Showing posts with label Task 2 Writing. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 September 2025

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe that remote working benefits both employees and society. Others argue that working from the office is more effective.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, ~285 words)

In recent years, the rise of digital technology has transformed the way people work. While many believe that remote working offers advantages for individuals and society, others argue that traditional office-based employment remains more effective. Both perspectives will be examined before presenting my view.

On the one hand, remote work provides flexibility and convenience for employees. Without the need to commute, workers can save time and money, which often improves work-life balance. For instance, parents can spend more time with their children while still maintaining productivity. Moreover, society benefits when fewer people travel daily, as this reduces traffic congestion and pollution. In this sense, remote working contributes not only to individual well-being but also to environmental sustainability.

On the other hand, working from the office is considered by some to be more efficient. Face-to-face communication fosters teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in ways that virtual meetings may not. Furthermore, being physically present allows managers to supervise staff more effectively and maintain organisational culture. For example, many innovative ideas in companies like Google and Apple have emerged from spontaneous office discussions rather than planned online meetings.

In my opinion, a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both systems is ideal. Remote work is suitable for tasks requiring concentration and independence, while office work is better for collaboration and networking. If balanced correctly, this model can benefit employees, companies, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, while remote working offers flexibility and societal advantages, office-based work promotes collaboration and innovation. A combination of both methods is likely to represent the future of employment.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Work-life balance
Flexibility and convenience
Traffic congestion / environmental sustainability
Face-to-face communication
Organisational culture
Hybrid approach / collaboration / networking
Productivity / efficiency / supervision

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, however, on the other hand
Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently
Examples: for instance, for example, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

View 1 (remote work): saves time, improves work-life balance, reduces pollution.
View 2 (office work): teamwork, supervision, creativity.
Opinion: hybrid approach works best.
Outline:
- Intro: paraphrase + outline + thesis
- BP1: Benefits of remote work (with example)
- BP2: Benefits of office work (with example)
- BP3: Opinion (hybrid model)
- Conclusion: summarise & restate opinion

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase topic + outline both views + thesis.
Body Paragraph 1: Remote work benefits (topic sentence, support, example).
Body Paragraph 2: Office work advantages (topic sentence, support, example).
Body Paragraph 3: Your opinion (hybrid).
Conclusion: Summarise main points and restate thesis.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Remote working offers greater flexibility and benefits society through reduced commuting.”
BP2: “By contrast, working from the office is seen as more effective for teamwork and creativity.”
BP3: “In my view, a hybrid model combines the strengths of both approaches.”

4. Tips for Learners

Keep a balanced tone: discuss both views fairly before giving your opinion.
Use specific examples (Google, parents saving commute time, pollution reduction).
Maintain a formal style — avoid casual words like kids or bosses.
Ensure your conclusion is short and strong — no new ideas.
Use varied linking words to improve cohesion.

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people think governments should spend more money on promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent illness. Others believe that treatment of sick people should be prioritised.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, ~280 words)

Public health has become a pressing issue in modern societies. While some argue that governments should focus on encouraging healthier lifestyles to reduce illness, others believe resources should be directed towards medical treatment. Both perspectives will be considered before presenting my view.

On the one hand, investing in health promotion can significantly reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems. By encouraging people to exercise, eat balanced diets, and avoid harmful habits such as smoking, governments can lower rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. For example, countries that have introduced anti-smoking campaigns and taxes on sugary drinks have seen noticeable improvements in public health. Prevention not only reduces suffering but also saves billions in future medical costs.

On the other hand, treatment remains essential because illnesses cannot always be prevented. People may develop conditions due to genetics, accidents, or environmental factors beyond their control. Moreover, it would be unethical to neglect patients who require urgent care. Hospitals and clinics must be adequately funded to provide life-saving treatments, from cancer therapies to emergency surgeries. Without sufficient investment in treatment, preventable deaths and suffering would inevitably increase.

