IELTS Listening Module

 

Listening Module in IELTS

IELTS Listening Module is appeared in the beginning of the test. The Listening test is the same for both IELTS Academic test and IELTS General Training test. It consists four different parts. Each parts has ten questions where you will get 30 seconds pauses in the middle of the questions except in part 4. You will have 1 to 40 questions which you hear only once the audio clips. You will have 30 minutes average time to hear the audio where you will be provided British, American and Australian accents. Later, you will have 10 minutes extra time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

IELTS Listening Answer sheet

Let's learn about the different parts of listening and how they appear in the exam.

Part-1

This section is the easiest section. Speaker talks quite slowly making pauses. The key information is usually repeated.

        Examples: two people talking about their journey, asking about the destination, one is giving advices to another about a new project, two men are discussing about the result of football match, tourist registering at the hotel etc. You have to focus on the given facts (information).

Part-2

A monologue about everyday situation where the speaker talks quite slowly, but makes less pauses than in previous part

Example: information for potential buyer about new built flats, radio interview about lake resort, advertisement about positive effect of a new toothbrush etc. You have to focus on the given facts (information).

Part-3

It is a conversation about 2, 3 or 4 speakers about educational (academic) or training situations.

This part is comparatively difficult than the two previous parts. Speakers talk at a faster pace and sometimes they use advance vocabularies. Examples: a university tutor and students discussing an assignment, people talk about the professors' academic speech etc.

Focus on the given facts, key ideas and the speaker's opinions and attitudes.

Part-4

It is an academic subject. It is the most difficult part. There is no break in the middle, the speaker talks quite quickly and uses a wide range of vocabularies.

Examples: lecture about endangered species about global warming and its effects, talks about how to bring up children, lecture about forest reserve, a university lecture etc.

Focus on the given facts, key ideas and the speaker's opinions and attitudes.

A wide range of English accents and dialects are used in the recordings which reflects the international usage of IELTS.

 

Context (every part of listening)	Number of speakers
1.   Social needs	conversation between two speakers
2.   social needs	speech by one person/speaker
3.   Educational or training	conversation between up to four speakers
4.   Academic subject	speech by one person/ speaker

 You can calculate your Band score by counting up your marks out of 40 and comparing them with the scores below:

Top 5 IELTS Listening Tips

1.   Familiarize yourself with a range of accents.

2.   Don’t lose your concentration.

To improve your concentration you need to practice active listening.

3.   Follow the instructions carefully.
This especially applies when it comes to the word limit. If the question states ‘No more than three words’ then you can’t write any more than this. If your answer is four words it will be incorrect.

4.   Familiarize yourself with the different question types.
Doing so will mean you’ll know exactly what to expect on test day and how to react to the question types you’re given. 

5.   Practice listening only once.

1.   Matching Questions

2.   Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

3.   Note completion

4.   Form completion

5.   Table completion

6.   Sentence completion

7.   Summary completion

8.   Short answer question

9.   Map and plan labelling                 

          Diagram and flow chart completion

1. Matching Questions

Candidates are given a list of items from the audio and are requested to match it with a set of options on the question paper. The set of options might be criteria of some kind. The questions will be sorted following the listening text order in the record. The information part will be a list of answers to match, they are in a random position, not following any specific order.

Example:           

 2.                  Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

In multiple choice questions, you are required to choose the correct answer from a list of options. There are two main types of question:

      i.            Single questions with a choice of 3 answers (A, B or C). Occasionally, there may be 4 options.

   ii.            List questions. These have a longer list of possible answers and you must select more than one as specified in the question.

 

The Strategy

1) Read the question

2) Look for a title

3) Underline the key word in the question

4) Predict the answer

5) Think of synonyms

6) Identify the difference

7) Watch out for distractors

8) Writing the answer

9) Guess if necessary

 3.  Note Completion

Note completion questions come up regularly in the IELTS Listening exam so there’s a high chance of you getting one in your test. They can take many different forms but will always be a gap fill activity of some sort where you have to fill in missing words. You could, for example, be asked to fill in missing words in a set of notes from a lecture or a list of instructions for a journey. It’s also common to make notes, for example, during meetings and telephone conversations or when browsing the internet for information on a particular topic, such as travel information for a holiday.

4.  Form completion

Form completion questions are one of the easiest types of IELTS Listening questions to answer as long as you know how to recognise and write the vocabulary they typically contain. Form completion questions are common in Section 1 of the test and the recording will often be a telephone conversation between two people.

