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Topic:

The table gives information on the market share of mobile phone


manufactures for two consecutive years, 2005 and 2006.
In both years, Nokia was clearly the market leader, selling 32.5% of all mobile
phones in 2005, and slightly more (35%) in 2006. This is a greater market
share than its two closet competitors, Motorola and Samsung, added
together. Motorola increased its market share from 17.7% in 2005 to 21.1%
in 2006. In contrast, Samsung saw its share of the market decline slightly
from 12.7% to 11.8%.
The other companies listed each had a much smaller share of the market.
Sony Ericssons share increased from 6.7% to 6.3%. BenQ Mobiles share
more than halved from 2005 to 2006: from 2005 to 2006: from 4.9% of the
market to only 2.4%. Other mobile phone manufactures accounted for 19.2%
of the market in 2005 more than all the companies mentioned except Nokia.
However, in 2006 the other companies only made 16.2% of mobile phone
sales - less than both Nokia and Motorola.
(176 words) - This is a model answer from an IELTS Examiner.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-1-sample-2-table-8-
categories#sthash.5SfPXuR1.dpuf
Topic:

The line graph, combined with bar chart, reveals some information about UK
tourism activities from 1979 to 1999. In general, the number of visits abroad
by UK citizens well exceeded the incoming visits by overseas residents.
From just 10 million in 1979, the incoming visits to UK steadily increased to
12 million in 1985. Ten years later, it went up quickly to double that number
in 1995 before falling back to a slow growth rate during next 5 years. In the
meantime, outcoming visits rose considerably from 12 million in 1979 to 20
million just before 1985, then they grew dramatically to over 50 million in
1999, nearly doubling the incoming figure at that time.
Among five countries, UK citizens really enjoyed visiting France when there
were 11 million visits during 1999. With 2 million fewer, Spain appeared to
be the second best choice for UK tourists, while the USA, Greece and Turkey
all attracted lower than 4 million UK visitors. Turkey seemed the less
attractive tourism destination with 2.5 million UK visitors only in that year.
To conclude, the charts may well reflect the boom of UK outcoming visits
during the period from 1985 to 1999 and clearly the favourite destinations of
UK residents at that time were France and Spain.
(212 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Minh Phuong at
Pathways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-1-sample-1-line-graph-bar-
chart#sthash.QsWtoJ vM.dpuf
Writing Task 1 - Sample 5: Process (Band 7)



The diagram reveals a long process in which rainwater is contained,
treated and reused for domestic purposes.
The process starts with rains brought by clouds which provide water for
natural lakes, pools or artificial reservoirs likes dams. At the same time, rain
water is collected into tanks from gutters, then is used directly by people
without any treatment. Water in dams, however, must be filtered and made
clean at water treatment plants to become drinking water before being
delivered to peoples homes for daily usage.
The next step is treating waste water, the output of domestic consumption.
This type of water is collected from peoples houses to waste water treatment
plant, where it is turned to recycled water and flowed back to houses, while
the excess treated water is released to river. Also, any storm water must be
passed through the storm water treatment before running to its clean, natural
state.
To conclude, the diagram may well reflect the steps by which rainwater is
reused. With two steps of treatment applied, water is made clean before
being provided to peoples usage and released to natural environment.
(186 words) - This is a 7.0 response written by a 1-1 student at Pathways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-1-sample-5-process-band-
7#sthash.h2cZHhj2.dpuf
Writing Task 1 - Sample 3: Bar chart


The chart compares population shares in various regions of the world with
the distribution of wealth in these same regions. It can be seen that
population shares in almost all cases do not relate to the distribution of
wealth.
Even though North America has only approximately 6% of the worlds
population, it boasts nearly 34% of global wealth. A similar situation can be
seen in Europe, which has 15% of the global population but 30% of global
wealth, and the rich (high income) Asia-Pacific countries with 5% of the
worlds population but 24% of its wealth.
On the other hand, the total wealth of people in China, India, Africa, Latin
America and the Caribbean, and the other poor (lower income) countries in
Asia-Pacific is far less than their shares of the world population. This is most
striking in India, where 16% of the worlds population own only 1% of the
worlds wealth and in China, which has the highest percentage of global
population (24%) but only 3% of the worlds wealth.
(171 words) - This is a model answer.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-1-sample-3-bar-
chart#sthash.QrBI3M2c.dpuf



















Task 1: The table below shows the number of people (millions) taking
part in the five different physical activities between 2001 and 2009 in
Australia.

