Writing - Ac - Total Ok

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http://ielts-thudang.com
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WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graphs below give information about computer ownership as a percentage

of the population between 2002 and 2010, and by level of education for the years
2002 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2
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WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:
A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and

material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no
longer seem important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
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ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 1 – Model Answer
The bar charts show data about computer ownership, with a further
classification by level of education, from 2002 to 2010.
A steady but significant rise can be seen in the percentage of the population
that owned a computer over the period. Just over half the population owned
computers in 2002, whereas by 2010 three out of four people had a home computer.
An analysis of the data by level of education shows that higher levels of

education correspond to higher levels of computer ownership in both of those years.
In 2002, only around 15% of those who did not finish high school had a computer but
this figure had trebled by 2010. There were also considerable increases, of
approximately 30 percentage points, for those with a high school diploma or an
unfinished college education (reaching 65% and 85% respectively in 2010). However,
graduates and postgraduates proved to have the greatest level of ownership in 2010, at
90% and 95% respectively, 20 percentage points higher than in 2002.
The last decade has seen a substantial growth in computer ownership in

general, and across all educational levels.
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Given the power and influence of the super rich, it might seem as if social
status and material possessions are the new symbols of personal worth, but in
everyday life I do not think this is true.
It is apparent that most celebrities today are admired or envied solely for their
material wealth or position in various social hierarchies. Many of these people are
known to turn their backs on friends, cheat on their spouses or spend their evenings
over-indulging in alcohol and/or drugs. Things like owning a mansion, driving an
expensive car and getting into A-list parties are exalted above old-fashioned values.
Ultimately, though, it is the many readers of gossip magazines and celebrity blogs
who reinforce these ideas.
Nevertheless, I do believe that in their day-to-day lives most people still

believe in values such as honour, kindness and trust. In some way most of us want to
form loving families, raise our children to be good citizens, stand up for the
downtrodden and protect our communities from harm. We still form friendships,
romances and business partnerships based on old-fashioned criteria. When our trust is
abused or we are unfairly treated, we see that as a major violation of our relationship
and we judge the wrongdoer accordingly.
In conclusion, I believe there is some truth to the notion that status and
possessions have superseded old-fashioned values as a measure of a person’s worth.
Looking beyond the tabloids, however, it is apparent that most ordinary people have
still preserved an old-fashioned conscience.
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WRITING TASK 1
The charts below give information about attendance at entertainment venues

and admission prices to those venues in 2009.
Attendance at entertainment venues, 2009
Sports
Theme Parks
Cinemas
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

No. of admissions in thousands
Event 2009 Admission Price

1 Ticket Family Ticket (4 people)
Football Game – AFL $75 $298
Football Game – NRL $73 $290
Football Game – NRU $71 $280
Theme Parks $70 $210
Basketball Game $34 $135
Cricket Game $24 $80
Cinema $15 $55
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WRITING TASK 2
In many countries today there are many highly qualified graduates without
employment.
What factors may have caused this situation and what, in your opinion, can/should
be done about it?
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The bar chart shows how many tickets were sold to sports events, theme parks
and movies in 2009 and the table reveals ticket prices to various venues in the same
year. Going to the cinema was both the most popular and the cheapest form of
entertainment in 2009.
Cinemas attracted more people than theme parks and sports combined. Whilst
1,050,000 people attended movies, only a third of that number visited theme parks,
and a mere 150,000 went to sports games.
Movie tickets were far cheaper than other forms of entertainment. Attendance
at a football game in 2009 cost around $73, with little reduction for families.
Basketball and cricket games cost less, at $34 and $24 respectively for a single
admission. However, a family ticket to cricket, at $80, showed considerable savings.
Theme parks were only slightly less expensive than football matches at $70 a single,
but there was a significant reduction in the price of a family concession with four
people gaining entry for the price of three. Movie tickets at $15 for one, and $55 for
four, were the cheapest.
Overall, the cinema was the most affordable entertainment option.
190 words
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Across the world there are many countries where people with advanced
degrees are struggling to find employment. I think this is because full-time
employment is no longer the cornerstone of modern economies. Universities need to
re-structure study options in order to keep abreast of this development.
People often declare that there is no work around anymore. In fact, there is
plenty of work. Casual, on-call, contract, part-time and temporary positions have
proliferated in recent years. What is much rarer now is permanent employment,
meaning positions with a long-term contract, benefits, stability, internal promotion
and skills development organised by employers.
The problem is that the university education system was designed for an
employment-centred economy. People would dedicate anything from five to seven
years to diligent study in order to get a guaranteed career at the end of it. There is no
guarantee anymore.
The solution is for university education to accommodate new working

