Discussion essay (balanced view- Both sides agree, subject to some factor)

Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job. On the
other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

It is considered by some that being a university graduate is the key to securing a good job, while
there are others who think that it is better to have experience and soft skills. In my opinion, I believe
that having university education is essential for academic jobs while soft skills and experience are
more useful in business.

On the one hand, many think it is easier for most people to find a good job if they are university
graduates with a good degree. In other words, having tertiary education puts people one step ahead
of others who do not and this can be the deciding factor in getting a good job. The competition to
get in to universities and the increasing number of graduates show just how significant this level of
education is for people’s future work opportunities.

On the other hand, having work experience and soft skills, such as leadership skills and other
interpersonal skills, can also throw the balance in favour of the applicant, according to some. For
many positions there are an overwhelming number of applicants and, therefore, it is often thought
that having relevant experience in that line of work or having acquired useful soft skills that can be
valuable to a company, can put one ahead of the game when applying for a position.

Finally, in my opinion, whether needing high level education or skills and experience, depends on the
position being applied for. Take for example law, medicine or teaching, it is impossible to be
considered for a position without the required educational background. In contrast, in business, it
would be more important for a candidate to have soft skills and experience in that line of business so
they can step into a position without further training and be of immediate benefit to the company.

In conclusion, getting a good job requires a relevant background either in experience or education
depending on the type of work and field. People should make sure they attain the necessary skills or
degrees before applying for a job in order to be sure of success.

(346 words)

Structure (Discussion Essay + Balanced View):

Intro: Background statement (both views), Thesis Statement (My view- agree to both + factor)

BP1- One side of view

BP2- Other side of view

BP3- My opinion

Conclusion-Summary (that connect to your opinion)

Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree) (One-Sided)

The growing number of overweight people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to
deal with the health issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is
to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?

Owing to the problems which a growing population of overweight people cause for the health care
system, some people think that the key to solving these issues is to have more sport and exercise in
schools. In my opinion, I completely agree that this is the best way to tackle the issue of
deteriorating public health in relation to weight.

Firstly, dealing with the issues surrounding obesity and weight problems is best solved by taking a
long term approach and introducing more sport and exercise in schools. This method will ensure
that the next generation will be healthier and will not have such health problems. At the moment,
the average child in the West does sport possibly twice a week, which is not enough to counteract
their otherwise sedentary lifestyle. However, by incorporating more sports classes into the
curriculum as well as encouraging extracurricular sports activities, they will undoubtedly become
fitter and more active.

Another point to consider is that having more sports lessons for children in schools will probably
result in children developing an interest in exercise which might filter through to other members of
their family and have a longer lasting effect. In other words, parents with sporty children are more
likely to get involved in sport as a way of encouraging their children. By both parents and children
being involved, it will ensure that children grow up to incorporate sport into their daily lives. This is
certainly a natural and lasting way to improve public health.

In conclusion, to deal with an increasing population of unfit, overweight people, changing the
lifestyle of the coming generation by introducing sport in schools is the easiest and most effective
method to use.

(282 words)

Structure (Opinion Essay- One sided view)

Intro: Background statement (paraphrase Essay topic), Thesis Statement (My opinion, connects to
task, introduces main points)

BP1- Main Point to support my view + supporting points

BP2- Main Point to support my view + supporting points

BP3- Main Point to support my view + supporting points (optional)

Conclusion-Summary (be connected to your opinion) + Final comment (optional)

Advantage and disadvantage Essay (without opinion)

The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the
world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?

It is thought by some people that English, which is now the most widely spoken language in the
world, may one day predominate over all other languages and result in their eventual
disappearance. Having one language would certainly aid understanding and economic growth but
there will also be some drawbacks.

One evident benefit to having one global language is that it would enable greater understanding
between countries. In other words, if everyone spoke one language, there would be complete
understanding between not only countries but all people throughout the world which would
promote learning, the flow of information and ideas. Another reason that one language would be
advantageous is that it would help economic growth. With all people speaking the same language,
there will be less barriers and therefore trade would flourish between countries, resulting in a
healthier world economy.

