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Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION D. How to Write Introductions


A. Welcome Aboard → 4 1. Basics → 172
B. Fundamentals → 15 2. Agree/Disagree Questions → 179
C. The 6 Types of Questions → 20 3. Advantage/Disadvantage → 186
D. How to Get a High Score → 33 4. Problem/Solution → 193
E. How This Course is Structured → 41 5. Discuss/Opinion → 200
II. PART I: INGREDIENTS 6. Opinion → 207
A. First Ingredient: Task Achievement → 47 7. Two-Parts → 214
B. Second Ingredient: Coherence & Cohesion → 54 E. How to Write Body Paragraphs
C. Third Ingredient: Grammatical Range & Accuracy 1. Basics → 221
1. Basics → 63 2. Agree/Disagree Questions → 232
2. Tenses → 65 3. Advantage/Disadvantage → 245
3. Articles & Agreement → 72 4. Problem/Solution → 258
4. Active vs. Passive Voice → 75 5. Discuss/Opinion → 271
5. Simple & Compound Sentences → 80 6. Opinion → 284
6. Complex Sentences → 86 7. Two-Parts → 297
7. Correlative Conjunctions → 91 F. How to Write Conclusions
8. Relative Clauses → 95 1. Basics → 310
9. Combining Elements → 99 2. Agree/Disagree Questions → 315
10. Conditional Sentences → 102 3. Advantage/Disadvantage → 322
11. Punctuation → 108 4. Problem/Solution → 329
12. Writing Numbers → 116 5. Discuss/Opinion → 336
D. Fourth Ingredient: Lexical Resource 6. Opinion → 343
1. Get Our Vocab List of 500+ Words → 120 7. Two-Parts → 350
2. Basics → 121 G. How to Check Your Work → 357
3. Useful Phrases → 122 IV. PART 3: COOKING - PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
4. Topic Related Vocabulary → 126 D. Practice Question 1 → 363
5. Collocations → 132 1. Breakdown of Strategy → 365
6. Word Formation → 138 2. Breakdown of Ingredients → 391
III. PART 2: RECIPE E. Practice Question 2 → 402
A. Basic Strategy → 150 1. Breakdown of Strategy → 404
B. How to Create Outlines → 156 2. Breakdown of Ingredients → 433
C. How to Come Up With Ideas → 167 F. Final Tips → 444 2
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Welcome Aboard!
IELTS Writing Task 2 Course

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


How to meet all task requirements
How to get a
high score
Types of questions How to use cohesive devices

How to use vocabulary

How to use correct Real exam practice questions


How to prepare outlines grammar with full breakdown

How to write introductions Final tips for your


success
How to write conclusions
How to write body paragraphs

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About me

● Hi, I’m Shay


● IELTS instructor and the captain of our ship
● 8+ years of IELTS teaching experience
● CELTA English teaching certification
● B.A. in Communication & Language
● Taught in 11 countries around the world
● Helped many students to score Band 7+
● Read testimonials at mastership.co/testimonials
● Contact us at ielts@mastership.co
6
What is IELTS?

● A test of English proficiency


● It stands for “International English Language Testing System”
● Two main types:
○ Academic (mainly used by college and universities for admission decisions)
○ General (mainly used by employers and for immigration purposes)

● Find out which IELTS test you need before taking it

7
Who makes the IELTS?

IELTS is jointly owned by:


● IDP Education
● The British Council
● Cambridge English Language Assessment
For this reason, we will practice using the Cambridge
books. I strongly suggest you get the Cambridge
IELTS books, because IELTS is a paper-based test.

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How can you take the IELTS?

● Use this link to register: ielts.org/book-a-test/how-do-i-register


● Regular testing dates are available each month
○ You may need to register 2 weeks ahead of time
● Select time/date/location
● Fill out an application and pay the fee
○ Currently, it costs USD 200, EUR 190 or GBP 115
● Provide a copy of your passport
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Exam Overview

● IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish


● 4 parts (with equal scoring): Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
● Exam is divided into two major sections:
○ Paper Exam: Includes Listening, Reading and Writing (all must be finished in one
session)
○ Speaking Exam: Includes Speaking test only (scheduled separately)

● This is an English test. You don’t need any specialized background knowledge
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Exam Overview

● No breaks in between
○ Develop your stamina by practicing with full-length practice tests

● It is a paper-based exam, so handwriting and spelling are important!


○ You will not get points for wrong spelling

● No penalty for wrong answers. Guess when you don’t know the answer!

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Listening
4 sections, 40 items
30 minutes

Academic Reading
Breakdown 3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes

of Sections Academic Writing


and Timing 2 tasks, 60 minutes

Speaking
11 to 14 minutes

Total Test Time


2 hours 44 minutes 12
Reading & Listening Answer Sheet Writing Answer Sheet

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Next stop is…

Fundamentals of IELTS Writing Task 2


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IELTS Writing Task 2
Fundamentals

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

● Write an essay on a certain point of view, issue or problem

● Worth twice as many points as Task 1

● 40 minutes total to finish Task 2

● 4 paragraphs, 13-18 sentences total

● 250 words minimum, but aim for about 280 words

● You can score a band 9 with the minimum requirement of just 250 words.
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Basics

● Quality of writing is more important than quantity!

