How To Write IELTS Essay PDF

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How to write
IELTS Essays
by ROBERT LEWIS
M.A. LINGUISTICS
how to use this book for self study
For
self-study, you should work through the book, from page one to the end, checking
your answers as you complete each of the exercises. Begin by reading the Introduction
and learn about the essay form, the key stages and the language features of the essay
that are important for this form of persuasive communication.
What is the best way to study?
First, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can work. You should feel good
working there. Do a minimum of 40 minutes each day. Try to make a regular time for
study, so that it becomes routine - the same time and place every day.
You will need a dictionary to check the meaning of new
vocabulary. At this level (advanced) you should use an
Advanced Learners dictionary of English - rather than a
bilingual dictionary. Whenever you find common or familiar
expressions that you dont know, learn these words first.
They are the building blocks for the more difficult
vocabulary you will learn later. Develop your vocabulary,
step by step. The best way to learn new words is to
guess their meaning from the context, check the meaning
in a dictionary, and practice using them in your writing.
The topics in this book are general topics selected to
help develop your academic vocabulary. You should also
read widely and become familiar with other topics and
issues. It is a good idea to read about topics that are
less familiar to you, but still relevant for a general English
test, like the IELTS.
By completing all
the exercises in this
book, you are taking
positive steps
towards achieving
your goals.
Remember - every
page completed is a
giant step toward
achieving success in
essay writing.
What else can I do?

Find a friend who will practice speaking English with you and discuss together the
topics and issues that you read about in this book Of course, an English teacher will
be helpful when you need to have your essays corrected and get advice about any
errors you might be making in your writing.
At the end of each chapter there is a checklist of things to look for in your writing.
Check that you have done all these things, and, if you need to, make changes and
corrections. Finally, it is advisable to attempt the sample essay questions provided at
the end of each chapter. By completing all the exercises in this book, you are taking
positive steps towards achieving your goals. Remember - every page completed is a
giant step toward achieving success in essay writing.
terms & abbreviations
- alternative eg. x/y =. (x) OR (y)
claim
- to say without proof/evidence something is true
context
- situation and circumstances
diff.
- different
discuss
- (1) talk about, (2) consider two or more sides
eg.
example
essay
- type of persuasive/written text
etc.
etcetera : and so on
exposition
- factual writing eg. explanation, argument, etc.
exam
- examination
formal language
impersonal language used in formal situations
gaps
spaces where words are missing
genre
- type of text. eg. recount, narrative, exposition
i.e.
that is
IELTS
- International English Language Testing System
intro
- introduction
- left
match
- put together, link
no.
- number
practice
- purposeful activity
proposition
- a statement or claim that may be true
p/w
- per week
Q.
- question or essay question
- right
re./ref.
- reference to / concerning / about
recommendation
- final suggestion, advice
recount
- retelling of past events, story about people
structure
- form, organization into stages or steps
strategy
a way of doing s.t., a method or technique
s.o.
- some one
s.t.
- some thing
text
- a written passage, sometimes transcribed spoken
via
- through
viz.
- such as
www.text2write.com copyright Robert Lewis
contents
INTRODUCTION
The Essay
TOPIC 1 :
LANGUAGE LEARNING
Reading & Vocabulary

Grammar : Be Logical
8
12
Writing practice
16
Review, checklist, sample questions
23
WORK AND LEISURE
25
31
Grammar : Be Authoritative
30
Writing practice
34
39
THE ENVIRONMENT
41
42
Grammar : Reason
46
Writing practice
49
56
TV & COMPUTER GAMES
57
58
Grammar : Be Cohesive
62
Writing practice
66
75
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
77
78
Grammar : Sound Reasonable
82
Writing practice
84
91
ANSWERS
93
TOPIC 2 :
TOPIC 3 :
TOPIC 4 :
TOPIC 5 :
introduction
What is an essay?
The essay is a form of academic writing widely used in secondary and higher education. The
general purpose of the essay is to demonstrate the importance of a given subject or issue, and
persuade an educated reader to consider the writers point of view on the issue.
What is an exam essay? What do they examine?
Exam essays, like the IELTS Task 2, test a students ability to think analytically, present
persuasive arguments and thus communicate effectively in an academic context. In other words,
the writer should show that they can :
- answer the question, which requires the careful analysis of the question,
- present and develop logical and reasonable arguments, and
- communicate clearly, using appropriate language (vocabulary and grammar).
What are the key stages of an essay?
It is important to remember that the exam essay is a response to a given question, so it should
answer the question clearly and decisively. To this end, the writer makes their position clear
from the start, and then presents a sequence of arguments in support of their position, before
finally restating their position. These are the three key stages of any essay.
KEY STAGES
INTRODUCTION
BODY
CONCLUSION
Position
The writer states their position or opinion,