The table presents information regarding the number of Australians in
millions, who took part in 5 different sporting and recreational activities. The
focus for the data is on the years 2001, 2008 and 2009. It can be clearly seen
that walking was the most popular activity enjoyed by Australians, however
aerobics saw the largest growth in the period examined.
To begin with, walking saw a 43% growth in the number of participants with
4.3 million in 2001. It then increased rapidly to 5.9 and finally 6.1 million users
in the years 2008 and 2009 respectively. The trend for Australians doing
aerobics was similar. The number of those enjoying the activity was a low
1.1 million in 2001, though seven years later it had risen to 1.6 million and a
sudden dramatic surge in the final examined year to 2.8 million made
aerobics the second most popular physical activity in Australia.
Swimming dropped from second to third place over the period and it saw
only a 2% positive change with 2.1 million, slipping slightly to 2 million, before
recovering to 2.2 million participants over the three years examined.
Next is tennis, and this is the only activity that shrank in the number of its
participants compared to the other four. Overall there was a 23% drop with
0.9 million players in 2001, but in 2008 and 2009, numbers had fallen but
stabilized at appropriately 0.7 million. Finally, the numbers of Australians
enjoying running had huge growth, like aerobics with a noticeable 89%
growth in this activity. The numbers grew from 0.9 to 1.1 million from 2001
to 2008, though the largest increase like aerobics came in the final year
overtaking tennis and rocketing up to 1.7 million.
Based on the information provided it can be concluded that all physical
activities increased in popularity with the exception of tennis. Also the most
obvious changes were seen between the years 2008 and 2009 in general for
the activities.
(339 words) - This is a sample of a band 9.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-1-sample-4-table-5-
categories#sthash.B4u5jzAW.dpuf










What young people should study at school has long been the subject of intense debate
and this is a question that certainly does not have one correct answer.
We need to provide young people the best possible chance of doing well at school. In
traditional curriculum there is a wide variety of subjects with a mix of academic and
non-academic subjects. In this way a young person is formed with a rounded education.
Non-academic subjects would include sports, cooking, woodwork and metalwork. I
believe this is the best form of education. A young person should learn things other
than academic subjects. Sport is particularly important. Young people have to learn to
love sport so that they can be fit and healthy later in life. If not we will be raising an
obese and unfit generation.
I totally understand the point of view that education is so important that students must
be pushed as hard as possible to achieve their best. It sounds a good idea to only expose
the students to academic subjects as then they can spend all of their school hours on
studying areas that will get them into university and good jobs later in life. I just feel a
more rounded education would produce a better individual. We must remember too
that a lot of people, maybe even most people, arent academically minded and would
benefit more from a more vocationally based education. Forcing academic studies onto
them would lead to failure and the student leaving school too early. Therefore I agree
that although a wholly academic curriculum would suit and benefit some young people,
I believe that for most students non-academic subjects are important inclusions still
in todays syllabuses.
(283 words) Estimated IELTS Writing Band 9







Topic: Some people think that towns and cities should have large open
spaces like squares and parks. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this idea?
To many people, parks and squares are deemed of immense importance, as
they provide opportunities for outdoor activities that they would not have
otherwise at home. While these places are decidedly exorbitant to construct
and often argued to be useless and wasteful, I believe the benefits would far
outweigh any drawbacks if these are built.
Firstly, public places have long contributed to the improvement of our general
health. Nowadays, the amount of physical work has diminished to a non-
existent amount, due to the invention of many new and convenient
innovations. Consequently, it leads to an unhealthy lifestyle with the potential
of developing various illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes
and the inevitable loss of lifespan. Therefore, having open spaces in cities
or towns is indeed encouraging of a more active life, where people can
exercise freely if they are not able to pay for the expense of fitness facilities.
Secondly, public places are often associated with the special characteristics
of the given town or city. Places such as squares, parks and other open
spaces are considered highly sophisticated and culturally advanced, which
are frequented by visitors of varying ages, and they serve much more of a
purpose than just a place for mundane exercising. These are the places
where people gather socially and as a whole these places help in creating a
more united and socially cohesive society.
In conclusion, it is not at all unjustified to affirm that squares and parks are
of many uses and should be built for the sake of peoples lives, along with
the progress of entertainment industries.
(262 words) - This is a 7.5 essay written by a 1-1 student at Pathways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-11-large-space-
in-living-area-band-75#sthash.ZYm1yoUm.dpuf








