TOPIC: Some people believe that secondary school children should study international

news as a subject. Others say that this is wasting time. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
It is claimed that international news should be added into the curriculums of secondary schools.
While some people advocate this, I hold a contrary opinion on this matter.
There are some people who are in favour of making international news a compulsory subject in
the curriculum of secondary schools. As the world becomes more open, it would be more
necessary than ever before for children to know about what is happening in the world. However,
the effectiveness of this practice should be carefully considered because secondary students are
often too young to understand news, and they tend to forget the information once the exam is
over.
On the other hand, teaching secondary school children about world news would mean that they
have less time to learn about core subjects such as Maths and Physics, which are proved to be
more important to their education. Furthermore, international news could be soon out of date,
even before curriculums are completed. Therefore, news that children learn is actually stale, and
this can be viewed as a waste of time.
Of course, I do not imply that teenagers should be isolated from international news. On the
contrary, I suggest that secondary school children can access a great source of information
through the internet and television, provided that they find it helpful. However, this does not
mean that educators should include international news in the school curriculums.
In conclusion, I tend to believe that international news should not be considered to be a subject at
the level of secondary education.
(255 words)


TOPIC: People in big cities prefer to live alone or in small family units instead of large
family groups. Do you think this is positive or negative trend?
It is true that urban citizens now tend to live individually or in nuclear families. Personally, I
believe that this trend has many positive impacts on our lives, and thus should be advocated.
Living alone will give people freedom to do what they want without annoying other family
members. In the modern world, the gaps between generations are gradually widening, so it would
be a bad idea for several generations to live in the same house. For example, while the young
prefer eating fast food for their convenience, their parents and grandparents would like the whole
family to have traditional meals together. When it comes to entertaining demands, youngsters are
apt to listen to various types of modern music, ranging from pop to rock, which can cause some
disturbances to their elder family members.
Furthermore, living in nuclear families offers great benefits to all family members. Firstly,
parents have more time to care for the family and thus better raise their children. For example,
instead of spending time caring for a large family that is full of potential conflicts between family
members, parents can focus on teaching children how to behave properly, or encouraging them to
study. Secondly, fewer members means less household expenditure, and this will relieve some
financial burdens on working adults. Then, money can be used to spend on better nutrition and
facilities which can lead to a higher standard of living.
In conclusion, I firmly hold the view that living individually or in small family units has many
benefits for all family members.
(257 words)

TOPIC: Some people say that government should control tightly the use of freshwater.
Other say that individuals should use as much as they want. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.
TOPIC: As a part of education, students should spend a period of time living in another
country to learn its language and culture. Do you agree or disagree?
Sample:
It is argued that students should experience overseas life to learn the language and culture of the
host country. Personally, I would completely agree with this for the following reasons.
To begin with, living in a foreign nation is always advantageous to experience a different culture
even for a short period of time. One day abroad is one day learnt. Hence, students living abroad
usually have better and more thorough understanding of the outside world than those students
who do not have these experiences; they also tend to have more open minds to differences in
culture and so become more tolerant to other groups of people. Compared to those who learn the
cultural values of foreign countries from books and media, students who have overseas living
experience can have a broader perspective of the world we live in.
Furthermore, having first-hand exposure to the local language is the best way to learn it. The truth
is, no matter how much students excel in foreign language courses, they do not usually master the
language completely. For example, there are never enough English native speakers in schools to
provide a real English speaking community, which may result in students knowing English very
well in terms of grammar or reading, but speaking and dialogue comprehension is a big obstacle
for them. In contrast, living in the foreign environment gradually improves the learner’s
accent in speaking and allows them to learn collocations that native speakers normally use in
daily conversations.
In conclusion, I firmly hold the view that living in another country for education purposes is
advantageous both culture-wise and language-wise.
(267 words)
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses. Is
it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?
Model answer:
There have always been differences in the types of work men and women have done.
However. the trend in modern times has been for both men and women to have
greater freedom of choice in terms of employment. Some people might say that there
is no need to go further. However. in my view, wherever possible, gender equality
should be encouraged.
There may indeed be good arguments for allowing certain posts to remain
predominantly male or female.
Where all-male or all-female groups exist, there may be a need for related posts to be
held by men and women respectively. Patients in all-female hospital wards, for
example. would probably appreciate having female nurses to look after them. It could
also be argued that certain jobs requiring a great deal of physical strength, coal
mining or loggingI for example. should continue to be done mainly by men.

