WRITING TASK 1 Paraphrasing the question

What to expect? Example question:

Line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, tables, flow charts, maps The line graph shows the amount of food consumption in China from 1985
to 2010.
Write at least 150 words

After paraphrasing:

The given line graph illustrates the changes in how much food was
consumed in China between 1985 and 2010. Units are measured in grams
eaten per person per week.

SECOND PARAGRAPH: Overview/ Key features

Overall, it can clearly be seen that the consumption of all foods rose over
the given period, with the exception of salt. Moreover, fish was the most
consumed food over the years.

PARAGRAPH 3 and 4:
FIRST PARAGRAPH: Paraphrase the question (+ units)
 Topic sentences
Shows = illustrates, demonstrates
 Details
From… to… = Between… and…
The number of = How many
- In terms of the food with the highest consumption, … (Paragraph 3)
The amount of = How much
- Regarding the other two types of food with lower consumption, …
The percentage of= The proportion of
(Paragraph 4)
Men/Women = Males/Females
Average = Typical
The figure for fish stood at precisely 600 in 1985.
Every day = Daily
The figure for salt started at just below 500 in 1985.
Every month = Monthly
The figure for meat originated at exactly 100 in 1985.
Every year = Yearly
Expenditure = The amount of money spent on…
Describing movements  Approximately, around, about, roughly
- Go up = Increase, climb, rise, grow, skyrocket, soar  Exactly, precisely
Increase from 30% to 80%  Almost, nearly, just below, just under
Rise to 80%  Just over, just above
Skyrocket by 50%
References
- Go down = Decrease, drop, decline, fall, plummet, plunge The figure / the number / the percentage
Decrease from 90% to 10%
Drop to 10% Transitions
Plummet by 80% Similarly, Likewise, In contrast

- No movements = remain steady, remain stable, level off, hover around The number for salt dropped to exactly 200 grams in 2010. In contrast, the
number of meats jumped steadily to 200 in 2010.
Describing the degree
Significantly, drastically, dramatically, moderately, greatly, noticeably, Other useful words
slightly, gradually, steadily, stably  Reach a peak of
 Respectively
The car sales increased significantly from 50% to 95%.  Intersect at
The car sales experienced a significant increase from 50% to 95%.  Surpass
 By far the highest compared to the other …
From this point onwards, the figure for fish rose significantly to around 850.  Started slightly lower than … at …
From this point onwards, the figure for fish experienced / had / witnessed /  Before
saw a significant increase to around 850.  Hit a trough at

Time expressions Example:

 In 1985, In 1990, In 1995 - From this point onwards, the figure for fish increased significantly
 From 1985 to 1990, Between 1985 and 1990 and reached a peak of around 850.
 Then, …… in 1990 - In 1985, the figures for salt and meat stood at just below 500 and
 In the following / next five years exactly 100, respectively.
 Thereafter, …… - The figures for both salt and meat intersected at exactly 200 in
 After which, …… 2010.
 From this point onwards, ……

Stating numbers
 The bar chart below shows the average rainfall for Australia by month
for last year. The line shows the average rainfall for Australia by month
for the last 40 years.

- The figure for Sutton wood surpassed / overtook the figures for the other This report will describe a bar chart showing the average rainfall for
libraries. Australia last year by month and the average rainfall in Australia for the past forty
- Rye Slip had by far the highest number compared to the other libraries years.
in June, which stood at exactly 300. Overall, it can be seen that the average rainfall for Australia last year was
- The figure for Sutton Wood started slightly lower than that of Rye Slip a little lower than average rainfall in Australia for the past forty years, but generally
at 250. followed the same pattern.
The average rainfall of the last forty years in Australia decreased from a
peak at the beginning of the year to lows in the months in the middle of the year.
“The figure for Sutton Wood increased to around 275 in July. Then, it
Towards the end of the year rainfall rose again. Rainfall data for last year generally
dropped significantly to exactly 100 in August.” can be written as:
followed the same trend as the last forty years’ average.
Although the general pattern of the two sets of data is similar, there are
- The figure for Sutton Wood increased to around 275 in July before some differences. The line representing the accumulation of the average rainfall
dropping significantly to exactly 100 in August. from the past forty years begins at around eighty millimetres in January and then
- The figure for Sutton Wood increased to around 275 in July before drops sharply to around thirty millimetres in April. Rainfall then drops slowly to
hitting a trough at exactly 100 in August. around thirteen millimetres in September and then again rises steadily to just under
sixty millimetres in December. Average rainfall for the last year was a little lower
than the forty-year average for most months, excepting March, May, June and
November when the rainfall was a little heavier. August and October were
particularly dry when compared with the forty-year average, at around five
millimetres each compared with about fifteen and twenty millimetres each
respectively for the forty-year average.