● Unlike Task 1, you can use the words, I, you, we, us, but don’t overuse them

● 6 question types - The same basic strategy applies to every question type

● Your examples don’t have to be truthful! But they should sound real

● Your position/opinion can never be wrong, so feel free to choose any side!

● Use a pencil for easier corrections


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Basics

Outline Introduction Body Para 1 Body Para 2 Conclusion Check Work

40-50 words 90-100 words 90-100 words 30-40 words

3 sentences 4-6 sentences 4-6 sentences 2-3 sentences

5 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes


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Next stop is…

Types of Questions

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The 6 Types of
Questions
Introduction to IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Agree/Disagree

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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Agree/Disagree

WRITING TASK 2 Choose ONE side! This is not a “discuss both sides”
question. It is possible to write a partly-agree essay,
Write about the following topic: but this is risky. Just simplify it and pick a side.

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words. Your opinion is required and you
are allowed to strongly express it
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Advantage/Disadvantage

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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Advantage/Disadvantage

WRITING TASK 2 Choose ONE side only!


Write about the following topic:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Do NOT state your opinion, as it is not required

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Problem/Solution

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measure could be taken to
solve them?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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Problem/Solution

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measure could be taken to
solve them?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words. Your opinion is required, but do NOT strongly express it

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Discuss/Opinion

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

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.

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Discuss/Opinion

WRITING TASK 2 Here, you can agree with one side or both sides.
Write about the following topic:

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

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.
Your opinion is required and you
Write at least 250 words. are allowed to strongly express it

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Opinion

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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Opinion

WRITING TASK 2 It is best to just pick one side and express


it strongly, because it’s easier and safer.
Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words. Your opinion is required and you are
allowed to strongly express it

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Two Parts

WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:

Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Do NOT state your opinion, as it is not required
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Next stop is…

How to Get a High Score

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How to Get a 7+
High Score
Introduction to IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


How Writing Task 2 is Scored

25% 25% 25% 25%


Coherence & Grammatical Range Lexical Resource
Task Achievement
Cohesion & Accuracy (Vocabulary)

Each band descriptor category is scored on a band of 0-9 and then averaged for the total score
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Band Descriptors

● An important resource for preparing for your exam


● It will give you a good sense of how IELTS examiners evaluate and assign
band scores for the Writing tasks
● It tells you exactly what score you will get if you do (or don’t do) certain
things
● Let’s see what the Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors look like…

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What you must do to score well
Band Task Achievement

● Fully addresses all parts of the task


9 ● Presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant,
fully extended and well supported ideas

● Sufficiently addresses all parts of the task


8 ● Presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended
and supported ideas

● Addresses all parts of the task


● Presents a clear position throughout the response
7
● Presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to
over-generalise and/or supporting ideas may lack focus

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What you must do to score well
Band Coherence & Cohesion

● Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention


9
● Skilfully manages paragraphing

● Sequences information and ideas logically


8 ● Manages all aspects of cohesion well
● Uses paragraphing appropriately and sufficiently

● Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear progression


throughout
7 ● Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some
under-/over-use
● Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph

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What you must do to score well
Band Grammatical Range and Accuracy

● Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor
9
errors occur only as ‘slips’

● Uses a wide range of structures


8 ● The majority of sentences are error-free
● Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies

● Uses a variety of complex structures


7 ● Produces frequent error-free sentences
● Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors

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What you must do to score well
Band Lexical Resource

● Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of
9
lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’

● Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise


meanings
8 ● Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies
in word choice and collocation
● Produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation

● Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision


7 ● Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
● May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation

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Next stop is…

How This Course Is


Structured

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How This Course
Is Structured
An overview of our Writing Task 2 course

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


We have split this Writing Task 2 course into
3 parts…
I. Ingredients II. Recipe III. Cooking

4 components of Task 2 The strategy for Task 2: Putting it all together!


● Task Achievement ● Outline ● Answering questions in
● Cohesion & Coherence ● Introduction real-time (exam setting)
● Grammatical Range ● Body Paragraphs ● Breakdown of answers
● Lexical Resource ● Conclusion
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I. Overview of Ingredients

25% 25% 25% 25%


Coherence & Grammatical Range Lexical Resource
Task Achievement
Cohesion & Accuracy (Vocabulary)

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II. Overview of Recipe

Outline Introduction Body Para 1 Body Para 2 Conclusion

How to outline How to introduce How to discuss How to discuss How to summarize
main ideas and topic, paraphrase and/or support your and/or support the main points of
supporting details the question position with main your position with your essay and
of the body language and state idea #1, supporting main idea #2, restate the thesis
paragraphs the thesis details and supporting details
examples and examples

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III. Overview of Cooking

● 2 essays from real IELTS exams from the past


● Real-time setting (exam setting)
● 40 minute timer (per essay)
● Breakdown of strategy
● Breakdown of ingredients

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Next stop is…

First Ingredient: Task


Achievement

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Task Achievement
The first ingredient in Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

According to the Band Descriptors, to achieve band 7 or higher, you must:

1. Cover the requirements of the task by writing about everything in the


question
2. Present a clear position/opinion throughout your response
3. Present, extend and support your main ideas with supporting details
4. Don’t overgeneralize

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An Overview of Structure
Paragraphs Requirements

Introduce topic, paraphrase question language


Introduction
and state thesis (main ideas + position/opinion)

Discuss and/or support your position with main


Body Paragraph 1
idea #1, supporting details and examples

Discuss and/or support your position with main


Body Paragraph 2
idea #2, supporting details and examples

Summarize main points of the essay along with


Conclusion
your position/opinion (restate thesis)

Structure allows you address all parts of


the task and clearly present your ideas
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What is Overgeneralization?
Overgeneralization is when you make a statement that may be true in some or many cases,
but NOT in all cases!