The two most common types of form you’ll see are:

• An application form

• An order or quotation  form

Application Form

 

The recording for this sample question is a telephone conversation between the Youth Council administrator and a young man who wants to apply for election to the Youth Council.

                                         Quotation Form

5.  Table completion

Table completion questions come up regularly and can appear in any section of the test.

Table completion questions are gap fill questions that require you to fill in missing words. The table will be made up of columns and rows containing information.

Generally, tables categorise information, that is, they group pieces of information that are related in some way or share the same features. It follows an order.

6. Sentence completion

Sentence completion questions are one of the less common types of IELTS Listening questions but you need to know how to answer them in case you do get one.

They are a type of gap fill question where you must listen to the recording and fill in the missing words in the sentences to complete them. It's very often the ending of the sentence that you'll have to complete but you may also have to fill in words within sentences.

Sentence completion questions can appear in any section of the IELTS Listening test but as long as you have a good strategy to follow, you’ll be able to answer them successfully. Occasionally, you may be able to predict the actual word but it should certainly be possible to determine the type of word needed to fill each gap, such as,

a noun,   an adjective,   a verb, adverb, number

7.  Summary completion

Summary – a short, clear description that gives the main facts or ideas about something

For summary completion questions, you'll be given a summary of the recording. The recording will typically be a monologue on an academic subject such as a lecture on the Amazon rainforest or the Pyramids at Giza. There will be words missing from the summary which you must fill in.

This type of question is most likely to come up in Section 4, the most challenging part of the test. Occasionally, you’ll be able to predict the actual word but mostly it’s one or more of these things that you’ll be able to determine:

• The type of information required, e.g. name of a person, place name, number, date.

• The type of word required, e.g. noun, adjective, verb.

8. Short answer question

These come up regularly in the exam and can appear in any section of the test. They are particularly common in Section 2 which will be a monologue set in an everyday social context, for example, a welcome talk for new college students.

You must listen to the recording and write a short answer in each blank space provided. Synonyms and paraphrasing will be used extensively in the recording. So, you will not only be listening for the exact words that are used in the questions but also, different words and phrases that have the same meaning.

In your preparation time, scan the questions and underline key words that are likely to be replaced by synonyms or paraphrased. Then, quickly think of words that might be used instead.

Occasionally, you’ll be able to predict the actual word but mostly it’s one or more of these things that you’ll be able to determine:

• The type of information required, e.g. name, date, time, phone number, address, price.

• The type of word required, e.g. noun, adjective, verb.

Sometimes, more than one answer will be required, for example,

What are the TWO major concerns new students have regarding accommodation?

sample 1

Sample 2

9. Map and plan labelling

 These come up regularly in the exam and are particularly common in Section 2. The subject for plan questions will typically be a tour of a specific building such as a hotel or museum, or the description of a place. In map questions, the speaker will often talk about proposed changes to a location.

Your task is to listen to the recording and identify different areas, features or rooms. You will often be given a list of words from which to choose the correct answers. If no list is given, you will have to identify the answers from the recording. Many students find these one of the easiest question types to answer because the graphic will contain lots of clues as to the missing words, especially in the labels already present.

 In the recording for this sample question, the chairman of the Highways Committee is explaining the new traffic regulations and parking arrangements proposed for Granford at a public meeting.

 

In the recording for this sample question, the chairman of the Highways Committee is explaining the new traffic regulations and parking arrangements proposed for Granford at a public meeting.

For this question, the speaker is the librarian of a new town library. They are talking to a group of people who are visiting the library.

Strategy & Tips

You will have a short time to prepare before the speakers begin talking. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the question and focus your mind on what you need to listen out for.

1) Read the instructions

Read the instructions very carefully as the wording, and what you have to do, vary in this type of question. For example, the instructions for the first sample question state:

Write the correct letter, A–I, next to Questions 14–20

Very important: Write only the letter (A–I) on the plan. Do not write the word. If you do, your answer will be marked wrong.

So, if answer 11 was ’computers’, your answer would be 11 C, not 11 computers.

2) Read the labels & title

Learn as much as you can about the map or plan from the existing labels, and the words in the answer list if there is one. Some maps and plans will also have a title which is another big clue as to the context of the question and what the recording will be about. For example, the question in IELTS Listening Sample Test 1 above, has the title ‘Proposed traffic changes in Granford’. Knowing this should bring a few ideas to mind as to the sort of information that will be included in the audio text. The more familiar you are with the vocabulary and the layout of the graphic, the easier it will be to understand and follow what the speaker says.