MODEL ANSWER: WRITING TASK 2

1. Essay Writing Template for a STATEMENT-TYPE Question 1) Write an intro to the topic which clearly states your opinion on the
Formula: subject (I agree / support that … or I disagree / reject the idea that ..)
1) A general sentence to introduce the topic in your own words. 2) Think of 2 main points to support your opinion and write about them
2) Add an extra sentence to support the first sentence. WITH EXAMPLES.
3) Identify and state in your own words the two opinions given to you 3) Think of one contrast opinion (However, some people argue that …)
in the question. and give EXAMPLES.
4) Outline your plan for the essay. 4) Write a short conclusion to summarize your main points and re-state
your opinion.
Plan:
1) Paragraph 1: Intro – explain the two views Plan:
2) Paragraph 2: Discuss first view WITH EXAMPLES 1) Paragraph 1: Intro – state your own opinion
3) Paragraph 3: Discuss second view WITH EXAMPLES 2) Paragraph 2: First reason (WITH EXAMPLES) to support your
4) Paragraph 4: Short conclusion – clearly state your own opinion and opinion
which view you support 3) Paragraph 3: Second reason (WITH EXAMPLES) to support your
opinion
2. Essay Writing Template for a ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES- 4) Paragraph 4: One argument for contrast (WITH EXAMPLES).
TYPE Question 5) Paragraph 5: Short conclusion (including your opinion).
Formula:
1) Write an intro to the topic.
2) Think of two advantages to the situation and provide EXAMPLES. 4. Essay Writing Template for a PROBLEM CAUSES AND
3) Think of two disadvantages and provide EXAMPLES. SOLUTIONS-TYPE Question
4) Write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion. Formula:
1) Write an intro to the topic.
Plan: 2) Think of three causes of the problem and explain them, giving
1) Paragraph 1: Intro – Talk about the situation examples where possible. Describe three solutions to deal with them.
2) Paragraph 2: Discuss the advantages WITH EXAMPLES 3) Write a short conclusion which gives your view about the topic.
3) Paragraph 3: Discuss the disadvantages WITH EXAMPLES
4) Paragraph 4: Short conclusion – clearly state your own opinion about Plan:
the situation 1) Paragraph 1: Intro – Talk about the problem
2) Paragraph 2: Cause + Solution 1
3) Paragraph 3: Cause + Solution 2
4) Paragraph 4: Cause + Solution 3
3. Essay Writing Template for AGREE / DISAGREE-TYPE Question 5) Paragraph 5: Short Conclusion
Formula: STATEMENT-TYPE QUESTION
In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some
people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with hiring children and
valuable work experience, important for learning and taking paying them for their jobs; I would even say that it is wrong not to do
responsibility. this.

What are your opinions on this?

MODEL ANSWER: (302 words)

A lot of countries practice the engagement of children in paid

work. While some would argue that it is totally inappropriate, others believe
that it helps kids obtain some real-life experience. I agree with the latter one
because this increases a child's chances of integrating into adult life more
smoothly.

On the one hand, yearly-age workers spend their spare time doing
something useful and, ultimately, will be rewarded with a salary. This
acts as motivation to fulfil their wishes and teaches them that nothing is
free; if you want to possess something, then make an effort. For example, a
friend of mine is a farmer, and he has a son. The kid wanted a bicycle right
away. The father suggested the son help him on a farm with daily duties in
exchange for money, which could be spent on anything he wanted. In the
end, the bicycle was bought, and the kid was happy. I think it was a great
example of upbringing as well.

On the other hand, kids who were employed would be much more
prepared for adulthood compared to those who weren't. However, real work
experience prepares adolescents for a smoother transition between
childhood and upcoming adulthood. Also, the children would be able to
value their spare time and would become closer to their parents. As an
example, after returning home from a hard work day, they are unlikely to
pout after being rebuffed by their mom or dad on the request to buy a toy
because they are aware of how challenging it can be. Nevertheless, work
should not be harsh and difficult, no matter how valuable experience could ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES-TYPE QUESTION
be gained.
In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a perspective are usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a
year between finishing high school and starting university studies. year off may be the best way to gain this.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to
do this.