On the other hand, there are obvious disadvantages to having only one global language. Firstly, it
would mean that all other languages would eventually disappear and, along with them, their
cultures. The diversity of cultures is one of the joys this world has to offer. Each culture is unique
with its own way of life and own perspectives of the world which would all be lost if there were only
one language. Secondly, it would result in the collapse of tourism because there would be no reason
to travel for pleasure and interest if all countries had the same language and similar cultures. This
would devastate many countries economically that rely on tourism as a source of income.

In conclusion, while there are plus points to having one global language, too much would be lost as a
result. Maintaining local languages and cultures should be prioritised to ensure a rich world heritage
for future generations.

(295 words)

Structure (Advantage / Disadvantage Essay + No opinion):

Intro: Background statement (paraphrase Essay topic), Thesis Statement (Plan of action that
connects to task)

BP1- Advantages +supporting points

BP2- Disadvantages +supporting points

Conclusion-Summary + Final comment

Direct question essay

Some people think that money is one of the most essential factors in promoting happiness. Do you
think people can be happy without much money? What other factors contribute towards happiness?

Money is considered by many people to be one of the most important contributing factors towards
happiness. In my opinion, it is possible for people to be happy even if they have little money and
other aspects of life can play a more vital role in creating happiness.

Although having money brings happiness to a lot of people, it does not necessarily follow that
people without money are, therefore, unhappy. Take for example the comparison between
developing and developed countries, most Westerners would agree that people in developing
countries are happier, enjoy stronger family connections and take more pleasure in the simplicities
of life to a greater extent than those in developed countries.

One way that people can gain happiness is through their work. For instance, a doctor doing
volunteer work in underdeveloped countries may have very little money but the reward of helping
people and doing the job they are good at, brings happiness in itself. In other words, happiness can
be found by using skills that people are trained for and through job satisfaction.

Finally, another factor influencing happiness is having supportive and loving people in one’s life.
While money may bring the opportunities to enjoy pleasures, few people would enjoy them on their
own. Being surrounded by a loving and caring family is considered by most people to be more
valuable than any amount of money.

In conclusion, money is not essential for happiness, which can be found through job satisfaction as
well as family. If more people strived in life towards true happiness rather than money, the world
would be a better place.

Comments: Your task is to give an answer to both questions and no more. Each question may have
one or two main points to answer it. Your essay should never have more than 3 body paragraphs.
You can see that in this IELTS model essay, the first body paragraph is answering the first question
and the second question is answered with two main points in two different body paragraphs. Words
= 275 (an appropriate length for writing task 2)

Structure (Direct question):

Intro: Background statement (paraphrase Essay topic), Thesis Statement- Your view for both the
questions)

BP1- Answer 1st part (main point + supporting point)

BP2- Answer 2nd part (main point + supporting point)

BP3- Answer 2nd part (main point + supporting point)

Conclusion- Summary + Final comment

Direct question essay

In some parts of the world it is becoming popular to research the history of one’s own family. Why
might people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development?

Exploring one’s family background and history is becoming increasingly popular in numerous
countries around the world. In my opinion, through research and knowing more about one’s family,
people can see common trends passed through generations and useful information which can only
be seen as beneficial for people’s future.

Firstly, some people look into their family history in order to discover any common trends with
family members of a previous generation. This can be especially so with people who have particular
skills, gifts or interests in uncommon fields. In other words, as some gifts and skills are hereditary, it
can be interesting for people to learn how many others in their family shared these talents from
previous generations.

Another reason for the popularity of finding out about one’s family history is often due to general
curiosity of one’s geographical origins. That is to say, some families moved abroad, away from their
own country, generations ago which resulted in them losing their original culture and adopting the
culture of the country they moved to. Therefore, through research, people can learn more about
their country of origin and understand more about the culture that their family originally came from.

Finally, the trend of researching family history is certainly beneficial and can help people find their
place in the world. Some people feel a lack of direction in life or are dislocated from others but by
learning more about their past family history, it can help them relate to the world and feel more
comfortable about who they are. Take, for example, a person who feels nervous about making a
certain choice in life, they may feel comforted by knowing that others in their family made the same
choice many generations ago.

In conclusion, it can be advantageous for people to learn more about the family’s background and
origins. It would be useful for children to learn about their own family history, if this was
incorporated into the school curriculum.

(326 words)

Comment: There are two questions to this essay. Make sure you answer each question clearly and
explain your ideas sufficiently if you want to get band score 6 or above.

