According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

(Sample IELTS Essays)

Google: drive, docs, pub

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Discuss this with a partner:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings.

Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Task 2:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

1. Divide the report into paragraphs.

2. Highlight the topic sentence of each paragraph.

The Internet is a fact of life in today’s society. Most people have access to the Internet either at home, work or school. They use it for shopping, finding out the news and downloading music, or to communicate with their family and friends. Some people worry that this technology impedes people’s communication skills, while others feel that the Internet gives everyone greater opportunities to connect with people all over the world. The Internet can have a negative impact on communication. One reason for this is the amount of time some people spend online. Many teenagers spend hour after hour in front of their computer, instead of mixing with others. As a result, these young people may lack social skills. Another problem is how people use the Internet. Playing computer games and surfing the net, for example, are activities that require no social interaction. Using the Internet in these ways would not improve your ability to communicate. On the other hand, the Internet can be used for social interaction. E-mail, for instance, enables people to correspond with each other quickly and conveniently. It is a much better medium for communication than letters because it is instant. Therefore, people can use it on a daily basis to keep in contact with family and friends. MSN is another facility that aids communication. People can use this to send messages back and forth. Recently, Skype has become popular. It allows you to use your computer like a telephone to talk with anyone around the world. The above-mentioned uses show that the Internet can be a useful communication tool. In conclusion, although some people spend too much time doing uncommunicative activities online, most people use the Internet to increase their opportunities to interact with others. So, on the whole, the Internet is good for communication.  

Task 2:

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide?

Paragraph 1: Background information Topic sentence: negative & positive points Paragraph 2: negative points Paragraph 3: positive points Conclusion: can be negative, but positive

The Internet is a fact of life in today’s society. Most people have access to the Internet either at home, work or school. They use it for shopping, finding out the news and downloading music, or to communicate with their family and friends. Some people worry that this technology impedes people’s communication skills, while others feel that the Internet gives everyone greater opportunities to connect with people all over the world. The Internet can have a negative impact on communication. One reason for this is the amount of time some people spend online. Many teenagers spend hour after hour in front of their computer, instead of mixing with others. As a result, these young people may lack social skills. Another problem is how people use the Internet. Playing computer games and surfing the net, for example, are activities that require no social interaction. Using the Internet in these ways would not improve your ability to communicate. On the other hand, the Internet can be used for social interaction. E-mail, for instance, enables people to correspond with each other quickly and conveniently. It is a much better medium for communication than letters because it is instant. Therefore, people can use it on a daily basis to keep in contact with family and friends. MSN is another facility that aids communication. People can use this to send messages back and forth. Recently, Skype has become popular. It allows you to use your computer like a telephone to talk with anyone around the world. The above-mentioned uses show that the Internet can be a useful communication tool. In conclusion, although some people spend too much time doing uncommunicative activities online, most people use the Internet to increase their opportunities to interact with others. So, on the whole, the Internet is good for communication.

Word count: 300

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

(Sample IELTS Essay)

Google: drive, docs, pub

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

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

Discuss with a partner:

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
Cut up strips and shuffle and have students re-arrange them in order in groups

Many Australian high-school graduates take a one-year break prior to entering university. This ‘gap year’ allows them to travel or gain some work experience before recommencing their study routine.

A well-spent gap year could benefit students in a number of ways, but there could also be some drawbacks.

One of the main advantages of taking a year’s break is that it gives young people the time to assess their future.

They can use the time to think about the type of career they would like to pursue. With the benefit of this time, students will be able to choose courses which match their interests and abilities. Being satisfied with their choice of courses will increase motivation and the likelihood of academic success. Students who go straight from school to university are more likely to make poor course choices.

Another benefit of the gap year is that it provides students with an opportunity to work.

Holding down a job is invaluable experience for school-leavers. It teaches them to be responsible and also shows them the value of hard work - two attributes that will serve them well in the future. Additionally, working in their gap year can encourage students to study hard the following year. If they struggle in a poorly paid job, for example, they will be motivated to study hard so that they will not have to do such a job again.

However, not every student would benefit from a gap year.

