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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample

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IELTS Writing Task 2: essay analysis

It's only 13 sentences!
· Introduction: 2 sentences
· First main body paragraph: 5 sentences
1. Topic sentence 2. Firstly 3. Example 4. Secondly 5. Finally
Second main body paragraph: 5 sentences
1. Topic sentence 2. Firstly 3. Example 4. Secondly 5. Finally
· Conclusion: 1 sentence

Task repsonse
 The essay fully addresses the task; it is "on topic" at all times, and it
definitely answers the question.
 The position (opinion / overall answer) is clear throughout the essay. It is
presented in the introduction, and then supported in the rest of the essay
(with no surprises in the conclusion!).
 Lots of detail is given. Ideas are "fully extended" (explained in depth) and
well supported.
Coherence and cohesion
 Ideas are presented in a logical and organised way.
 There is definitely a good "flow" to the essay, so that the argument builds
and develops. Paragraphing is well managed, and each paragraph is well
constructed.
 Cohesive devices (linking) are used in an effective but subtle way - they help
with the development of ideas, but do not overshadow those ideas.
Lexical resource (vocabulary)
 A wide range of vocabulary is used.
 Vocabulary is used appropriately, skillfully and naturally in the development
of ideas.
 There are several examples of "less common" items of vocabulary, all of
which are used appropriately.
Grammatical range and accuracy
 A wide range of structures is used.
 There are no mistakes!
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Topic 1 - Family
In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or in small family units,
rather than in large, extended family groups. Is this a positive or negative trend?

It is true that cities are seeing a rise in smaller families and one-person households,
while the extended family is becoming a rarity. In my opinion, this is a negative
development.

As families become smaller, the traditional family support network is disappearing,

and this can have a negative impact on children as they grow up. In a nuclear family
or single-parent household, childcare becomes an expensive and stressful part of daily
life. Without the help of grandparents or aunts and uncles, busy parents must rely on
babysitters, nannies and after-school clubs to take care of younger children, while
older children may be left alone after school and during holidays. The absence of
adult family members can mean that friends, television and the Internet become the
primary influences on children’s behaviour. It is no surprise that the decline of the
extended family has been linked to a rise in psychological and behavioural problems
amongst young people.

The trend towards people living alone is perhaps even more damaging because of the
psychological effects of reduced human interaction. Individuals who live on their own
have nobody to talk to in person, so they cannot share problems or discuss the highs
and lows of daily life. They forgo the constant stimulation and hustle and bustle of a
large family, and are left to their own devices for extended periods of time. The lack
of human contact in the home is necessarily replaced by passive distractions, such as
television, video games, online chat rooms or Internet surfing. This type of existence
is associated with boredom, loneliness, and feelings of isolation or even alienation, all
of which are factors that are known to increase the risk of mental illness.

In conclusion, I believe that individuals thrive when they are part of larger family
groups, and so it is worrying that many people are choosing to live alone or in such
small family units.
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Topic 2 - Parents

Caring for children is probably the most important job in any society. Because of
this, all mothers and fathers should be required to take a course that prepares
them to be good parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

It is true that parents shoulder a huge responsibility and that raising children is by no
means an easy task. However, I completely disagree with the idea that we should
therefore force all mothers and fathers to attend parenting courses.

In my opinion, the idea that all future parents should take a parenthood preparation
course is completely impractical. Many prospective parents have jobs and busy
schedules, and they may not be willing or able to attend regular parenting classes.
This raises the question of whether those who missed the classes, or perhaps refused
to attend, would be punished. I believe that it would be wrong to do this, and it would
therefore be impossible to enforce the idea of compulsory training for parents.
Besides, even if parents could be forced to attend, I doubt that people would agree on
what good parenting entails, and so it would be difficult to create a parenting course
to suit everyone.

