IELTS General Writing Task -2
General Structure
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
- A thesis statement – This statement should clearly state your opinion (i.e) whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
Body Paragraph 1
Your body paragraph should revolve around:
- A central idea
- Supporting points
- Example (Optional)
A central idea
The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body Paragraph 2
A central idea- The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body paragraph 3
This paragraph is the trickiest of all. You need to convey to the examiner that:
You are aware of the other side of the argument.
Yet you believe that your side is logical or right. Conclusion
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Opinion Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given an opinion essay, you have to pick sides.
- You can either agree or disagree with the statement in the question.
- Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Essay
Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries travelled to. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
Travelling helps people to get away from a sedentary and often dull existence. Many people have begun to travel to foreign nations for enjoyment in recent years. Others think that travel may cause more harm than benefit to the nations visited. Travelling, in my opinion, helps people to open themselves up to different cultures and perspectives. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.
Seeing other parts of the world and gaining immersive experiences in foreign cultures is educational and can open people’s eyes in ways they never thought was possible. One becomes more aware of what is going on in other nations as a result of travel. It also allows an individual to meet new people and experience new things. It can also lead to new chances that they would never have imagined or dreamed about. One also gets to see the natural beauty of different parts of the world.
Additionally, travelling is less difficult. Travelling does not always need to cost millions of dollars. Nowadays, people have the option of going to places with cheap living costs. It also aids in the formation of meaningful connections. The people met while travelling may become some of their most valued contacts. Travelling may expose an individual to a wide range of lifestyles and cultures. Furthermore, the benefits of tourists spending foreign money in the nation would significantly boost the economy.
However, in a way, it might also be true that traveling to foreign countries devastates the local economy. Nevertheless, the tourism industry plays a significant role in the country’s economic development. It helps in creating employment opportunities for a large number of people.
In conclusion, there are numerous benefits of international travel which cannot be overlooked. Travelling benefits not just people but also countries.
Structure of the essay
You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,
Do you agree that travelling to foreign countries for pleasure can leave a negative impact on the nations?
(or)
Do you disagree that travelling to foreign countries for pleasure can leave a negative impact on the nations?
Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.
Question Paraphrased – Traveling helps people to get away from a sedentary and often dull existence. Many people have begun to travel to foreign nations for enjoyment in recent years. Others think that travel may cause more harm than benefit to the nations visited.
Opinion – Traveling, in my opinion, helps people to open themselves up to different cultures and perspectives.
A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic: Advantages of traveling
Supporting points:
- People learn and experience foreign culture
- Increases awareness of the world
- People get to see natural beauty of different regions
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic: Additional benefits of traveling
Supporting points:
- Cheap traveling alternatives
Builds meaningful connections
Boosts economy
Conclusion:
Reiterated that travelling benefits not just people but also countries and supported the side taken in the introduction.
Discussion Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a discussion essay, you have to write about both sides of the statement.
- Offer your opinion, only if you are asked to.
- Once you are clear about your opinion, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
A discussion essay should have :
- Introduction
- 3 Body Paragraphs
- ★ The 3rd body paragraph is optional. It will get you a higher band score
- Conclusion
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
- A thesis statement (if asked for opinion) – This statement should clearly state your opinion (i.e) whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
Body Paragraph 1
Your body paragraph should revolve around:
- A central idea
- Supporting points
- Example (Optional)
A central idea
The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body Paragraph 2
A central idea- The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body paragraph 3
It should contain your opinion along with supporting points for your opinion. This can be done in the conclusion paragraph too but it may be a bit weird. Thus, it’s always better to have a body paragraph with your opinion.
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Essay
Some people believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
Sample Answer:
Many individuals nowadays believe that hosting the Olympic games is a waste of money that might be spent on more important things. But others claim that it aids in bringing people together. I agree with the latter part of the argument, as the Olympics holds great value. In the following paragraphs, I shall put forth both sides of the argument and give reasons for my opinion.
Some people feel that sporting events such as the Olympics are unnecessary and a waste of money and resources. For example, during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, people believed that too much money was being spent on the event, potentially exacerbating the conditions of the poor. The money could have been spent on improving the country’s infrastructure or raising the country’s literacy and employment rates. Meanwhile, any problem during the event could mean the organisers lose money rather than make it.
Other people say that the Olympic games are largely sponsored by developed nations and are held only once in four years. Countries participating in the games frequently form international friendships and encourage healthy competition. Because it allows many people worldwide to showcase their talents and abilities on a global scale, it unwittingly fosters the concept of ethnic togetherness. It also aids individuals in learning and exchanging cultures, strengthening ties between various countries across the world.