in response to the question/s.
Sequence of
Arguments
A sequence of arguments is given to

support the writers position.
Each argument is a claim supported with
reasons, facts and examples.
Restatement
The writer re-states their position to

conclude.
The staging of the essay is (in itself) a persuasive device. Statement and repeated restatement
reinforce the writers position. Depending on the number, strength and logical development of
arguments, any given essay will be more or less persuasive and more or less successful.
Most essays include a few optional stages, such as a lead-in (which introduces the topic by
providing some very general background information/ideas), and the preview stage (which
previews the arguments that will follow). A recommendation is optional, depending on the essay
question. Though many essays will differ, in terms of optional staging, all essays display the
same key stages as above. The sample essay below illustrates a more complex staging of the
essay genre.
This essay (below) is a good example because it has a clear position statement, previews the
arguments that follow, and proceeds to develop argumentation logically and coherently. The
recommendation stage follows logically from the essay question, as the writer is required to
discuss solutions to the problem of gambling.
Q.
What are the causes, effects and possible solutions to the problem of gambling?
STAGING
sample essay
GAMBLING
Lead-in
Many people participate in gambling as a form of recreation and
POSITION
Preview
than 20 billion dollars was spent on gambling in the year 2000. However,
Sequence of
ARGUMENTS
1.
entertainment. It is very popular in countries, like Australia, where more

gambling is viewed by many as a problem for society . There are causes,
effects and possible solutions for the problems related to gambling.
Generally speaking, there are a number of causes
of gambling-related
problems. Many gamblers lose money and some get into debt very
quickly. They may spend all their savings, and then borrow more money,
to try and get out of debt. In this way, they may get into further debt.
The effects of gambling
can be devastating on both the individual and
their families. If gamblers get into serious debt, their families may suffer
2.
hardship and poverty as a result.
Some gamblers neglect their children,
whom they abandon while they spend time gambling in casinos. If they
are caught, the authorities might take their children away. Still others
might take out their frustration on their friends or families, and possibly
become violent.
3.
Solutions to the problems of gambling
involve society and the
government. In general, people should try to help those with gambling

problems. The government should also place restrictions on gambling, and
run education programs, to help gambling-addicts and raise peoples
awareness and understanding of the related social problems.
Restatement
Recommendation
In conclusion, if we understand the causes and effects of gambling, the

solutions become clear . Through education and support programs , it is
possible to give people and addicts the knowledge and assistance they
need to resist or overcome their gambling problems.
In an assessment of a candidates essay the examiner will consider (i) whether the writer
answers the question, (ii) their expression (grammatical accuracy and vocabulary), and (iii) the
cohesion of the text (including whether arguments are logically developed). Therefore, when
preparing for a writing exam, it is a good idea to practice developing arguments on many
different issues and topics.
the language features of the essay
The language features of an essay reflect the writers purpose, namely, to persuade the reader
of their position (opinion) on a given issue. We have already mentioned that the staging of the
essay is itself a persuasive device by repeatedly stating and expanding on their arguments, the
writer is being persuasive.
The language features of an essay also reflect the persuasive strategies commonly used in
argumentation : be logical, reason effectively, sound authoritative and reasonable (dont
exaggerate), and communicate effectively (precisely and cohesively). The relevant strategies and
language features are summarised in the table below :
PERSUASIVE
STRATEGIES
1. Be LOGICAL
2. Be AUTHORITATIVE
3. REASON
4. Be COHESIVE
5. Sound REASONABLE
Language Features
CONJUNCTIONS for Listing, Addition etc.
TECHNICAL VOCABULARY & Nominalisation
Language of CAUSE and EFFECT
REFERENCE WORDS
Language of GENERALISATION
Each chapter of this book discusses one of these five persuasive strategies and relevant
language features as outlined above. In the Grammar unit of each chapter, further
explanation and exercises are provided to help the reader become more familiar with the
key language features and their effective use in writing short exam essays.
topic 1
language learning
in this chapter
learn new vocabulary and read about the topic