As well as being impractical, I would argue that training courses for parents are
unnecessary. Mothers and fathers have been raising children without any formal help
or official interference for thousands of years. Parenting skills are learnt from family
members, friends, neighbours and the surrounding culture. Perhaps more importantly,
adults learn to be good parents by instinct, by trial and error, and by getting to know
their own children; for example, a good parent will try different strategies when faced
with a badly-behaved child, and will gradually develop an understanding of what
works to correct the behaviour. None of this requires the intervention of a taught
course.

In conclusion, while compulsory parenting lessons might seem like a good idea, I
believe that such a scheme would be unworkable and largely pointless.
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Topic 3 - Aging

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems

will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be
taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

It is true that people in industrialized nations can expect to live longer than ever
before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend,
societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several
related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be
more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The
proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore
receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an
ageing population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further
pressures will include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults
will increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.

There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described
above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working
adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough
to continue a productive working life. A second measure would be for governments to
encourage immigration in order to increase the number of working adults who pay
taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other areas
and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising
numbers of older citizens.

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to
arise as the populations of countries grow older.
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Topic 4 - Lifestyle

Extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be
banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

In recent years, extreme sports have become increasingly popular, and some people
argue that governments should prohibit them. I completely disagree with the idea that
these sports are too dangerous, and I therefore believe that they should not be banned.

In my opinion, so-called extreme sports are not as dangerous as many people think.
All sports involve some element of risk, and there should always be clear regulations
and safety procedures to reduce the possibility of accidents. People who take part in
extreme sports are usually required to undergo appropriate training so that the dangers
are minimised. For example, anyone who wants to try skydiving will need to sign up
for lessons with a registered club, and beginners are not allowed to dive solo; they
must be accompanied by an experienced professional. Finally, the protective
equipment and technology used in sports from motor racing to mountain climbing is
constantly improving safety.

While I support regulations and safety measures, I believe that it would be wrong, and
almost impossible, to ban extreme sports. In the first place, we should all be free to
decide how we spend our leisure time; as long as we understand the risks, I do not
believe that politicians should stop us from enjoying ourselves. However, an even
stronger argument against such a ban would be the difficulty of enforcing it. Many of
the most risky sports, like base jumping or big wave surfing, are practised far away
from the reach of any authorities. I cannot imagine the police being called to stop
people from parachuting off a mountain face or surfing on an isolated beach.

In conclusion, I believe that risk-takers could play these extreme sports without any
bans.
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Topic 5- Students
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.

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.
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Topic 6 - The power of marketing

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising
and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

It is true that we are increasingly surrounded by advertising by companies that want to

sell us their products. To some extent I agree that advertising has an impact on sales,
but I would also argue that we do need most of the goods that we buy.

Advertisements can certainly tempt people to buy products that they might not
otherwise want. A good example could be the mobile phone. Every year people can
be seen queuing to buy the latest models, even when they already have a perfectly
good phone that does not need replacing. Perhaps it is the influence of marketing that
leads us to make these kinds of decisions; we want to stay up to date with the latest
fashions or own the newest high-status device. The high sales of the iPhone seem to
support this idea.

On the other hand, I believe that most people do not buy products because of the
advertising alone. There are other good reasons why we make these choices, and there
must be some kind of need before a person makes a purchase. New versions of
products almost always have improved features that buyers may want. A new car, for
example, may have greatly improved safety features, or it may be more economical to
run, or it may pollute less. A new phone may allow the user to communicate more
quickly or effectively, thus enhancing their quality of life.

In conclusion, while advertising obviously influences our buying behaviour, I do not

agree that people make decisions that go against their real needs.
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Topic 7 - Festival
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.
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Topic 8 - History and literature

Some people believe that it is more important to teach children the literature and
history of their own country, rather than the literature and history of other
countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

People have different views about the teaching of national versus global literature and
history in schools. Personally, I support the idea that children should study first and
foremost the great books and historical events of their own countries.