Some young people may become accustomed to the financial rewards of working life and find it too difficult to give up their salary in order to return to life as a student. This might encourage them to settle for a job far less challenging than they are capable of doing. Others may have trouble getting back into the habit of regular studying. So, these people may not be successful on their return to study.

In conclusion, taking a year off before commencing university can give young people the time to make good choices about their future and also gain some valuable work experience. However, some students may find it difficult to resume their studies after this break.

Practice Test    Writing Task 2                        

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

P.1: Background Topic sentence: Introduce both sides P.2: One advantage: Time to assess future P.3: Another advantage: Work experience P.4: Disadvantages: Hard to give up work Lose study habit P5: Conclusion: Advantages & Disadvantages

Many Australian high-school graduates take a one-year break prior to entering university. This ‘gap year’ allows them to travel or gain some work experience before recommencing their study routine. A well-spent gap year could benefit students in a number of ways, but there could also be some drawbacks. One of the main advantages of taking a year’s break is that it gives young people the time to assess their future. They can use the time to think about the type of career they would like to pursue. With the benefit of this time, students will be able to choose courses which match their interests and abilities. Being satisfied with their choice of courses will increase motivation and the likelihood of academic success. Students who go straight from school to university are more likely to make poor course choices. Another benefit of the gap year is that it provides students with an opportunity to work. Holding down a job is invaluable experience for school-leavers. It teaches them to be responsible and also shows them the value of hard work - two attributes that will serve them well in the future. Additionally, working in their gap year can encourage students to study hard the following year. If they struggle in a poorly paid job, for example, they will be motivated to study hard so that they will not have to do such a job again. However, not every student would benefit from a gap year. Some young people may become accustomed to the financial rewards of working life and find it too difficult to give up their salary in order to return to life as a student. This might encourage them to settle for a job far less challenging than they are capable of doing. Others may have trouble getting back into the habit of regular studying. So, these people may not be successful on their return to study. In conclusion, taking a year off before commencing university can give young people the time to make good choices about their future and also gain some valuable work experience. However, some students may find it difficult to resume their studies after this break.

Word Count: 360 

Scrambled order

Many Australian high-school graduates take a one-year break prior to entering university. This ‘gap year’ allows them to travel or gain some work experience before recommencing their study routine.

However, not every student would benefit from a gap year.

One of the main advantages of taking a year’s break is that it gives young people the time to assess their future.

They can use the time to think about the type of career they would like to pursue. With the benefit of this time, students will be able to choose courses which match their interests and abilities. Being satisfied with their choice of courses will increase motivation and the likelihood of academic success. Students who go straight from school to university are more likely to make poor course choices.

In conclusion, taking a year off before commencing university can give young people the time to make good choices about their future and also gain some valuable work experience. However, some students may find it difficult to resume their studies after this break.

Holding down a job is invaluable experience for school-leavers. It teaches them to be responsible and also shows them the value of hard work - two attributes that will serve them well in the future. Additionally, working in their gap year can encourage students to study hard the following year. If they struggle in a poorly paid job, for example, they will be motivated to study hard so that they will not have to do such a job again.

Another benefit of the gap year is that it provides students with an opportunity to work.

Some young people may become accustomed to the financial rewards of working life and find it too difficult to give up their salary in order to return to life as a student. This might encourage them to settle for a job far less challenging than they are capable of doing. Others may have trouble getting back into the habit of regular studying. So, these people may not be successful on their return to study.

A well-spent gap year could benefit students in a number of ways, but there could also be some drawbacks.

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think is the cause of this? What solutions can you suggest?