Topic: In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in
the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide
Web and communication by email. However, future developments in IT
are likely to have more negative effects than positive. To what extent
do you agree with this view?
The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives
are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these
technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, it can be
argued that future IT developments will produce more negative effects than
positive ones.
To begin, information technology has brought us countless positive changes.
One of these is email, which has made communication, especially abroad,
much simpler and faster, resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and
business. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on
every conceivable subject is now available to us. People accessing news,
medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet are
all examples of this. It is evident that these improvements have made life far
easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to
do so for decades to come.
Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial.
For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is
destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing,
telephoning and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in
people's basic ability to socialise and interact with each other on a day-to-
day basis. In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly
impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding
children accessing unsuitable websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind
of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated
systems are set up.
In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet many
believe developments relating to new technology in the future are likely to
produce many damaging impacts to individuals and society. These will begin
to outweigh the positive effects increasingly more in the future unless they
are adequately addressed.
(309 words)
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-1-information-
technology#sthash.m15cVKb7.dpuf

Topic: Space tourism has been growing in popularity in recent years.
However some people claim that the disadvantages of this type of
travel outweigh the advantages. Do you agree or disagree?
The idea of travelling through space has fascinated people for centuries.
Despite numerous current drawbacks, travelling to outer-space has never
failed to attract peoples attention and provoke controversy. In my opinion,
space tourism has passably more benefits than costs for the time being,
however, that is likely to change in the future.
The first reason to support tourism into space is that it has undoubtedly
rekindled peoples enthusiasm in the natural sciences, which has dwindled
down since the space race in mid-to late 20th century. As interest in space
exploration has developed and talents in space technologies retained,
perhaps more research and development will be conducted broadening the
horizons of mankinds knowledge about the universe. Some people argue
that the merits of space travel to inspire passion of the universe are very
limited as the experience can be enjoyed by only a few. Currently, only one
company, Virgin Galactic, is offering space fights for a very premium price.
Nonetheless, it can be expected that as the scientific knowledge is
uncovered, and research and development initiated the cost of travelling to
space can be lowed, namely through more efficient fuel, space craft and
increased competition.
Another significant benefit of space tourism is that it can enrich the lives of
these privileged to be able to do so. It is a once in a lifetime adventure, that
has not been until recently available to general public. As a result, many
people believe that space travel is a positive development and opportunities
for space tourism should be opened to more people.
Based on the mentioned facts, one can conclude that tourism into outer
space has apparent merits, although its effects are not yet fully manifested
for the time being.
(286 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Ha Ly at
Pathways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-2-space-
tourism#sthash.FZgcx2Vi.dpuf