Example: “Living in big cities is stressful, because they are too overcrowded.”

Is this true for everyone who lives in big cities? No, because some people enjoy big cities

Example: ”Children do not exercise nowadays.”

Is this true for every single child? No, because some children do exercise

Note that we cannot verify these “generalized” statements

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How to Stop Overgeneralizing
To avoid overgeneralizing, you have to soften your statement with the words below:

Modal Language Frequency Adverbs Non-specific Quantifiers

often many
could
sometimes some
may
usually few
might
generally a number of
can
typically a lot of
probable
tend to several
likely
occasionally numerous

Generalization: “Living in big cities is stressful, because they are too overcrowded.”

Correction: “Living in big cities can be stressful, because they tend to be too overcrowded.”
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How to Stop Overgeneralizing
Generalization Correction

Children do not exercise nowadays. Children tend not to exercise nowadays.

Generally speaking, living in another


Living in another country is difficult.
country can be difficult.

Taking an exam is stressful. Taking an exam is often stressful

In many cases, learning a new language can


Learning a new language is challenging.
be challenging.

Living in a city is more convenient. Living in a city is typically more convenient.

Prison is more effective for reform. Prison may be more effective for reform.
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Second Ingredient:
Coherence & Cohesion

53
Coherence &
Cohesion
The second ingredient in Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

According to the Band Descriptors, to achieve band 7 or higher, you must:

1. Logically organise your information and ideas with a clear structure

Introduction Body Para 1 Body Para 2 Conclusion

2. Connect sentences and paragraphs together with cohesive devices (words like
however, moreover, furthermore, therefore, etc.)

3. Stay focused by presenting one main idea within each paragraph


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What are Cohesive Devices?
Cohesive devices are words and phrases that link your ideas together to make your essay
flow smoothly. They are the glue that stick your sentences and paragraphs to each other.

Example
To begin with, teaching children a foreign language in primary school does have some
drawbacks, namely the shorter availability of time for other subjects and the delayed
development of the child's first language. Learning another language can take away some
time from other subjects, such as math and science, which are vital for higher education.
Additionally, children may mix up the linguistic structures from the various languages,
resulting in a possible delay in the development of their native language.

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What are Cohesive Devices?
Cohesive devices are words and phrases that link your ideas together to make your essay
flow smoothly. They are the glue that stick your sentences and paragraphs to each other.

Example
To begin with, teaching children a foreign language in primary school does have some
drawbacks, namely the shorter availability of time for other subjects and the delayed
development of the child's first language. Learning another language can take away some
time from other subjects, such as math and science, which are vital for higher education.
Additionally, children may mix up the linguistic structures from the various languages,
resulting in a possible delay in the development of their native language.

Note that relative pronouns and Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns will be
conjunctions also act as cohesive devices discussed in detail in the Grammar section
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Cohesive Devices
Overview Opening Sequence Addition
Overall, Considering… First/Firstly, Additionally,
Generally, Regarding…, Second/Secondly, Furthermore,
Generally speaking, In regards to… Last/Lastly… Moreover,
In general, Moving on to… Initially/Finally ...as well as…
In brief/short, In terms of…, Meanwhile, ...not only _____, but
By and large, Specifically, Subsequently, also...
Basically, To be specific, Eventually, In addition to…,
As a rule, Research shows that… Immediately, On top of that…
Essentially, Research has found… Before/After Besides…
On the whole, When it comes to… During/While… Another point…
All things considered, With respect to… Simultaneously, Another reason is…
Following this…
… followed by…
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Cohesive Devices
Comparison Contrast Cause/Effect Emphasis
Similarly, Alternatively, Thus, Above all,
Likewise, On the contrary, Therefore, Mainly,
Equally, In/by contrast, Consequently, In particular,
Compared with/to On the other hand, As a consequence, ...particularly…
In comparison, Conversely, As a result of… ...especially…
Similar to... Nevertheless, ...due to… ...notably…
… as _____ as… Nonetheless, ...leading to… ...remarkably…
like... Though/Although ...resulting in… Certainly,
Even though... Because of… Absolutely,
Despite/In spite of… Hence… Undoubtedly,
While/Whereas… Thereby… There is no doubt…
Unlike… Owing to… Precisely
Instead, For this reason… Surely
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Cohesive Devices
Illustration Qualification Reference Clarification
As an example, If… ...former/latter To put it simply,
For instance, Although… In relation to… That is to say,
For example, Unless… …, respectively In other words,
Among others, …, except… In proportion to… In short/brief,
…, such as… As long as… Such… In fact,
...namely, Apart from… This/that... To clarify,
To cite an example, Provided that… In essence,
As an evidence, In case… To be more precise,
To illustrate, Whether… To put it another way...
...illustrated by… Regardless of…
In the case of… Despite of…
Otherwise…
Now that…
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Paragraphing
You can either indent each paragraph or skip a line when you start a new paragraph, but do
not mix both formats or change them midway - choose only one format and stick to it