(Sample IELTS Writing)

Google: drive, docs, pub
Adjusted version (adds in a running dictation with linking words): drive, docs, pub

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

Writing Task 2:

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

1.     Divide the answer into suitable paragraphs

2.      Highlight the topic sentences.

All children misbehave from time to time. This is a normal part of childhood. In some schools, however, student conduct creates serious problems. Some children violently beat other students and substance abuse is also a concern. In order to solve behavioural problems such as these, first of all, it is necessary to understand the causes. Students’ home life and the atmosphere of the school they attend may contribute to their extreme behaviour. Some students come from unsettled families. Their parents may be divorced or there may be domestic violence or some other issues in the home. These students may have trouble coping with their situations and may resort to drugs or violence as a release. Alternatively, some schools do not control children effectively. Some children will play up when given this chance, and others will copy them.  Mothers and fathers are chiefly responsible for teaching their children right from wrong. They need to be aware of what their children are doing and to treat their children firmly but fairly. Most parents do a good job in this regard. However, some families have problems that can impact on children. In such cases, the parents should inform the school of any problems so that they can give these children the extra support they need.  Teachers have a duty to ensure students conduct themselves properly while at school. They need to make students aware of what is acceptable and what is not, and deal with any inappropriate behaviour immediately. First of all, they could warn a pupil who was doing the wrong thing. If the misbehaviour continued, the teacher should implement some type of punishment. For example, they could give the student a detention or ban him/her from participating in school sports.  To sum up, family problems and a poor school atmosphere can lead to problems with student behaviour. However, these problems can be overcome if parents and teachers work together.

Writing Task 2:

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think is the cause of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.            Write at least 250 words.

P1: misbehaviour   problems: Fighting Substance abuse etc. P2: Causes of the problem: P3: One solution P4: 2nd solution P5: Conclusion: Repeat causes & solution

All children misbehave from time to time. This is a normal part of childhood. In some schools, however, student conduct creates serious problems. Some children violently beat other students and substance abuse is also a concern. In order to solve behavioural problems such as these, first of all, it is necessary to understand the causes. Students’ home life and the atmosphere of the school they attend may contribute to their extreme behaviour. Some students come from unsettled families. Their parents may be divorced or there may be domestic violence or some other issues in the home. These students may have trouble coping with their situations and may resort to drugs or violence as a release. Alternatively, some schools do not control children effectively. Some children will play up when given this chance, and others will copy them.  Mothers and fathers are chiefly responsible for teaching their children right from wrong. They need to be aware of what their children are doing and to treat their children firmly but fairly. Most parents do a good job in this regard. However, some families have problems that can impact on children. In such cases, the parents should inform the school of any problems so that they can give these children the extra support they need. Teachers have a duty to ensure students conduct themselves properly while at school. They need to make students aware of what is acceptable and what is not, and deal with any inappropriate behaviour immediately. First of all, they could warn a pupil who was doing the wrong thing. If the misbehaviour continued, the teacher should implement some type of punishment. For example, they could give the student a detention or ban him/her from participating in school sports.  To sum up, family problems and a poor school atmosphere can lead to problems with student behaviour. However, these problems can be overcome if parents and teachers work together.

         (Word Count: 318)    

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21st century and what can be done about them?

(Sample IELTS Essay)

Google: drive, docs, pub

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 

Talk about this with a partner:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21^st century and what can be done about them? 
cut up and paste around the room

Almost half the world’s population now lives in urban areas and, as cities grow even larger, conditions for city dwellers are likely to get worse.

Two of the most critical problems are pollution and crime.

However, there are several ways in which both of these problems can be reduced.

There are a number of steps that could be taken to reduce pollution in urban areas.

The urban crime rate could be reduced in a number of ways.

To sum up, although pollution and crime are likely to become worse as cities continue to grow, there are many things that can be done to reduce these problems.

Below is a sample answer.  There are six missing sentences.  The missing sentences are posted around the room.  Work in pairs.  One partner can walk around the room and look at the missing sentences, but cannot write anything.  Remember the sentences, and say them to the sitting partner.  The sitting partner can write down what they hear, but they cannot leave their seat.

(1)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. (2)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Air pollution has become worse due to increasing emissions from vehicles and factories and this is a major health problem for people who live in cities. Graffiti, vandalism and assaults are among the crimes which are rising in many cities. (3) _______

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.   

(4)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. Firstly, governments could increase the tax on cars and petrol to discourage people from driving. They could also subsidise public transport to make it cheaper and encourage more people to use trains and buses. This would reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by cars and would also make commuting more efficient. Another way of reducing pollution would be to introduce stricter anti-pollution laws to make factories responsible for the environment. The government could impose heavy fines on companies that break these laws.