In my opinion, governments must adopt a balanced strategy. Prevention should be a priority because it addresses the root causes of ill health, but this should not come at the expense of treatment. An integrated approach that promotes healthy living while ensuring access to high-quality medical care is the most effective way forward.

In conclusion, although treating illness is vital, preventive measures are more sustainable in the long run. A well-rounded health policy should balance both, ensuring healthier populations and resilient healthcare systems.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Public health / chronic diseases / healthcare systems
Preventive measures / health promotion / balanced diet
Burden on healthcare
Genetics / environmental factors
Integrated approach / root causes
Resilient healthcare systems

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although
Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus
Examples: for instance, for example, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Identify views:
- Prevention: healthier lifestyles, saves money, reduces chronic illness.
- Treatment: unavoidable illnesses, ethics, emergency care.
Opinion: Balanced approach (both prevention + treatment).
Outline:
- Intro: paraphrase + outline
- BP1: Prevention benefits
- BP2: Importance of treatment
- BP3: Balanced view (opinion)
- Conclusion: Summarise, restate opinion

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the task, outline both views, give thesis.
Body Paragraph 1: Prevention (topic sentence + support + example).
Body Paragraph 2: Treatment (topic sentence + support + example).
Body Paragraph 3: Opinion (balanced approach).
Conclusion: Summarise + restate.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Promoting healthy lifestyles can prevent widespread illnesses and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.”
BP2: “Nevertheless, treatment remains essential since not all diseases can be prevented.”
BP3: “In reality, the best solution is a balanced approach that integrates prevention and treatment.”

4. Tips for Learners

Keep balance: both sides should be explored before giving opinion.
Support ideas with real-world examples (anti-smoking campaigns, hospital funding).
Avoid emotional language — keep tone formal and academic.
Use cause-effect structures to explain why prevention is effective.
Make conclusion short: no new ideas.

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe that economic growth is more important than protecting the environment. Others argue that environmental sustainability should be prioritised even if it limits economic development.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, 285 words)

In recent decades, the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability has become a global concern. While some argue that rapid growth is essential to improve living standards, others believe protecting the planet should come first. Both perspectives will be examined before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, economic growth plays a vital role in raising the quality of life. Developing countries, in particular, rely on industries, infrastructure, and trade to create jobs and reduce poverty. For example, China’s rapid economic expansion has lifted millions out of poverty. Proponents of this view argue that without strong economies, governments would lack the resources to invest in healthcare, education, or even green technology. From this perspective, growth is seen as a necessary foundation for long-term sustainability.

On the other hand, prioritising sustainability is increasingly urgent due to climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Economic progress that ignores the environment often leads to irreversible damage, which can undermine future prosperity. For instance, rising sea levels caused by industrial emissions threaten coastal cities, potentially costing billions in the long run. Advocates of this position believe that renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable farming practices should replace unsustainable industrial expansion. They argue that short-term sacrifices in economic output are justified to secure long-term survival.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is needed. Economic development is crucial, but it should not come at the expense of environmental destruction. Governments should adopt green policies that allow growth and sustainability to progress together, such as investing in clean energy and eco-friendly technologies.

In conclusion, while economic growth supports social progress, sustainability ensures the survival of future generations. A successful society must integrate both goals rather than treating them as opposites.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Irreversible damage
Climate change, deforestation, emissions, pollution
Renewable energy / recycling / sustainable farming
Long-term prosperity
Green policies
Eco-friendly technologies
Short-term sacrifices
Future generations

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although
Addition: moreover, in addition, furthermore
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus
Examples: for example, for instance, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Identify both views:
- Growth first: jobs, poverty reduction, resources for green innovation.
- Sustainability first: prevents irreversible damage, protects future generations.
Opinion: A balanced approach is best.
Outline:
- Intro: paraphrase + outline
- BP1: Economic growth arguments
- BP2: Environmental sustainability arguments
- BP3: Opinion (balance)
- Conclusion: Summarise and restate opinion

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the question + preview both sides + state opinion.
Body Paragraph 1: Growth is essential (with example).
Body Paragraph 2: Sustainability is vital (with example).
Body Paragraph 3: Balance is the solution (your opinion).
Conclusion: Restate key points and opinion.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Supporters of economic growth argue that it is the most effective way to improve living standards.”
BP2: “In contrast, many believe that sustainability must take priority to avoid long-term damage.”
BP3: “In my opinion, economic development and sustainability should advance together through environmentally friendly policies.”