Topic: Some people believe that university education should be
completely free, while others believe students and their families should
pay at least part of the cost. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Today, in many countries having a university degree is a prerequisite
condition for young people to secure a decent job. Because of this, many
people believe that it would only be fair if everyone had access to university
education, hence it should be free. At the same time, others refute that
students and their families should pay for their higher education, partially if
not completely. Both opinions have their own rationale, which will be
discussed in this essay before arriving to a reasoned conclusion.
People who believe in free university education argue that it leads to a more
educated and productive workforce which in turn positively enhances
economic growth. A current study reveals that the most powerful economies
in the world, such as the United States, Canada and J apan have higher rates
of university graduates in comparison with developing countries. It can be
seen that there is a correlation between economic growth and higher
education. Thus, to enhance the quality of the workforce, higher education
should be made accessible to everyone and therefore it should be free.
On the other hand, people who are against this idea argue it is unjust for
people who do not want go to university to subsidize those that do. Higher
education is expensive, as evidenced by a recent estimate in Australia that
a free university system would cost the government 23 billion dollars a year.
In order to raise this huge amount of money, the government would have to
force people to pay more taxes. That means a larger portion of peoples
wages, including those who do not intend to go to university, will be cut to
pay for the education of those who potentially have higher income. In other
terms, it is making the poor pay for the rich, which is unfair. Thus, university
education should not be provided for free.
In conclusion, it can be seen that both sides can be strongly justified.
However, I believe that free higher education is an ideal which is not quite
realistic. According to the aforementioned argument by the latter group, it is
not fair for people who do not go to university to subsidize those that do. It
would cause a negative reaction in the portion of the workforce which
effectively diminishes national economic growth. The government can
resolve this problem by providing loans to those who wish to go to university
instead.
(398 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Le Chi at
Pathways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-3-
education#sthash.ETPjaRO9.dpuf
Topic: News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what
to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these
decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if
more good news was reported?
The contents broadcasted by mass media (the television and the printing
press in particular) is believed to have a significant effect on peoples
thoughts and behaviour. Hence, various individuals and groups take interest
in what appears in the media, but the ultimate decision lies with the news
editor. This essay seeks to understand the pressure and the motivation that
drives the editors. Furthermore, it is argued that people have become
desensitised to negative news and it would be beneficial if positive news was
reported more often. This stand point is also explored in this essay.
There are inter-related influences that factor into a news editors decision,
namely large corporations, the government, the audience and personal
interest of the news editor. Firstly, it is often the case that large corporations
have stakes in media companies. This serves their profit-making and political
objectives. By releasing certain information the media can be a powerful tool
to sway the public opinion in certain directions. Hence, political campaigns
often involve a large amount of corporate and media contribution. In turn, the
government does to some extent restrain the operations of media. News
editors face pressure from these group on daily basis and their decisions are
likely to be affect by this factor. Moreover, news editors are too certain extend
compelled either on subconscious level by their education and background
or purposefully by their personal stakes, such as career opportunities, which
may compromise their objectivity when faced numerous opportunities to
express their opinion publicly. Another factor is the audience interest, which
varies from seeking knowledge and information, looking for interest and
entertainment. Overall, news editors need to evaluate the consequence of
news against the value of the news on the public.
There is a concern that peoples level of tolerance for bad news has
increased, which might have negative influence over their mind. It is even
suggested that people have developed a taste for negative press that causes
shocking and sensational gossip. Nevertheless, it is impertinent to ask the
question where the bad news comes from, whether it is mere manipulation
of the media to attract audience or the reports correspond to major events
around the world. Although gossip magazines and tabloids do use negative
press to attract audience, serious journalist focus on reporting important
news. At the moment there are a lot of worrying developments around the
world such as wars, recession natural disasters and climate change. The
people that seek out negative press are only a minor group in the audience.
People have become utterly desensitised to bad news, but that negative
news is the natural outcome of the deteriorating development around the
world making people more cautious and worry.
Some advocate that the promotion of good news will have a positive impact
on the society. For some people positive news may counteract the effect of
negative news and help them to overcome the sense of pessimism. There is
a large audience for positive and productive news that is not being
adequately satisfied at the moment.
All in all, there is a number of inter-related factors that have an impact on a
news editors decision whether to publish something or not. Negative news
is making more frequent appearance in the media, which has not diminished
its profound impact on the audiences mind and hence more positive news
should be reported in order to counter this force.
(562 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Ha Ly at
Pathways
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-4-
media#sthash.wtbl4t1G.dpuf