There are several reasons why I believe that schools should focus on teaching national
literature and history. Firstly, children enjoy learning about where they live, and by
studying the ideas, culture and history of their own countries they begin to develop a
sense of identity. At the same time, this approach is appealing to parents, who studied
the same books and historical events and can therefore help their children with school
work. English children, for example, read Shakespeare and learn about the Battle of
Hastings just as their parents did, and there is educational continuity across the
generations. Finally, an emphasis on national literature and history gives educators a
narrower teaching scope, making curriculum design an easier task.

By contrast, the study of global events and foreign novels could cause unnecessary
difficulty and confusion for school pupils. For example, I do not see the point in
presenting Russian or Chinese history to a British child who has not yet studied the
history of his or her own country in detail. Surely the child would be more able to
comprehend historical events that took place in London than those that happened in
Moscow or Beijing. Similarly, any exposure to international literature is likely to
require the teaching of a foreign language or the use of translations. Young people at
primary or secondary school age are simply not ready for such complications.

In conclusion, I would argue that it is undesirable for schools to cover aspects of

foreign history and literature; they should ground their pupils in the local culture
instead.
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Topic 9 - The natural world

Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of
resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue that it is pointless to spend money on the protection of wild
animals because we humans have no need for them. I completely disagree with this
point of view.

In my opinion, it is absurd to argue that wild animals have no place in the 21st
century. I do not believe that planet Earth exists only for the benefit of humans, and
there is nothing special about this particular century that means that we suddenly have
the right to allow or encourage the extinction of any species. Furthermore, there is no
compelling reason why we should let animals die out. We do not need to exploit or
destroy every last square metre of land in order to feed or accommodate the world’s
population. There is plenty of room for us to exist side by side with wild animals, and
this should be our aim.

I also disagree with the idea that protecting animals is a waste of resources. It is
usually the protection of natural habitats that ensures the survival of wild animals, and
most scientists agree that these habitats are also crucial for human survival. For
example, rainforests produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and stabilise the Earth’s
climate. If we destroyed these areas, the costs of managing the resulting changes to
our planet would far outweigh the costs of conservation. By protecting wild animals
and their habitats, we maintain the natural balance of all life on Earth.

In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist,
and I believe that we should do everything we can to protect them.
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Topic 10 - Space
The money spent by governments on space programmes would be better spent
on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration
programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and
that the funds should be allocated to public services.

There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned. Firstly, it is
extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions,
and facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost to the government. Secondly,
these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives; they are simply
vanity projects for politicians. Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and
the smallest technological error can cost astronauts their lives. The Challenger space
shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion
it is not worth the risk.

I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services
instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service
workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space
exploration projects. Furthermore, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact
on every member of society. For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and
we all need the security that the police provide. If governments reallocated the money
spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of
poverty or given a better quality of life.

In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that

benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do
not improve our everyday lives.
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Topic 11 - AI
Some people believe that developments in the field of artificial intelligence will
have a positive impact on our lives in the near future. Others, by contrast, are
worried that we are not prepared for a world in which computers are more
intelligent than humans. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

People seem to be either excited or worried about the future impact of artificial
intelligence. Personally I can understand the two opposing points of view; I am both
fascinated by developments in artificial intelligence and apprehensive about its
possible negative effects.

On the one hand, the increasing intelligence of technology should bring some obvious
benefits. Machines are clearly able to do many jobs better than humans can, especially
in areas that require high levels of accuracy or calculations using large amounts of
data. For example, robots are being developed that can carry out surgical procedures
with greater precision than a human doctor, and we already have cars that use sensors
and cameras to drive themselves. Such technologies can improve safety by reducing
the likelihood of human errors. It is easy to imagine how these developments, and
many others, will steadily improve our quality of life.

On the other hand, I share the concerns of people who believe that artificial
intelligence may harm us if we are not careful. In the short term, it is likely that we
will see a rise in unemployment as workers in various industries are replaced by
machines or software programs. For example, self-driving vehicles are expected to
cause redundancies in driving jobs, such as lorry drivers, taxi drivers and bus drivers.
In the medium term, if intelligent technologies gradually take jobs away from humans,
we may find that people become deskilled and lose their sense of purpose in life. A
longer term fear is that computers become so intelligent that they begin to make
decisions without human oversight and without regard for our well-being.