Indent Skip a Line


Every nation needs citizens who display social commitment Every nation needs citizens who display social commitment and
and actively work to improve the community for the welfare of its actively work to improve the community for the welfare of its
residents. Since students are the nation’s future, some people have residents. Since students are the nation’s future, some people have
argued that volunteer work should be a mandatory part of the argued that volunteer work should be a mandatory part of the
school curriculum. I strongly agree with this view, because school curriculum. I strongly agree with this view, because
volunteering not only improves the community as a whole but also volunteering not only improves the community as a whole but also
builds valuable character traits. builds valuable character traits.
First and foremost, community service develops
strong-charactered individuals by exposing them to new First and foremost, community service develops strong-charactered
perspectives and encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall that individuals by exposing them to new perspectives and encouraging a
when I volunteered to clean up the trash in my high school, I gained healthy work ethic. I recall that when I volunteered to clean up the
an immense appreciation for the arduous work that janitors went trash in my high school, I gained an immense appreciation for the
through each day to keep our school tidy. Witnessing such labor arduous work that janitors went through each day to keep our
with which society members improve our society can impart school tidy. Witnessing such labor with which society members
valuable lessons about hard work, commitment, and meeting goals improve our society can impart valuable lessons about hard work,
and deadlines. commitment, and meeting goals and deadlines.

61
Next stop is…

Third Ingredient:
Grammatical Range & Accuracy

62
Grammatical Range
& Accuracy
The third ingredient in Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

According to the Band Descriptors, to achieve band 7 or higher, you must:

1. Use a range of different sentence types and word orders


a. Show off your ability to form a variety of compound and complex sentences

2. Use complex sentences, but also simple sentences to boost accuracy


a. The longer the sentence, the more likely you are to make a mistake. By using some simple
sentences, you can decrease your errors and increase your score.

3. The vast majority of your sentences (over 50%) should be error-free


4. Use punctuation (commas, apostrophes, capital letters, etc.) appropriately
64
Tenses
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Which Tense to Use?
● The majority of your essay will need to be written in the present simple
tense, since you will often need to give opinions (“I believe taxes are good”)
and state facts/position (“Punishing children does not work”)
● However, be careful to realise when other tenses are required
● In general, don’t change the tenses half way through the sentence unless the
timing of an action requires it
○ Let’s explore this concept in a bit more detail…

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When NOT to Change the Tense
Do no change the tense when there is NO time change for the action

Incorrect: During the lecture, Jane stood up and drops her phone.

Past Tense Present Tense

Correct: During the lecture, Jane stood up and dropped her phone.

Past Tense Past Tense

Correct: During the lecture, Jane stands up and drops her phone.

Present Tense Present Tense


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When to Change the Tense
Change the tense only when there is a need to do so

● Usually, the timing of the actions within a sentence will dictate when the tense must
be changed

Correct: When Jane comes here, we will go to the movies.

1st action will happen in the future


2nd action will happen in the future

Correct: Sam reached for the apple after he had already eaten two oranges.

2nd action happened in the past


1st action happened before the past action
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Present Tenses
Perfect
Simple Continuous Perfect
Continuous

Shows that an action Shows that an action


Shows that an ongoing
Shows repetition, has happened once or started in the past and
Description habit or generalization
action is happening
many times before has continued until
now
now now

XXXXXXXXX X X
Timeline
P Now F P Now F P Now F P Now F

I am eating rice right I have eaten all of the I have been eating rice
Example I eat rice everyday.
now. rice. for 2 hours.

Subject, Verb, S+ ‘am/is/are’ + S + ‘have/has been’ +


S + V1 + O S + ‘have/has’ + V3 + O
Object (V+ing) + O (V+ing) + O
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Past Tenses
Perfect
Simple Continuous Perfect
Continuous

Shows that a Shows that an action Shows that something Shows that something
Description completed action took was ongoing, until it happened before started in the past and
place at a specific time was interrupted by another action in the continued up until
in the past another action in past past another action in past

Timeline X X X X X X X
P Now F P Now F P Now F P Now F

I had been eating rice


Example I was eating rice when I had eaten all of the
I ate rice yesterday. for 2 hours when you
you arrived. rice when you arrived.
arrived.

Subject, Verb, S + ‘was/were’ + S + ‘had been’ +


Object S + V2 + O S + ’had’ + V3 + O
(V+ing) + O (V+ing) + O
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Future Tenses
Perfect
Simple Continuous Perfect
Continuous

Show that an action in Shows that something Shows that something


Shows that an action
the future will will happen before will continue up until a
Description will happen in the
continue until it will be another action in the particular event or
future
interrupted future time in the future

X X X X X X X
Timeline
P Now F P Now F P Now F P Now F

I will have eaten the I will have been eating


I will eat rice I will be eating rice
Example tomorrow. when you arrive.
pizza by the time you pizza for 2 hours when
arrive. you arrive.