MODEL ANSWER: (291 words)

It is quite common these days for young people in many countries

to have a break from studying after graduating from high school. The 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 readapt 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
AGREE / DISAGREE-TYPE QUESTION
 traditions should be abandoned. Selective preservation of cultural elements,
When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of particularly those with historical or artistic significance, remains vital for a
life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. balanced and inclusive society.

To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion? In conclusion, while technological development may render some
traditional skills less practical, it does not justify their complete
MODEL ANSWER: (314 words) abandonment. Efforts to preserve such traditions are crucial for maintaining
cultural diversity and identity. By integrating technology with traditional
When a country develops its technology, traditional skills and ways practices, societies can ensure that their heritage thrives in the modern
of life often face the risk of extinction. Some argue that it is futile to world.
preserve these elements. While I acknowledge the inevitability of change in
the modern era, I strongly disagree with the view that efforts to safeguard
traditional skills and lifestyles are pointless.

To begin with, traditional skills and ways of life often embody

cultural heritage and identity. They reflect the unique history, art, and
wisdom of a society, which cannot be replaced by technology. For instance,
traditional crafts like weaving, pottery, and wood carving are not merely
practical skills but also represent centuries-old knowledge and aesthetic
sensibilities. Preserving such traditions ensures that future generations
maintain a connection to their cultural roots, fostering a sense of pride and
belonging.

Moreover, traditional skills can coexist with technological

advancements and even benefit from them. Technology can be utilized to
revive dying arts by providing new tools for production or digital platforms
to reach a global audience. For example, websites and social media
platforms now enable artisans to sell their handmade goods internationally,
thus giving them economic viability. This symbiosis not only sustains
traditions but also adapts them to contemporary needs.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that certain traditional practices

may become obsolete due to technological progress. For example,
traditional farming methods may be replaced by mechanized agriculture for
higher efficiency and productivity. However, this does not mean that all
IELTS glossary:  Despite this
 However 9. Introducing Counterarguments:
1. Persuasive language:  On the other hand  Critics argue that
 Arguably  It is important to note that  Skeptics may contend that
 Undoubtedly  While it may be true that  Opponents may argue
 Clearly  Contrary to popular belief
 Evidently 5. Introducing Examples:  It may be argued that
 Conclusively  For instance
 Unquestionably  To illustrate 10. Indicating Certainty:
 Without a doubt  Such as  Indubitably
 For example  Unquestionably
2. Expressing Agreement:  In particular  Beyond any doubt
 Indeed  Specifically  Irrefutably
 Certainly  To provide context  Without question
 Absolutely  To elaborate further
 Undeniably  To offer an example 11. Expressing Assumption or Presumption:
 Clearly  To clarify  Presumably
 Manifestly  To exemplify  Ostensibly
 Obviously  Supposedly
 Granted 6. Introducing Different Perspectives:  Allegedly
 It is true that  From the perspective of
 Admittedly  From the standpoint of 12. Expressing Reason and Cause:
 In the eyes of  Owing to
3. Expressing Disagreement:  In the view of  Due to
 However  Stemming from
 Nevertheless 7. Referring to Supporters:  As a consequence of
 Conversely  Proponent  Because of
 Alternatively  Advocate
 In contrast  Supporter
 On the contrary
 Nonetheless 13. Conveying Cause and Effect:
 Despite this 8. Referring to Opponents:  Consequently
 Although  Adversary  As a result
4. Refuting Arguments:  Opponent  Therefore
 Nevertheless  Contrarian  Thus
  Hence  Consequently
 Accordingly  Accordingly
 In consequence
14. Emphasizing Importance:  Therefore
 Crucially  Hence
 Significantly
 Notably
 Importantly
 Vitally
 Essentially

15. Referring to Evidence:

 According to
 Studies have shown
 Research indicates
 Data suggests
 It is evident from

16. Transition Words and Phrases:

 Furthermore
 Additionally
 Moreover
 In addition
 On the other hand
 In contrast
 Similarly

17. Concluding or Outcome:

 In conclusion
 To sum up
 Ultimately
 In summary
 Henceforth
 All things considered