learn about conjunctions : being logical
learn about three types of essay question
develop ideas and write an essay on the topic
a Bizzy moment
visualise (n) to see in your mind, imagine

visualisation (n) process of imagining, in your minds eye
reading & vocabulary

language learning
1.1
1.2
Match the word/expression with the meaning (R).

1. effectively
a) a positive thing, a benefit
2. context
b) situation, circumstances
3. memorise
c) way of doing s.t., technique
4. method
d) put into the memory
5. advantage
e) with a good effect, result
6. interaction
f) suggest, advise
7. recommend
g) exchange between two ..
8. distinction
h) relies on, conditional
9. comparatively
i) purpose, aim
10. goal
j) ability to function
11. functional proficiency
k) clear difference
12. depends
l) in comparison to s.t. else
Fill the gap using expressions from 1.1 above.

1. The main .goal. of school is preparation for life.
2. Many language tests are designed to assess
3. Success in exams, .. on how hard you work.
4. In the of the classroom, students can practice speaking.
5. One way to prepare for the test is to ..facts.
6. speaking, classroom learning is easier than self-study.
7. The best . for learning new words is using them!
8. Sallys teacher . that she does more study.
9. The discussion was a very positive .
10. One of studying abroad is making new friends.
11. The most obvious . between America and China is language.
12. Deaf people communicate using sign language.
1.3
Complete the table below, and revise vocabulary from Topic 1:

language learning.
Adjective
Noun
Verb
Adverb
1.
study
2.
3.
learnt
4.
5.
___________
6.
7.
copy
___________
8.
9.
understand
10.
11.
memory/isation
12.
13.
enjoyable
14.
15.
16.
repetitive
17.
18.
19.
20.
acquisition
21.
22.
23.
24.
instruct
25.
26.
27.
teach
28.
29.
functional/ing
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
dependently
36.
interaction
37.
38.
39..
recommendation
40.
___________
contextual
41.
42.
___________
43.
advantage
44.
serious
46.
48.
49..
text
___________
50.
proficiency
51.
___________
conversational
52.
53.
___________
54.
speech
55.
___________
necessary
56.
57.
___________
___________
___________
methodically
45.
47.
58.
reading & vocabulary

language learning
There are millions of people all over the world who formally study a foreign language,
but there are comparatively few who actually learn to use the language effectively. The
reason for this is that most people study a foreign language the same way they study a
subject at school. They memorise words, like facts or telephone numbers, but dont
know how to use the words to communicate. Sometimes, their teachers do not
understand the distinction between studying and really learning a language. The main
goal should be to teach students to use the language, not just study it.
Formal classes in a foreign language, whilst popular, may not be the most effective way
to learn the language. This depends on the teacher and their methods. If the teacher
requires the students to only copy text and memorise words and grammar rules, then
the students are not learning to use language. It is therefore not surprising that
students with this experience of formal classes do not speak the language very well.
They have not had the opportunity to actually practice communicating.
The key to successful language learning is interaction that is, using language for a
purpose in context. In some language classrooms, the lessons involve students working
in pairs or groups, and taking turns at asking and answering questions. In this way, the
classroom activity allows learners to use the language, and acquire the basics of
communication. Learning through interaction helps students develop their functional
proficiency, rather than just some vague or abstract knowledge of grammar or
vocabulary.
The importance of interaction is acknowledged in many books on learning a foreign
language, which recommend that students travel abroad, and learn the language in the
country where it is spoken. The advantages are perhaps obvious. The motivation for
practise is very strong. Students have to communicate if they want to survive. They have
to do things, such as buy food, find accommodation and make travel arrangements.
They are also exposed to the same language patterns many times and repeatedly
practice what they need to say. This process enables students to learn their new
language through using it in actual communication.
10
(355 words)
Reading comprehension. True or False ?
1.4
1. Many students of foreign languages cannot speak the language