arrangements. Study options need to be broken down into shorter “booster”
qualifications taken on an as-needed basis with more part-time, evening and distance
options. A more realistic scenario now is for workers to balance two separate income
streams while studying on the side – perhaps for the length of their working life –
rather than studying full-time for six years and then working full-time until retirement.
The post-employment economy is only a problem for people who are not
prepared for it. Unfortunately many of these people are highly-qualified graduates
who are the product of an antiquated education system. Revamping university study
should resolve this issue.
255 words
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WRITING TASK 1
The graph below shows the proportion of four different materials that were
recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country.
Recycling Rate for Selected Materials: 1982-2010

90
80
70
60
Paper & cardboard
per cent
50
Glass containers
40 Alumininium cans
30 Plastics
20
10
0
1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010
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© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved.
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WRITING TASK 2
Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local
languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out.
In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to

ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?
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© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved.
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The chart shows the percentages of paper and cardboard, glass containers,
aluminium cans and plastics that were recycled in one country between 1982 and
2010.
In 1982, about 65% of paper and cardboard was recycled. This figure
fluctuated before rising steeply to reach a peak of 80% in 1994. From then on,
however, it decreased steadily to a level of 70% in 2010. In 1982, half of all glass
containers were recycled; after dipping to a low of 40% in 1990, the glass recycling
rate gradually increased to 60% by 2010.
Aluminium cans were first recycled in 1986, starting at about 5%, but this
figure climbed rapidly over 25 years and by 2010 it had reached 45%. Recycling of
plastics, on the other hand, was not introduced until 1990 and, although the growth in
this category was also constant, it was very slow, rising from about 2% to around 8%
over the period.
Overall, the proportion of paper and cardboard that was recycled was the
highest of the four classes of material, but this category experienced a decline after
1994, whereas there was a continuing upward trend in the recycling of the other
materials.
194 words
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English is a gateway to the world and no one should be deprived of the

opportunities that arise for those with a strong command of the English language. This
does not mean that local languages are dispensable, however. They have an important
role to play in supporting education, including English language education.
People who insist on prioritising local languages are often those who can
speak fluent English themselves. Advocates of minority languages need to be fluent in
English in order to research their field and support the cause at international
conferences. In doing so, however, they are also demonstrating why English is so
important. Learning English allows people to gain knowledge, communicate with
society, further themselves as individuals and have a global impact. It is unfair to
willingly dispossess people of this ability in order to preserve tradition.
But this does not mean local languages can be forgotten or downplayed.
People are more likely to succeed – not just at learning English, but in employment
and education generally – if they are immersed in a community rich in history and
tradition. Local dialects are a part of this tradition. Efforts to regenerate and celebrate
indigenous cultures in recent decades have demonstrated that the preservation of local
languages and the teaching of English are mutually-reinforcing developments. In this
way, the local language serves as the bedrock for learning English, rather than being
an obstacle in need of removal.
I think it is important for everyone to learn English but I feel it is unnecessary

to frame learning English and keeping local languages alive as conflicting
possibilities. Each goal supports the other. We should focus on how best to develop
both English and local languages in particular local contexts.
285 words
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WRITING TASK 1

The graph below gives information about the sales of the three most commonly
purchased items in a particular bakery for the year 2014.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
© British Council. All rights reserved. 2
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WRITING TASK 2
The internet has changed the way we communicate. Much communication today
happens through social media. Some people support this and think it is a positive
development. Others believe that social media have negative effects.
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.
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The graph shows the value of sales of popular baked goods in an individual bakery in 2014.
Overall, bread and buns appear to have been more profitable than pies but the sales of buns
ended the period in steep decline, ending up even below pie sales.
In January, sales of bread were valued at $80,000 but this figure fell to around $45,000 in
March and fluctuated between $40,000 and $65,000 until September. The last quarter,
however, saw a jump in the value of bread sales to finish where it was at the beginning of
the year.
The sales of buns followed quite a different pattern. In January, bun sales stood at $40,000
but quickly rose to $70,000 in May and remained stable until August, after which they
plunged to just $30,000 in December.
The value of pies sold slowly increased from $10,000 in January to reach $20,000 in August.
Sales then levelled off but went up sharply in the last two months of the year to close just
ahead of buns at $40,000. Pies were the only item where sales figures in December
exceeded those in January.
184 words
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The internet has changed the way we communicate. Much communication today
happens through social media. Some people support this and think it is a positive
development. Others believe that social media have negative effects.