If there is no words list, try and predict what type of word the answers will be from the context of the plan or map, for example, is it a room, a building, a street, a feature such as a pond or a facility such as a public toilet.

Generally, the speaker will begin their talk by introducing themselves and the subject or purpose of the talk so this will also help you to understand the context.

 

3) Visualization

One of the skills needed to answer map and plan questions successfully is to be able to visualise what the place being described looks like.

We use maps and plans in everyday life so your brain will already be used to doing this, although you normally do it subconsciously without even thinking about it.

4) Answer order

The answers will come in the same order in the recording as they are listed in the question so, for our sample question, you'll hear answer 11 first, then answer 12 and so on. This makes it easier to pick out the answers than if they were in a random order.

5) Vocabulary

To do well in map and plan questions, you need to understand the language of location and direction.

• Location – where something is in relation to another object or place.

• Direction – the position towards which someone moves or faces

 

Common vocabulary of location:

• near

• next to

• in front of

• beside

• between

• across from

 

Common vocabulary of direction:

• turn right

• turn left

• go straight on

• go past

• head south

• northwest

6) Synonyms and paraphrasing

7) Watch out for distractors

8) Guess if necessary

10. Diagram and flaw-chart completion

Diagram labelling

In diagram labelling questions, you will be given a diagram of a process, an object, a structure or a machine and you must either fill in the missing labels or complete notes within the diagram.

You could get almost any topic. Examples of diagrams from past papers have included a beehive, a soda can, a fire extinguisher, a Ferris wheel, a zip fastener, a solar heating system, an undersea turbine and soil layers.

As long as you have a good strategy to follow, you’ll be able to answers questions on any subject. In fact, students generally find this one of the easiest question types to answer because the graphic and the existing labels give lots of clues as to what the missing words might be.

Flowchart Completion

Flowchart Completion questions, on the other hand, show the steps of a process. The process will have a start and an end with several steps in between. 

It could be about almost anything that can be broken down into stages, for example, the outline of a lecture or essay, an application process, the stages of a training course or a short manufacturing process.

The graphic in the sample question below shows the 3 stages of a project to design a water treatment system. Like most flowchart completion questions, it occurs in Part 3 where the recording will be a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context.

                                                                                By Bal Ram Shah

 

IELTS Two Part Essay (Double question or Direct question Essay)

 

  IELTS Two Part Essay (Double question or Direct question Essay)

In  Two-part question type, you will be given two questions and you will need to answer both questions. The two questions will be different. For example, you might need to assess the importance of an idea or action (e.g. How import is it?) and say whether you agree or disagree (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?). 

IELTS double question essays are also known as ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essays. They are distinguished by two characteristics:
They have one statement with two different questions after it.

The questions may or may not be linked.

Although the questions themselves are sometimes a bit challenging, they are direct questions. This means that it is less likely you will stay off-topic while writing.

These three errors are common in IELTS double question essays.

·         Not answering both questions fully.

·         Not outlining both answers in the introduction.

·         Mistaking it for one of the other essay types.

 

Structure

1) Introduction 
Paraphrase the question 

Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

Topic sentence – state your answer

Explanation – develop the idea

Example – give an example

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

Topic sentence – state your answer

Explanation – develop the idea

Example – give an example

4) Conclusion Summarise both questions and answers

 Sample 1

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?

In today’s society, some parents are becoming increasingly permissive. They do not impose sufficient discipline on their children, and in some cases buy them too many things. This essay will explore why this is not a good way to raise children and why it will have negative impacts upon them in future.

While it is understandable that parents want to give their children expensive toys and let them run freely in the streets, this is actually not really an appropriate method of parenting. Having too many toys encourages children to be materialistic and does not offer them the same change to develop social skills like sharing. Furthermore, when children have asked for the toys, it gives them a sense of entitlement and even power over their parents. As for giving children too much freedom, there are obviously a great many dangers in this world from which they need to be kept safe. Children also need rules and boundaries to encourage them to develop into mature and responsible adults.

If parents insist on this permissive style of parenting, their children will grow up with very different values from those of stricter parents. Children who were never forced to study will end up with poorer grades in school, and those who were given everything they wanted as children will expect everything to come easily as adults. In short, they will lead difficult and disappointing lives, in contrast with what their parents hoped.