effectively.
T / F
2. They study the foreign language without actually using it..
T / F
3. All teachers understand the difference between studying and

learning a foreign language.
T / F
4. Formal classes are the best way to learn a foreign language.
T / F
5. Memorising grammar rules or vocabulary is not as helpful as

interacting in the classroom.
T / F
6. Students who do not practise speaking do not speak very well.
T / F
7. Taking turns at asking and answering questions is not helpful.
T / F
8. A knowledge of grammar is more important than using the

language.
T / F
9. Most books suggest it is best to learn a foreign language through

formal lessons in the country where the language is spoken.
T / F
10. When students learn in the foreign country they have a strong
reason to practice communication.
T / F
11. Students experience particular language patterns repeatedly when

living in the country where the language is spoken.
T / F
12. Few books on language learning recognise the importance of

interaction.
T / F
Write down some ways you learnt English or another language.
11
grammar : be logical
The grammar focus of this unit is how to be LOGICAL or express ideas logically. Conjunctions, or
joining words, express the logical relations between ideas, and therefore help us structure and
develop our arguments. There are two types: SENTENCE-LEVEL and STRUCTURAL CONJUNCTIONS.
(i)
SENTENCE-LEVEL CONJUNCTIONS join ideas within a sentence.

Example 1:
Example 2:
Toothpaste is good for your teeth and apples are too.

Brushing is healthy because it reduces tooth decay.
In Example 1, the conjunction and expresses addition.

(1 + 1)
In Example 2, the conjunction because expresses causation. (1 -> 2)
( See the table on page 15 for a list of the most common conjunctions. )
1.5
Fill the gap using and, but or because.

Eg. My aunt has been sick and. she was taken to hospital.
1. The weather is fine . the scenery is beautiful.
2. The police arrested a man . he was driving recklessly.
3. Marcel paints pictures . nobody likes them.
4. The new cars run on solar power . petrol is too expensive.
5. Silvy sleeps all night . she sleeps in the afternoon too.
6. Action films are popular . cartoons are even more popular.
7. Izumi was born in Tokyo . she lives in New York.
8. Chinese writing is very beautiful . difficult to learn.
9. . soccer is fun to play, it is played everywhere in the world.
10. Peter collects stamps . he makes money selling them.
Fill the gap using although, so or when.
11. . the bell rings, the children move off to their next lesson.
12. . the man fell from a tall building, he was unhurt.
13. Jane wanted to learn Spanish . she went to night school.
14. Some Americans carry guns . they can protect themselves.
15. . trekking in the desert one should take lots of water.
16. Chocolate is bad for ones teeth . it tastes delicious.
17. Young Australians can vote . they turn 18 years of age.
18. Sarah bought a second-hand car . she turned sixteen.
19. . a person marries, s/he should choose their partner carefully.
20. . Freddie played tennis, he could not play squash.
12
1.6
Match the beginnings with the correct endings.
BEGINNINGS
1. Although the task is not easy
ENDINGS
a) if you are confused.
2. Always seek advice
b) products are expensive.
3. Partly because of advertising
c) to afford a better life.
4. Many parents work hard
d) you can still succeed.
5. Unless forests are protected
e) they are easily influenced.
6. When children are young
f) try working hard.
7. Movies are expensive to make
g) it is unhealthy.
8. Instead of being lazy
h) they will be destroyed.
9. Before visiting a country
i) learn the language!
10. Though fast food is popular
j) so tickets are not cheap.
11. The garden is beautiful
k) but Brisbane hasnt any.
12. Sydney has many beaches
l) while working part time.
13. Hung is studying English
m) so there was no mail.
14. Yasmin got the job
n) even though a car hit him.
15. The postman was sick
o) if prices increase.
16. The man was not hurt
p) and the house is huge.
17. There will be trouble
q) but he was still popular.
18. He had a bad temper
r) I felt very confident.
19. Because I knew my topic
s) before you eat a meal.
20. Always wash your hands
t) because she was the best.
21. Mexico is a big city
u) whereas Tijuana is small.
22. Pete has been a top player
v) because it is good exercise.
23. Cycling is popular
w) unless drivers are careful.
24. Fast cars are dangerous
x) since he won the Open.
25. If vegetables are good for you
y) as it can cause skin cancer.
26. After a year working overseas
z) we should eat more of them.
27. Too much sunshine is unhealthy
A) if you follow the fashions.
28. We should see a dentist
B) David moved back home.
29. Shopping is a favourite pastime
C) so people cut their own hair.
30. Hair cuts are expensive
D) if we have a toothache.
13
(ii)
STRUCTURAL CONJUNCTIONS join ideas across sentences.
For example:
Many people clean their teeth after every meal.