Communication styles have changed radically over the past 20 years, and this is largely due
to the prevalence of social media websites. Some see this as a wonderful enhancement of
their lifestyle, while others have a more critical opinion. This essay will outline the benefits
and drawbacks of this phenomenon, and will weigh up its merits.
Social media websites have reached their current level of popularity because of their many
advantages. Notably, these websites have made it almost effortless to create and maintain
both local and international social networks. In addition, thay allow users to access support
when suffering from life’s tribulations and complications. It is possible, as well, to use these
sites to find and discuss information about many issues, from the best local shopping to
international news. Authorities find social media advantageous when tracking criminals, who
sometimes use networks to set up illegal activities. One further advantage is that sites such
as LinkedIn are a key resource for job recruiters, and many people find work in this way.
However, these sites also have significant negative consequences. Foremost is the fact that
both students and workers can waste a great deal of time and productivity because of the
distractions these networks provide. This can adversely affect not only academic life but also
career opportunities. Another drawback is the amount of misinformation and vicious rumour
that can circulate and spread like wildfire, causing real misery and distress to both private
citizens and to celebrities. Finally, the websites tend to reduce time spent on face-to-face
communication, and, in my opinion, live family and friend interactions are of primary
importance for our mental wellbeing.
In conclusion, although social media sites have the potential to bring people closer together,
they encourage time wasting and superficial communication, and the anonymity that they
provide allows for unkind, even nasty, social interactions. People would do better to spend
more quality, face-to-face time with real people.
319 words
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WRITING TASK 1

The chart below shows the average household spending pattern for households in
three income categories as a proportion of their income.
Household income
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WRITING TASK 2
Many major cities are facing a housing crisis as they cannot provide enough
land for new buildings. Some local governments believe the problem could be
solved by reassigning park land for residential development, because this
land would be better used for housing.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
or experience.
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The bar chart shows how those on low, medium and high incomes spend their money. Both
the differences and the similarities are striking.
Housing costs consume almost a third of each group’s income and another 15-19% goes on
transport. While the high income earners are able to put 17% towards their retirement, and
the medium group 10%, those on low incomes invest only three per cent of their income in
retirement funds.
All categories spend a similar percentage of their income on clothing (around 6%), eating out
(less than 5%), and entertainment (4-6%). The lowest income group spend a higher
proportion on their health (8%), eating at home (12%) and paying for utilities (13%) but less
on education, which stands at just three per cent compared with slightly more for the middle
group and over five per cent for the wealthy.
To sum up, each income group assigns by far the largest portion of their budget to housing
and a large portion to transport. However, only the rich devote a significant share of their
income to retirement savings. Poor families, on the other hand, spend more of their budget
on the basic necessities.
193 words
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Many major cities are facing a housing crisis as they cannot provide enough land for
new buildings. Some local governments believe the problem could be solved by
reassigning park land for residential development, because this land would be better
used for housing.
Urban migration is causing extreme pressure on housing and infrastructure and,

consequently, some people feel that public parks have become a luxury that we can no
longer afford. While it is true that green areas can take up a lot of space, the benefits to the
residents of a city and to the environment are too numerous to ignore.
It is undeniable that parks provide valuable leisure amenities – a place to picnic, walk, kick a
ball, play with the children, or just relax. Besides this, recent research has shown that they
also provide appreciable health benefits by allowing people to engage with nature, which
enhances their mental well-being and lowers their stress levels. Consider also that, with the
rising epidemic of obesity, it is more important than ever to make space available for
physical exercise. The bonus of exercising in a natural setting, rather than going to a gym or
jogging on urban streets, is that not only does the body benefit from the physical activity but
anxiety and depression are alleviated as well. It is reported that the overall effect of “green
exercise” is better fitness, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and greater
tranquillity. Moreover, for lower socio-economic groups, parks are an affordable way to
improve health and participate in social interaction.
City planners should also consider environmental benefits before deciding to sacrifice
parkland for construction. Trees improve air quality by removing pollutants and filtering the
air. Furthermore, if parks are located alongside urban waterways, they help keep the water
clean by absorbing contaminated runoff from the city’s hard surfaces.
In conclusion, although I appreciate the problem, I wholeheartedly disagree with the view
that parks should be used to mitigate housing shortages in cities. They offer significant
health and recreation benefits to the people and improve the overall climate and
environment of the city. If space is truly at a premium, city officials would do better to look at
reducing the urban sprawl of shopping malls and parking lots.
331 words
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WRITING TASK 1