 

(5)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. For example, providing better entertainment facilities for young people would reduce graffiti and other types of vandalism because boredom is one of the reasons for these types of crimes. Installing surveillance cameras in public areas would be another positive step because it would deter people from vandalizing public property. It would also make it easier for police to catch vandals. More police at night would also help reduce alcohol-related crimes such as assault.

(6)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Answers:

(1) Almost half the world’s population now lives in urban areas and, as cities grow even larger, conditions for city dwellers are likely to get worse. (2) Two of the most critical problems are pollution and crime. Air pollution has become worse due to increasing emissions from vehicles and factories and this is a major health problem for people who live in cities. Graffiti, vandalism and assaults are among the crimes which are rising in many cities. (3) However, there are several ways in which both of these problems can be reduced.   

(4) There are a number of steps that could be taken to reduce pollution in urban areas. Firstly, governments could increase the tax on cars and petrol to discourage people from driving. They could also subsidise public transport to make it cheaper and encourage more people to use trains and buses. This would reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by cars and would also make commuting more efficient. Another way of reducing pollution would be to introduce stricter anti-pollution laws to make factories responsible for the environment. The government could impose heavy fines on companies that break these laws.

 

(5) The urban crime rate could be reduced in a number of ways. For example, providing better entertainment facilities for young people would reduce graffiti and other types of vandalism because boredom is one of the reasons for these types of crimes. Installing surveillance cameras in public areas would be another positive step because it would deter people from vandalizing public property. It would also make it easier for police to catch vandals. More police at night would also help reduce alcohol-related crimes such as assault.

(6) To sum up, although pollution and crime are likely to become worse as cities continue to grow, there are many things that can be done to reduce these problems.

 

Focus on IELTS p. 37

Writing Task 2:

What are the key problems facing the world’s cities in the 21st century and what can be done about them?

Paragraph 1: Introduce topic Topic Sentence: Introduce two key problems Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence: Solution to first problem Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence: Solution to second problem Final Paragraph: Topic Sentence: Conclusion

Almost half the world’s population now lives in urban areas and, as cities grow even larger, conditions for city dwellers are likely to get worse. Two of the most critical problems are pollution and crime. Air pollution has become worse due to increasing emissions from vehicles and factories and this is a major health problem for people who live in cities. Graffiti, vandalism and assaults are among the crimes which are rising in many cities. However, there are several ways in which both of these problems can be reduced.     There are a number of steps that could be taken to reduce pollution in urban areas. Firstly, governments could increase the tax on cars and petrol to discourage people from driving. They could also subsidise public transport to make it cheaper and encourage more people to use trains and buses. This would reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by cars and would also make commuting more efficient. Another way of reducing pollution would be to introduce stricter anti-pollution laws to make factories responsible for the environment. The government could impose heavy fines on companies that break these laws.   The urban crime rate could be reduced in a number of ways. For example, providing better entertainment facilities for young people would reduce graffiti and other types of vandalism because boredom is one of the reasons for these types of crimes. Installing surveillance cameras in public areas would be another positive step because it would deter people from vandalizing public property. It would also make it easier for police to catch vandals. More police at night would also help reduce alcohol-related crimes such as assault. To sum up, although pollution and crime are likely to become worse as cities continue to grow, there are many things that can be done to reduce these problems.

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

(Sample IELTS Essay)

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Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Discuss this question with a partner

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Below are two different sample answers.  What is the difference between them?