However, in the vast majority of situations, making occupations more open to both
genders has distinct
advantages. Men and women can bring slightty different perspectives and approaches
to a job. Female police officers, for example. may have a greater understanding of
domestic violence and a better range of strategies for dealing with this problem. Male
primary school teachers probably have a better understanding ofthe needs of young
boys and can serve as good role models for them.
The changes that result from allowing men into female-dominated occupations and
vice versa may be subtle.
but they are far-reaching. However, to benefit the most from this development, it is
important not to expect
males and fernates to appmach work in identical ways.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
TOPIC: People in big cities prefer to live alone or in small family units instead of large
family groups. Do you think this is positive or negative trend?
It is true that urban citizens now tend to live individually or in nuclear families. Personally, I
believe that this trend has many positive impacts on our lives, and thus should be advocated.
Living alone will give people freedom to do what they want without annoying other family
members. In the modern world, the gaps between generations are gradually widening, so it would
be a bad idea for several generations to live in the same house. For example, while the young
prefer eating fast food for their convenience, their parents and grandparents would like the whole
family to have traditional meals together. When it comes to entertaining demands, youngsters are
apt to listen to various types of modern music, ranging from pop to rock, which can cause some
disturbances to their elder family members.
Furthermore, living in nuclear families offers great benefits to all family members. Firstly, parents
have more time to care for the family and thus better raise their children. For example, instead of
spending time caring for a large family that is full of potential conflicts between family members,
parents can focus on teaching children how to behave properly, or encouraging them to study.
Secondly, fewer members means less household expenditure, and this will relieve some financial
burdens on working adults. Then, money can be used to spend on better nutrition and facilities
which can lead to a higher standard of living.
In conclusion, I firmly hold the view that living individually or in small family units has many
benefits for all family members.
(257 words)
TOPIC: As a part of education, students should spend a period of time living in another
country to learn its language and culture. Do you agree or disagree?
Sample:
It is argued that students should experience overseas life to learn the language and culture of the
host country. Personally, I would completely agree with this for the following reasons.
To begin with, living in a foreign nation is always advantageous to experience a different culture
even for a short period of time. One day abroad is one day learnt. Hence, students living abroad
usually have better and more thorough understanding of the outside world than those students

who do not have these experiences; they also tend to have more open minds to differences in
culture and so become more tolerant to other groups of people. Compared to those who learn the
cultural values of foreign countries from books and media, students who have overseas living
experience can have a broader perspective of the world we live in.
Furthermore, having first-hand exposure to the local language is the best way to learn it. The truth
is, no matter how much students excel in foreign language courses, they do not usually master the
language completely. For example, there are never enough English native speakers in schools to
provide a real English speaking community, which may result in students knowing English very
well in terms of grammar or reading, but speaking and dialogue comprehension is a big obstacle
for them. In contrast, living in the foreign environment gradually improves the learner’s
accent in speaking and allows them to learn collocations that native speakers normally use in
daily conversations.
In conclusion, I firmly hold the view that living in another country for education purposes is
advantageous both culture-wise and language-wise.
(267 words)
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses. Is
it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?
Model answer:
There have always been differences in the types of work men and women have done.
However. the trend in modern times has been for both men and women to have
greater freedom of choice in terms of employment. Some people might say that there
is no need to go further. However. in my view, wherever possible, gender equality
should be encouraged.
There may indeed be good arguments for allowing certain posts to remain
predominantly male or female.
Where all-male or all-female groups exist, there may be a need for related posts to be
held by men and women respectively. Patients in all-female hospital wards, for
example. would probably appreciate having female nurses to look after them. It could
also be argued that certain jobs requiring a great deal of physical strength, coal
mining or loggingI for example. should continue to be done mainly by men.
However, in the vast majority of situations, making occupations more open to both
genders has distinct
advantages. Men and women can bring slightty different perspectives and approaches
to a job. Female police officers, for example. may have a greater understanding of
domestic violence and a better range of strategies for dealing with this problem. Male
primary school teachers probably have a better understanding ofthe needs of young
boys and can serve as good role models for them.
The changes that result from allowing men into female-dominated occupations and
vice versa may be subtle.
but they are far-reaching. However, to benefit the most from this development, it is
important not to expect
males and fernates to appmach work in identical ways.

New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming to the lives of
consumers
New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming to the lives of consumers. To
what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
My essay:
The internet has undoubtedly changed the way people shop. In some countries, buying and
selling products online has become commonplace. Enthusiasts claim that the internet offers
consumers greater choice and flexibility. However, those who say that the internet is transforming
the lives of consumers are going too far.
Firstly, although online shopping appears to offer greater convenience, it is often rather risky
and cumbersome in practice. Consumers can not evaluate the quality of online products by
handing them directly. Instead, they must rely on sellers to describe goods accurately in word
and/or pictures. Mistakes can easily be made, leading to the inconvenience of having to exchange
goods or seek a refund. Products bought online also normally need to be delivered by post. The
convenience of online shopping thus hinges in part on the efficiency of the postal service.
Secondly, in spite of the promise of lower prices, internet shopping seldom offers substantial
savings. A competitive marketplace ensures that large price differentials rapidly disappear as
suppliers align themselves with one another. Also, the cost of postage is normally borne by the
buyer. A product that appears to be a bargain on screen often turns out to be no cheaper than the
same product bought in a shop. Not surprisingly, only one in ten purchases in the UK are made
online.
For these reasons, internet shopping is likely to remain a minority pursuit. The continuing
popularity of shopping in the traditional way suggests that consumers continue to value its
advantages: the opportunity to sample, compare and buy products in a real as opposed to a virtual
space.
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses
Women and man are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses. Is
it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?
Model answer:
There have always been differences in the types of work men and women have done.
However. the trend in modern times has been for both men and women to have
greater freedom of choice in terms of employment. Some people might say that there
is no need to go further. However. in my view, wherever possible, gender equality
should be encouraged.
There may indeed be good arguments for allowing certain posts to remain
predominantly male or female.
Where all-male or all-female groups exist, there may be a need for related posts to be
held by men and women respectively. Patients in all-female hospital wards, for
example. would probably appreciate having female nurses to look after them. It could
also be argued that certain jobs requiring a great deal of physical strength, coal
mining or loggingI for example. should continue to be done mainly by men.

