which has the advanced
technology needed to produce extremely efficient solar panels to store energy from the
sun. both kinds of power can reduce a country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore,
they do not pollute the environment and in turn help keep the ecosystem stable.
While fossil fuel resources are diminishing, the demand for energy continues to increase
year on year. It is a positive trend to develop other alternatives to replace these traditional

51
energy resources. Experiences should be shared and promoted, technology shared and
exchanged to limit or even reduce the greenhouse effect. If this switch to alternative
energy is encouraged early, then we may yet avoid the pending energy crisis.
(314 words)
Source: High scoring
MODEL ESSAY 10
(tham khảo)
The environment problems facing today’s world are so great that there is little
ordinary people can do to improve the situation. Governments and large companies
should be responsible for reducing the amount of damage being done to the
environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
To begin with, individual awareness of the natural law of cause and effect must be
nurtured. All levels of education, especially primary and secondary schools, can be a good
starting point to develop the realization that whatever we do to the environment, it will
return to ourselves. Moreover, the mass media are also responsible for raising the public’s
ecological consciousness. Instead of persuading people to buy those new products that
only serve to fuel the existing environmental problems, one of their unavoidable
obligations is to instill the urgent need of taking care of our natural environment into the
psyche of each and every member of our planet.
It is undeniable that serious actions are being taken. In fact, restrictions are being placed
on emissions of pollutants, and new environmentally friendly sources of energy for motor
vehicles are being developed. Moreover, vast tracts of land are allocated for wildlife
conservation, and many endangered species have been spared the fate of extinction.
Nevertheless, it is also a well-known fact that the pace of damage to the environment far
outstrips our conservation efforts. Unless all citizens of the world are fully aware of the
gravity of the situation, ecological degradation, which is happening in their counties, can
never be halted. All too often, we tend to expect our scientists, engineers and
governments to solve the environmental problems while, in the meantime, factories and
households are dumping millions of litres of toxic wastes into rivers, lakes and oceans.
Similarly, fancy private vehicles are being crazily purchased, emitting billions of tons of
car exhaust into the atmosphere and aggravating the greenhouse effect.
Given this argument, it is reasonable to conclude that if every member of the society is
aware of the relationships between humans and the nature and stops their destructive
behavior, the ecological strain on earth can relieved and the benefits to all nations are
enormous.

52
(314 words)
Source: High scoring
MODEL ESSAY 11
Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way
to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Climate change represents a major threat to life on Earth, but some people argue that we
need to accept it rather than try to stop it. I completely disagree with this opinion, because
I believe that we still have time to tackle this issue and reduce the human impact on the
Earth's climate.
There are various measures that governments and individuals could take to prevent, or at
least mitigate, climate change. Governments could introduce laws to limit the carbon
dioxide emissions that lead to global warming. They could impose “green taxes” on
drivers, airline companies and other polluters, and they could invest in renewable energy
production from solar, wind or water power. As individuals, we should also try to limit our
contribution to climate change, by becoming more energy efficient, by flying less, and by
using bicycles and public transport. Furthermore, the public can affect the actions of
governments by voting for politicians who propose to tackle climate change, rather than
for those who would prefer to ignore it.
If instead of taking the above measures we simply try to live with climate change, I believe
that the consequences will be disastrous. To give just one example, I am not optimistic
that we would be able to cope with even a small rise in sea levels. Millions of people would
be displaced by flooding, particularly in countries that do not have the means to safeguard
low-lying areas. These people would lose their homes and their jobs, and they would be
forced to migrate to nearby cities or perhaps to other countries. The potential for human
suffering would be huge, and it is likely that we would see outbreaks of disease and
famine, as well as increased homelessness and poverty.
In conclusion, it is clear to me that we must address the problem of climate change, and
I disagree with those who argue that we can find ways to live with it.
(322 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 12
Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution
problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you
think might be effective?

53
There is no doubt that traffic and pollution from vehicles have become huge problems,
both in cities and on motorways everywhere. Solving these problems is likely to need
more than a simple rise in the price of petrol.
While it is undeniable that private car use is one of the main causes of the increase in
traffic and pollution, higher fuel costs are unlikely to limit the number of drivers for long.
As this policy would also affect the cost of public transport, it would be very unpopular
with everyone who needs to travel on the roads. But there are various other measures
that could be implemented that would have a huge effect on these problems.
I think to tackle the problem of pollution, cleaner fuels need to be developed. The
technology is already available to produce electric cars that would be both quieter and
cleaner to use. Persuading manufacturers and travellers to adopt this new technology
would be a more effective strategy for improving air quality, especially in cities.
However, traffic congestion will not be solved by changing the type of private vehicle
people can use. To do this, we need to improve the choice of public transport services
available to travellers. For example, if sufficient sky trains and underground train systems
were built and effectively maintained in our major cities, then traffic on the roads would
be dramatically reduced. Long—distance train and coach services should be made
attractive and affordable alternatives to driving your own car for long journeys.
In conclusion, I think that long-term traffic and pollution reductions would depend on
educating the public to use public transport more, and on governments using public
money to construct and run efficient systems.
(285 words)
SourceL Cambridge IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 13
Some people think that the amount of noise people makes have to be controlled
strictly, others say that people are free to make as much as they wish. Discuss both
sides and give your opinion.
People have different views about whether noise should be limited. While some
individuals believe the level of noise being created should be strictly controlled, I would
argue that people should have the right to produce noise if they want to.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why the government should control the
amount of noise produced. The first reason is that too much noise can significantly affect
people’s health. Living in a place that is too noisy can cause problems such as headaches,
which can decrease the health levels of people, especially old ones. Additionally, noise

54
can disturb people’s work or study. For example, a university student will not be able to
concentrate on his preparation for exams if his neighbours keep singing too loud.
However, I believe people should be allowed make as much noise as they want because
of some reasons. Firstly, producing noise is sometimes considered a type of recreational
activities. For instance, singing or cheering for a football club can be relaxing, and
everyone has the right to do those things. Secondly, as the world is becoming more
modern, people have found ways to deal with the problem of noise. Scientists have
invented walls and windows that can block out the noise, which allows individuals to focus
on their work without being disturbed. Therefore, the problem of noise can be reduced
and there is no need for people to keep quiet.
In conclusion, while many people believe there should be controls about noise, I believe
we have the right to create noise when we want to.
(262 words)
Source: IELTS materials
MODEL ESSAY 14
(same topic)
People hold different views about whether people should have the freedom to produce
noise or comply with some regulations of it. In my view, it is important that noise making
be put under control.
On the one hand, it is understandable why some people believe in their rights to generate
noise freely. As people these days often have to suffer from considerable stress at work
or school, they tend to find an effective way to relieve it. In some cases, recreational
activities such as karaoke singing or party holding can bring a certain amount of
relaxation, mitigating stressful situations for everyone. If too strictly imposed, any
restriction of noise may deter people from gaining access to one of the useful methods
of relaxing.
However, I can understand the arguments against noise makers. Firstly, excessive levels
of noise can cause serious disturbance to the nearby residents who also have the rights
to take a proper rest after a tiring day. Those who are affected by the loud sounds from
their neighbours may not only be unable to relax but also have their levels of discomfort
increased. In the long term, this will definitely have a negative impact on their quality of
life. Another reason for this opinion is that too much noise can produce detrimental
effects on the health of the unintentional hearers. For example, constant exposure to high
pitch noise can result in auditory problems, for example hearing loss. Hearing-impaired
individuals are very likely to experience difficulty in their daily life.

55
In conclusion, although there are good reasons why people should be allowed to make
as much noise as they wish, in my opinion some appropriate controls are necessary.
(279 words)
Source: Bao Nguyen
GLOBALISATION
MODEL ESSAY 1
Some people believe that development of business results in a loss of cultural ties
between countries. Other people contradict this belief. Give your opinion.
The development of business, according to some, has had a negative impact on cultural
ties between countries. I do not agree with this as international business can often
encourage cultural ties and does not impact on existing ones.
Firstly, international business has resulted in new relationships between countries that
previously had little contact. Consequently, products from countries all around the world
become available to the everyday person which raises their awareness of these countries.
As awareness between countries grows, so too does cultural respect and interest. For this
reason, there are more people travelling abroad today to experience new cultures than
ever before. One good example of this is the long-lasting cultural interest between China
and Europe which was initially brought about by the silk trade.
Another point to consider is that cultural ties that already exist between countries are not
necessarily disturbed by business. Most cultural ties have actually been established due
to the development of transportation which has enabled people to travel further distances
from their homes. For decades, if not centuries, the British were known to travel to France
and even as far as Egypt to enjoy warmer climates as well as to appreciate their culture.
Regardless of business or business problems which came later, these cultural ties continue
to exist today. In other words, although business may throw a spanner in the works with
regards to international relationships from time to time, it cannot undo the deep cultural
connections between these countries that have evolved and been enjoyed over time.
To conclude, business mostly certainly does not cause a loss of cultural ties between
countries and can, in fact, be the root of establishing new ones.
(280 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 2
As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. Do you agree
or disagree?