4. Tips for Learners

Always show balance before giving your opinion.
Use examples from real countries (China, renewable energy in Europe, etc.).
Keep formal tone — avoid casual phrases.
Don’t just list problems: explain causes, effects, and solutions.
Make your conclusion short and focused, no new arguments.

Monday, 8 September 2025

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe schools should focus on teaching life skills such as communication, financial management, and teamwork. Others argue that academic subjects like mathematics and science are more important for a child’s future.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, 280 words)

In recent years, there has been much debate about whether schools should prioritise life skills or traditional academic subjects. While some argue that practical abilities are essential for success in modern society, others believe that academic knowledge forms the foundation of education. Both perspectives will be considered before presenting my view.

On the one hand, teaching life skills can prepare students for real-world challenges. Subjects like financial literacy, problem-solving, and communication are directly applicable to everyday situations. For example, learning how to budget or manage money equips young people with independence, while teamwork and leadership skills are highly valued in the workplace. Without such abilities, even highly educated individuals may struggle to navigate adult responsibilities.

On the other hand, academic learning remains crucial because it develops intellectual ability and provides access to higher education and specialised careers. Fields such as medicine, engineering, and science rely heavily on theoretical knowledge that cannot be replaced by life skills alone. Moreover, academic study enhances critical thinking and discipline, which are transferable to many aspects of life. For instance, solving complex mathematical problems trains the mind to think logically and systematically.

In my opinion, an effective education system should combine both approaches. Academic subjects are undeniably important, but schools should also integrate practical training to ensure students are fully prepared for adult life. A balanced curriculum would produce not only knowledgeable individuals but also capable, confident citizens.

In conclusion, while academic learning provides intellectual depth and career opportunities, life skills are equally vital for personal development. Schools should aim to deliver both in order to prepare students comprehensively for the future.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Financial literacy
Practical abilities
Real-world challenges
Highly valued in the workplace
Theoretical knowledge
Critical thinking
Transferable skills
Balanced curriculum

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although
Addition: furthermore, in addition, moreover
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently
Examples: for example, for instance, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Identify sides:
- Life skills: communication, finance, teamwork → useful in daily life & jobs.
- Academic learning: maths, science → necessary for careers & intellectual growth.
Opinion: Both are essential; schools should combine.
Outline:
- Intro (paraphrase + outline)
- BP1 = life skills
- BP2 = academic learning
- BP3 = opinion (balanced)
- Conclusion

2. Structure

Introduction: State both sides + thesis.
Body Paragraph 1: Life skills are important (with example).
Body Paragraph 2: Academic learning is important (with example).
Body Paragraph 3: Your opinion: balance is best.
Conclusion: Summarise, restate opinion, no new points.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Teaching life skills equips students to deal with real-world challenges more effectively.”
BP2: “Despite this, academic knowledge remains the backbone of education and career development.”
BP3: “In reality, the best approach is a balance of both academic learning and life skills.”

4. Tips

Always show balance — acknowledge both sides.
Use formal vocabulary (avoid words like kids, stuff, a lot).
Insert specific examples to illustrate ideas.
Keep paragraphs clear and focused, one idea per paragraph.
Proofread to check linking words and grammar variety.

Friday, 5 September 2025

📝 How to Write a Great IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

A step-by-step guide for success

1. Understanding the Task

IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to write an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. The essay will be on an academic or general interest topic. Typical question types include:

Opinion (agree/disagree)
Discussion (both views + your opinion)
Problem/solution
Advantages/disadvantages
Mixed types (e.g. discuss both views + give opinion).