To summarise, despite the fact that the Olympic Games demand significant expenditure, they are extremely valuable in unifying the world under one roof and promoting the development of good international connections.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion. Once you are clear about your opinion, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Introduction
Question Paraphrased – Many individuals nowadays believe that hosting the Olympic games is a waste of money that might be spent on more important things. But, others claim it aids in bringing people together.
A thesis statement – In the following paragraphs, I shall put forth both sides of the argument and give reasons for my opinion.
Body Paragraph 1
Central idea: Against Olympics
Supporting points:
- Some people feel that sporting events such as the Olympics are unnecessary and a waste of money and resources.
- The money could have been spent on improving the country’s infrastructure or raising the country’s literacy and employment rates.
Body Paragraph 2:
Central idea: In favour of Olympics
Supporting points:
- Aids individuals in learning and exchanging cultures, strengthening ties between various countries across the world.
Conclusion
Concluded that despite the fact that the Olympic Games demand significant expenditure, they are extremely valuable in unifying the world under one roof and promoting the development of good international connections.
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given an advantages/disadvantages essay and you have to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you have to list the advantages and disadvantages and decide which outweighs the other.
- Once you are clear about the advantages and disadvantages, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph 1
- It should contain the advantages along with the supporting details. A real-life example would help you score better.
Body Paragraph 2
It should contain the disadvantages along with the supporting details. A real-life example would help you score better.
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Essay
In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to- face meetings. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer
In the modernized era, workplaces have started preferring online communication rather than choosing face-to-face meetings. I think this trend is far more advantageous than anything opposite.
To begin with, online communication is beneficial as it consumes far less time and effort than the conventional method of physical meetings. For instance, if an employee has an urgent meeting to attend, choosing to hold it online will evade the issues arising from being stuck in the traffic jams and entering the office premise later than the set time for the meeting. Or, the need for appearing presentable as per the basic dressing ethics demanded by the organization. Rather, this additional time can be used to excel in their meetings and other skills. Furthermore, online communications are much more feasible, convenient and comfortable. To cite another example, during the times of covid-19, the work from home technology has proved out to be worth it.
However, there are certain demerits that are associated with online communications. With online services, one requires stable electricity and data connection. Thus, failure of any one thing can lead to disruptions during essential talks, resulting in the wastage of time. At the same time, cybercrime is pertaining to computer technology; hence, susceptible to unwanted attacks by hackers and intruders.
In conclusion, I reiterate that technological advancements can be extremely beneficial in the communication aspect. It saves time and also helps in less expenditure, given that one has a stable connection and everything is secured from hackers.
Structure of the essay
You are asked to write an advantages/disadvantages essay. This precisely means that you have to explain the advantages and disadvantages.
Remember to jot down all the points (advantages & disadvantages) before you begin the essay.
Introduction: In the modernized era, workplaces have started preferring online communication rather than choosing face-to-face meetings. I think this trend is far more advantageous than anything opposite.
Body Paragraph 1:
Advantages:
- Consumes less time and efforts
- Extra time can be used to excel in meetings and other skills
- Feasible, convenient and comfortable
Body Paragraph 2:
Disadvantages:
- Needs stable electricity and data connection
- Failure can lead to disruptions during important conversations
- Cybercrime is pertaining to computer technology
Conclusion:
Summarised the advantages and disadvantages.
Cause / Solution Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a cause/solution essay, you have to talk about the problems and the solutions.
- Once you are clear about the problems you are going to write about in your essay, you can start planning your essay and then write it.
A cause/solution essay should have:
- Introduction
- 2 Body Paragraphs & each paragraphs can contain:
- ★ Either a problem solution paragraph
- ★ Problems in one paragraph and solutions in the other
- Conclusion
Introduction
Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph 1
Problems
Real-life examples
Body Paragraph 2:
- Solutions
- Real-life examples
Conclusion:
Your conclusion paragraph should paraphrase the question.
Essay 97
Nowadays people live longer after they retire. How does this affect individuals and society? What can be done about this?
Sample Answer
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. But, these tensions can be remedied through government action.
People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals and an increased burden on society generally. For the young, the process of fully integrating older people into society can be challenging. For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles, and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night, particularly in cases where young people are taking care of older relatives. The strain on society can also be great as older people require more medical support to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer to heart disease. This translates to a greater proportion of taxes going to the older generation and can foster societal resentment and ageism.
The best fixes for these problems can be achieved by governmental actions. Firstly, governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirement plans for individuals. For example, in the United States, social security benefits are rarely enough to cover retirement, so many must depend on their children. As for society, governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses. The government should anticipate this trend only continuing in the future and set aside funds to research and apply advanced treatments for retired citizens well into their 80s. These measures combined would alleviate some of the weight of supporting older populations.