56
People have different views about what kinds of obligation a company should have. While
I accept that the top priority of companies is to generate profits, I believe they should also
have social responsibilities.
On the one hand, I believe businesses already contribute to society by simply focusing on
making money. The first reason is that when companies earn much profits, they can
expand their businesses, which creates more job opportunities for people. Some big
multinational corporations such as Apple or Microsoft can be a great illustration. They
have been employing hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world, which helps
to reduce unemployment rates in many countries. Additionally, when companies make
higher profits, they will pay more taxes for the government. This money can be used to
invest in important fields such as education or health care, which will benefit society as a
whole.
On the other hand, I would argue that apart from making money, companies also need
to have social responsibilities. Firstly, since the rising number of factories these days has
led to serious environmental damage, companies need to take immediate actions to help
protect the natural environment. For example, they could try new technologies to recycle
their wastes instead of disposing of them right away. Secondly, corporations should also
consider helping those who are less fortunate such as homeless or disabled citizens. This
will contribute to better society and also help to enhance the image of the company or
the brand.
In conclusion, although companies should prioritise the need to make profits, I believe
they should also have social responsibilities.
(264 words)
Source: Quang Thang
MODEL ESSAY 3
(same topic)
Businesses have always sought to make a profit, but it is becoming increasingly common
to hear people talk about the social obligations that companies have. I completely agree
with the idea that businesses should do more for society than simply make money.
On the one hand, I accept that businesses must make money in order to survive in a
competitive world. It seems logical that the priority of any company should be to cover
its running costs, such as employees’ wages and payments for buildings and utilities. On
top of these costs, companies also need to invest in improvements and innovations if they
wish to remain successful. If a company is unable to pay its bills or meet the changing

57
needs of customers, any concerns about social responsibilities become irrelevant. In other
words, a company can only make a positive contribution to society if it is in good financial
health.
On the other hand, companies should not be run with the sole aim of maximising profit;
they have a wider role to play in society. One social obligation that owners and managers
have is to treat their employees well, rather than exploiting them. For example, they could
pay a “living wage” to ensure that workers have a good quality of life. I also like the idea
that businesses could use a proportion of their profits to support local charities,
environmental projects or education initiatives. Finally, instead of trying to minimise their
tax payments by using accounting loopholes, I believe that company bosses should be
happy to contribute to society through the tax system.
In conclusion, I believe that companies should place as much importance on their social
responsibilities as they do on their financial objectives.
(285 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 4
People in the community can buy cheaper products nowadays. Do advantages
outweigh disadvantages?
The development of technology combined with living in the city gives people the chance
to purchase products at cheaper prices. While I agree that this opportunity is
advantageous to some extent, I am seriously concerned that the drawbacks it brings can
be detrimental to the living society.
It is understandable that being able to buy cheaper product is substantially beneficial.

Saving money is probably the first and foremost merit of this trend. Instead of spending
a significant amount of monthly expenditure on clothes or basic necessities as they used
to do in the previous years, consumers can now spare a larger proportion of their budget
on important needs including better education and nutrition. In addition, the availability
of low-priced products grants consumers more spending choices and boost overall
consumption. Since products become more affordable and accessible, even low-income
people now can purchase a certain range of consumer goods to satisfy their different
needs. Thanks to this, people from all walks of life can enjoy sufficient living without
paying much.
However, I strongly believe that purchasing cheaper goods has its downsides which seem
overshadow the benefits. Firstly, health threats to consumers and workers are two major
problems of this trend. To save costs, manufactures may accept the usage of unsafe cheap
chemicals and low-quality ingredients which undoubtedly affect customers’ health.

58
Moreover, mass production is also associated with worker exploitation and international
outsourcing systems that render poor countries labour-intensive. Thirdly, cost-
effectiveness of this practice is not guaranteed since products of lower prices usually come
with short shelf life and low quality. Therefore, in certain cases, customers may not save
money but also have to spend more than they should have to fix or to purchase new
products.
In conclusion, people’s access to cheaper products has its own good sides. However, the
shortcomings are more remarkable that they should be taken into serious consideration.
(311 words)
Source: IPP
MODEL ESSAY 5
(same topic)
At the contemporary market, buyers have a wider range of choices for more affordable
commodities. Although some benefits can be seen from the phenomenon, the drawbacks
are more significant.
The provision of cheaper goods presents several advantages. Regarding individual

economical merits, customers now can enjoy inexpensive purchases of diverse types of
goods, which is particularly favorable for the households with limited incomes. On the
societal level, the affordability of consumer products promotes people’s purchasing
power, which contributes to the development of the economy. It is common knowledge
that the market’s demand for products increases when commodities’ exorbitant prices are
reduced. Therefore, people will be attracted to buying these products on a large scale,
fostering the general prosperity of a country’s economy.
However, those advantages above still cannot overshadow the disadvantages. As the
goods’ prices are inexpensive and the quantity is huge to satisfy the market’s need, yet
businesses still have to balance their capital and generate more profit, the quality of
commodities might be taken for granted. In the long term, without qualibaty products,
customers will gradually lose their trust in those products’ manufacturers, which directly
jeopardizes the economy. Another repercussion worth mentioning is that the
environment may suffer. In order to meet the enormous demand from buyers, companies
have to expand their factories and accelerate their production process, which causes much
harm to the surrounding due to their toxic waste and exhaust.
In conclusion, the benefits of cheapening modern goods should not be overrated as the
disadvantages are greater.
(250 words)

59
Source: Zim
MODEL ESSAY 6
Some people work for the same organization all their working life. Others think
that it is better to work for different organizations. Discuss both these views and
give your own opinion.
MODEL ESSAY 7
(same topic)

60
MODEL ESSAY 8
Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small
numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money
on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can
be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that
these languages should be protected and preserved.
There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of
money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive
education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it, and the

61
state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This money might be better
spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for
countries to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to
communicating with each minority group.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve
languages that are less widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of
communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak
it. If a language disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the
rich cultural diversity that makes societies more interesting. By spending money to protect
minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours
that are part of a country’s history.
In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to
disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our
cultural heritage.
(258 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 9
The government and individuals are spending too much money on national
celebrations like new year or festivals. Do you agree or disagree?
People have different views about whether public expenditure on national occasions such
as new year or festivals is too much nowadays. While I agree that governments and
individuals are spending a significant amount of money on those celebrations, I would
argue that this activity is necessary and therefore can be considered acceptable.
It is true that a large amount of money is currently spent on some important celebrations
of a country. Firstly, governments are spending a proportion of their budget on holding
events to celebrate these occasions. For example, much money is being paid for fireworks
on New Year's eve in many countries around the world. Secondly, individuals also spend
money to have celebrations and parties with their families, which is a common habit in
many areas. For instance, my parents and I often have a special dinner on the final day of
every year.
However, I believe there are great benefits of public spending on national celebrations,
and therefore it is completely justifiable. The first advantage is that this is a great way to
preserve the culture of a nation. To illustrate, Lunar New Year is an important part of the
Vietnamese culture, and holding celebrations for this occasion is necessary to remind
younger generations of this tradition. Additionally, since these occasions are usually the
only times for family members to have time and enjoy together, it is understandable that

62
people would want to spend money on something that makes them happy. Finally, as
there are only a few national celebrations in a year, the amount of money spent on those
days is unlikely to be too much.
In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that people and governments are spending too
much money on national occasions.
(288 words)
Source: Quang Thắng
MODEL ESSAY 10
(tham khảo)
Public celebrations (national days, festivals) are held in many countries. Some
people say that these celebrations are a waste of money and we should spend
money on more important things. Do you agree or disagree? Give your reasons and
examples according to your knowledge and experience.
Festivals are at a commonplace in every parts of the world. There are, however, some
individuals are in opinion that there are more important things than this where money
should be spent. Although, this view may prove valid in certain situation, it should not be
fully supported.
There are a number of significant benefits what a nation or whole world achieve by
celebrating national events or festivals. Cultural integration is a fundamental advantage
that a festival can offer. A good demonstration of this can be, whenever there is a
celebration of any festival taking place in a nation, people from all background comes
together in harmony. As a result of this, celebration of festival eliminates the boundaries
between communities. National days, in addition, remind us about our tradition.
Celebration of new years, for instance, in different countries of the world exhilarates
cultural values among the citizens of those nations.
There are, on the other hand, a number of reasons which are strongly opposing the above
view. The first valid reason is poor and hungry people. While government authorities are
injecting millions of dollars to celebrating various events, they are ignoring those who are
malnourished due to deprivation of food. Countries like India and China are the good
example, where millions of dollars are spent to celebrate events where as millions of
people not able to sleep because of starvation. Illiteracy is also another valid argument.
There is a huge gap between poor and rich when to comes to acquire education. Poorly
people may not able to read or write, but they know how to count their sorrows. Therefore,
investment by governments into education awareness can combat the issue of literacy.