Your essay is marked in four areas:

Task Response – answering the question fully.
Coherence and Cohesion – clear structure, linking ideas.
Lexical Resource – range and accuracy of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – correct use of grammar, variety of structures.

2. Step One: Plan Your Essay (5–7 minutes)

Planning saves time and raises your score. Without a plan, essays often become disorganised or repetitive.

Steps in planning:

Analyse the question carefully
- Identify keywords: “long-distance flights,” “cars,” “environmental impact.”
- Identify task: “Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Generate ideas quickly
- Flights: more emissions per trip, released in upper atmosphere, global travel increasing.
- Cars: daily usage worldwide, cumulative emissions, urban pollution, health effects.
Choose your opinion
- Example: Cars are the bigger problem because they are used every day by billions of people.
Decide structure
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1: Flights
- Body Paragraph 2: Cars
- Body Paragraph 3: Your opinion / balance
- Conclusion

3. Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should be short (40–50 words) and do two things:

Paraphrase the question.
Outline what the essay will do.

Example (for our transport topic):
The environmental impact of transportation has become a major concern. Some argue that air travel is more damaging, while others believe cars cause greater harm. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own view.

4. Structuring Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph must have:

A clear topic sentence – tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Supporting sentences – explain and develop the idea.
An example – makes the point concrete.
Linking words – guide the reader.

4.1 Body Paragraph 1 – First View

Topic sentence:
Air travel undeniably produces significant emissions and has a powerful impact on the climate.

Support:

A single international flight can generate more carbon dioxide than months of driving.
Pollutants are released in the upper atmosphere, where they intensify warming.

Example:
For instance, research shows that a London–New York return flight produces over 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ per passenger.

Linking words (contrast):

However, on the other hand, while, whereas.

4.2 Body Paragraph 2 – Opposite View

Topic sentence:
Cars, however, represent a more consistent and widespread source of environmental damage.

Support:

Billions of journeys occur daily, often with one passenger.
Urban areas suffer from smog and air pollution, harming health.

Example:
In cities like Delhi or Los Angeles, car emissions are the main cause of poor air quality and respiratory illness.

Linking words (addition):

In addition, furthermore, moreover, not only… but also.

4.3 Body Paragraph 3 – Your Opinion (Balanced)

Topic sentence:
Although both forms of transport are problematic, I believe cars are a more pressing issue because of their frequency of use.

Support:

Cutting flights may help globally, but changing car habits offers immediate results.
Solutions: public transport, cycling, electric vehicles.

Example:
For example, cities that invest in underground trains, such as Tokyo, successfully reduce car dependency and emissions.

Linking words (cause/effect):

As a result, therefore, thus, consequently.

5. Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion should:

Summarise main points (not repeat word for word).
State opinion clearly (if required).
Avoid introducing new ideas.

Example:
In conclusion, although flights release large amounts of carbon dioxide, cars contribute more consistently to environmental damage due to their widespread use. Therefore, governments and individuals must focus on reducing reliance on personal vehicles while also addressing aviation emissions.

6. Linking Words for Essays

Using a variety of linking words shows good cohesion.

Contrast: while, whereas, however, on the other hand.
Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, not only… but also.
Cause/Effect: as a result, therefore, thus, consequently.
Examples: for instance, for example, such as, to illustrate.
Summing up: in conclusion, overall, to sum up, in summary.

7. Formal Language

Avoid contractions: use “do not” instead of “don’t.”
Avoid informal words: say “children” not “kids,” “significant” not “big.”
Use academic verbs: demonstrates, illustrates, indicates, suggests.
Avoid personal anecdotes: use general or research-based examples.

8. Balance in Essays

A high-scoring essay must show that you can:

Discuss both positive and negative sides.
Use a measured tone (not extreme).

Poor balance:
“Flights are terrible and must be banned immediately.”

Better balance:
“While flights do produce large emissions, cars are a more pressing concern because they are used daily by billions of people.”

