25APR2019

C A M B R I D G E I E LT S 1 4 W R I T I N G T E S T E S S AY TA S K 2
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TagsCambridge IELTS 14, essay, Model Answer, task 2, test, writing
Model answers for Cambridge IELTS Book 14 Task 2 Essays. [book 15 answers
here] Written by Mike Wattie, IELTS examiner and author.
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an
unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try
and improve such situations.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

Some believe that it’s important to be accepting of negative circumstances when
they occur whereas others emphasise that it’s better to try to seek solutions in such
situations. This essay discusses both perspectives and why I believe that the
arguments for seeking solutions are stronger.

There are two main reasons why people believe that we must be accepting of bad
circumstances. First of all, we often cannot avoid bad situations. Since these
situations can’t always be avoided it’s best to just accept the reality. For instance,
economic downturns can lead to the company we work for going bankrupt and in
this case, we should not feel hard done by if we lose our job. In addition,
unnecessary stress can be caused by dwelling on our current circumstances. If we
are accepting of our circumstances this can allow us to maintain a positive mood
and to continue enjoying our life despite a setback.

However, others argue that we should have a proactive attitude and find solutions
to any negative predicament. The main benefit of this approach is that it may lead
to eustress which helps to motivate us to find solutions. For instance, if we lose our
job we should focus on finding a new job to solve the problem of being
unemployed. Additionally, focusing on solutions can divert some of our negative
emotions such as a feeling of bad luck or guilt into more positive emotions such as
feelings of empowerment in our ability to solve our problems.

In conclusion, I believe both sides of the argument have merits. However, I believe
it’s better to focus on finding solutions because it increases the likelihood of
solving our problems and maintaining a positive mental attitude, which is far more
important than the benefits of avoiding stress through being accepting of our
circumstances.
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a
company or organisation.

Why might this be the case?

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Many people these days decide to work for themselves instead of being employed
by others. This essay discusses the reasons for this and also the drawbacks of this
choice of career.

There are two main reasons why people are choosing to become self-employed.
The main one is that people feel motivated to become entrepreneurs. This is
because they see running their own businesses as an exciting challenge. For
instance, I was bored with my regular job teaching at a school and so I started my
own online IELTS teaching company in order to have a more stimulating work
day. In addition, running your own business can lead to better long-term career
prospects. If you work hard at your business and develop enthusiastically satisfied
customers you will be deriving all the benefits rather than passing these on to an
employer.

Running your own business is not without its drawbacks. The biggest downside is
the risk of venturing out on your own. If the business is not successful you will not
have an income. For instance, my uncle opened a restaurant, but it turned out his
cooking skills were not as good as he thought and he could not attract enough
customers to pay all his bills and finally, he became bankrupt. As well as this, it
can be extremely stressful to run your own business. This can often be due to the
lack of resources to help you with issues such as the need to run your own website.

In conclusion, many people are venturing out on their own due to their interest in
running their own business and believing that they will have a better career.
However, it should be kept in mind that this can be risky and stressful. Therefore,
this type of career is not suited to all people.
[305 words]
Many people believe cities should not try to preserve its old, historic buildings
and instead ,they should destroy them and replace them with modern
buildings. To what extent do you agree?
 

There is currently a contentious argument advocating that metropolitan authorities

should demolish old city structures instead of preserving them in order to make
way for new ones.  I strongly disagree with this notion because they are a window
into the past and an asset to national tourism.

The main reason why I strongly advocate against the destruction of the old
buildings is because they are a window into the past.  Every building is a form of
living history and can tell us something about the city’s past.  By studying older
buildings, researchers can glean an understanding about the evolution of
construction methods as well as the development of the prevailing culture.  
Notwithstanding this, the historical buildings stand in testimony to those who have
gone before us and took the time to build something meaningful and the
architecture is a form of art that once destroyed will be gone forever.

Another reason why I don’t support the demolition of older buildings is that they
are a valuable asset to the tourism industry.  Many modern cities have an abundant
and rich past.  The older buildings are tangible evidence of that past.  A lot of
tourists will go out of their way to visit a city just to see and touch that history. 
Without the historical buildings, many cities would lose their identity.  For
instance, I can go to a nightclub or shopping center in near any city in the world
but it is only in New York that I can see the Empire State Building.

In conclusion, I am completely against the destruction of old buildings as it would

deprive us of insights into our history and it would also cause us to lose valuable
tourism revenue.  Instead of looking to destroy what others have built, I think
governments should immediately take steps to protect our heritage.
Cambridge 13 Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Test 2(2020) With Answers Model
Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries, people are concerned about the number of children who are
overweight. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

Write at least 250 words.