Topic: As computers are being used more and more in education, there
will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom. Do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since
the introduction of computers. The search for information has become easier
and amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though
experts systems have made computers more intelligent, they have not yet
become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process. In my
opinion what can be expected is a change of the teachers role, but not their
disappearance from the classroom.
Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier
with computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device
constitutes an enjoyable task for a child. This, accompanied by the relaxing
attitude and software interactivity, usually contributes to a better grasping of
new knowledge. At a higher educational level the availability of digital books,
simulators and other academic materials provide the student with an ever
accessible source of information, that otherwise would not be at hand.
But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software,
which is usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need for
human interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in
the foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able
to determine what the specifics needs of each individual are. The expertise
of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to different
individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how
sophisticated its software is.
As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be
more aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than
transmitters of facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are
taking places, keep updated and serve as problem solvers in the learning
process, thus allowing students to discover the fact for themselves.
To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will continue to play
an important role in the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter
how complex computers become, there will be no replacement for the human
interaction, but in the way how this interaction takes place.
(357 words) - This is a sample of a band 8.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-5-computer-or-
teachers-band-8#sthash.UZqFH7HZ.dpuf
Topic: People in many countries today are encouraged to buy and more
consumer products. Some people think that this development is good
for the economy, while others think that it is very bad for society as a
whole.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Consumers now, through an increasingly more materialistic mentality along
with mass marketing and sophisticated targeted and viral marketing, are
encouraged to buy more. There is a pervasive anxiousness from some about
the adverse impacts of this trend on individuals and society as a whole, while
others claim that this development, from an economic and business
perspective, instead brings a great array of long term benefits that can filter
down to the individual level.
Analysing this issue from an economic basis shows a clear positive cycle
linking national economic growth and business development to higher
standards of living for all in society. Firstly, if a greater demand for products
is stimulated through the media via different forms of advertising, then
manufacturers and producers will aim to meet this market need in the
production of more goods. This then results in job growth, a greater range of
employment options, and possibly higher job earnings for individuals in all
industry levels. If a person has a higher earning potential than they have
greater personal spending power and a greater amount of domestic
spending, which is clearly good for the economy, along with greater
prosperity for individuals are the final results.
This trend of consumerism, however, does have its obvious downsides.
Advertising permeates every facet of our lives through various direct and
more subliminal means in the media. For some, a negative cycle of
borrowing and spending, in the end leading to a debt trap, can have
detrimental impacts on their lives. Though it is worth pointing out that
overspending and an overly materialistic mindset does not affect the majority
of people in our community, and for most individuals, addictive spending
tendencies can be managed.
From the issues outlined above, one can conclude that there is stronger
evidence in favour of economic and societal benefits of encouraging people
to buy increasingly more products. Uncontrolled spending and debt are
negative consequences of this trend which only affect a small percentage of
the population that cannot escape from the downward spiral of this spending
trap.
(339 words) - This is a sample of a band 9.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-6-economy-band-
9#sthash.OPtx41J R.dpuf
Topic: Some people believe that studying at university or college is the
best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better
to get a job straight after school. Discussion both views.
Graduating from high school, the young often wonder whether they ought to
keep on studying further or not. Many people suppose that continuing to
study at university or college can be the best way to guarantee their
successful career, whereas others believe working right after school is much
better.
Working straight after graduation is beneficial in some ways. Firstly, young
people are able to earn money as soon as possible. If they finish high school,
they will be mature enough to live independently on their own income. It is
common sense that having a job can prove ones maturity. Secondly, a
person who chooses to get a job instead of studying higher is likely to
progress rapidly in their career. This may bring about a good chance to
obtain a lot of real experience and skills for their chosen profession.
On the other hand, there are a variety of reasons why people have a
tendency of choosing to continue education after high school. First, a college
education will provide young people with more qualifications, which is what
most employers expect these days. University graduates will probably get a
much higher salary than those without university education. Furthermore, the
job market is becoming more and more competitive. In fact, people would be
well-advised to get a degree, as hundreds of applicants often chase the top
jobs. It is an obvious advantage for university graduates. For example,
graduate engineers in Vietnam are highly paid and find it easy to get a top
job.
In conclusion, it seems evident that both working right after school and
choosing to continue higher study are advantageous in their own ways.
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-10-education-or-
work-band-7#sthash.XVBI6juY.dpuf