63
After analyzing the above situation, it is not a good idea to completely eliminate the
celebrations of festivals from our day to day life as they are the link between past and
present. However, money should be equally spent in festivals and other important things
such as education, and food by which we can leave in harmonized world by remembering
past.
(341 words)
Source: Blog
MODEL ESSAY 11
Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals;
during festival periods, people nowadays only want to enjoy themselves. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some people argue that we no longer remember the original meaning of festivals, and
that most of us treat them as opportunities to have fun. While I agree that enjoyment
seems to be the priority during festival times, I do not agree that people have forgotten
what these festivals mean.
On the one hand, religious and traditional festivals have certainly become times for
celebration. In the UK, Christmas is a good example of a festival period when people are
most concerned with shopping, giving and receiving presents, decorating their homes
and enjoying traditional meals with their families. Most people look forward to Christmas
as a holiday period, rather than a time to practise religion. Similar behaviour can be seen
during non-religious festivals, such as Bonfire Night. People associate this occasion with
making fires, watching firework displays, and perhaps going to large events in local parks;
in other words, enjoyment is people’s primary goal.
However, I disagree with the idea that the underlying meaning of such festivals has been
forgotten. In UK primary schools, children learn in detail about the religious reasons for
celebrating Christmas, Easter and a variety of festivals in other religions. For example, in
late December, children sing Christmas songs which have a religious content, and they
may even perform nativity plays telling the story of Jesus’ birth. Families also play a role
in passing knowledge of religious festivals’ deeper significance on to the next generation.
The same is true for festivals that have a historical background, such as Bonfire Night or
Halloween, in the sense that people generally learn the stories behind these occasions at
an early age.
In conclusion, although people mainly want to enjoy themselves during festivals, I believe
that they are still aware of the reasons for these celebrations.
(296 words)
Source: Simon

64
MODEL ESSAY 12
In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than
traditional clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
In recent decades, Western clothes have gained in popularity in many countries, especially
developing ones. Although the trend appears to challenge the preservation of traditional
fashion of those countries, it brings more positive changes overall.
There are a number of reasons leading to that trend. First, thanks to globalization, citizens
of faraway countries are now able to purchase Western clothes without leaving the
country. In fact, they can even get better deals purchasing those imported clothes because
of increased competition in the apparel industry. Second, the increase in freedom of
choice in less developed countries over time has allowed citizens to choose what to wear
based more on personal preferences. For example, a citizen nowadays can wear what he
or she wants without having to take into account social approval on clothing, thereby
increasing the demand for Western apparels.
Even though the trend has received some criticisms over the years, it has positively
affected those countries at the other end. First, Western clothing brings more variety to
the existing market, giving customers more options to weigh their decisions. It is clear
that not all people wish to limit themselves to traditional costumes on all occasions. In
addition, by injecting Western fashion into the market, traditional clothing can, in fact,
stand out on special occasions such as New Year or Independent Day. If traditional clothes
were worn on a daily basis, their value will be diluted, making Western fashion appear
more special in the eyes of not only the citizens but also tourists.
In conclusion, the development should be embraced because of its overwhelming

advantages. It not only benefits the citizens in different ways but helps preserve the
traditional fashion as well.
(280 words)
Source: Kien Tran
MODEL ESSAY 13
(tham khảo)
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the
same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative
development?
It is said that countries are becoming similar to each other because of the global spread
of the same products, which are now available for purchase almost anywhere. I strongly

65
believe that this modern development is largely detrimental to culture and traditions
worldwide.
A country’s history, language and ethos are all inextricably bound up in its manufactured
artefacts. If the relentless advance of international brands into every corner of the world
continues, these bland packages might one day completely oust the traditional objects of
a nation, which would be a loss of richness and diversity in the world, as well as the sad
disappearance of the manifestations of a place’s character. What would a Japanese tea
ceremony be without its specially crafted teapot, or a Fijian kava ritual without its bowl
made from a certain type of tree bark?
Let us not forget either that traditional products, whether these be medicines, cosmetics,
toys, clothes, utensils or food, provide employment for local people. The spread of
multinational products can often bring in its wake a loss of jobs, as people turn to buying
the new brand, perhaps thinking it more glamorous than the one they are used to. This
eventually puts old-school craftspeople out of work.
Finally, tourism numbers may also be affected, as travellers become disillusioned with
finding every place just the same as the one they visited previously. To see the same
products in shops the world over is boring, and does not impel visitors to open their
wallets in the same way that trinkets or souvenirs unique to the particular area do.
Some may argue that all people are entitled to have access to the same products, but I
say that local objects suit local conditions best, and that faceless uniformity worldwide is
an unwelcome and dreary prospect.
(300 words)
MODEL ESSAY 14
(tham khảo)
Some people think that we should invent a new language for international
communication. Do the benefits of this outweigh the problems?
That the globalisation is gaining increasing momentum starts to exert a subtle impact on
the world languages. Evidently, the growing transnational business communication and
cultural exchange demands a new language to be created. Though efforts to promote an
international language had been severely thwarted previously – in the case of Esperanto,
the emergence of a new language for global communication is still staunchly supported
by the majority.
Linguistic scientists and experts have already publicly conceded the seemingly
insurmount-able obstacles in either human or machine translation. This could largely be

66
attributed to the intrinsic cultural aspects rooted in each language, which are, more often
than not, “conveniently” overlooked or neglected in the translation process, frequently
amounting to eventual communication breakdown. Besides, the tones and stresses with
which sentences are expressed are crucial verbal elements in delivery of meanings
intended by the speaker as well. Sometimes, a particular sentence could be interpreted in
different ways if the elements constituting the speech are varied even slightly. Therefore,
we could tentatively conclude that translation from one language to another might not
appear to be the best solution to resolve the problems arising from international
communication. A new language designed to fulfil similar purposes is required.
Some professionals are looking for alternative solutions and set their sight on English.
Unsurprisingly, English has risen to predominance and been widely accepted by the
general population as the main language medium for occasions like business conference,
chatting, owing much to the unsuccessful endeavour to popularise Esperanto. However,

one of the direct ethical issues that need to be addressed would have been the elimination
of a plethora of minority languages, as people from around the globe rushed to pick up
a foreign language. In addition, the job of translators and interpreters would also be much
simplified as the availability of a new international language could save the troubles of
learning many different languages.
Despite of the challenges involved in learning an entirely novel language, it is absolutely

a viable and effective approach in modern communication in the long run. What is in store
for us in the near future, if universal acceptance of a standard language could be achieved,
would be a world of seamless communication transcending barriers of all sorts.
(371 words)
MODEL ESSAY 15
(tham khảo)
Modern buildings change the character and appearance of towns and cities. The
government should insist that new buildings be built In traditional styles to protect
cultural identity.
Every country, every group of people has a unique culture whicli people often feel a strong
need to protect, to prevent it from changing or being damaged. However, that seems to
be a very boring idea of culture; culture is not like an endangered animal we need to keep
in zoos, but rather like a wild animal that we cannot control.
Culture is not dead but something alive and changing, and as we move forward and as
our culture changes, it is also good to look back to see where we have come from, and it

67
would be good if all society, not just the government, took an interest in preserving parts
of our history and culture. But does preserving mean we should stop doing new things?
No, it does not; new culture, new ways of doing things are important to have in a society.
New buildings should not be built in the old styles, but built using new designs to match
the new technology, new functions and new locations of buildings. What type of
Vietnamese traditional style should be used to build a stadium that can seat 40,000
people? Good architecture is a product of thinking about the function, the location and
the technology available.
We also need to question whether the things that were done in the past are the best that
we can do. Why were the buildings in the past seen as the best examples of Vietnamese
ideas, design and architecture? Why do we have to stop our own creativity while the
creativity of past builders is to be boringly followed? It sounds like a way to kill culture, to
kill ideas, to kill the talent of new people working in a new time.
Of course, it is good to keep some things from the past, to protect some buildings, to
remember our history, but not at the expense of our future.
(316 words)
MODEL ESSAY 16
(tham khảo)
Multicultural societies, in which there is a mixture of different ethnic peoples, bring

more benefits than drawbacks to a country. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Countries like the USA and Australia are modem multicultural societies; they have been
created by successive waves of immigration of peoples from other continents and
countries, as well as by the original inhabitants: Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central and South
America over several hundreds of years. The result is an exciting and rich blend of people,
cultures and lifestyles. However, these countries are not without their problems as can be
seen if you look at their history.
Countries and communities have probably always been multicultural; no two people are
the same; even friends have different preferences in clothes, sports teams, food and even
in beliefs, yet they manage to live and work together, to support each other, and to be
tolerant of their respective differences. Their friendship is probably richer, more
interesting and more rewarding as a result. Yet it is not always so; Genghis Khan fought
bitterly with his “blood brother” even though they had so much in common.

68
Life in a multicultural society is richer, the range of experiences available is more diverse,
yet it is only if each individual is able to accept difference that they can enjoy it. It is easy
to eat the grilled lamb kebabs of the people from Turkey on the streets, but it is harder
to accept their values, their culture or their religion.
We all live in multicultural societies; sometimes the going is easy, but sometimes we need
to listen to, to understand and to really empathise with the other people from the other
culture. Unfortunately, we are not always able to do it.
(263 words)
MODEL ESSAY 17
(tham khảo)
Some peopie think the increasing business and cultural contact between countries
brings many positive effects. Others say it causes the loss of national identities.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
The world today is characterised by the free flow of information and commodity. The
frequent interaction and growing interdependence among countries have ended the days
of regional isolation and absolute national sovereignty, but they have also sparked off
heated controversies over the positive and negative impacts that a global culture can
bring into our life.
Some people say that the widening international exchanges, both in the field of busi-ness
and culture, have exerted positive influences to a nation as well as its people. To begin
with, they promote business co-operation among nations. For example, large
multi-national companies spread the latest technologies and experience around the
world, and international trade has helped so many less developed economies grow. Also,
they enrich people’s lives because people of one nation are given opportunities through
international tourism, exhibitions and fairs, TV programmes and films, etc. to enjoy the
achievements of other cultures across the globe.
However, other people argue that these conditions also create the possible danger of
undermining a country’s national identity. In the first place, traditional cultures might fall
victim to a global media and entertainment force. This is most evident in some parts of
the world where “Americanisation” is threatening the preservation of their indigenous
culture. In Vietnam, for instance, few youngsters like or understand “Hue Court Music”,
the quintessence of Vietnamese culture; they go for Hollywood movies and rock music
instead. Moreover, in the process of globalisation, the world is getting less linguistically
diverse, as a growing number of people give up their native language for the dominant
language in the world – English.

