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Daily Lessons with Simon, ex-IELTS examiner
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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If you have a 5-idea plan, it should be relatively easy to write a paragraph. Just make each point in your plan into a
sentence. For example:
5-idea plan for "why people prefer foreign films"
1. Topic sentence - several reasons
2. First reason - budgets for action, special effects, spectacular locations
3. Example - Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar or James Bond films
4. Second reason - the most famous actors, actresses and directors
5. Final reason - poor quality local filmmaking in many countries
Full paragraph with 5-sentences (one for each idea)
There are several reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced in their own
countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries have huge budgets for action, special effects and to
shoot scenes in spectacular locations. Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar or the James Bond films are examples of such
productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. Another reason why these big-budget films are so successful is that
they often star the most famous actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished producers and
directors. The poor quality, low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in comparison.
(106 words)
Posted by Simon in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Permalink | Comments (32)
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.
Now, here's my conclusion:
In conclusion, I believe that increased financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made films and allow
them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the market.
Note:
- I wrote my conclusion by paraphrasing the introduction.
- In my conclusion, I changed the order of the two parts, mentioning the financial support first and the popularity of
foreign films second.
Posted by Simon in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Permalink | Comments (14)
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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People have different views about whether or not governments should help senior citizens. I completely disagree with the
idea that elderly people should receive no support from the state.
Introduction (more balanced opinion):
People have different views about whether or not governments should help senior citizens. Although I accept that we all
have a responsibility to save money for retirement, I disagree with the idea that elderly people should receive no support
from the state.
Note:
After the first introduction, I'd advise you to write 2 paragraphs that both explain why you disagree. The second
introduction allows you to discuss both sides (which might be easier).
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Wednesday, May 06, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (Official IELTS Practice Materials 2)
Here's an example of a 'while' conclusion:
In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety measures should also be
introduced.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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Is there a difference between the two questions below? How would you approach answering each one?
Question 1
With the availability of information on the Internet, public libraries are no longer necessary. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Question 2
Some people consider public libraries to be unnecessary due to the availability of information on the Internet. Others,
however, believe that libraries can still play an important role in society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
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Saturday, March 28, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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progress, and it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially
acceptable for men to stay at home and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant that
both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before starting a family. Therefore, when couples have
children, they may decide who works and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each partner, or
based on which partner earns the most money.
In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be happy to live in a society in which men
and women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it
seems only fair that men should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this is what they
wish to do. Couples should be left to make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes, according to
their particular circumstances and needs.
In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I believe
that these developments are desirable.
(274 words, band 9)
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Wednesday, March 18, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I believe
that these developments are desirable.
Posted by Simon in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Permalink | Comments (38)
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
1/31/2016 8:41 AM
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other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child. (2)
Teachers educate large groups of children together, which means that they must train pupils to work with their peers and
respect other members of the class. (3) Pupils also learn to behave sensibly in lessons, regardless of the distractions around
them, and to follow instructions given to them by teaching staff. (4) These behavioural skills will be crucial in later life. (5)
In the workplace, for example, adults are expected to work in teams, listen to each other, and follow the instructions of a
manager or company director.
Notice how I "build" the paragraph using 5 sentences:
1. Topic sentence introducing the main idea - the role of teachers in children's development.
2. One aspect of this role - training children to work with others.
3. Another aspect of this role - children learn to behave and follow instructions.
4. Why the two points above are important - for later life.
5. Examples - work in teams, follow a manager's instructions.
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Wednesday, February 04, 2015
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Several people have asked me to work through the question below (which I mentioned in a lesson last month).
Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
The first step is to decide whether we agree, disagree or partly agree. My preference would be to 'completely disagree'. I
don't think we can partly agree in this case (either we value and protect animals or we don't).
Next, we need a 4-paragraph plan:
1. Introduce the topic (rights and protection of wild animals), then answer the question (completely disagree)
2. First reason why we disagree e.g. our duty to protect animals, their rights and place in the world
3. Second reason why we disagree e.g. the resources we should use to protect animals, and why this is not a waste
4. Conclusion: repeat / summarise our answer
Now comes the important part: ideas. Can you think of some good ideas for paragraphs 2 and 3?
Posted by Simon in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Permalink | Comments (28)
Thursday, December 11, 2014
1/31/2016 8:41 AM