In conclusion, while intelligent machines will no doubt improve our lives in many
ways, the potential risks of such technologies should not be ignored.
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Topic 12 - Technology and Culture

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 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.
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Topic 13 - The modern world

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

People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on others
nowadays. In my view, modern life forces us to be more independent than people
were in the past.

There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent on
each other now. Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because the cost
of living has increased so dramatically. For example, young adults tend to rely on
their parents for help when buying a house. Property prices are higher than ever, and
without help it would be impossible for many people to pay a deposit and a mortgage.
Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious nowadays, and they want a better quality
of life for their families. This means that both parents usually need to work full-time,
and they depend on support from grandparents and babysitters for child care.

However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent
these days. In most countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed,
which means that people cannot count on relatives as much as they used to. We also
have more freedom to travel and live far away from our home towns. For example,
many students choose to study abroad instead of going to their local university, and
this experience makes them more independent as they learn to live alone. Another
factor in this growing independence is technology, which allows us to work alone and
from any part of the world.

In conclusion, while there are some reasons to believe that people now depend on
each other more, my own view is that we are more independent than ever.
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Topic 14 - Urbanization - Migrating

More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city
life can be extremely difficult. Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city.
How can governments make urban life better for everyone?

Cities are often seen as places of opportunity, but there are also some major
drawbacks of living in a large metropolis. In my opinion, governments could do much
more to improve city life for the average inhabitant.

The main problem for anyone who hopes to migrate to a large city is that the cost of
living is likely to be much higher than it is in a small town or village. Inhabitants of
cities have to pay higher prices for housing, transport, and even food. Another issue is
that urban areas tend to suffer from social problems such as high crime and poverty
rates in comparison with rural areas. Furthermore, the air quality in cities is often poor,
due to pollution from traffic, and the streets and public transport systems are usually
overcrowded. As a result, city life can be unhealthy and stressful.

However, there are various steps that governments could take to tackle these problems.
Firstly, they could invest money in the building of affordable or social housing to
reduce the cost of living. Secondly, politicians have the power to ban vehicles from
city centres and promote the use of cleaner public transport, which would help to
reduce both air pollution and traffic congestion. In London, for example, the
introduction of a congestion charge for drivers has helped to curb the traffic problem.
A third option would be to develop provincial towns and rural areas, by moving
industry and jobs to those regions, in order to reduce the pressure on major cities.

In conclusion, governments could certainly implement a range of measures to enhance

the quality of life for all city residents.
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Topic 15 - Environment

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say
that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal
requirement.
To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of
their waste?

It is true that we do not recycle enough of our household waste. Although I accept that
new legislation to force people to recycle could help this situation, I do not agree that
a recycling law is the only measure that governments should take.

In my view, a new recycling law would be just one possible way to tackle the waste
problem. Governments could make it a legal obligation for householders to separate
all waste into different bins. There could be punishments for people who fail to adhere
to this law, ranging from a small fine to community service, or even perhaps prison
sentences for repeat offenders. These measures would act as a deterrent and
encourage people to obey the recycling law. As a result, the improved behaviour of
homeowners could lead to a clean, waste-free environment for everyone.

However, I believe that governments should do more than simply introduce a

recycling law. It might be more effective if politicians put education, rather than
punishment, at the centre of a recycling campaign. For example, children could be
taught about recycling in schools, and homeowners could be informed about the
environmental impact of household waste. Another tactic that governments could use
would be to create stricter regulations for the companies that produce the packaging
for household products. Finally, money could also be spent to improve recycling
facilities and systems, so that waste is processed more effectively, regardless of
whether or not people separate it correctly in the home.