Model Essay 01 :
Gaining weight, especially in young teenagers, is a major concern in many countries.
Children become fat because of modernization and technology advancement. This
essay will discuss the problems of obesity in young people and the responsibilities of
the government, society, and parents in this regard.

The major causes giving rise to this problem are the change in our lifestyle due to the
remarkable advances in technology, which has a considerable impact on our daily life
and health. Children consume junk foods at any time, and it makes matters worse.
These foods, which are easily available, often contain ingredients that are high in
calorie, cholesterol, and fat, while lacking necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
These factors are taking a toll on their health. In addition, teenagers spend most of the
on their computers rather than playing outside. As a result, teenagers are lacking
exercise and becoming overweight.

In my opinion, teachers, parents, and the government as a whole should consider this
issue and take the necessary steps. For instance, parents should keep an eye on the
eating habits of their children and ensure that they eat healthy food and reduce their
intake of junk food. The government could limit junk food advertising to prevent
children from falling prey to bad eating habits.

(Band 8.0+, Written by Mr.Adam Lambert, IELTS 8.5)

Model Essay 02 :
In some countries, including the USA and Britain, a large number of children are
overweight. This is due to a combination of poor diet and lack of exercise.

Children tend to be attracted to food that is high in sugar and fat, such as various
forms of fast food. They also tend to be ignorant of what constitutes a healthy diet.
Although parents may try to guide their children, they cannot be present always. As a
result, children are influenced by other factors, such as advertising by fast-food
companies.

On top of that, children are much less active than they used to be. While in the past
young people took part in activities that burned a considerable amount of energy,
children today spend their time indoors, sitting at computers or playing video games.
They have no opportunity to burn the calories they are taking in, leading to obesity.

There are a number of steps that need to be taken to solve this problem. The first is to
educate children about nutrition. Schools should organize compulsory lessons to
explain the main elements of a healthy diet and teach the pupil how to prepare simple
but healthy meals. The government should also place restrictions on the type of
advertising allowed during children’s TV programs.

Children also need to be encouraged to participate in sports. Again, schools have a

large role to play in this, by offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Investment in
local sports clubs by the government would also help in alleviating the problem.

(264 words)

Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 1 Task 1

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The bar chart below shows the percentage of Australian men and women in
different age groups who did regular physical activity in 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of the Australian the male and female population

participating in some form of physical activity on a regular basis in 2010. The data is

divided into 6 age groups, ranging from 15 to 65 years old and over.

The main points of interest are that in the youngest age group (15-24) more men than

women take part in regular physical activity. However, this then changes and women do

more physical activity than men from 25 to 65, at which point both men and women do

almost the same amount of physical activity.

Overall, the proportion of men involved in physical activity decreases between the ages

of 24 and 44 and then begins to increase again. In the case of women, the trend is

reversed, somewhat, with younger women being involved in less physical activity and
doing more physical activity between the ages of 25 and 64, before returning to virtually

the same level of physical activity as the youngest age group (15-24).

Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 1 Task 2

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on
everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a
society of individuals who only think about their own wishes.

Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about
matters that affect them.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Task 2 Essay Answer

The question of how involved children should be in decision making which impacts them

is probably best considered as a balancing act, in which the severity of potential

consequences should be considered before allowing children to make their own

decisions.

While children should be encouraged to make decisions about things which directly

impact them, this must be tempered with common sense and the fact than in some

cases children may not be aware of all the pertinent facts in order to make an informed

decision.
Children being allowed to choose the clothes they wear offers little risk to the child in the

long term, and as long as parents agree on a reasonable budget, their children could be

encouraged to make their own decisions in this regard, thus encouraging their critical

thinking process and building decision-making confidence.

On the other hand, if children are left to choose the food they eat, without parental

intervention or guidance, more likely than not they will opt for conveninence food or food

which is not necessarily good for their health in the long term. Good as well as bad

habits can be formed at an early age, and it is important that children are encouraged to

eat a healthy and well-balanced diet; something they are likely to be uninterested in,

and unknowledgeable about, and hence parents play a crucial role in tempering their

children’s preferences with sound nutritional advice.

However, it could be argued that there is little correlation between children making their

own decisions about such aspects of their lives and any future narcissistic tendencies,

and lack of consideration for the needs of others. Most adults chose their own clothes,

food and forms of entertainment; therefore, it is only logical that children should be

taught, or guided, to develop the necessary skills regarding such decision making.