Consequently, tooth decay is reduced.
Both types, sentence-level and structural conjunctions, are important and widely
used in academic writing. They can be classified as per the table below.
CONJUNCTIONS
STRUCTURAL and SENTENCE-LEVEL
1. LISTING
First of all / To begin with
However / Although / unless
Firstly / Secondly.. Then
Even though / Nonetheless
After that / Finally
When / If / In order to
2. ADDING / REINFORCING
6. CAUSE/EFFECT
In addition / Also / and
In order to / In this way / so
as well as / In other words
As a result / Because / then
Another / Besides
Consequently / As such Subsequently /
Furthermore / Moreover
Therefore
3. CONTRASTING
7. SUMMARISING
However / In comparison
To sum up / To conclude
By contrast / Instead / but
In conclusion / In summary
4. EXEMPLIFICATION
8. GIVING ALTERNATIVES
For example / For instance
On the one hand / Alternately
such as / including
On the other hand / or
NOTE
14
5. CONCESSIVE/CONDITIONAL
The LISTING CONJUNCTIONS are very important because they make

the order of arguments clear to the reader, and show that your essay
has a logical structure. DO NOT FORGET to leave a CLEAR BREAK
between paragraphs and make sure your punctuation is correct!
1.7
Fill the gap. Choose conjunctions from the box below.
LEARNING ENGLISH
In my opinion, learning English is difficult. There are a number of reasons why I
think this is true.
(1) Firstly English is very different to my mother tongue, which is Chinese.

English is not a tonal language, like Chinese. English (2). has verb tenses,
(3). Chinese does not. English words have many syllables, 4)...
Chinese characters are monosyllabic. (5). the two languages are very
different.
(6)... reason why learning English is difficult is that English speakers

talk very fast, (7). they are difficult to understand. My teacher says
English speakers use contracted or short forms, which makes it difficult if you do
not know these forms. (8). problem is the vocabulary. English people
say something one way, but then they write it differently, using language that is
more formal. Many new words must be learnt.
(9) , the differences between English and Chinese make it a difficult

language to learn. The vocabulary and grammar of spoken and written English
(10). presents difficulties.
(11), some people have a special ability for learning languages.

They can pick up new vocabulary easily, and learn to speak more quickly then
others. They do not seem to be different from other people, (12) languages
seem to be easy for them.
another
so
firstly
therefore
also
but
whereas
another
another
consequently
additionally
also
also
notably
15
writing practice
This unit looks at how to interpret the essay question, and then choose your response/position.
It is important to begin with the essay question, and understand that, depending on the type of
question there may be a number of possible ways to answer the question. To begin with, there
are (3) BASIC TYPES of essay question:
examples
types of essay questions
What are the causes and effects of

smoking?
1. EXPLAIN
This type of question usually begins with a WHquestion word. Here, the writer must explain their
view, supported by reasons, facts and examples.
Smoking is bad for your health.

Do you agree?
2. ARGUE
The question usually includes a quote or
proposition, followed by the Yes/No question, or
prompt: Give your opinion. The writer chooses to
either AGREE or DISAGREE, and presents one point
of view.
Discuss the pros and cons of smoking.
What type of essay question is it? (E explain, A argue, D discuss)
1.8
NOTE
16
3. DISCUSS
The key word here is discuss. Usually, the writer
must present two sides of the issue. There is
however the possibility to choose just one point
of view, as in B.
1. A/D
Should both parents work if they have children?
2.
What are the reasons for doing further study?
3.
Credit cards are risky. Give your opinion.
4.
Too much hard work is boring. Do you agree?
5.
How can people improve their health?
6.
What are the best ways to succeed in exams?
7.
Discuss reasons for and against gambling.
8.
Should the environment be protected?
9.
Advertising causes visual pollution. Do you agree?
10.
What are the costs and benefits of travel?
11.
Fair trade is impractical. Discuss.
12.
How can poverty be eradicated?
Explain essays do not give you a real choice about an issue or topic.
You must answer the question/s or the parts of the question fully.
With Discuss and Argue questions, you can choose your position, for or against.
A position statement is a possible response to the question.