Structure (Direct question):

Intro: Background statement (paraphrase Essay topic), Thesis Statement- Your view for both the
questions)

BP1- Main Point to support my view + supporting points

BP2- Main Point to support my view + supporting points

BP3- Main Point to support my view + supporting points (optional)

Conclusion- Summary + Final comment

Solutions + Opinion Essay

Some people think that watching TV causes weight problems in children. Do you agree with this
View? What solutions can you suggest to tackle children's weight problems?

It is thought by some people that weight problems in children are caused by watching TV. While I
agree that excessive hours in front of the TV can contribute to this problem, diet also plays a role.
Furthermore, weight problems can only be dealt with by tackling the issues behind them.

Firstly, I think that although watching TV in itself does not actually cause children to gain weight,
spending too much time each day sitting in front of the TV without doing exercise can result in
weight problems. In other words, inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are directly linked to problems
with obesity. Secondly, however, weight problems are also compounded by poor diet consisting of a
lack of healthy meals and too much processed foods containing high levels of fats and sugars. This
comes from both children and parents making poor dietary choices which lack fresh wholefoods.
Both lack of exercise and poor diet directly contribute to weight problems in children.

There are two obvious solutions to dealing with childhood obesity. One answer is to reduce the
amount of inactivity in a child’s life by cutting out hours spent either watching TV or on electronic
devices, and use that time to participate in physical activities. By doing this, children will burn off
excess calories which will drastically reduce their weight. Altering a child’s diet is another measure
that can be taken to tackle this issue. Parents should be more proactive in producing healthier meals
and reducing the amount of junk food available in the house. It might also be sensible to encourage
children to take part in the cooking process which ought to ensure they grow up being able to
produce their own balanced meals.

In conclusion, by introducing children to sports and other physical activities as well as providing
them with a better diet, these measures can counteract the causes of childhood obesity.

Structure

Intro: Background statement (paraphrase Essay topic), Thesis Statement- Discuss Solution, and give
your opinion)

BP1- Main Point to support my view + supporting points

BP2- Main Point to solution 1 + supporting points

BP3- Main Point to solution 2 + supporting points (optional)

Conclusion- Summary + Final comment

Tips for IELTS Essays

1. There are two tasks in this essay question.

1. You must give your opinion as to whether watching TV causes weight problems.

2. You must present solutions to the problem of childhood obesity.

3. Both of these tasks carry equal weight.

2. Your introduction should not be long. Your conclusion should not be long. The high scores for
writing task 2 are in the body paragraphs. See my essay above to assess the length and balance of
the essay.

3. Because you have two tasks, you will use one body paragraph for your opinion and one body
paragraph for the solutions. This is logical organisation and logical paragraphing.

4. Your opinion about TV causing weight problems should be given in the introduction and explained
in body paragraph 1.

1. A complete agreement with the statement would mean you agree that watching TV
causes weight problems for children.

2. A partial agreement would be that it does to some extent but there are other possible
reasons or reason.

3. It is always wise to address the fact that watching TV is not a problem in itself — it is the
amount of time doing so that is the problem. This is an important aspect of the essay
question that needs to be addressed if you are aiming for a high score. High band scores will
require you to intelligently assess the issue or issues in the question.

4. Your opinion which is about causes is body paragraph 1. You do not have a separate body
paragraph with your opinion.

5. Expressing your Opinion

1. The words “This essay will ..." or ”This essay agrees ...” does NOT express your own
personal opinion. If you have done that, you will have failed to follow the instructions which
require a direct personal opinion from you. This will lower your score.

2. To express your own personal opinion, you MUST use “I” or “My”.

6. If you have two causes and two solutions of childhood weight problems, you should make sure
both causes and both solutions are easy to identify in the body paragraph. This means using linking
words or signposts. Check my essay above and see how I do this. If you didn’t do this, you should
consider more about your use of linking. This will be assessed by the IELTS examiner.

7. The solutions to the problem given will appear in the second body paragraph.

8. You cannot have more than 3 body paragraphs in an IELTS essay. Each body paragraph should be
of equal length (roughly). This is because each main point must be equally developed for a high
score.
9. Vocabulary

1. You need to avoid inappropriate and informal language, such as the word “kids" which is
informal. That word can be used in IELTS speaking, not in IELTS writing.

2. The words “children” and “child" will be repeated. It is 100% fine to repeat some words in
the English language. Paraphrasing is not about changing all words, all the time. It is about
choosing which words to change and which words NOT to change.