Subject, Verb, S + ‘will be’ + (V+ing) + S + ‘will have been’ +


S + ‘will’ + V + O S + ‘will have’ + V3 + O
Object O (V+ing) +O
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Articles &
Agreement
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Articles (‘a/an’)
There are numerous rules to using the indefinite articles ‘a’ and ‘an.’ However, for the IELTS
essays, the rules listed below are the most relevant:

Use ‘a’ or ‘an’ with singular countable nouns when the reader does not know exactly to
whom or what we are referring:

1. When showing that something or someone is part of a group


○ There is a way to to prevent crime rates from rising. One way out of several

2. When saying something about all things of that kind


○ A teacher has the responsibility of educating our children. Not a specific teacher

3. Do not use ‘a/an ’ when referring to uncountable nouns or plurals


○ The price of oil stabilized by January. Uncountable noun
○ There are many Italians living in New York. Plural noun

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Subject-Verb Agreement
Subjects and Verbs must agree with each other in number (singular or plural). If a subject is
singular, its verb must also be singular; if a subject is plural, its verb must also be plural.

Incorrect Correct

Future discoveries is based on past Future discoveries are based on past


knowledge. knowledge.

People improves their life by learning from People improve their life by learning from
their past mistakes. their past mistakes.

Reflecting on our past help us to make Reflecting on our past helps us to make
better decisions. better decisions.

74
Active & Passive
Voice
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Active vs. Passive Voice
In English, voice refers to the relationship between subject and verb. There are two voices:

Active Voice Passive Voice

Subject does the Verb Verb is done to the subject

Example: The dog bit the boy. Example: The boy was bitten by the dog.

Subject Verb Object Object Verb Subject

76
Active Voice
Active voice is best used for conveying simple, straightforward ideas and actions. This voice
is far more common than the passive voice, because it is:

● more direct and concise (to-the-point)


● easier to understand
● less awkward in structure
● clearer in indicating the relationship between different parts of a sentence

Example: I fed our dog yesterday. (This is clear and simple)

The dog was fed by me yesterday. (This is strange and unnecessarily complicated)

Note that both sentences are grammatically correct, but this particular idea is best
conveyed with active voice.

77
Passive Voice
Passive voice is primarily used in these two situations:

● When we do not want to say, or do not know, who did the action.
● When focusing on the recipient of the action is more important.

Examples: Shoplifters were arrested. (No need to say ‘by the police’’ because it is obvious)

My car was stolen. (By whom? We don’t know)

The road is being repaired. (We are only interested in the road, not in the people
who are repairing it)

The poem was written by Shakespeare.


Shakespeare wrote the poem.

(Both sentences have the same meaning but in the first one, the emphasis is on ‘the
poem,’ whereas in the second one, the emphasis on Shakespeare) 78
Passive Voice To form passive voice, use different forms of ‘to be’

Tense Passive Formation Examples


Present Simple is/are + past participle The food is eaten.

Present Continuous is/are being + past participle The food is being eaten.

Present Perfect have/has been + past participle The food has been eaten.

Past Simple was/were + past participle The food was eaten.

Past Continuous was/were being + past participle The food was being eaten.

Past Perfect had been + past participle The food had been eaten.

Future Simple will be/going to be + past participle The food will be eaten.

Future Continuous will be being + past participle The food will be being eaten.

Future Perfect will have been + past participle The food will have been eaten.
79
Simple & Compound
Sentences
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Simple Sentences
If you’re taking this course, you should already know how to construct simple sentences

Subject + Verb + (Object) = Simple Sentence

Taxes should be increased.


Children are the future of our nation.
Community service develops strong-charactered individuals.

As you can see, simple sentences can include other basic elements, such as modal verbs,
prepositions, articles, etc.

81
Compound Sentences
Independent Clause + Independent Clause(s) = Compound Sentence

Idea is complete , coordinating conjunction for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Britain invested over 1 million pounds in books, and France only invested 100,000.
Switzerland ranked the highest in 1999, but it was outranked by Britain the following year.

Coordinating Conjunctions Words that create compound


(placed between two independent sentences
clauses, with a comma)
82
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions Examples

The proposed legislation seems promising, but it has


but
several drawbacks.

It is common knowledge that exercise is healthy, yet


yet
many people never go to gyms.

Germany and France both experienced significant


and
growth in 2002.

Those who are unemployed or underpaid are forced to


or
consume unhealthy foods to save costs.

83
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions Examples
When a coordinating conjunction
The proposed legislation seems promising, but it has
but
connects two independent
clauses, a comma is always used several drawbacks.

It is common knowledge that exercise is healthy, yet


yet
many people never go to gyms.

Germany and France both experienced significant


and conjunction
When a coordinating
growth in 2002.
connects words/phrases, then
do not use a comma*
Those who are unemployed or underpaid are forced to
or
consume unhealthy foods to save costs.

* Placing a comma before “and” in a list is optional → I love books, movies, and music.
84
List of Coordinating Conjunctions
F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

85
Complex Sentences
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Complex Sentences

Dependent Clause(s) + Independent Clause(s) = Complex Sentence

Idea is incomplete Idea is complete

Whereas Britain invested over 1 million pounds in books, France only invested 100,000.
Switzerland ranked the highest in 1999, although it was outranked by Britain the following
year.

Subordinating Conjunctions Words that create complex sentences


(placed at the beginning of the
dependent clause)
87
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions Examples

Although this proposal has some drawbacks, its


Although…,
advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Despite the new regulations, many people still do not


Despite…,
fully disclose their income to the government.

… unless Walking is better than driving unless one is in a hurry.

It is important to consider one’s financial situation


… before… , unless
before travelling abroad, unless one is wealthy.