opic: Educating children is expensive and in some countries the
government pays some or all of the costs. Do the advantages of the
government paying for children's education outweigh the
disadvantages?
Investing in education is investing in human intellectual capital, which in turn
is vital to the creation of high-skilled workforce and the long-run development
of a nation, however the question arises as to who should pay for this. To be
more specific, should the government subsidise some or all of the costs or
should we leave the cost to be funded privately?
Some people claim that partial or completely subsidised primary and
secondary school education, if it is entirely funded by the government, may
diminish the incentive for students to strive harder. However this is not the
case, as low cost or free education in fact offers significant opportunities for
children from low-socio-economic groups or from rural areas, whom might
not have access to academic schooling otherwise. There are numerous
benefits stemming from this, namely bridging the gap between urban and
rural areas, the rich and the poor, along with bringing more equal
opportunities for people and creating a larger more highly qualified workforce
for our society.
On the other hand, there are some that allege that government subsidised
public schools tend to be of poorer quality, both in facilities and teaching staff
compared to private schools, and that they may suffer to a greater extent in
an economic downturn, when the government needs to cut spending. This
argument becomes quite lacking in the face of evidence of a consistently
good level of quality public education in many countries over long periods of
time. Although private education may provide a better educational
environment on the whole, people still have the freedom of choice, from both
tiers of private and public schooling, based on their finances and the type of
education they need for their children.
Taking all the views above into consideration, publicly funded education has
overwhelming advantages as it makes learning available to the more
disadvantaged groups in our society, hence contributing to equality of
opportunities and utilisation of human resources in an economy. Therefore,
it can be argued that the cost is justified in the light of present and future
benefits.
(343 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Ha Ly at
Pathways (with assistance from her 1-1 teacher).
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-9-education-cost-
band-85#sthash.QaIf12Uq.dpuf
Topic: Some people believe that it is better for young people to begin
learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary
school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Learning a foreign language such as English is increasingly becoming
necessary and children are learning at younger ages than in the past,
beginning in primary school. In my opinion, it is better for children to begin
learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
It's is very easy for young children to learn a new language because they
absorb new ideas quickly and learn new skills faster than older ones. If they
start learning a foreign language at an early age, they can get used to it and
have more time to practice. Also, they can pronounce words correctly
because they do not have a first language interference like adults typically
do. Although in common knowledge, people believe primary school students
are too young to learn a foreign language as they may get bored in the lesson
and find it unnecessary, it all depends on the way they are taught. We can
try to make the lesson interesting to attract the children to pay attention more
and enjoy it.
Some people claim that secondary school students can make better
progress at learning foreign languages like English. Since they are older,
they can focus more on their study and can get better results. But at school,
they have more subjects to learn and work to do so they have difficulties in
dividing their time to suit with their learning. As a result, although they are
more mature, they still cannot learn foreign languages as easily as primary
school students. People may also say students in secondary school can
differentiate their mother tongue from the foreign language but there is no
evidence for that statement. On the contrary, because they start learning at
such a late time, they will mix up with their mother tongue and their
pronunciation will be incorrect. It is also very hard for them to get used this
new language.
In conclusion, learning a foreign language at primary school has more
advantages than learning at secondary school.
(333 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Han Dinh (14
years old) at Pathways (with assistance from her 1-1 teacher)
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-8-age-and-
education#sthash.E61yZNu6.dpuf

























Topic: Living in big cities is bad for people's health. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Even though cities have become epicentre of human development, there is
a genuine concern that city lifestyles and the pressures of modern living are
resulting in negative consequences both mentally and physically. These
thoughts are not unfounded; nonetheless, it is important to look at the matter
from both sides.
Numerous research studying the effect of urban lifestyle on the mental
function and health have been conducted. It is argued that statistically there
is a greater chance for a city dweller to suffer from some kind of mental
disorder compared to people living in rural areas. There are some of factors
that are suggested to be the cause of this, namely over-crowding and as a
consequence, a greater amount of stress caused by traffic congestion and
noise pollution on urban dwellers. Social disconnection and isolation are
other issues for people living in city areas without a strong sense of
community. As a result of these factors, people it can be seen can tend to
become much more easily agitated, distressed and depressed, which may
trigger more underlying problems related to behaviour and mood.
Physical health is another issue that needs to be discussed in this context.
Pollution here is the main concern as well as a lack of sufficient physical
exercise. People living in cities spend much more time indoors as well, which
deprives the body of important vitamins received from sunlight such a vitamin
E. Although health awareness is increasing among the city population, the
environment and lifestyle is, on the whole, fairly discouraging to physical
health.
All in all, there are both benefits and downsides to dwelling in the city.
Although the impact may vary from person to person, from city to city and
from one suburb to another, that being said, the conditions in the city can
have an overwhelming negative impact on peoples wellbeing, and this
needs to be recognised.
(313 words) - This is a very good sample written by student Ha Ly at
Pathways (with assistance from her 1-1 teacher)
- See more at: http://pathways.com.vn/vi/news-view/writing-task-2-sample-7-place-and-
health-band-85#sthash.MnOMciI8.dpuf

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