The chart below gives information about the production of grains, measured in million
metric tons, from the years 2010 to 2015, with projections until 2030.
Production of Grains (2010–2030)
Grain 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Wheat 100 105 107 108 110
Barley 50 70 80 90 100
Maize 34 34.5 34.5 35 35
Rice 24.7 24.3 24.5 25 25.5
The quantities shown are in million metric tons.
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WRITING TASK 2
Unhealthy eating has a negative effect on both individuals and the society in which
they live. Some people think that the government should tax unhealthy foods while
others believe that a ‘fat tax’ is unfair and unnecessary.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
or experience.
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The table shows the amounts of grain that a certain country produced from 2010 with
predictions until 2030. Wheat is the leading grain crop and its production is expected to
remain fairly stable, along with maize and rice, whereas the barley harvest is estimated to
double over the period.
In 2010, 100 million metric tons of wheat were produced. This figure rose to 105 million tons
in 2015 and is predicted to increase slightly to 110 million tons by 2030. The maize crop was
only about a third of the wheat crop in 2010, at 34 million tons, and will remain much the
same until the end of the period. Rice production is also fairly constant at around 25 million
tons, although this dipped slightly in 2015 and will also do so in 2020. Production will
probably not exceed 25.5 million tons in 2030.
However, barley shows dramatic growth in production, rising from 50 to 70 million tons in the
first five years. The yield is projected to expand by another ten million tons in each
succeeding five-year phase, until finally reaching an estimated 100 million metric tons by
2030.
190 words
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Unhealthy eating has a negative effect on both individuals and the society in which
they live. Some people think that the government should tax unhealthy foods while
others believe that a ‘fat tax’ is unfair and unnecessary.
Many lives are lost every year from heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other obesity-related
illnesses. I think a tax on unhealthy food is a sensible idea even though some people think it
could be discriminatory and difficult to implement.
There are several arguments against the introduction of a ‘fat tax’. It could end up as a tax
on the poor because low-income families are more likely to consume cheap, fatty food. It
might also be just another revenue-gathering scheme for the government as it can be
argued that there are already taxes on cigarettes and alcohol, but that does not stop people
from smoking and drinking. Besides, what right does the government have to dictate what
people should eat? Who would decide exactly which foods merit a ‘fat tax’? These questions
aside, the most cogent argument against a food tax is that food alone is not responsible for
obesity and ill health. Exercise and genetic factors, not to mention portion sizes, all have a
part to play.
In defence of a tax on unhealthy food, I would contend that the government has a right to
collect tax from products that cost millions of dollars every year in medical treatment and lost
productivity. Statistics show that the obese are less likely to be employed and are, therefore,
a greater burden on society. In any case, it would not be an outright ban on unhealthy food –
people could still eat what they want – but higher prices would discourage over-consumption
and reduce demand. Admittedly, it might be difficult to decide which foods would attract the
tax, but a good start would be sugar-laden beverages such as ‘energy’ drinks, deep-fried
takeaways, chips, chocolate and sweets.
To conclude, I think government intervention in the form of a new tax is justified when
society’s well-being is at stake. Obviously, many people fail to make the connection between
diet and disease and ultimately society pays for the costs of their consumption of unhealthy
food.
327words

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1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graphs below give information about computer ownership as a percentage

Write at least 150 words.

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Write at least 250 words.

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 3

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 1 – Model Answer

An analysis of the data by level of education shows that higher levels of

The last decade has seen a substantial growth in computer ownership in

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 1

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 2 – Model Answer

Nevertheless, I do believe that in their day-to-day lives most people still

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The charts below give information about attendance at entertainment venues

Write at least 150 words.

Attendance at entertainment venues, 2009

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Event 2009 Admission Price

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 3

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 1 – Model Answer

Overall, the cinema was the most affordable entertainment option.

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 1

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 2 – Model Answer

The solution is for university education to accommodate new working

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write at least 150 words.

Recycling Rate for Selected Materials: 1982-2010

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to

Write at least 250 words.

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 1 – Model Answer

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 1

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 2 – Model Answer

English is a gateway to the world and no one should be deprived of the

I think it is important for everyone to learn English but I feel it is unnecessary

© The British Council 2012. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write at least 150 words.

© British Council. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

© British Council. All rights reserved. 3

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 1 – Model Answer

© British Council. All rights reserved. 1

ACADEMIC MODULE WRITING TASK 2 – Model Answer

© British Council. All rights reserved. 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write at least 150 words.

© British Council. All rights reserved. 2