In conclusion, although it is tempting to give children whatever they want, parents ought to set rules and boundaries, and to be careful with how they reward children. If parents fail to impose a basic level of discipline, children may grow up with a poor attitude that will cause them and others to suffer.

(294 words)

 Sample 2

In education and employment, some people work harder than others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?

It is true that nowadays, people tend to work hard in education and in the company. In my perspective, I believe working hard is really necessary for people life, however this case has some drawbacks and I will prove it in this essay.

There are some important reasons that people have to work harder than others. The first reason for this case is that people will achieve their job more successful. For instance, when you have your assignment which given by your tutor and you have to finish it in one week .Hence, in this situation if you try to consult the reference on the internet and concentrate on this project, you are completely get the high score. Another reason is that people will get the high position in their career. Clearly, When you try your best and complete your work but others do not, so the extra pay on your wage at the end of the month absolutely higher than others. Moreover, working hard is also a kind of activity that gain more opportunities for yourself.

Some people claim that working hard has many disadvantages. Personally, I believe it affect to people’s health. What I mean by this is that when you take a lot of work and it is exceeding your health allow, you will be very stressful and desperate. And this will lead a very awful consequence. Another drawback for this statement is that you will not have your time for family or your friends. Obviously, the time which you spend in the company compare to the time you spend to your family and friends is little. This problem will make you lost your interaction with the community.

In conclusion, there are some clear reason for working harder can make your life change but I still notice some drawbacks of this issue. ( 305 words)

 Sample 3

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.
What factor contributes to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

From the past few decades, technology and globalisation have increased the jobs opportunities. By which it is easier to expect satisfaction in jobs for all workers. Moreover, it is an important element as most people spend a major part of their adult life at work.

Firstly, the major factor contributing to job satisfaction is pay-scale. As the population is proliferating day-by-day and it is affecting whole world because the accommodations as well as food prices are increasing regularly. However, people need to have a considerable amount of salary to afford necessary things required for living. For instance, the survey conducted by the WHO shows that a plethora of people die due to lack of food and shelter every year. As a result, a better pay-scale helps individuals to have satisfaction in their jobs.

Secondly, a person can be satisfied if he/she have passion and interest in the job. By which the people working in different companies and firms can work effectively and efficiency which will help to increase productivity of the specific company. Furthermore, workers can develop their skills while doing the work in which they are best. For example, the scientists studied the individual employed by different companies and they concluded that the efficiency of people who have interest in their the job is more than the people who do not have.

To conclude, job satisfaction is important for people, as they spent most for their adult life at work. In addition, with the increase in technology and globalisation it is not difficult to have a job satisfaction.

(259 words)

Sample 4

Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have been depleted.

How can we conserve these resources?

What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?

 These days, the environment is being severely affected by the excessive use of nonrenewable energy resources, such as petrol, diesel, coal and natural gas. However, eco-friendly and renewable power sources like wind and solar power are being adopted in many countries mainly because they do not harm the environment, and I wholeheartedly think that it is a positive trend.

The shift towards renewable energy sources in many countries is primarily to fight global warming and climate change. Fossil fuels are often the reason climate change is so severe and threatens the existence of humans on the mother planet. Many countries, including Germany, Norway and France, have adopted the use of green energy like solar and wind power to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels to save the environment.

It is a positive trend as it greatly reduces the carbon content of the environment and makes the planet more sustainable. Without extensive use of green energy, we will soon transform our planet into an uninhabitable one. To save our planet from destruction, we need to produce and use more green and renewable energy. Moreover, it is cheaper to produce such clean energy than to extract coal or natural gas which makes these eco-friendly energies affordable to mass people. A recent study by Oxford University reveals that the production of solar power is 30% cheaper than that of fossil fuel. This finding again emphasizes how important it is for all nations to opt for renewable energy sources, and how beneficial it is that many countries have already invested in generating clean power.

In conclusion, even though we have harmed our mother planet to a great extent by indiscriminately using fossil fuels, some countries have already shown us a better way to produce and use power. It is expected that more countries will invest in alternative sources of energy to make the planet green again and make energy affordable for all. (318 words)

Sample 5

Some people say that the importance of art has been increasing in every part of the globe. To me, it is one of the best sources of entertainment currently; therefore, I believe that it should be introduced in schools.