Before you decide on your response to a given question, it is sometimes helpful to
consider all the possible responses (or positions).
1.9
Write down the 3 possible answers for each of these essay questions.
Note: The VERB in the question is picked up in the Y/N answers.
QUESTION/S
a) Should both parents work if they have
children?
b) Credit cards are risky.

Give your opinion.
c) Too much hard work is boring.

Do you agree?
d) Should the environment be protected?
e) Advertising is visual pollution.

Do you agree?
f) Fair trade between rich and poor countries

is impossible. Discuss.
g) Married couples should share household

duties. Give your opinion.
h) Modern technology makes a great nation.

Do you agree?
POSSIBLE
POSITION STATEMENTS
Both parents should work
Both parents should not work
In some situations, both
17
writing practice
In this unit, we interpret the essay question for this chapter, and develop ideas for
writing a response. Here is the question:
Q.
The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying in a foreign country.

Do you agree?
This question has TWO parts or stages:
(1) Issue-proposition
(2) Question-prompt
The best way to learn a foreign language is

Do you agree?
IN TERPRETATION
Your Answer could be :
YES, I agree
The best way to learn a

foreign language is by
studying in a foreign
country.
NO, I disagree
PARTLY
Yes & No
There are other more

effective ways to learn a
foreign language, than by
studying in a foreign
country.
Learning a foreign language

in a foreign country is a
good way, but there are
other ways just as good.
IF you decide that the proposition is PARTLY true, then you must explain:
o why learning a foreign language in the foreign country is good, and
o what others ways are also good for learning a foreign language, and why
The easiest way to answer questions like this is to take ONE SIDE (yes OR no),
and then develop each supporting reason/argument into a paragraph.
IF, however, you decide that you disagree with the proposition, then you must say
what other ways there are that are more effective, and why.
Heres one argument/paragraph to support the NO position on the issue :
One way to learn a foreign language is by reading foreign language books. With
the aid of a dictionary, you can learn the meaning of new words. Subsequently,
by writing about the story you have read, you can be sure that you are really
learning these new expressions. Reading stories is fun, and this is a good way to
build your vocabulary and knowledge of stories.
18
This next exercise will give you some ideas for the essay in this chapter.
1.10
Tick () the reasons for learning a language in a foreign country.

a) Students can practise speaking everyday.
b) You can learn the grammar from the teacher.
c) You can meet people and make new friends.
d) The teacher will correct your mistakes.
e) You need to communicate to get what you want.
f) Students can practice before facing a real situation.
g) You can build your vocabulary by reading texts.
h) You can learn about the language and the culture.
i) Students are more motivated to speak with locals.
j) You can pick up how the local people speak.
k) You can have a fun holiday and learn the language.
l) You can improve pronunciation by doing drills.
m) The teacher will correct your writing and homework.
n) You can learn useful expressions.
o) It is safe to make mistakes in a classroom.
p) Students can use the language in real situations.
q) You can learn in pairs or in groups.
r) You can read the local newspaper.
s) Students can take risks, and not feel embarrassed.
t) The teacher can select tasks that are suitable.
u) Students can practise by doing homework.
v) Students can learn by watching TV.
w) You do not have to do tests.
x) The teacher cannot teach everything you need to know.
y) The local people may not be friendly or helpful.
z) You can learn vocabulary from a bilingual dictionary.
Now, cross (X) the reasons for NOT learning a language in a foreign country.
19
writing practice
Take 40 minutes to complete this task.
Make a plan, and write your essay.
Q.
The best way to learn a foreign language is by studying in a foreign country.