Certainly this could happen, although the odds are


… although
remote.
88
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions Examples
If dependent clause comes before
independent clause, place the comma
at the end of Although…,
the dependent clause
Although this proposal has some drawbacks, its
advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
If the dependent clause comes
after the independent clause, the Despite the new regulations, many people still do not
Despite…,
comma is usually NOT used fully disclose their income to the government.

… conjunction
If a subordinating unless is Walking is better than driving unless one is in a hurry.
used to give extra information (as a
qualification or an afterthought), It is important to consider one’s financial situation
… before…
then you must , unless
use a comma before travelling abroad, unless one is wealthy.

‘Although’ is an exception. Comma is Certainly this could happen, although the odds are
… although
almost always used when ‘although’ remote.
appears in the middle of a sentence
89
List of Subordinating Conjunctions
while even until instead of
whereas as unless in order to
though as long as now that within
although as soon as so that without
as though since provided that before
even though because rather than after
if despite when whether
as if except which
even if besides wherever
if only once whenever
90
Correlative
Conjunctions
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs, as a team. You must use both of them in different
places in a sentence to make them work. They connect words and phrases together.

Correlative Conjunctions Examples

either...or Many ignore recycling either out of ignorance or laziness.

both...and Vegetables are both nutritious and tasty.

A comma is not usually used between the two components of a correlative conjunction, unless
other elements are present
Relative Pronoun

Neither Germany, which only grew by 2.4%, nor France saw


neither...nor
significant growth in banana sales.
92
Correlative Conjunctions
It is very important that the structure after the first part of the pair should always be
exactly parallel in form to the structure after the second part. In other words, nouns should
be linked to nouns, adjectives to adjectives, prepositional phrases to prepositional phrases, etc.

Incorrect Correct

Parents should neither yell at their children nor Parents should neither yell at their children nor
be punishing them. punish them.

I used to love both swimming competitively and I used to love both swimming competitively and
to play golf. playing golf.

Vegetables not only are delicious but also healthy. Vegetables are not only delicious but also healthy.

Parents can either send their children to a


traditional school or to a home school.
93
List of Correlative Conjunctions
as … as

both … and

either … or

neither … nor

not … but

not only … but also

whether … or

94
Relative Clauses
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Writing Task 2

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Relative Clauses
Essential Relative Clause Non-essential Relative Clause

● Necessary in a sentence. Without it, ● Not necessary in a sentence, because


the noun remains incomplete. the idea is complete even without it
● Used to clarify who or what you are ● Used to give extra information about
talking about the noun in a sentence
● No comma before relative pronoun ● Need comma before relative pronoun

Example: Belgium is the country that sold Example: Belgium earned 1.7 million euros
the most coffee. from coffee sales , which made it the most
profitable country.

96
Relative Pronouns
Relative Pronouns They refer to... Examples
The Italians, who form the vast majority of
who people
population, are 15-59 year olds.
Overgrazing represented the primary cause of
which/that things global land depletion, which accounted for
approximately 30% of land degradation.
The only country where the population declined
where places
was Australia.
The only period when mobile phones plummeted
when times
in demand was in December.
whose possession The only country whose sales declined was Yemen.
The reason why they migrated to the nearby
why reason
islands is not clear.
97
Relative Pronouns
Relative Pronouns They refer to... Examples
Essential Relative Clause The Italians, who form the vast majority of
who
Clarification of what we’re people
population, are 15-59 year olds.
talking about (use comma)
Overgrazing represented the primary cause of
which/that things global land depletion, which accounted for
approximately 30% of land degradation.
The only country where the population declined
where places
Non-essential Relative Clause was Australia.
Extra information about the
The only period when mobile phones plummeted
noun (no comma)
when times
in demand was in December.
whose possession The only country whose sales declined was Yemen.
The reason why they migrated to the nearby
why reason
islands is not clear.
98
Combining Elements
Grammatical Range & Accuracy

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Combining Elements
To form even more complex sentences, you can combine subordinating and coordinating
conjunctions, and/or relative pronouns.

I like to sleep in, but I can get up early if I have to go to work or meet up with my friends.

Even though pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, I believe that we can still improve the
health of our planet and reverse the environmental damage that has caused numerous ecosystems
to collapse.

Research has shown that people who consume meat have higher rates of disorders due to
cholesterol, which not only contributes to heart disease but also diabetes, high blood pressure
and a host of other problems, whereas plant-based foods have been shown to alleviate such
disorders.

Subordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions Correlative Conjunctions Relative Pronouns 100


Next stop is…

Grammatical Range:
Punctuation

101
Conditional
Sentences
Grammatical Range & Accuracy

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Conditional Sentences
There are four main conditionals that are often used with “if”

Conditional Use

Zero Always happens (real situations)

First Likely to happen (in the future)

Second Not likely to happen (unreal situations)

Will never happen


Third
(already passed - unreal past situation)

103
Zero Conditional
Used for when the time being referred to is now or always and the situation is real and
possible. The zero conditional is often used to refer to general truths. In zero conditionals,
the word "if" can usually be replaced by the word "when" without changing the meaning.

If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple present

If this thing happens that thing happens.

If you heat ice it melts.

If it rains the grass gets wet.


104
First Conditional
Used to refer to the present or future where the situation is real. The type 1 conditional
refers to a possible condition and its probable result.

If clause Main clause

If + simple present simple future

If this thing happens that thing will happen.