In the Modern era, art helps people to stay rejuvenated. In general, in every part of the world, people are going through a hectic schedule which is why they often have stress, depression and some other health issues. To mitigate this, there are thousands of artistic activities in terms of songs, videos and some other which helps them in such circumstances. For example, nowadays many people entertain others by showcasing their artistic skills on the Internet and they also earn a handsome amount of income from it. In short, art is quite significant today because it gives people relief from day to day stress.

Without any doubt, art classes must be introduced in schools since these can lessen children’ burden significantly. To explain, many students study extra hours to achieve higher marks, which is why they sometimes have stress regarding their studies. If there are singing or acting classes in school, they can get a break from this. Not only this, it will also help students who want to become actors, singers, musicians etcetera. Simply, a student attending artistic classes will have more knowledge and chances to get success later on. Therefore, it is supported that artistic skills should be inculcated in schools.

In the end, I restate my opinion that art is still important and it is advisable to add it to Educational Institutes. (264 words)

Sample 6

Happiness is often considered difficult to define. Why is this? What factors determine happiness?

Everybody desires to be happy in life and interestingly the requirements to be cheerful vary from person to person. This is the main reason why defining happiness is not that easy. However, there are some common things that are regarded important to be delighted in life.   

Defining happiness is quite challenging because the requirements to achieve it is not fixed. While someone dreams that his economic freedom would make him happy, a very rich man dreams about having a caring family to be happy. Similarly, a couple who do not have any child think about having a baby all the time and would be ready to do anything for that. On the contrary, many poor families, mostly in poor countries, find more children to be their burden. The practical world is quite puzzling and the humankind wants more than they have. When a person’s aim or expectation is fulfilled, he wants more and this is a never ending process. This is why happiness is not a simple word that we can describe with a neat and precise definition.

However, there are some vital factors that are commonly regarded as the main ingredients to be happy in life. First of all, physical and psychological soundness is very important to be happy and people can truly realise that when they get sick. Economic freedom - ability to fulfil the needs in life, is the second most important factor to be happy, in my opinion. It is often said that being happy with an empty stomach is not possible. Thirdly, having a happy family where members love each other and care for them is considered important to be in peace in life. It is usually rare to find a happy person who does not have a pleasant family. Individual freedom is also considered a great influence to be happy in life. Someone without personal freedom cannot feel the happiness. Most importantly, being contented in life is the key to being happy. If someone can be contented with whatever little he has, he will be happy in life.

In conclusion, though there is no easy and precise definition of happiness, common attributes like sound health, caring family, freedom and personal contentment are regarded to be key ingredients to be happy in life. (378 words)

 Sample 7

Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions. Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person?

According to some people, wealth and material possessions are the best indicators of a person’s success. While I do admit that wealth is definitely a measure of success, in my opinion, it is not the only factor or the most important factor contributing to success. People can be successful regardless of their financial status.

First of all, achieving happiness is the biggest aim of all people and hence in my opinion, the happiest people are the most successful. Some people might find happiness in accumulating money, but for the vast majority of people just having a fat wallet is not enough. That explains why there are more unhappy people in the developed world than in the developing or undeveloped countries. They are rich and by that definition successful, but their lack of contentment makes them miserable. Thus, obviously, happiness is a better indicator of success than material wealth.

As for the factors contributing to happiness and success, in my opinion, family is the first. A supporting family is the biggest wealth any person can possess. They offer us moral strength, share our joys and sorrows and thus contribute to our sense of wellbeing and success. Good health is another determinant of success because without health there is not much we can achieve in life. Having a clear and realistic goal also leads to success and contentment as people are happier and more productive when they have a purpose a life.

In conclusion, money and material riches certainly indicate success, but they are not the best or the only factor contributing to success. In my opinion, a person’s level of happiness is the best measure of their success and it depends more on family support and good health than riches. (289 words)

or,

These days people who possess a lot of wealth are considered as successful. While I do admit that material possessions can be an indicator of success, in my opinion, it is not the only factor that needs to be considered. People can be successful even if they do not have a lot of money and the secret of success and happiness varies from person to person.

Achieving happiness is the ultimate aim of all people and therefore I believe that happy people are successful people. Some of the richest people in the world have all the material comforts that money can buy and yet many of them are not happy. In my opinion, their unhappiness makes them unsuccessful despite owning a lot of money. At the same time, we can also find many poor people who are happy and contented with what they have. They enjoy each and every moment of their life and eagerly look forward to tomorrow. Obviously, money is not the best or only measure of success.