69
From my point of view, both arguments are the true reflections of the possible
conse-quence of an increasing economic and cultural interaction among nations. It boosts
economic integration and speeds up modernisation but also creates tensions between a
global culture and a country’s national identity. Therefore, we should take the initiative in
fighting to protect our distinct culture and identity from being submerged by other
cultural or economic influences.
(332 words)
MODEL ESSAY 18
(tham khảo)
Nowadays, the traditions and customs relating to the food we eat and the way we
eat are changing. Why is it happening? Do you think this kind of change is positive
or negative?
The way we eat is indeed changing, and some of the traditions and customs that are
associated with food from the past are being lost. This change, as a consequence of the
society we are in, has both positive and negative impacts.
Our lives, unlike before, are becoming increasingly fast-paced, and we try to value the
little free time we have, rather than squandering it on time-consuming tasks such as the
preparing and the cooking of the family meal. In addition, people are increasingly aware
of the need to have a nutritious and healthy diet in order to stave off disease and illness
as well as to promote a longer and fuller life. Modern agribusiness has brought about a
fundamental change in the raising of dairy animals, poultry and crops, as well as the
customs, traditions and beliefs associated with agriculture. We no longer practise rituals
for bumper harvest, nor do we observe customs for the food we consume in such a serious
manner as before, except on some special occasions.
The positive side of this change is that we now eat much better than our ancestors; we all
have more access to more food and more kinds of food than at any time in history, which
has led to increased lifespan, health and general well-being, Furthermore, health food has
increased in popularity as increasing numbers of people think more seriously about their
physical well-being. The traditional ‘big breakfast’ has generally lost its appeal and is
usually replaced by something light, tasty and fresh. Dietary im-portance outstrips that of
customs which might be practised at the dining table.
However, on the negative side, ignorance on the awareness of some special foods has
also occurred. Some people, especially younger people, have little knowledge of some of
the traditions and customs that centre on the food offered on a special occasion or for a
special day. For example, in Vietnam, Banh Chung, which is a kind of glutinous rice

70
wrapped in banana leaves, is now consumed as an ordinary breakfast item rather than as
their cultural significance, commemorating the filial affection of a prince to his royal father
in an ancient Vietnamese legend.
The positive has emerged alongside with the negative from the changing ways we eat.
Humans will continue to change the food they eat and the ways in which that food is
prepared and eaten. However, the long-cherished and observed traditions should also be
passed down to the next generation as this ‘culinary culture’ is deeply rooted in a nation’s
heritage, culture and conventions.
(424 words)
MODEL ESSAY 19
(tham khảo)
When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die
out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this opinion?
Overall, I disagree with the opinion expressed, I would like to begin by pointing out that
‘traditional skills and ways of life’ are not automatically of one country, but of a culture or
community.
In many ways, the history of civilisation is the history of technology: from the discovery of
fire to the invention of the wheel to the development of the Internet we have been moving
on from previous ways of doing things. Some technologies, such as weapons of mass
destruction, are of negative impact. Others, such as medical advances, positively help
people to live better or longer, and so very much help traditional ways of life. Surely, few
people would seek to preserve such traditions as living in caves!
Interestingly, technology can positively contribute to the keeping alive of traditional skills
and ways of life. For example, the populations of some islands are too small to have
normal schools. Rather than breaking up families by sending children to the mainland,
education authorities have been able to use the Internet to deliver schooling online. In
addition, the Internet, and modern refrigeration techniques, are being used to keep alive
the traditional skills of producing salmon; it can now be ordered from, and delivered to,
anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, without suggesting that all technology is necessarily good, I think it is by

no means ‘pointless’, in any way, to try to keep traditions alive with technology. We should
not ignore technology, because it can be our friend and support our way of life.
(254 words)

71
MODEL ESSAY 20
(tham khảo) (same topic)
Nowadays, technological advances and their rapid and wide applications are having a
significant impact on a nation’s traditional skills and ways of life. Some argue that such
impact is so extraordinary that it would make conventional skills and life styles obsolete.
However, I believe they would continue to thrive by providing alternatives to modern ways
of life, and innovative ideas for modern technologies.
First of all, traditional skills and ways of life are becoming an alternative solution to the
problems caused by “mainstreamed” ways of life which are greatly influenced by modern
technologies. For instance, a cozy restaurant where traditional, home-brewed beer is
served, offers another experience to people who are bored with branded beers that have
the same flavor and come out of mass production with new technologies. It is in such a
venue where traditional skills are preserved, people become relaxed and educated.
Providing diversity and thus enriching modern ways of life, such traditional skills and ways
of life would continue to have their place.
Furthermore, conventional skills provide innovative ideas to the development of modern

technologies. For example, sparkled by how the word “Love” is traditionally knitted into a
sweater by some ethnic minority women in some parts of Asia, some business managers
from textile industry have developed some production lines by applying the traditional
skills to Computer-Aided Designs (CAD). The products have boosted the companies’ sales
which in turn have increased their investment in preserving traditional skills for further
developing their technologies.
To conclude, traditional skills and life styles are increasingly becoming a useful alternative
to the homogeneity brought by global applications of modern technologies. However,
the evolution of technologies is a selection process, whereby some would become
obsolete, but there is no doubt that some would thrive when their roles are appreciated.
(297 words)
Source: IELTS Blog
Feedback:
This is a good essay. The requirements of the task statement are covered, the arguments
make sense and are presented in a coherent, easy to follow way, the range of vocabulary
is wide enough and the writer shows fluency and flexibility. There are only a few errors
(mouse over the words underlined in blue shows suggested corrections). Overall this looks
like an IELTS Band 8 essay.

72
MODEL ESSAY 21
Some people prefer to provide help or support directly to the local community.
Others prefer to give money to national or international charitable organizations.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Today poverty is still on full display anywhere in the world, even from the sparkling and
vibrant streets of Los Angeles, or to the less glamorous district of Mumbai city. In the fight
against poverty, help is at hand. However, a bone of contention remains whether people
should directly support the underprivileged or give their donations to charities. This essay
will look at this issue from both perspectives.
There are clearly justifications for why some funders would rather help the poor by
themselves. First of all, help is given instantly as there is no paperwork, no collection, no
delivery involved. It would also mean that no money is lost into the pockets of corrupt
government officials. Second of all, it has been found that a considerable number of
recipients of aid programs spend money on children’s education or healthcare, rather
than alcohol or cigarettes. Therefore, development can be easily promoted.
However, the idea of giving cash directly to the poor is also treated with skepticism by
many people who otherwise suggest that money or any other type of donation should be
given to charity organisations. Their main argument is that for the people whose lives
have always been devoid of material possessions or money, knowing how to manage the
financial aids is out of the question. There are many cases that poor people use the money
to start businesses; however, bankruptcy is imminent due to their lack of knowledge
regarding financial management. For this reason, charities, which can distribute the funds
in a more effective way, prove their prominent roles in improving living standards of the
impoverished.
To conclude, I am inclined to think that giving money to charities is a better way to end
poverty as it deals with deeper causes of the issue in the long run.
(299 words)
Source: IELTS materials
MODEL ESSAY 22
(same topic) (tham khảo)
Giving money to those in need can be a personally satisfying experience, but there is a
choice between donating nationally and internationally through charities or giving directly
to those around you. This essay will consider the merits of both approaches.
The first advantage of providing direct support is that you can know exactly how your
money is being spent. For example, if you give money directly to people in your local

73
village or town, you can see where it has gone. When you donate to larger charitable
organisations, on the other hand, you are not sure how much will actually be given to
those in need as opposed going on other costs such as administration and expensive
marketing campaigns. Another benefit is that you can see the impacts on those you are
helping, which can lead not only to great personal satisfaction but also to respect from
others in the local community who appreciate the work you do.
There are advantages, however, in giving to charities that are national and international.
First and foremost, there is the choice of good causes. Locally the kinds of places to help
may be limited, but in larger organisations you can get involved in such activities as
sponsoring a child or conserving wildlife. Not only this, donating to larger charities with
an international reach means having the knowledge that you are involved in issues of
fundamental global importance, such as curing diseases and human rights, or helping
those caught up in tragic environmental events, such as flooding, earthquakes and
famines.
In conclusion, given the benefits of both, I would argue that an individual should make
their own choice based on their personal preferences and whichever provides them with
the most personal satisfaction. What is crucial is that we continue to give to those who
are more in need than ourselves.
(306 Words)
Source: IELTS Buddy
MODEL ESSAY 23
We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be
concerned with our own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there
are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should
try to help as many people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow citizens.
In most communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some
way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities,
and for those who are concerned about this problem, there are usually opportunities to
volunteer time or give money to support these people. In the UK, people can help in a
variety of ways, from donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the
problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why
some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.