If you don't hurry you will miss the train.

If it rains today you will get wet.

105
Second Conditional
Used to refer to a time that is now or any time, and a situation that is unreal. These
sentences are used to refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result.

If clause Main clause


present conditional
If + simple past
OR present continuous conditional

that thing would happen. (but I'm not sure)


If this thing happened
OR that thing would be happening.

If I spoke Italian I would be working in Italy.

If it rained you would get wet.

106
Third Conditional
Used to refer to a past situation that is contrary to reality. It refers to an unreal past
condition and its probable past result.

If clause Main clause


perfect conditional
If + past perfect
OR perfect continuous conditional

that thing would have happened. (but


If this thing had happened neither of those things really happened)
OR that thing would have been happening.

If it had rained you would have gotten wet.

If you had studied harder you would have passed the exam.
107
Punctuation
Grammatical Range & Accuracy

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Punctuation
. 1) Periods: Use a period at the end of informative sentences in your paragraphs

! 2) Exclamation Marks: Do not use them in academic writing

, 3) Commas: Generally, use them whenever you hear a brief audible pause

’ 4) Apostrophes: Only use apostrophes to show possession (e.g. France’s population,


Germany’s cars). Do not use them to show contraction (e.g. isn’t, doesn’t)

C 5) Capitalization: Only capitalize words at the start of the sentence and proper nouns

; 6) Semicolons: Use them to join two independent clauses that are closely related in ideas

109
Commas
Commas can be very difficult to use in English. However, for the IELTS essays, these 4 rules
are the most relevant:

1. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma at the end
of the dependent clause
○ Even though junk food is unhealthy, many people consume it due to cheaper costs

2. Use comma before any coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses
○ Teachers should be paid higher wages, because their work is of utmost importance.

3. Use commas to separate the items in a list


○ People can improve their mood with a healthy diet, exercise, and a healthy social life.

4. Use a comma after an introductory cohesive device


○ Finally, … Alternatively, … For example, … As a result, … (NOT It is clear/This is due to)
110
Apostrophes
Apostrophes are used to show contraction of words (e.g. isn’t, doesn’t, etc.) and possession
(e.g. France’s population, Germany’s cars, etc.). However, in academic writing, you can only use
apostrophes to show possession. Do not use them for contraction.

1. For a singular noun → apostrophe + s


○ Our nation’s population is rapidly increasing.

2. For singular and plural nouns ending in “s” → apostrophe only (without “s”)
○ Ensuring job satisfaction of the employees is the boss’ responsibility.
○ The education of children is their teachers’ responsibility.

3. For irregular plural nouns → apostrophe + s


○ Children’s views are usually shaped by their parents. (NOT childrens’)

4. Do not use an apostrophe for pluralizing a regular noun


○ There are numerous tradition’s in the world. There are numerous traditions in the world.
111
Capitalization
1. Capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence
○ Every country has a rich and unique history.

2. Capitalize proper nouns (names and places)


○ Research conducted by Harvard University in Massachusetts, shows that...

3. Months (January, February) and days of the week (Sunday, Monday) are treated as
proper nouns and are thus capitalized, but seasons (summer, winter) are not
○ After a sharp growth in March, the profit from banana sales plummeted in December
but recovered by the following summer.

4. Names of school subjects (math, algebra, geology, psychology) are not capitalized, with
the exception of the names of languages (French, English)
○ My favorite subjects in high school were Spanish and psychology.

112
Semicolons
Semicolons indicate an audible pause that is longer than a comma, but shorter than a period.
You probably will not need to use it in your essay, but here are the main rules, just in case:

1. Semicolon is usually used to link two independent clauses that are closely related
○ Some people write on computers; others prefer to write by hand.

2. Avoid a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause


○ Although they tried; they failed. Although they tried, they failed.

3. Use a semicolon before words/terms like namely, however, therefore, that is, for example,
for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence (followed by a comma)
○ Science is one of the most significant subjects; however, the arts are just as important.

4. Do not capitalize ordinary words after a semicolon


○ I am here; You are over there. I am here; you are over there.
113
Fix the Punctuation Errors
Pause and fix the mistakes!

The paragraph below contains 12 punctuation errors. Can you find them all?

Example
To begin with teaching children a foreign language in primary school, does have some
drawbacks; Namely, the shorter availability of time for other subjects and the delayed
development of the childs first language. learning another language can take away some
time from other subjects, such as Math and Science which are vital for higher education.
Additionally children may mix up the linguistic structure’s from the various languages,
resulting in a possible delay in the development of their native language! However, these
drawbacks are temporary and outweighed by the benefits that can be reaped from this
arrangement

114
Fix the Punctuation Errors
The paragraph below contains 12 punctuation errors. Can you find them all?

Example
To begin with, teaching children a foreign language in primary school does have some
drawbacks; namely, the shorter availability of time for other subjects and the delayed
development of the child’s first language. Learning another language can take away some
time from other subjects, such as math and science, which are vital for higher education.
Additionally, children may mix up the linguistic structures from the various languages,
resulting in a possible delay in the development of their native language. However, these
drawbacks are temporary and outweighed by the benefits that can be reaped from this
arrangement.