As for the factors contributing to success, well, there are many. For some, it could be achieving their goals in life; for others it could be having a great family or doing something to help others. Earning money can also be the ultimate aim of some people and if they manage to achieve it, they will be happy and that in my opinion will make them successful. Thus, obviously, the definition of success varies from person to person and anyone who achieves what they want can be considered successful.

In short, while money can be a measure of success, it is not the best or only measure. A person should be considered successful if they are happy and contented. (289 words)

Sample 8

In many countries, it has become difficult for young people to afford to buy their own home.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

In many parts of the world, it has become very challenging for younger generations to be able to purchase a home of their own. There is a variety of reasons for this, but steps can certainly be taken to tackle the issue.

Several factors are to blame for the financial difficulty young people face when trying to buy a home. Firstly, population growth in many countries has led to greater competition among buyers, which drives up prices. In parallel, there is often too little construction taking place, which makes the situation worse as supply cannot keep up with demand. In many countries, interest rates are also much lower than their long-term averages, which encourages people to borrow more and more money to outbid other buyers. As prices have increased, it has become increasingly difficult for younger buyers to save for a deposit, which effectively locks them out of the housing market.

There are ways that this issue could be addressed. One solution is for governments to offer young people grants to help them afford their first home. Governments could place conditions on any such grant. For example, they could require that the property be a newly constructed one or that the money only be used to purchase a property in a regional area. Another way to deal with this issue is for governments to release more land for residential construction and offer builders financial incentives. This would help with the supply side of the equation. If there were more properties available, prices would inevitably come down.

In conclusion, young people find it difficult to afford their own home primarily due to supply and demand factors. Unless governments take action by offering grants to young buyers or by releasing more land for new homes, the problem is unlikely to go away. (300)

Sample 9

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation? 

 

Owning a home is often considered an essential element of a dream come true. In fact, it is often viewed as a symbol of success and stability. This essay will explore the reasons why owning a house is so important to people and why this is a positive development.

One of the main reasons why owning a home is so important to people is that it provides a sense of security and stability. Renting a place of residence can often be unpredictable, as landlords may raise rent prices or decide to sell the property. In contrast, homeowners have more control over their living situation and are not subject to the whims of landlords. For instance, consider a family who has been renting an apartment for several years. They have established a comfortable life in the neighbourhood, with their children attending nearby schools and forming friendships within the community. However, the landlord unexpectedly informs them to vacate the house because he himself has decided to live there. It would be a very depressing situation for the tenant.

I believe this is a positive trend because owning a home provides a sense of permanence and belonging. It allows people to put down roots in a community and become more invested in their surroundings. Moreover, owning a home can be a good investment. Over time, real estate tends to appreciate in value, meaning that homeowners can potentially make a profit if they sell their abodes later on. For example, during the housing market boom in the early 2000s, many people who owned homes in desirable locations saw their property values skyrocket.

In conclusion, owning a house provides homeowners with a sense of security, stability, and belonging to a community, and can also be a good investment. While there may be some minor downsides to homeownership, ultimately, owning a home is a goal that many people, all around the world, aspire to, and it is a worthy one. (285 words)

Sample 10

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?

It is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choices are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors. In my opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis on good news.

Editors face a range of considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, I imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers. Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that are in the public interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them. For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to promote.

 

It seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the world. I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do anything to change it. I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives.

In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

                                                                                                                                    (285 words)

Sample 11

Economic progress is often used to measure a country’s success. However, some people believe that other factors are more important. What other factors should also be considered when measuring a country’s success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?   

The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are several other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my opinion education is the most important of all.

Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be considered when measuring a country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any nation, with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality of future generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within a country, and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability of medical services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account. For example, a country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.

In my view, a country’s education system should be seen as the most important indicator of its success and level of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the other two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries, and increased wealth.

In conclusion, nations can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that the standard of a country’s education system is the best measure of its success.

                                                                                                                                          (287 words)

 Sample 12

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 subsidizing 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.                                                                                                                                                      (288 words)

Sample 13

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)

 

Sample 14

Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?

 

It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.

On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.

On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.

In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one’s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfilment.

                                                                                                                        (310 words)

Sample 15

There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

 

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.

Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life without it.

In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history of a country. Traditional styles, such as …(example)…, connect us to the past and form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these national styles disappeared.

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

                                                                                                            (261 words)

Sample 16

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 revolutionized communication between people, but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.

                                                                                                            (257 words)