74
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our
national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious
than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when
children are dying from curable diseases in African countries, governments and individuals
in richer countries can save lives simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small
donation to an international charity might have a much greater impact than helping in
our local area.
In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national

boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need.
(280 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 24
Some people think that visitors to other countries should obey local customs and
behaviours. While other people disagree and think that the host country should
welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
In order to better understand the people of other countries it is important that both
tourists and locals should show respect and tolerance for each other. It is very important
that tourists respect local cultures as they are representatives of their nation, are guests
and could face legal consequences if they breach local laws. However, it is also important
that locals are tolerant of tourists in order to develop good relationships and because
they support the local economy. In this essay the importance of showing respect for other
people and cultures will be discussed.
When tourists travel overseas, they are freed from the normal restraints of home and may
behave in a manner that is offensive to locals. Tourists are both representatives of their
country and guests. Poor behaviour will often reflect poorly on both themselves as
individuals and their nation as a whole. It is also important that all people show respect
for others at all times.
Failure to show at least a minimum level of respect to others can also have legal
consequences and result in heavy punishment. It is prudent to show a higher level of care
when travelling overseas as laws may be very different and tourists may not understand
the full implications of their actions. As far as possible, it is probably a good idea to stay
within cultural norms when visiting other countries as doing so also means showing a
high level of respect and is likely to lead to a positive experience for everyone.
However, local citizens should also remember they are hosts and should show some
tolerance towards a lack of cultural understanding and local knowledge. Tourists support
the local economy and assisting them and providing a friendly and respectful

75
environment, including respecting their culture, is also important in supporting the

relationship between people as well as the tourist industry.
In summary, showing respect and tolerance towards all people is the best way of
maintaining a friendly and positive environment for all.
(330 words)
Source: Smart Bruce
MODEL ESSAY 25
Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical
attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local
residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.
The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or
historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means
that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system.
However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the
economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and
services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and
inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and
encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural
attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on
holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely
on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s
Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps
to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to
higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these
important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas,
and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.
(269 words)
Source: Simon

76
HEALTH
MODEL ESSAY 1
Many people today are worried about young children using video games. What
problems might these games cause, for children and society as a whole? How could
these problems be reduced?
The almost universal availability of video games among children has presented us with a
number of challenges and decisions, none of which are straightforward. I believe there
are three main problems associated with these products, and also three remedies we can
adopt.
Perhaps the major problem we need to deal with is the level of violence found in these
games. Many of them feature aggressive or warlike characters, ranging from soldiers to
criminals and killers. This inevitably leads children to believe that such behaviour is normal,
or even desirable. A second issue is the obsessive way that some children use the games
– for example, preferring their computers to real friendships, making these children
isolated and socially naïve. Finally, there are physical effects from excessive gaming,
including eye strain, insomnia and damage to posture. These can be difficult to reverse
once they have taken hold.
Turning to possible solutions, one key step would be to legislate more strictly to control
the content of these games. They could, for instance, be reviewed by censors in the same
way that films are. This would prevent unsuitable material influencing young minds. To
tackle the problem of obsessive use, we could make more counselling and advice available
through schools. On the subjectof physical side effects, advice on safe use could be
included as part of the packaging or even the game itself, so that youngsters are
constantly aware of the risks.
To sum up, this is a problem that has both social and physical effects, and the solution
will require combined action by manufacturers, schools and authorities.
(261 words)
Source: ielts band 9
Examiner’s comments
This essay would be marked at Band 9. The writer introduces the topic well, and makes it
clear in the first paragraph that this will be an IDEAS > PROBLEM/SOLUTION essay. The
ideas described are relevant and clear, without too much detail or technical description.
The English used features some strong academic vocabulary (E.g. desirable, obsessive,
unsuitable) and is clear to the general reader. The writer uses conditionals effectively
(could, would) to propose ideas, showing that he has considered the outcomes of his
suggestions.
77
MODEL ESSAY 2
Many doctors are concerned about the high use of computer games by children and
young people. What mental and physical problems may arise from excessive use of
these games? How could these problems be reduced?
Children appear to enjoy playing video games, and while there are undoubted benefits,
various negative effects stem from this too. Let us consider the main issues, and then
outline possible remedies.
Perhaps the major physical problem is the sedentary lifestyle which these games
encourage, meaning that youngsters may incline to obesity or inadequate development.
Added to this is the strain on eyesight resulting from excessive use of screens and
consoles, meaning that children may suffer symptoms of poor vision. There are also
concerns about impairment of reflexes due to the repetitive nature of the hand muscles
when playing these games, and about the poor diet of convenience food which often
accompanies this lifestyle.
The most alarming psychological impact of such activities is possibly the risk of addiction,
meaning that children become obsessed with the games and are unable to socialise with
family or peers. This undermines their interpersonal skills and makes them underperform
both academically and socially.
Turning to possible solutions, perhaps the immediate step would be to promote a more
active lifestyle through exercise regimes or sports programmes which would help to
detoxify the lifestyles of children affected. This could be done through sponsorship of
sports, or participation in competitive events such as races or matches, hopefully
ameliorating the physical effects of excessive games use. Potential remedies for the
danger of mental addiction may be, firstly, an initiative to raise awareness of the risks of
the situation, for example through health warnings on games packaging or through high-
profile spokespersons spreading such a message. For example, if sports champions or
figureheads speak out about these dangers, the message may well get through to
children.
To sum up, the risks posed by excessive gaming are connected to an unhealthy lifestyle
and the possibility of dependency on the activity. Possible answers might involve stronger
education about the dangers and the health benefits of more active pursuits.
(313 words)

78
MODEL ESSAY 3
In many countries today, there are concerns about the unhealthy lifestyles that
people lead. What health issues are linked to modern lifestyles? What answers to
these problems can you suggest?
Most people agree that modern lifestyles can be unhealthy, both physically and mentally.
I believe there are three main problems, but also some practical steps we can take.
Perhaps the largest problem is the issue of obesity, which is growing drastically in most
Western countries. With people working at desks and using transport rather than walking,
weight gain seems inevitable, and being overweight causes various medical issues
including heart trouble and strokes. Another major problem linked to lifestyle is poor diet,
with people who are short of time eating junk food rather than proper nutrients. Resultant
health problems range from obesity to high cholesterol and even organ failure. Finally,
we must consider the issue of mental health. Modern lifestyles are highly pressurised, with
people expected to work at a fast pace for extended periods, and little scope for family
life or relaxation, leading to enormous stress and anxiety.
Turning to possible solutions, the biggest step would be to improve the level of education
regarding health issues connected to lifestyle, especially obesity. The government, media
and schools should work together to raise awareness of the dangers and to promote
sports and other positive practices. A further step would be to use legislation to curb the
consumption of unhealthy foods, for example by imposing higher sales taxes or by
restricting availability in retail outlets. Furthermore, to deal with the psychological impacts,
we should encourage employers to adopt more flexible working practices, allowing
workers to lead a fuller private life with less stress.
Overall, the key problems of obesity and stress can be addressed through a combination
of awareness, targeted legislation and better employment practices.
(271 words)
This essay deserves a Band 9 score. The writer gives a brief introduction to the topic, and
then gives three relevant examples of the problems, using generally available evidence.
Each idea is introduced with a helpful linking phrase (E.g. ‘Turning to, furthermore.’) The
writer suggests three sensible solutions, and considers their impact on the situation. The
summary is brief but comprehensive, and paraphrases the main ideas well. The vocabulary
used throughout the essay is modern and formal/academic in tone (E.g. ‘scope, inevitable,
legislation.’)

79
MODEL ESSAY 4
All over the world, the number of overweight people is growing. What do you feel
are the main causes of this? What are the effects?
Global obesity rates have been swelling for several decades now. This is a trend that is
having devastating effects on populations everywhere. Although often debated, it is felt
the food a person eats and the lifestyle they live are the base precursors to this problem.
In this essay, a look at these causes and their effects will be made.
Firstly, diet and lifestyle are the two most major catalysts of obesity. Evidence of this can
be seen in any developing country. For example, in China, growing affluence has led
people to consume more fast food and live more sedentary lifestyles. This trend moves in
tandem with a steady growth in the number of overweight people. Thus, as this makes
clear, changing dietary practices and levels of activity are at the root of swelling waistlines.
The major effects of this are entirely negative. As evidenced in the United States, growing
obesity rates lead to growing rates of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
This has led to the first generation of Americans ever with shorter life expectancies than
their parents. Thus, it is clear that these effects need to be countered to enhance the
quality of life for future generations.
Following this look at the causes and effects of obesity, it is felt that education is the single
most important counter to this problem. Thus, it is hoped schools everywhere encourage
children to eat a nourishing diet and practice a healthy lifestyle in an effort to change this
disturbing global health trend.
(252 words)
MODEL ESSAY 5
Some people believe that sport is an essential part of school life for children, while
others feel it should be purely optional. Discuss these opposing views and give your
own opinion.
Sport continues to be a controversial topic in the school curriculum, just as sport itself has
become a controversial industry in some respects. There are valid opinions on both sides,
which I will consider now.
On the one hand, some people feel that sport uses up time which could be better spent
on academic subjects such as exam preparation. In addition, it might be said that it is
unwise to forcechildren to do activities which they have no interest in. After all, some
youngsters are just not sporty, and should be allowed to study instead. Finally, there are
question marks over the wholesomeness of sport itself, with drugging and corruption