Do you agree?
20
21
ASK A TEACHER TO CORRECT YOUR WRITING. COMPARE WITH SAMPLE IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
22
review
language learning
checklist
Did you read the essay question carefully?
Did you make a plan, and follow it?
Did you write a clear POSITION statement?
Did you have clear paragraphs?
Did you use LISTING conjunctions?
COMPARE your essay with the sample answer at the back of the book. Can you
see any differences between the two? Can you see any mistakes you have
made? Note the mistakes, and think about exercises that might help you to
correct your mistakes? IF you have difficulty checking your writing, you might like
to ask a teacher to help!
summary
This chapter looked at how to answer the essay question. The student always
has choices, and must decide on a clear position. The beginning or introduction
of any essay should contain a clear POSITION statement. When planning your
answer, choose your arguments carefully, and then use CONJUNCTIONS to
sequence your arguments logically and effectively. This chapter introduced
vocabulary on the topic of Language Learning.
23
sample essay questions
It has been said that education is the cause of

social inequality of the difference between the
haves and the have-nots. To what extent do
you agree with this statement?
There is some debate as to whether schooling

should be a preparation for life or work. What
should be the priorities of the education system,
and why?
Boys and girls would seem to perform better

when they are in separate classes. If this is the
case, shouldnt schools be single-sex, rather than
co-educational? Give your opinion.
It is easy to learn a foreign language, like

English. Do you agree with this statement? Give
reasons to support your point of view.
Illiteracy is one of the main problems for school

systems in many countries. Nearly a quarter of
all students experience difficulties with reading
and writing. What are the possible causes, effects
and solutions for this problem?
24
ANSWERS
topic 1 : language learning
1.1
1. e
2. b
3. d
4. c
5. a.
6. g
7. f
8. l
9. j
10. k
11. h
12. i
1.2
1. goal
2. functional
proficiency
3. depends
4. context
5. memorise
6. comparatively
7. method
8. recommends
9. interaction
10. advantage,
11. distinction
12. effectively
1.3
1. studied/ious
2. study
3. studiously
4. learning
5. learn
6. copied
7. copying
8. understood
9. understanding
10.understandably
11.memorised
12. memorise
13. memorably
14. enjoyment
15. enjoy
16. enjoyably
17. repetition
18. repeat
19.repeatedly
20. acquisitive
21. acquire
22. acquisitively
23. instructive
24. instruction
25. instructively
26. taught
27. teaching
28. methodical
29. method
30. function
31. function
32.functionally
33.dependent
34.dependent
35.depend
36.interactive
37.interact
38.interactively
39.recommended
40.recommend
41.context
42.contextualise
43.advantageous
44.advance
45.advantageously
46.seriousness
47.seriously
48.textual
49.text
50.proficient
51.proficiently
52. conversation
53. converse
54. spoken
55. speak
56. necessity
57. necessitate
58. necessarily
1.4
1.T
2.T
3.F
4.F
5.F
6.T
7.F
8.F
9.F
10.T
11.T
12.F
1.5
1.and
2.because
3.but
4.because
5.and
6.but
7.but
8.but
9.Because
10.and
11When
12.Although
13.so
14.so
15.When
16.although
17.when
18.when
19.When
20.Although
1.6
1.d
2.a
3.b
4.c
5.h
6.e
7.j
8.f
9.i
10.g
11.p
12.k
13.l
14.t
15.m
16.n17.o
18.q
19.r
20.s
21.u
22.x
23.w
24.w
25.z
26.B
27.y
28.D
29.A
30.C
1.7
(1) Firstly
(2) also
(3) but/whereas
(4) In addition
(5) Therefore/As
such
(6) Another
(7) so
(8) Another
(9) Finally/
In conclusion
(10) also
(11) By contrast/
However
(12)but
1.8
1.A/D
2.E
3.A
4.A/D
5.E
6.E
7.D
8.A/D
9.A/D
10.E
11.A/D
12.E
1.9 b) Credit cards are risky. / Credit cards are not risky. / Credit cards might involve some
risk, but they are generally quite safe.
c) Too much hard work is boring. / Hard work isnt boring. / Hard work can be boring.
d) The environment should be protected. / The environment shouldnt be protected. / The
environment should be protected, though some areas should not be protected.
e) Advertising is visual pollution. / Advertising is not visual pollution. / Some advertising is visual
pollution.
f) Fair trade between rich and poor countries is impossible. / Fair trade between rich and poor
countries is possible. / Fair trade between rich and poor countries is possible within certain
limits.
25
g) Married couples should share household duties. / Household duties should not be shared by
married couples. / Some household duties should be shared by married couples, but not all.
h) Modern technology makes a great nation. / Modern technology does not make a great
nation. / Modern technology does not make a great nation, but it helps.
1.10 a), b)X, c), d)X, e), f)X, g)X, h), i), j), k), l)X, m)X, n)/X, o)X, p), q)X, r), s)X, t)X,
u)X, v)X, w), x), y)X, z)/X
Sample Answer - STUDYING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Studying in a foreign country is a good way to learn a foreign language, but there are other
ways of learning.
First of all, studying in a foreign country is a good way to learn a foreign language, because
you can practise speaking everyday. You must communicate to get everything you need, like
food and dink. In addition, you can meet local people, and learn how to speak like them. You
can also learn everyday expressions that may not be in textbooks. Additionally, you can learn
more about the culture, because you are learning and speaking the language in the country.
However, there are other ways to learn a foreign language, and the way you learn, probably
depends on your purpose. For example, if you want to read a lot in that language, you can
build your vocabulary by reading more books. You can go to websites on the Internet that have
information in the foreign language, and read and do exercises.
Another way to learn a foreign language is in the classroom, with the help of a teacher. Some
students want a teacher to correct their mistakes, and teach them the grammar of the
language. Perhaps, they prefer a more analytical approach. They might also be a bit shy, so
they can build their confidence in the classroom setting.
In conclusion, there are advantages in learning a foreign language in the country, but this is not
the only way to learn. Much depends on your purpose in the first place. Classrooms can be a
good place to start, but learning a language in situ is beneficial..
26
About the e-book