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended the 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. To a large extent, these types of events help ease international tensions and give people the opportunity to show their patriotism safely. First of all, despite occasional fights between opposing supporters at international matches, sports events can improve international relations. For instance, the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany, was regarded as a success in this respect. Supporters from all over the world visited Germany on this occasion and interacted with supporters of traditional rivals in a positive way. For example, the followers of the US and Russian teams were able to enjoy this event together, without concern for the political differences between the two countries. This shows that major international sporting events can reduce tensions between rival nations. Additionally, although patriotic displays sometimes incite violence, international sports events also allow patriotism to be demonstrated in a harmless way. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporters of various nations arrived at the stadium decked out in their national colours. This display of patriotism added to the spectacle of the Games and their enthusiastic cheering gave each event a very exciting atmosphere. The same kind of thing has happened at events in my country. For example, Cambodia held the Asian National Football Qualifiers in 2008. At this event, many of my compatriots cheered for the national team at the stadium, but did so in a friendly manner. The above examples make it clear that international sports events do allow people to behave safely in a patriotic way.        In conclusion, sport can help improve relations between people of different nationalities significantly and allow people to show their patriotic emotions safely.

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended the 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. Some people feel that these types of events can lead to violence and increase international tensions, while others believe they improve relations between countries and allow people to express their patriotic feelings safely.  First of all, some sports events can make international relations worse. For instance, tensions sometimes overflow during football or baseball games between Korea and Japan. Sometimes, after the matches, the supporters of each team fight. This is an example of displaying patriotism in a dangerous way. Another disturbing scenario is that some Korean players who play for Japanese club sides may suffer subtle discrimination after international games. For example, a player may have to sit on the bench, while a less skilful Japanese player is given game time. On the other hand, the World Cup, Olympics and other international games can help ease tensions among different nations. For example, South and North Korea have football games regularly which give the two nations a chance to improve relations.  In the mid 1990s, hundreds of North Korean supporters came to South Korea with to support their national football team. Many South Koreans were quite surprised to see North Koreans displaying a lot of emotion in supporting their team. South Koreans all realized that their counterparts were ordinary people, just like them. Games such as this help the two divided nations to reduce their political and ideological tension and enable fans to display patriotism safely. In conclusion, despite occasional problems, international sporting occasions usually help ease international tensions and give people the opportunity to show their patriotism safely.

Which essay is two sided?  Which essay is one sided?

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

“To what extent do you agree or disagree?” 

• This question can be answered with a two-sided or one-sided essay.

·         If you choose a one-sided format, use modals (and make concessions) so that you don’t overstate your argument.

Paragraph 1: State the degree to which you agree / disagree (not 100%) Paragraph 2: Can ease international tensions…For example,  Paragraph 3: Release patriotic emotions in a safe way …. For example,  Conclusion: Generally agree

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended the 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. To a large extent, these types of events help ease international tensions and give people the opportunity to show their patriotism safely. First of all, despite occasional fights between opposing supporters at international matches, sports events can improve international relations. For instance, the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany, was regarded as a success in this respect. Supporters from all over the world visited Germany on this occasion and interacted with supporters of traditional rivals in a positive way. For example, the followers of the US and Russian teams were able to enjoy this event together, without concern for the political differences between the two countries. This shows that major international sporting events can reduce tensions between rival nations. Additionally, although patriotic displays sometimes incite violence, international sports events also allow patriotism to be demonstrated in a harmless way. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporters of various nations arrived at the stadium decked out in their national colours. This display of patriotism added to the spectacle of the Games and their enthusiastic cheering gave each event a very exciting atmosphere. The same kind of thing has happened at events in my country. For example, Cambodia held the Asian National Football Qualifiers in 2008. At this event, many of my compatriots cheered for the national team at the stadium, but did so in a friendly manner. The above examples make it clear that international sports events do allow people to behave safely in a patriotic way.        In conclusion, sport can help improve relations between people of different nationalities significantly and allow people to show their patriotic emotions safely. Word count: 296

                                     

Making a concession to another point of view:

• First of all, despite occasional fights between opposing supporters at international matches, sports events can improve international relations.

• Additionally, although patriotic displays sometimes incite violence, international sports events also allow patriotism to be demonstrated in a harmless way.

IELTS Writing Task 2:   (Completely edited)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Write at least 250 words.

“To what extent do you agree or disagree?” 

• This question can be answered with a two-sided or one-sided essay.