80
scandals increasingly common, as we see in cycling at present. Some people believe that
this lack of morals sets a poor example to young people.
On the other hand, though, one major benefit of sport is that it helps children’s physical
development at an important stage. If all their time was spent studying, they would
become unfit and their minds would eventually suffer. Furthermore, supporters of school
sport emphasize the importance of team building in sports such as football or hockey,
which is often felt to be an excellent preparation for adulthood. Finally, many people feel
that a competitive spirit, so important today, is fostered by sports at an early age. It is
notable, for example, that many successful business people excelled in sport at school.
Overall, I feel that sport should be compulsory for school children, because the positive
effect on their mental and physical development outweighs the negatives. This is as long
as children are given a wide range to choose from, to ensure their interest is high, and
that the sports industry itself maintains the highest standards of conduct.
(293 words)
This essay would receive Band 9. It exceeds the minimum word requirement and is clearly
organized into introduction, main body discussion, and conclusion with opinion. The
candidate has introduced the topic, and then given several relevant points on each side
of the discussion. There are suitable examples at times, without too much detail. The
conclusion has a clear and relevant opinion. The English used is clear and uncomplicated,
with good use of common academic words (e.g. controversial, emphasize, excel.) The
ideas and paragraphs are connected by good use of common linking phrases (e.g. on the
one hand, furthermore, overall.)
MODEL ESSAY 6
Some people say taxes should be spent on health care. Other ppl say that there are
more important priorities for tax-payers' money. Discus both these views and give
your own opinion.
(opening not included)
On the one hand, there are those who argue that tax should be allocated for the medical
system. An investment in health care may increase the life expectancy of people. The
government budget can be used to provide modern equipment, drugs and surgery, so
patients have a chance to access medical treatment. As a result, more lives can be saved,
and more people are cured from illnesses. In Vietnam, for example, the average lifespan

81
of citizens has been improved significantly in recent years partly due to a huge amount
of public money being spent on health care.
On the other hand, I side with those who believe that there are more urgent problems to
be invested in. Chief among them is education. When people have an education
opportunity, they can gain qualifications and find a job. This allows them to have a better
standard of living to take care of their health. Another crucial sector is infrastructure. If
the government spends more on the expansion of the road system, this can stimulate the
economic growth of the country. People can also enjoy the convenience of an increase in
the traffic flow in urban areas as they may commute with fewer obstacles on the street.
(conclusion not included)
(204 words)
Source: Thay Vinh
MODEL ESSAY 7
Doctors should be responsible for educating their patients about how to improve
their health. Do you agree with this?
In recent years, the question of who should take the responsibility in educating the public
on healthcare has become a topic of discussion. Although patients can educate
themselves on this subject, doctors should still be ones who hold the most responsibility.
One of the most compelling reasons is that doctors are the only ones who are qualified
to provide knowledge to patients. First, since every doctor has to go through rigorous
education and training, his or her advice is more trustful than other sources of
information. In fact, if patients educate themselves using the Internet or books, there will
be a good chance that they encounter misinformation or bad advice, which can be
detrimental to their health. Second, not two patients’ health situations are the same,
therefore only doctors can tailor their advice to their patients individually. Since
specialized equipment is needed for diagnosis, the Internet, books and other sources of
information can never be close substitutes to doctors when it comes to education.
Doctors should hold the responsibility also because they receive money from their
patients, either directly or indirectly. Since this is a business transaction, doctors inherently
have to fulfil their services, which also involve education to patients. If doctors did not
educate patients to improve their health, money would be channeled into other entities
that can fulfil the same responsibility. Furthermore, as a highly respected profession,
doctors need to transcend their regular duties. For instance, doctors should teach not only
their patients, but also the general public, especially those who cannot afford medical
services.

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In conclusion, educating patients about how to improve their health should be one of
many responsibilities of doctors. This practice will benefit not only patients but also
doctors themselves.
(286 word)
Source: Kien Tran
MODEL ESSAY 8
Health is very important for everyone and healthcare should not be provided by
private profit-making companies. What is your opinion?
In order to ensure the highest overall quality level of healthcare, it is probably necessary
to allow both profit and not-for-profit organisations to provide health services. Although
it is critical for governments to provide quality health care for all members of society,
private companies can remove some of the burden placed on the public system by
providing high quality services to those who are able to pay for them. In this essay the
role of both government and not-for-profit health care providers and companies in
providing health care will be discussed.
Governments have a responsibility to provide quality health care to citizens and play a
critical in ensuring that people have adequate health care. The role of government is to
act as a safety net to ensure that those who cannot afford health care receive treatment
when they need it. However, governments are also restricted in the amount of money that
they can spend on health care and must prioritise their spending. This means that urgent
cases are dealt with promptly while less urgent cases often involve long waiting periods,
which may be unsatisfactory for patients.
The role of private companies is also important in providing a quality health care system
because they often reduce stress on the public system by meeting the needs of wealthier
patients. People usually place a high value on their health and many people are willing to
pay higher prices for a better level of care. This comes in the form of access to better
facilities and more comfortable surroundings such as private rooms and higher nurse to
patient ratios as well as access to more expensive specialized treatment and faster access
to elective surgery and treatments. The weakness of such a system is that wealthier
patients will almost always receive better treatment compared to the general population
creating a perception of unfairness. However, such a system leads to better overall levels
of care for everyone.
In summary, private companies play a useful role in supplementing government health

care systems and leads to better treatment for all patients. However, it also leads to more
unequal treatment with wealthier patients receiving much better care than less wealthy
patients.

83
(362 word)
Source: Smart Bruce
MODEL ESSAY 9
It is more important to spend public money promoting a healthy lifestyle in order
to prevent illness than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
Source: high-scoring IELTS writing
MODEL ESSAY 10
Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to
reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be
more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views and give your
own opinion.
People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads safer.
In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used together to
promote better driving habits.

84
On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more
safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid
repeating the same offence. There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines,
licence suspension, driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these
punishments is to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative consequences.
As a result, we would hope that drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they
follow the rules more carefully.
On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways
that do not punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before
they start to drive, and this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or
more difficult driving test. Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design.
For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be
added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from driving too
quickly. Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing in
better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to travel by car.
In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road
safety measures should also be introduced.
(269 words)
Source: Simon
CRIME
MODEL ESSAY 1
In many countries, financial crime involving identity theft is increasing. What are
the causes of this Trend, and what effect does identity theft have on the victims
involved?
There is no doubt that identity fraud is a great concern, especially in western countries
where people are most at risk. I think there are two main causes, and a number of
damaging effects.
The major cause is probably the almost universal use of digital technology to store
financial data and undertake financial transactions. It is surprisingly easy for criminals to
obtain personal information about a possible victim, and then to use this information to
impersonate the target. Because bank accounts and loans can be applied for digitally,
without the need for face-to-face contact, the criminals are able to apply for financial
products remotely, often before the victim is even aware of the attack. The second key
cause is, I believe, the increasing probability of ‘traditional’ crimes (such as armed robbery,
mugging or burglary) being detected. When criminals see the widespread use of CCTV,

85
DNA profiling and fingerprinting, they are less inclined to indulge in such old-fashioned
crimes. Rather, they prefer the lower risk and more profitable use of data-based crimes.
The effects on the unfortunate victims can be quite devastating. Firstly, there is the loss
of money from bank accounts or by being connected to a fraudulent loan. In some cases,
this can take years for the victim to pay back or resolve with the banks and the authorities.
Secondly, there is the damage to their credit rating, which means they may find it
impossible to obtain legitimate credit in future. In extreme cases, people’s employment
prospects can even be damaged as well, as they find themselves profiled as a financial
risk.
Overall, the presence of technology and the decline of ‘traditional’ crimes are the key
causes behind this trend. The effects on the victims involve long-term financial hardship
in many instances.
(293 words)
We would give this essay a Band 9 grade. The writer provides three causes of the situation
and describes three effects, which is a suitable number of ideas in this type of essay. The
essay is clearly and logically organized into paragraphs, and linking phrases are effective
(E.g. ‘Firstly, secondly, overall.’) The writer uses vocabulary which shows a general
understanding of the topic (E.g. ‘Financial transactions, fraudulent loan’) and the examples
given are not excessively regional or detailed. The reader feels that the writer can generate
and present ideas clearly and logically.
MODEL ESSAY 2
Crime rate, in most countries, is often higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Why
do you think that is? What can be done to reduce the crime rate?
Crime rates in most countries markedly vary among different areas, which suggests
different approaches in dealing with crime. Given that crime rate is higher in Metropolitan
areas than it is in rural ones, identifying the reasons behind this pattern is key to finding
the solutions.
There are a number of reasons why this pattern exists. First, since urban areas are more
ethnically diverse than rural ones, the likelihood of conflict leading to crime among people
with different values and belief systems is higher. For example, the greater lack of
familiarity and mutual understanding among individuals in urban areas can feasibly get
people into unnecessary fights, which potentially leads to crime. Second, since

86
metropolitan areas are more densely populated, citizens have to compete for limited
opportunities and scarce resources, leaving other individuals’ life at stake. This means that
those who cannot compete with the other few successful would have a higher tendency
to commit crimes, even petty ones, just to make a living.
However, there are a great deal of solutions to diminish crime, in either big cities or rural
areas. First, enforcing stricter punishments would act as a deterrent against the motivation
to commit crime. Realizing that the costs of breaking a law were higher, every potential
criminal would think twice. Second, since many offences can be traced back to the lack of
understanding among people from different backgrounds, local officials should organize
more sociocultural activities and gatherings to improve mutual relationships and resolve
conflicts. For example, although Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world, crime
rate is among the lowest thanks to such activities and cultural events.
In conclusion, the fact that urban areas are more populous and diverse can explain the
pattern. By focusing on the differences among people and the law, crime rates in either
cities or rural areas would decline.
(306 words)
Source: Kien Tran
MODEL ESSAY 3
Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and it is often
argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of
committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that ex-prisoners can become normal, productive members of society. I

completely agree with the idea that allowing such people to speak to teenagers about
their experiences is the best way to discourage them from breaking the law.
In my opinion, teenagers are more likely to accept advice from someone who can speak
from experience. Reformed offenders can tell young people about how they became
involved in crime, the dangers of a criminal lifestyle, and what life in prison is really like.
They can also dispel any ideas that teenagers may have about criminals leading
glamorous lives. While adolescents are often indifferent to the guidance given by older
people, i imagine that most of them would be extremely keen to hear the stories of an
ex-offender. The vivid and perhaps shocking nature of these stories is likely to have a
powerful impact.
The alternatives to using reformed criminals to educate teenagers about crime would be
much less effective. One option would be for police officers to visit schools and talk to
young people. This could be useful in terms of informing teens about what happens to
lawbreakers when they are caught, but young people are often reluctant to take advice