This book is designed to help prepare
students for Task 2, the Essay writing
component of the IELTS examination.
In particular, the book:
introduces the essay and

three types of question / response
explains the purpose,

staging and language features
builds vocabulary
on key academic topics
provides practical exercises

in reading comprehension
develops knowledge of grammar

for persuasive writing
develops strategies for writing

short exam essays, esp. for IELTS.
The Author
Robert Lewis is an EAP specialist and IELTS Examiner, with over 20 years experience
teaching English to students from many countries throughout the world,
across primary and secondary schools as well as universities.
Copyright 2008 text2write.com

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INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED

how to use this book for self study

What else can I do?

terms & abbreviations

- alternative eg. x/y =. (x) OR (y)

- to say without proof/evidence something is true

- situation and circumstances

- (1) talk about, (2) consider two or more sides

- type of persuasive/written text

- factual writing eg. explanation, argument, etc.

impersonal language used in formal situations

spaces where words are missing

- type of text. eg. recount, narrative, exposition

- International English Language Testing System

- put together, link

- a statement or claim that may be true

- question or essay question

- reference to / concerning / about

- final suggestion, advice

- retelling of past events, story about people

- form, organization into stages or steps

a way of doing s.t., a method or technique

- a written passage, sometimes transcribed spoken

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Reading & Vocabulary

Review, checklist, sample questions

WORK AND LEISURE

Reading & Vocabulary

Review, checklist, sample questions

Reading & Vocabulary

Review, checklist, sample questions

TV & COMPUTER GAMES

Reading & Vocabulary

Review, checklist, sample questions

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Reading & Vocabulary

Grammar : Sound Reasonable

Review, checklist, sample questions

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The writer states their position or opinion,

A sequence of arguments is given to

The writer re-states their position to

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Many people participate in gambling as a form of recreation and

entertainment. It is very popular in countries, like Australia, where more

can be devastating on both the individual and

hardship and poverty as a result.

Some gamblers neglect their children,

Solutions to the problems of gambling

involve society and the

government. In general, people should try to help those with gambling

In conclusion, if we understand the causes and effects of gambling, the

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the language features of the essay

TECHNICAL VOCABULARY & Nominalisation

Language of CAUSE and EFFECT

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learn new vocabulary and read about the topic

visualise (n) to see in your mind, imagine

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reading & vocabulary

Match the word/expression with the meaning (R).

a) a positive thing, a benefit