·         If you choose a two-sided format:

1.    Introduce both sides in the introduction.

2.    Write about the side you agree with less in P2.

3.    Write about the side you agree with more in P3.

4.    State your opinion clearly in the conclusion.

Paragraph 1: Introduce both  sides Paragraph 2: Negative side International  tensions Patriotic emotions  Paragraph 3: Positive side International  tensions Patriotic emotions  Conclusion: Generally agree

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended the 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. Some people feel that these types of events can lead to violence and increase international tensions, while others believe they improve relations between countries and allow people to express their patriotic feelings safely.  First of all, some sports events can make international relations worse. For instance, tensions sometimes overflow during football or baseball games between Korea and Japan. Sometimes, after the matches, the supporters of each team fight. This is an example of displaying patriotism in a dangerous way. Another disturbing scenario is that some Korean players who play for Japanese club sides may suffer subtle discrimination after international games. For example, a player may have to sit on the bench, while a less skilful Japanese player is given game time. On the other hand, the World Cup, Olympics and other international games can help ease tensions among different nations. For example, South and North Korea have football games regularly which give the two nations a chance to improve relations.  In the mid 1990s, hundreds of North Korean supporters came to South Korea with to support their national football team. Many South Koreans were quite surprised to see North Koreans displaying a lot of emotion in supporting their team. South Koreans all realized that their counterparts were ordinary people, just like them. Games such as this help the two divided nations to reduce their political and ideological tension and enable fans to display patriotism safely. In conclusion, despite occasional problems, international sporting occasions usually help ease international tensions and give people the opportunity to show their patriotism safely. Word Count: 285

Writing Task 2:

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Grammar in Practice:  Articles

All of the articles ( a  //  an  //  the) have been removed form the following answer.

1. Place articles where required to correct this answer. (You need 20 articles).
2. Highlight and underline each article you insert.

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. To large extent, these types of events help ease international tensions and give people opportunity to show their patriotism safely.

First of all, despite occasional fights between opposing supporters at international matches, sports events can improve international relations. For instance, 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany, was regarded as success in this respect. Supporters from all over world visited Germany on this occasion and interacted with supporters of traditional rivals in positive way. For example, the followers of US and Russian teams were able to enjoy this event together, without concern for political differences between two countries. This shows that major international sporting events can reduce tensions between rival nations.

Additionally, although patriotic displays sometimes incite violence, international sports events also allow patriotism to be demonstrated in harmless way. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporters of various nations arrived at the stadium decked out in their national colours. This display of patriotism added to spectacle of Games and their enthusiastic cheering gave each event a very exciting atmosphere. same kind of thing has happened at events in my country. For example, Cambodia held Asian National Football Qualifiers in 2008. At this event, many of my compatriots cheered for national team at stadium, but did so in friendly manner. above examples make it clear that international sports events do allow people to behave safely in patriotic way.       

In conclusion, sport can help improve relations between people of different nationalities significantly and allow people to show their patriotic emotions safely.

Answer:

International sporting events have become extremely popular in recent years. For instance, millions of people either attended the 2006 Football World Cup or watched it on television. To a large extent, these types of events help ease international tensions and give people the opportunity to show their patriotism safely.

First of all, despite occasional fights between opposing supporters at international matches, sports events can improve international relations. For instance, the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany, was regarded as a success in this respect. Supporters from all over the world visited Germany on this occasion and interacted with supporters of traditional rivals in a positive way. For example, the followers of the US and Russian teams were able to enjoy this event together, without concern for the political differences between the two countries. This shows that major international sporting events can reduce tensions between rival nations.

Additionally, although patriotic displays sometimes incite violence, international sports events also allow patriotism to be demonstrated in a harmless way. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, supporters of various nations arrived at the stadium decked out in their national colours. This display of patriotism added to the spectacle of the Games and their enthusiastic cheering gave each event a very exciting atmosphere. The same kind of thing has happened at events in my country. For example, Cambodia held the Asian National Football Qualifiers in 2008. At this event, many of my compatriots cheered for the national team at the stadium, but did so in a friendly manner. The above examples make it clear that international sports events do allow people to behave safely in a patriotic way.       

In conclusion, sport can help improve relations between people of different nationalities significantly and allow people to show their patriotic emotions safely.

Word count: 296