However, in the vast majority of situations, making occupations more open to both
genders has distinct
advantages. Men and women can bring slightty different perspectives and approaches
to a job. Female police officers, for example. may have a greater understanding of
domestic violence and a better range of strategies for dealing with this problem. Male
primary school teachers probably have a better understanding ofthe needs of young
boys and can serve as good role models for them.
The changes that result from allowing men into female-dominated occupations and
vice versa may be subtle.
but they are far-reaching. However, to benefit the most from this development, it is
important not to expect
males and fernates to appmach work in identical ways.
, December 3, 2013
New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming to the lives of
consumers
New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming to the lives of consumers. To
what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
My essay:
The internet has undoubtedly changed the way people shop. In some countries, buying and
selling products online has become commonplace. Enthusiasts claim that the internet offers
consumers greater choice and flexibility. However, those who say that the internet is transforming
the lives of consumers are going too far.
Firstly, although online shopping appears to offer greater convenience, it is often rather risky
and cumbersome in practice. Consumers can not evaluate the quality of online products by
handing them directly. Instead, they must rely on sellers to describe goods accurately in word
and/or pictures. Mistakes can easily be made, leading to the inconvenience of having to exchange
goods or seek a refund. Products bought online also normally need to be delivered by post. The
convenience of online shopping thus hinges in part on the efficiency of the postal service.
Secondly, in spite of the promise of lower prices, internet shopping seldom offers substantial
savings. A competitive marketplace ensures that large price differentials rapidly disappear as
suppliers align themselves with one another. Also, the cost of postage is normally borne by the
buyer. A product that appears to be a bargain on screen often turns out to be no cheaper than the
same product bought in a shop. Not surprisingly, only one in ten purchases in the UK are made
online.
For these reasons, internet shopping is likely to remain a minority pursuit. The continuing
popularity of shopping in the traditional way suggests that consumers continue to value its
advantages: the opportunity to sample, compare and buy products in a real as opposed to a virtual
space.
Sample ielts writing #7

What can be done to maintain biodiversity?

The importance of biodiversity is being more widely recognized as increasing numbers
of species come under threat.
What can be done to maintain biodiversity?
My essay:
In recent years there has been growing awareness of the importance of preserving
the worlds biological diversity. As increasing numbers of unique, and potentially
useful, plants and animals come under threat, people are beginning to ask whether
more can be done to reserve this trend.
One possible approach is to regulate agricultural and industrial activity so that
pollution and disruption to natural habitats is kept to a minimum. People argue that
economic prosperity must be curtailed if it comes at the expense of the environment.
However, businesses affected are unlikely to comply with such a strategy. It may even
generate hostility to conservation efforts generally if the economic costs are perceived
to be too high.
An alternative approach would be to protect and expand nature reserves so that
complete ecosystems can be kept intact. This would ensure that a minimum number of
wild plants and animals would survive. However, although such places are indeed
valuable, experience shows that it is difficult to protect rare plants and animals from
exploitation. In fact, as somespecies, like the tiger, become rarer, the more valuable
they become to poachers and others who seek to benefit from their trade.
A more effective approach is to educate the public about the benefits of
biodiversity. Money should be invested in the research and development of the world's
biological resources. Once people understand that there are real benefits to exploiting
natural resources in a sustainable way, they are more likely to make the short-term
sacrifices necessary to preserve natural habitats.
Sample IELTS writing #6
The advantages and disavantages of fast food
My essay:
Nowadays, fast food is a part of our lives. Although it becomes more and more
popular, its not mean that it has many benefits and less drawbacks.
No one can negate that fast food brings many problems to peoples heath. Fast food
has too much lipids, a type of chemical substance that not good to people. The more
fast food they eat, the more lipit they add to body, they will become overweight or
obesity and feel hard to do some works or exercises. Eating too much fast food also
lead to high cholesterol in their bloods and causes some serious disease, heartshocking is an example. This disease happened when peoples heart did not have
adequate blood to give to other cells.
In spite of its disadvantages, fast food still becomes popular because it has some
benefit. People who dont have time to prepare their meals like using fast food
because its easy to buy and supply enough energy for a long day, besides, it has an

interesting taste. In addition, fast food is cheap and safety so it a good choice for busy
people in some case. Recent studies show that eat a little of fast food every months
can make people healthier and improve the appetite. Recently, many kind of fast food
contain salad and some other vegetable, so it can provide some vitamins and minerals
peoples body.
Although fast food has a lot of disadvantages, people have to admit that it have some
benefit and become very popular now and their challenger is reduce the drawbacks
and increase the benefit of it.
Sample IELTS writing #1