87
from figures of authority. A second option would be for school teachers to speak to their
students about crime, but i doubt that students would see teachers as credible sources of
information about this topic. Finally, educational films might be informative, but there
would be no opportunity for young people to interact and ask questions.
In conclusion, i fully support the view that people who have turned their lives around after
serving a prison sentence could help to deter teenagers from committing crimes.
(285 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 4
Prison is the only truly effective form of punishment, because it separates criminals
from society. To what extent do you support this view?
There is no doubt that we need to find effective forms of punishment for criminals, and
also find ways to protect citizens from the threat of crime. I personally feel that prison is
only one of a range of options we should use, and is not always the most effective.
Firstly, I do not accept that all criminals need to be separated from society. Juvenile and
minor offenders can be punished through fines, community service or other non-custodial
means. This is cheaper than prison, and prevents the damage to the criminal’s family
which in itself could generate further social problems. Furthermore, by keeping these
small-scale criminals in society, we can try to rehabilitate them, for example through
training or education programmes. This will help to reduce reoffending in future.
Besides this, if offenders are believed to be a threat to their fellow citizens, there are ways
of containing them such as electronic tagging, curfews or regular reporting to the police.
Such methods have been shown to be effective in reducing criminal behaviour and are
themselves quite a strong punishment, as they restrict an offender’s freedom greatly.
Finally, we should remember that prisons are to some extent ‘schools of crime’ and in
many cases prisoners end their jail terms as more capable and determined criminals than
when they entered.
Of course, it is true that in certain cases we need to both punish criminals and isolate them
from other people. I recognise that violent or dangerous people need to be imprisoned –
yet I believe this applies to a small minority of instances.
To conclude, I feel that prison is a last resort in cases where there is no alternative. This
does not make it the only effective punishment, but rather the most severe among a
variety of possibilities.
(290 words)

88
This meets the standard for a band 9 essay. The writer introduces the topic and then
makes his/her opinion clear. The main body then contains a small range of reasons
explaining this opinion, signposted with linking words (e.g. Firstly, furthermore besides
this, finally) which guide the reader through the stages. The English used in the essay is
academic but clear and modern. The writer shows that he has considered the opposing
view briefly (‘I recognise that violent or dangerous people need to be imprisoned . . .’) so
that the essay has some balance. The reader feels that the writer is a logical thinker, able
to organise ideas in support of his opinion.
MODEL ESSAY 5
Having police officers patrolling the streets is often considered an essential way to
reduce crime. How effective do you think police street patrols are? What other ways
of reducing crime can you propose?
We are all keen to reduce crime wherever possible, and the role of visible policing is a
hotly debated part of this. Personally, I feel that street patrols are highly effective,
although there are several supplementary methods too.
Regarding the effectiveness of patrols, evidence suggests that an increase in police on the
streets leads directly to a drop-in crime, especially crimes of violence and robbery. This
was theexperience of New York when it adopted the ‘zero tolerance’ policy in the 1990s,
a high-profile policing tactic which has been extended successfully to many other cities
worldwide. When compared to other tactics that have been tried, ranging from citizen
patrols to CCTV, there is little doubt that assertive police patrolling is the most effective
resource we have.
Turning to other methods, we should supplement police patrols with coordinated action
elsewhere in the state. For instance, the courts should be prepared to issue deterrent
sentences and prisons should be run strictly. This would help to deter people from
committing crimes in the first place. Secondly, we should increase the resources available
to the police away from the streets as well, for instance in detective and forensic
departments, hopefully ensuring that detection rates are high when crimes do occur.
Moreover, individuals and businesses should step up their own security arrangements to
complement the police presence. For example, improved locks and lighting are simple
measures which can reduce theft and burglary.
All in all, I feel that visible police patrols have been proved to be the most effective way
to reduce common crimes. Their effectiveness can be maximized by supporting action

89
from elsewhere in the police and justice system, and by private citizens doing their part
as well.
(285 words)
This would be a Band 9 essay. The writer introduces the topic in an impersonal way, then
gives his evaluation with reference to credible evidence and examples which support his
assessment. The writer then describes several other measures and summarizes briefly. The
English is academic and fairly formal, but the sentences are clear and the vocabulary is
not over specialized. There are clear paragraphs for each section, and good use of linking
words to move between points.
TV & ADVERTISING
MODEL ESSAY 1
It is said that the amount of violence on the TV programmes has negative effect on
our social development and therefore should be reduced. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this opinion.

90
Source: high scoring IELTS writing
MODEL ESSAY 2
The high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of the advertising but
not the real need of the whole society in which they sell. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this statement?

91
MODEL ESSAY 3
Studies suggested that nowadays children watch much more television than they
did in the past and spend less time on active or creative things. What are the
reasons? And what measures should be taken to encourage children to spend more
time on active or creative things?

92
It has been suggested that children nowadays lean towards reactive activities, like
watching television, and away from proactive ones. Given that this trend leads to a whole
host of issues for children, identifying the reasons behind it is key to finding the solutions.
There are a number of reasons why children spend more time watching television. First,
since there are thousands of entertaining shows, movies and music at disposal, which are
conducive to relaxation and instant mental rewards, children are highly engaged most of
the time. In fact, most of the objects and motions they see on television are new to them,
which tends to trigger their curiosity and evoke their feelings, either negative or positive,
conditioning them to watch more. Second, shrinking playgrounds and parks deprive
children of outdoor activities. For example, recent housing projects in Hanoi are set to
close some of the playgrounds, making children resort to reactive activities such as
watching television.
Nevertheless, there are also a variety of solutions, mostly parental, to reverse this trend.
First, parents can help their children refrain from watching television excessively by setting
a daily limit. By encouraging children to consistently adhere to the limit, they will be less
reliant on amusing contents, especially ones that are addictive. Second, even if there are
no playgrounds, modern cities usually offer indoor activities and sports, which are also
considered proactive. Municipality, corporations and parents should cooperate to create,
maintain and promote these activities and indoor playgrounds to the new generation,
perhaps offering free entrance for children under a certain age or supporting low-income
families.
In conclusion, although the trend might be difficult to reverse, there are ways to get
around it. The coordination among city officials, corporations and parents can certainly
make a difference in children’s lifestyle.
(295 words)
Source: Kien Tran
MODEL ESSAY 3
It has been believed that people who read for pleasure have developed imagination
and language skills better than people who prefer to watch TV. To what extent, do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?

93
MODEL ESSAY 4
Nowadays, a lot of media including newspaper, magazine, television, radio and
even the internet, are publishing the stories of people's private lives. Should this
practice be banned?

94
MODEL ESSAY 5
The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves
no useful purpose, and can even be damaging. Do you agree or disagree?

95
MODEL ESSAY 6
Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by making us want
to be and to look the same. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is sometimes thought that advertisements result in people becoming increasingly

similar and that they discourage individuality. In my opinion, advertising certainly does
promote conformity amongst certain people but most people will always make their own
individual choices which will make them appear different.
The role of advertising is to promote products in a way that encourages people to buy
them and this in turn means that people inevitably end up buying the same things and
appearing the same. This is particularly true of the fashion industry which tells followers
of fashion what colours to wear in which seasons, what styles of clothes they should wear
and even the length of their hair. The adverts put pressure on young people to look
fashionable by following looks which have been planned by the fashion industry. As a
result, those who are easily influenced by fashion trends will tend to appear more similar
and with less individuality in an attempt to be considered fashionable.

96
However, the wish to appear fashionable and follow fashion trends with strict conformity
only applies to a certain group of young “trendy” people. For others, the fashion trends
are interesting but not something that should be followed religiously. For instances, while
some of them may choose to follow the fashionable colour that season, they may prefer
a different hair style which is more suited to their own face shape or character.
Consequently, although some aspects of their dress may be similar, the majority of what
they wear and how they wear it is different and shows their individual character.
In conclusion, although fashion victims follow trends and may appear similar, they are in
the minority as most people prefer to select what they wear and how they look for
themselves.
(292 words)
Source: Liz IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 7
(the same question)
An often-debated topic is whether advertising has a major influence on the growing

similarity of people's lifestyle in the modern world. Personally, I partly agree with this
opinion for a number of reasons.
On the other hand, the power of advertising is undeniable. The growth of the advertising
industry has resulted in many people buying products of the same manufacture, which
can be seen in the case of consumer goods. Today, the advertising campaigns of
multinational companies such as Unilever have been so successful that their products
almost dominate the market. Smaller enterprises tend not to be able to compete with
these giant market leaders due to their disadvantages of capital poured into advertising
programs. Thus, customers are often swayed to buy products of famous brands rather
than those made by less well-know companies.
On the other hand, it is also true that people have the tendency to copy other's lifestyle
without being affected by advertising. For example, it is valid to argue that many young
people are trying to emulate the fashion styles of their idols. Many Vietnamese youths
manage to purchase the same clothes, dye their hair and wear the same perfume as their
stars do. People can also turn to their social relations for advice when they need to buy
something. For instance, junior citizens always ask their friends before they come to a final
decision on buy a smart phone.
In conclusion, it is true that advertising has bridged the gap between each individual's
lifestyle in modern society. However, I believe that it is not the sole factor that contributes
to the trend.