In conclusion, perhaps we do need to make recycling a legal requirement, but this

would certainly not be the only way to encourage people to dispose of their waste
more responsibly.
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Topic 16- Climate Change

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.
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Topic 17 - Workplace

Some people think that employers should not care about the way their employees
dress, because what matters is the quality of their work. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

In the modern workplace, dress codes are changing as employers focus more on
results than on the rules that employees must follow. While I agree that the way
people dress should be seen as irrelevant in many work contexts, I believe that dress
codes still exist for good reason in certain professions.

On the one hand, many employers have stopped telling their staff how to dress, and I
see this as a positive trend. Some of the most successful companies in the world,
including technology giants like Google and Facebook, are famous for the relaxed
office environments that they try to create. Employees are encouraged to dress
casually, and even the company executives and leaders are rarely seen wearing
anything other than T-shirts and jeans. However, while managers and programmers
are free to dress how they like, they are expected to produce work of outstanding
quality. It is clear from the performance and global dominance of such companies that
strict dress codes are completely unnecessary in the technology sector.

However, I would also argue that rules regarding employees' clothing are still relevant
in other work situations. We expect certain professionals, such as nurses, police
officers and airline pilots, to wear uniforms. These uniforms may have a practical or
safety function, but perhaps more importantly they identify the person’s position or
role in society. Similarly, a lawyer, politician or school principal may choose to wear
formal clothing in order to portray an image of authority, trustworthiness and
diligence. I believe that most of us prefer to see these professionals in smart, formal
attire, even if it is not strictly necessary.

In conclusion, I support the trend towards relaxed dress codes for workers, but I do
not see it as applicable to all occupations or sectors of the economy.
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Topic 18 - Crime - CCTV

In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in
order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our
individual freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent
years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe
that the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks.

There are two main reasons why people might disapprove of the use of video cameras
in public places. The first objection is that these cameras invade our privacy, in the
sense that we are constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security
firms. Many people find this intrusive and feel that the recording of their movements
is a form of state control that curtails their individual freedom. The second argument
against the proliferation of CCTV cameras is that they are being used as an alternative
to police officers patrolling the streets. If this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely
that members of the public will feel safer.

In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to
monitor public areas is a positive measure. The key objective of video surveillance is
to deter criminals and to prevent crime. For example, petty criminals like shoplifters
and pickpockets are less likely to operate in parts of cities where they know that they
are being watched. At the same time, when crimes are committed, the police can use
video evidence to catch and prosecute offenders. Therefore, in my view, video
cameras offer valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for
inhabitants, workers and visitors alike.

In conclusion, it seems to me that we gain more than we lose from the enhanced
security that CCTV cameras bring to our cities.
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Topic 19 -Choices
Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is often said that modern life presents us with an overwhelming number of choices.
I completely agree with this, and I believe that the Internet and globalisation are the
two major factors involved.

It is undeniable that the Internet has led to a dramatic expansion in the number of
choices that are available to us. The number of online media options, for instance, is
now almost endless. There are countless websites offering entertainment, news,
videos, on-demand TV and music streaming, many of which are free. I would argue
that this abundance of media leads to confusion on the part of the average user, as we
have to make so many decisions about the content that we consume. A personal
example of this trend would be the fact that I had a choice of just four TV channels
when I was a child, whereas I now have access to thousands of films and series
through services like Netflix.

Alongside the influence of the Internet, globalisation is making the world smaller and
compounding this problem of too much choice. Cheap international flights have made
overseas travel possible for millions of people, but this also means that we are faced
with a world of options when deciding where to go on holiday or even where to live.
We no longer have the limited but simple travel choices of our grandparents’
generation. The same is true if we look at the increasing tendency for young people to
study abroad. While the opportunity for overseas study seems appealing, many
students are confused about where to go and which path to take.

In conclusion, we are faced with a huge number of options in most areas of life
nowadays, and this is often more bewildering than beneficial.
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Topic 20 - Arts - Film

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.

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.