In conclusion, the pressures resulting from growth in the average lifespan can be countered with forward-thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Structure of the essay
You were given a problem/solution essay for which you had to talk about the problem and the solution to the problem.
Once you are clear about the problems you are going to write about in your essay, you can start planning your essay and then write it.
Introduction
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. In my opinion, these tensions can be remedied through government actions.
Body Paragraph 1
Problems:
- People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals
- Increased burden on society
- Fully integrating older people into society can be challenging
Example:
- For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night.
Body Paragraph 2:
Solutions:
- Governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirement plans
- Social security benefits should be given
- Governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses
Conclusion:
The pressures resulting from growth in the average lifespan can be countered with forward- thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Direct Question Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a direct question essay, all you have to do with it is answer the questions given in each body paragraph.
A direct question essay should have:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs vary according to the number of questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph
Your body paragraph should revolve around the answer to the question. But it should be according to this format:
Real-life examples
Body Paragraph 2:
- A central idea
- Supporting ideas
- Example (optional, would help you to score a higher band)
A central idea: The paragraph should revolve around this idea.
Supporting points: Added points that support your central idea.
Example: Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Conclusion:
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion.
Direct Question Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a direct question essay, all you have to do with it is answer the questions given in each body paragraph.
A direct question essay should have:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs vary according to the number of questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph
Your body paragraph should revolve around the answer to the question. But it should be according to this format:
- A central idea
- Supporting ideas
- Example (optional, would help you to score a higher band)
Body Paragraph 2:
- A central idea
- Supporting ideas
- Example (optional, would help you to score a higher band)
A central idea: The paragraph should revolve around this idea.
Supporting points: Added points that support your central idea.
Example: Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Conclusion:
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion.
Essay
Getting promotions is one of the biggest motivators for hard work in the modern workplace. Why are people so driven to receive promotions? What other factors motivate people to work hard?
Sample Answer
Most people are driven by the prospect of getting a promotion. This essay will discuss why this is the case and also suggest some other ways that companies can use to motivate people to work hard. The first reason for having the drive to get promotions is monetary satisfaction. Everyone wants to live a comfortable life, and this is not possible without earning enough money.
Nowadays, jealousy and envy have become common emotions. But promotions and resulting salary hikes can help satisfy them. A recent survey by the New York Times can attest to this fact, which showed that about 1/3 of the people surveyed selected the money value as the top reason for the motivation behind getting promotions. Secondly, many people believe that getting a promotion is a sign that the company has appreciated their work. / the company appreciates their work. Promotions give a sense of recognition to the employees and make them feel that they are valued. A person hungry for recognition always wants to keep the work momentum going in the right direction.
There are, however, some other factors equally helpful for keeping employees motivated to work hard. The first of them can be autonomy and trust. Employees are often irritated by the supervisors and bosses who micromanage. If they’re trusted enough and given the opportunity to work on their own, they will not only stay motivated at work but can also flourish in their roles. The second motivating reason can be a better work-life balance. In today’s competitive environment where employers have unrealistic expectations, employees are often forced to put in extra hours, which ultimately affects their personal lives. The employee feels stressed out and loses motivation in the long run. For example, the survey agency, ‘Great places to work’, gives the highest credits to the companies that provide/offer greater work-life balance for their workers.
In conclusion, promotions motivate employees because they elevate their social status and enable them to earn more. Offering them more authority and showing trust in them are other ways companies can use to motivate their employees.
Structure of the essay
You were given a direct question essay.
All you have to do with direct question essays is, answer the questions given in each body paragraph.
Introduction
Most people are driven by the prospect of getting a promotion. The first reason for having the drive to get promotions is monetary satisfaction. Everyone wants to live a comfortable life, and this is not possible without earning enough money.
Body Paragraph 1
Central idea: ‘Money is the reason behind getting promotions.’
Supporting points:
- Promotions and resulting salary hikes help satisfy jealousy and envy
- ⅓ people in a survey selected the money value as the top reason for the motivation behind getting promotions
- Promotion is a sign that the company has appreciated the work
- Promotion makes people feel that they are valued
Body Paragraph 2:
Central idea: Other factors keeping employees motivated to work hard.
Supporting points:
- Autonomy and trust keep employees motivated
- Employees are often irritated by the supervisors and bosses who micromanage
- Employees are forced to put in extra hours, affecting their personal lives
Conclusion
Promotions motivate employees because they elevate their social status and enable them to earn more. Offering them more authority and showing trust in them are other ways companies can use to motivate their employees.