3. Don’t use expression such as ”I want to say that..”. This is too informal for an lELTS essay.

10. Choose the information you present in your essay carefully.

1. If you want to write about meal times. Do not give a list of times (for example breakfast 7-
9am). Instead, write that meal times should be at a scheduled time each day to provide
routine. Think about what your point really is.

2. Don’t write a list of junk food. If you use the word junk food, you do not need to give
examples of it. The examiner knows the meaning of junk food. Examples are used to
illustrate a point to make it clearer. The words “junk food” do not need explaining.

3. Don’t give examples of Video games or online gaming. The examiner does not need that
information to understand your point.

4. You do not have to start your examples with ”A recent survey..". The examiner does not
care where your ideas or information come from.

11. Conclusion

1. If you miss the conclusion, you will automatically get a reduced score for Task Response
which is 25% of your marks.

2. Always start your conclusion with a useful linking device. It helps the examiner locate your
vital conclusion.

12. Make sure you essay is below 300 words and between 260 and 290 words. My model above is
302 which is slightly over, but as I am a native speaker and highly experienced with IELTS I will not
penalise myself for this.
Background Statement

Below are four essay questions that appeared this month (December 2018) in IELTS writing task 2.
Under each essay question are model background statements. You will see the different ways you
can paraphrase the essay question.

All IELTS writing task 2 essay introduction paragraphs contain:

1. Background statement = a paraphrase of the essay question

2. Thesis statement = your position or main points

This lesson will give you practice at paraphrasing essay questions to make a background statement.
Below you will find 4 essays with model background statements and a list of tips to help you.

IELTS Background Statement Practice

Paraphrase the essay questions below to create one background statement. The first one has been
done for you as an example with three possible options. I would like you to write a background
statement for questions 2-4.

Essay Question 1

Science will soon result in people living to an average of 100 years or more. Do you think this is a
positive or negative development?

Model Background Statement for IELTS:

1. People’s lifespan is increasing due to developments in science and it is thought that people will
soon have an average life expectancy of 100 years or longer.

2. Due to the development of science, people’s lifespans might be extended to 100 years or even
longer.

3. People may one day live to be 100 years old or more owing to the development of science.

Essay Question 2

Some people prefer online classes, while others think it is better to be in a traditional classroom.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Model Background Statements:

1. While there are people who prefer to take part in online courses, others believe that traditional
classroom teaching is by far superior.

2. Online course are very popular with some people, however others still consider teacher led
classrooms as the most effective way to learn.

3. Although online courses are preferred by some people, there are others who firmly believe that
learning should take place in a classroom face to face with a teacher

Essay Question 3

Many people try to find a balance between their work and other aspects of their life. However, few
actually achieve this. What solutions can you suggest?
Model Background Statements:

1. It is a common problem that people struggle to find a healthy balance between their work and
other areas of their life.

2. Finding a balance between work and other areas of life can be a challenge that some people
struggle with.

3. While many people wish for a healthy work-life balance, few are able to realise this.

Essay Question 4

There has been an increase in the number of children and youngsters committing crime. What are
the reasons for this and punishments should they receive?

Model Background Statements:

1. The number of crimes involving children and adolescents has risen over recent years.

2. Children and teenagers appear to be involved in an increasing number of crimes.

3. It has been observed that juvenile crime is on the rise.

Tips for IELTS Background Statements

1. Don’t write a very long background statement. It doesn’t help your score to do that and wastes
valuable time.

2. Try to write your background statement as one complex sentence. to do that, use a clause and
correct linking.

3. Don’t paraphrase unless you are 100% sure your word is perfect. Not all words can be changed in
English. Be selective when you paraphrase.

Paraphrasing is a skill about when to change something and also when NOT to change something.

4. Don’t aim to impress – aim for accuracy instead.

5. You don’t always need to start your background with “some people..”. See all the options above.

6. You should not start your essay with overused expressions that are popular with low level English
users, such as “In the modern era,” or “With the advent of modern technology..”

7. Avoid learning expressions which you think will impress the examiner “A hot debate..” / “a
burning question..” “a highly controversial issue..”. The examiner is trained to spot these learned
expressions. They don’t help your score and show a lack if individuality in your language. You need
to write each sentence in your own words, unique to yourself.