Nobody would argue that adults only consider their own wishes, so there is little reason

to think that allowing children to make their own decisions will lead to those children

being any more self-centered than their parents are when they reach adulthood.
Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 2 Task 1
WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and
plans for its development.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer

The town currently consists of the main road which is flanked by countryside to the

north and a residential area to the south. There are shops along the main street, on

both sides, which runs through the center of the town. There is also a school on the

west side and a park on the east side of the town, between which is the main residential

area of the town.

The proposed plans for development would transform the town and result in a ring road

bypassing the center of the town, which will become a pedestrian zone. The plans also

include a reduction in the size of the park compared to previously, the addition of a bus

station, shopping center and car park on the north side of the pedestrian zone, replacing

the existing shops in that area. Two new residential areas will also be developed, one

on the north side of the pedestrian zone and the other on the east side of the park.

Overall, apart from the addition of new amenities such as the bus station and shopping

center, the principal result of the development would be the augmentation of housing
provision for the town.

Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 3 Task 1

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows how frequently people in the USA ate in fast food
restaurants between 2003 and 2013.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer

The bar chart depicts the frequency with which Americans ate at fast food restaurants

during a 10-year period (2003-2013) using three data points: 2003, 2006, and 2013.

In 2006, there was an increase in the percentage of people eating at fast food

restaurants several times a week. However, by 2013, fewer people were doing so than

in 2003; an overall decline over the 10-year period.

In contrast, the percentage of people who ate at fast food restaurants once or twice a

month dropped from 2003 to 2006 but then increased dramatically by 2013; showing

considerable growth over the 2006 level.

Notably, the only frequency period showing growth, in terms of percentage of people, in

recent years (2006-2013) is that of once or twice a month; in all other cases, the

percentage of people either remained stable or decreased.

Overall, on average, approximately 60% of the population ate at a fast food

establishment either once a week or once or twice a month.

[161 words]
Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 3 Task 2
WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large
number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.
Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer

The average age of a population often influences much social policy such as investment

in education and health. This essay will examine some advantages and disadvantages

of a predominantly young population, as exists in some countries.

Firstly, a clear disadvantage associated with young people is the fact that they generally

pay less tax than older people, which means they contribute less to the overall tax

revenue received by the government. This affects public spending. Secondly, although

the younger demographic are prolific consumers, the goods they purchase frequently,

for example, food, technology, and clothes are not typically high-value items. However,

one of the main advantages of young people is their lack of need for intensive

healthcare services. Moreover, young people are, typically, more dynamic and creative

than older people and often drive economic change within a country by adopting new

disruptive technologies and consumer concepts. Young people are the engine of

change, and, therefore, the future.

However, older people tend to pay more in tax, as many of those working hold senior

positions, or own businesses, which is good for tax revenue and government spending.

Older consumers also tend to purchase or invest in higher-value goods such as luxury

cars, homes, second homes, retirement, and other such expenditure which most young

people are incapable of at a young age. Older people are therefore essential to certain

sections of the economy which provide such good or services. Despite these positive

attributes, the major disadvantage of an older population is the greater need for costly
health services and pension provision for those unable to fund such services privately.

For much of the older population, these costly services need to be supplied by the state,

to ensure the social well-being of the elderly. Often, the expenditure involved can be

draining on the public purse.

Overall, the advantages of a predominantly young population do not outweigh the

disadvantages, as both younger and older citizens offer distinct benefits to society.

Moreover, a young population of today will, in the future, become a predominantly older

population. It is, therefore, a cyclical process and the benefits of each group should be

enjoyed while they last.

Cambridge IELTS Book 12 Writing Test 4 Task 1

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons Where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer

The diagram shows the process of electricity generation from cold water through the

use of a geothermal power planet. This is a process which converts cold water, through

using a geothermal area of rock 4,5 kilometres below the earth’s surface, into electricity
ready for consumption.

There are 5 essential stages or functions which constitute the electricity generation

process. First, cold water is pumped into the injection well underground, where it then

undergoes natural heating via hot rocks, converting the cold water into hot water via the

natural geothermal properties of the rock.

Once the water is heated it is extracted from the production well and enters into a

condensing chamber in which it vaporizes and turns into steam. The steam is then fed

into a steam-powered turbine which drives a generator, and this converts the
mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy.

The electricity produced is then fed into the electrical grid distribution network.