97
(268 words)
Source: Vinh IELTS
MODEL ESSAY 8
(the same question)
As many people have access to television and the Internet, advertising is becoming an
integrated part of the modern life and greatly affect our behaviours. Personally, I agree
with the view that these ads tend to make us want to behave in a similar manner.
For decades, advertising has been shaping consumers' behaviours with several identical
patterns and preventing us from making us a diversified society. A common practice is
that marketers try to create new habits for customers who nonstop adopt new lifestyles'
concepts. These habits then become the norms of modern life. For example, when people
feel tired, they now get familiar with taking an energy drink like Redbull or Sting instead
of water, which never happened in the past. As a result, modern citizens around the world,
at present, love to wear clothes of Gucci, use an iPhone 6, take a Starbucks in the morning
and go to McDonald's for lunch.
It is also clear that adverts often take advantage of the images of celebrities to make the
audience conduct themselves in the same pattern. Because people usually take some
superstars as their role models, letting them see ads involving these famous people would
give rise to the desire to by the same products or to react in the same ways. In other
words, if they do not use those products, they might feel that they are just old-fashioned
ones. For example, when Ho Ngoc Ha – a Vietnamese famous singer – becomes a
representative for a cosmetic product, thousands of women immediately think of buying
that product, not because of the quality of itself but the fact that they want to look like
her.
In conclusion, the rise of advertising is an irresistible trend, and this movement apparently
prevent from being different individuals.
(295 words)
Source: Robert IELTS Town
MODEL ESSAY 9
Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why
could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local film
industries?
It is true that foreign films are more popular in many countries than domestically
produced films. There could be several reasons why this is the case, and I believe that
governments should promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.

98
There are various reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the
films produced in their own countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain
countries have huge budgets for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular
locations. Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are examples of
such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. Another reason why these big-
budget films are so successful is that they often star the most famous actors and actresses,
and they are made by the most accomplished producers and directors. The poor quality,
low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in comparison.
In my view, governments should support local film industries financially. In every country,
there may be talented amateur film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to
prove themselves. To compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people
need money to pay for film crews, actors and a host of other costs related to producing
high-quality films. If governments did help with these costs, they would see an increase
in employment in the film industry, income from film sales, and perhaps even a rise in
tourist numbers. New Zealand, for example, has seen an increase in tourism related to the
'Lord of the Rings' films, which were partly funded by government subsidies.
In conclusion, I believe that increased financial support could help to raise the quality of
locally made films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently
dominate the market.
(294 words)
Source: Simon
MODEL ESSAY 10
Some people think that it is good for a country’s culture to broadcast foreign films
and TV shows. Others, however, think it is best to produce local films and shows.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
In recent decades, movies and TV series have been imported at an increasing rate, causing
some public controversy. Although, some traditionalists believe that this development
comes at the expense of a country’s culture, plenty of evidence suggests that the opposite
is true.
There are a number of reasons why local films and shows benefit a culture. First, motion
pictures are an effective way to crystallize and project the intangible element of a culture.
Therefore, if local films and shows are the primary focus, viewers would find it easier to
assimilate the beliefs, valuesand assumptions of a culture, which can be difficult to achieve
by using written form. Second, producing more local films will enrich the cultural library.
For example, since local programs are abundant in India, the Indian culture appears more
vivid and unique than other cultures with fewer local films produced.

99
On the other hand, imported movies and TV series bring a lot of advantages to a local
culture. First, thanks to foreign programs, local ones become more distinguishable and
thus appreciable, especially in the eyes of local residents. In fact, if one never watched
other countries’ programs, he or she would be susceptible to taking his or her culture for
granted. Second, by getting new ideas from overseas, a local culture will obtain the
opportunity to fix its existing flaws and therefore get perfected. For intance, the South
Korean culture has fewer flaws than North Korean one because it is more open to new
ideas in the form of foreign films.
In conclusion, only focusing on producing local films and shows will do more harm than
good. Local officials should also recognize the benefits of purchasing foreign movies on
preserving their culture.
(285 words)
Source: Kien Tran
OTHERS
MODEL ESSAY 1
In achieving personal happiness, our relationships with other people (family,
friends, colleagues) are more important than anything else. Issues such as work and
wealth take second place. Argue in support of this claim.
The increasing pressures of today’s money driven world can often cause people to
gravitate toward material items. But personal happiness can never be achieved through
such things as work, success and wealth. Although these things may be nice ‘extras’, it is
argued that healthy relationships with family, friends and colleagues are the true secrets
to personal happiness. This will be shown be analyzing the often lonely lives of many
wealthy celebrities as well as the advice of older people who speak from experience.
Firstly, the lives of wealthy celebrities often illustrate that money cannot buy happiness.
For example, despite being fabulously wealthy, Robbie Williams and Kirsten Dunst
suffered from clinical depression they attributed to loneliness. As their experiences show,
the link between money and true happiness appears to not be as strong as the link
between loneliness and unhappiness. Thus, relationships between people are more
important than money.
The advice from many older people regularly reiterates this. For example, all four of my
grandparents claim family and friends to be the things that brought them the greatest
happiness in their lives. As these sorts of sentiments are common among the elderly of
all countries and cultures, it is clear that as people age things of true importance are

100
clarified. Thus, human relationships are much more likely to be precursors to personal
happiness than money or careers.
As seen above, wealth cannot buy true happiness and this is a realization that all too often
comes in old age. It is true, family, friends and colleagues and the relationships formed
with them are the genuine catalysts to lasting happiness. Thus, the old adage holds true:
the more love a person gives, the more they get.
(283 words)
MODEL ESSAY 2
Some believe museums should entertain people, while others believe their purpose
is to educate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Museums often represent different things to different people. On the one hand, many
people feel a museum’s primary purpose is to entertain. However, others feel they
function to spread understanding. The merits of both arguments will be analyzed before
a conclusion is decided upon.
Firstly, some argue a museum’s main purpose is to amuse. For example, the Science and
Technology Museum in Ottawa minimizes the written descriptions normally found next
to exhibits in an effort to provide visitors with a demonstrational experience to illustrate
a scientific or historical point. Although this setup leaves their museum visitors stimulated,
it does little to provide them with a deeper understanding of the scientific, historical or
cultural topics the museum houses. Thus, the merits of this opinion are hard to support.
However, many other people see museums as powerful educational resources. For
example, the British Museum in London, England is arranged to provide its visitors with a
very informed look at the roots of humanity. Patrons leave this museum with a much
richer understanding of historical topics, and this understanding is something they can
apply to their everyday endeavors. Thus, the heightened benefits of this opinion regarding
the role of museums can clearly be seen.
After looking at these two opposing points of view, it is felt that museums better serve
the public when they are established to educate as opposed to entertain. Thus, it is hoped
that the museums of the future are arranged primarily for this purpose.
(245 words)

101
MODEL ESSAY 3
Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists but not local
people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract local people to visit
these places?
Museums and monuments showcase the rich history and culture of a nation. Most of
these places attract a large number of tourists; however, local people show little interest
in them. There are several reasons behind this trend.
To start with, local people give museums and historical places a miss because they offer
nothing new to them. They are already familiar with their culture and history and perhaps
have nothing new to discover by frequenting the same museums again and again. A
tourist, on the other hand, may enjoy visiting a museum or monument because of the
numerous windows they open to the past. Another reason that dissuades local people
from visiting museums is that they are rarely updated. What they showcase this month is
in no way different from what they showcased last month or last year. Therefore, although
they will figure in a tourist’s itinerary, for natives regular visits to such places are quite
boring. Cost could also be a factor. Most museums and monuments charge an entry fee
which could be an issue for low- or middle-income families.
The government and local authorities can take several simple steps to rekindle locals’
interest in museums. They can, for example, organize regular exhibitions, cultural events
and light shows that provide visitors a new experience every time they visit these places.
Scraping the entry fee may also help.
To conclude, if local people prefer to stay away from museums and monuments, that is
because these institutions fail to offer new experiences to them. Authorities should
consider organizing various cultural programmes and shows at these places to encourage
more local people to visit them.
(272 words)
Source: IELTS practice


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1

MODEL ESSAYS BY TOPICS

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

MODEL ESSAY 20 ..................................................................................................................................... 28

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

MODEL ESSAY 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 55

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

MODEL ESSAY 10 ..................................................................................................................................... 83

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

In addition to this, the stay-at-home worker often finds it challenging to distance

To conclude, despite advantages of lower overhead and independence, working from

Source: Ryan Higgins

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Ryan Higgins

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: High scoring IELTS writing

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: High scoring IELTS writing

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Liz IELTS

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people,

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Kien Tran

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Ryan Higgins

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Ryan Higgins

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Liz IELTS

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Guide to IELTS

MODEL ESSAY 6.1

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Discipline plays a similarly important role by discouraging undesirable behaviour in

In summary, rewarding and disciplining is important for children in developing positive

Source: Smart Bruce

One important stage in a child’s growth is certainly the development of a conscience,

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: IELTS Cambridge

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: IELTS Cambridge

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Ryan Higgins

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

In conclusion, it seems to me that encouraging high school students to comment about

Source: Vinh IELTS

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Cambridge IELTS

Source: Cambridge IELTS

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Firstly, course books (whether conventional or digital) have been developed by

Source: IELTS band 9

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: IELTS band 9

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: Cambridge IELTS

Source: IELTS band 9

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Composed by Vu Hai Ryan

Source: High scoring IELTS