9. Example of a Well-Planned Essay

Plan:

Intro: Transport harms environment; compare flights vs cars.
BP1: Flights worse – per passenger emissions, upper atmosphere.
BP2: Cars worse – everyday use, health impact.
BP3: Opinion – cars are more urgent issue, but both matter.
Conclusion: Summarise, restate opinion.

Skeleton:

Intro – paraphrase + outline.
BP1 – flights harmful (evidence + example).
BP2 – cars harmful (evidence + example).
BP3 – my opinion: cars more urgent.
Conclusion – restate, no new points.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Writing fewer than 250 words.
❌ Forgetting an overview or opinion.
❌ Using informal language.
❌ Listing numbers or ideas without explanation.
❌ Adding new ideas in the conclusion.
❌ Poor time management (no plan, weak structure).

11. Final Checklist for Task 2

Before finishing your essay, ask:

✅ Have I answered all parts of the question?
✅ Do I have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
✅ Have I used linking words correctly?
✅ Have I balanced both sides?
✅ Have I used a range of vocabulary and grammar?
✅ Is my language formal and academic?
✅ Is my conclusion short and focused?

Thursday, 4 September 2025

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people argue that long-distance flights cause more damage to the environment than cars. Others believe that cars are the bigger problem.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9 style, 280 words)

In recent years, concerns about the environmental consequences of transportation have intensified. While some argue that long-distance flights are more harmful, others contend that cars are the greater threat. Both perspectives merit consideration before forming a conclusion.

On the one hand, air travel undeniably produces significant emissions. A single international flight can generate more carbon dioxide per passenger than an average driver would produce in several months. Furthermore, airplanes release pollutants directly into the upper atmosphere, where their impact on global warming is intensified. With the rising popularity of budget airlines, air travel is becoming increasingly frequent, thereby amplifying its environmental footprint.

On the other hand, cars remain a daily source of pollution for billions of people worldwide. Unlike flights, which are occasional for most individuals, car journeys occur every day, often with only one person in the vehicle. This constant use leads to cumulative emissions that surpass those of aviation. In addition, road traffic contributes not only to greenhouse gases but also to urban air pollution, which directly harms human health.

In my view, both forms of transport are problematic, but cars present a more pressing challenge because of their widespread, habitual use. While reducing flights may benefit the climate in the long term, encouraging people to use public transport, switch to electric vehicles, or cycle to work can have an immediate and visible effect.

In conclusion, although flights produce a large amount of emissions per trip, cars collectively cause greater environmental damage due to their frequency and scale. Governments and individuals alike must take action to mitigate the impact of both.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Environmental footprint
Cumulative emissions
Pollutants / greenhouse gases
Amplifying impact
Habitual use
Carbon dioxide per passenger
Mitigate the impact
Pressing challenge

🔗 Linking Words

While / whereas / on the one hand… on the other hand… (contrast)
Furthermore / in addition / moreover (adding points)
Therefore / thus / as a result (cause-effect)
In conclusion / to sum up / overall (closing)

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

Brainstorm both sides:
- Flights: higher emissions per trip, upper-atmosphere effects, rising demand.
- Cars: daily use, widespread reliance, urban pollution.
Decide opinion: cars = bigger issue.

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the question + state both sides.
Body 1: Argument for flights being worse.
Body 2: Argument for cars being worse.
Body 3 (if time/space): Give your opinion clearly.
Conclusion: Summarise and restate position.

3. Topic Sentences

Body 1: “Air travel undeniably produces significant emissions and has a powerful impact on the climate.”
Body 2: “Cars, however, contribute more consistently to environmental damage due to their daily use.”
Opinion: “Although both modes of transport are problematic, I believe cars present a more urgent challenge.”

4. Tips

Use balanced language (not too extreme) to show ability to discuss both views.
Insert specific examples (e.g., per-passenger emissions, urban air quality).
Keep clear paragraphs with linking words to show cohesion.
Leave 2 minutes for proofreading grammar and vocabulary.