115
Writing Numbers
Grammatical Range & Accuracy

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Writing Numbers
10 & Below 10 & Above Decimals
Spell out numbers between 0-9. Write numbers that are 10 & Write decimals in numerals.
Note that when numbers are in above in numerals (unless they Avoid starting your sentences
a list it is best to spell them out. are at the start of a sentence) with decimals

Correct: It was found that four Middle of sentence: Residents Incorrect: There was zero point
out of 10 students failed. aged 60 and above should eighty six inches of rain this
receive free medical insurance. month.
Incorrect: She has four sisters
aged six, eight, 13, and 17. Beginning of sentence: Seventy Correct: There was 0.86 inches
children came to the class trip of rain this month.
Correct: She has four sisters this year, but last year there
aged 6, 8, 13, and 17. were 90.

117
Writing Numbers
Dates Fractions Percentages
Dates are written in numerals. Always spell out simple Percentages should be written
Do not use ordinal numbers (i.e. fractions (use hyphens) in numerals (unless they appear
1st, 2nd, 3rd with full dates). at the beginning of a sentence)

Incorrect: School begins on Incorrect: About 1/3 of the Middle of sentence: According to
September 2nd, 2019. science class comes from Japan. the latest research, 63% of
professors live in the city.
Correct: School begins on Correct: About one-third of the
September 2, 2019. science class comes from Japan. Beginning of sentence: Eighty
and one-half percent of
students drive to school.

Whenever you are in doubt, it’s usually best to spell out the number in words
118
Lexical Resource
(Vocabulary)
The fourth ingredient in Writing Task 2

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Get Our List of 500+ IELTS Vocab Words

We have created an interactive list of IELTS vocabulary words for you on Quizlet.
Click here to get the interactive version: https://quizlet.com/class/8957279/

If you want to download the


PDF version of our vocab
list, then click here:
https://bit.ly/2UnpSGw

120
Basics

According to the Band Descriptors, to achieve band 7 or higher, you must:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary (i.e. synonyms and paraphrasing) to convey


precise meaning
2. Use less common vocabulary and phrases (including collocations)
3. Show that you know how to correctly fit words and phrases together
4. Make very few mistakes with spelling or word formation

121
Useful Phrases
Lexical Resource: Writing Task 2

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Phrases for... Also act as Cohesive Devices

Personal Opinion Strong Opinion Expressing Time


In my opinion/view/experience, I wholeheartedly believe... Then/Now
My opinion is that… I am strongly for/against... At the moment
I am of the opinion that... Under no circumstances should... At present
Personally speaking, On no account should... Right now
From my point of view, I am a vehement/ardent/staunch These days
As far as I am concerned, supporter of... Nowadays
From my perspective, It can hardly be denied that... In the past/future
It seems to me that... I strongly opine that... At that time
My own view on the matter is... I strongly agree/disagree with Years ago
I feel/think/believe that... the idea that... Before/After
I tend to believe that... About a year ago
My personal view is that... Back in 2016
It seems to me that...
I would argue that...
123
Phrases for...
Agreement Disagreement Impersonal Argument
I quite agree that... I disagree with the opinion that... There are those who say that...
I strongly agree... I strongly disagree... It is often said that...
I totally/completely agree with I totally/completely disagree Many commentators are of the
the given idea that..... with the given idea that... view that...
I agree with the opinion that... I disagree with the statement... A common opinion is that...
I am quite inclined to the opinion I quite oppose the opinion that... A popular belief is that...
that... I disapprove that... It is often said that...
I could not agree more... My own opinion contradicts... One argument put forward is
I concur with the view that... However, my opinion is that...
I approve the idea..... different… It can be argued that...
I am in agreement..... My opinion differs in that... It is generally accepted that...
I consent that..... Some people argue that...
124
Next stop is…
Lexical Resource: Topic
Related Vocabulary

125
Topic Related
Vocabulary
Lexical Resource: Writing Task 2

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Use Topic-Related Vocabulary
Read the two sentences below and decide which sounds better:

Universities are great places for people to get an education, thanks to the knowledge of
their staff, well-designed agenda and spaces for studying different things.

Uses such general vocabulary that it


can be used for other topics!

Universities are great places for students to pursue higher education, thanks to the
knowledge of their faculty, well-designed course curriculums and research facilities for
varied disciplines.
Both sentences are saying the same thing, but this second sentence uses
topic-related vocabulary, which can only be used for discussing universities

127
Use Topic-Related Vocabulary
Read the two sentences below and decide which sounds better:

Museums are great places for people to get an education, thanks to the knowledge of their
staff, well-designed agenda and spaces for studying different things.

For example, if we replace ‘universities’ with


‘museums,’ the sentence still makes sense.

Universities are great places for students to pursue higher education, thanks to the
knowledge of their faculty, well-designed course curriculums and research facilities for
varied disciplines.

Limit the use of general vocabulary which can be used for other subjects. Instead, throw in
some topic-related vocabulary to show off your English (without overusing it).
128
Use Topic-Related Vocabulary Create vocabulary lists for
common topics

Health Education Environment Society

Obesity (n.) Kindergarten (n.) Global warming (n.p) Cultural values (n.p)
Eating Disorder (n.p) Post-graduate (n.p) To dump waste (coll.) Perceptions (n.)
To be on a diet (coll.) Syllabus (n.) Pollution (n.) Conformity (n.)
Overweight (adj.) Curriculum (n.) Clean energy (n.p) Ethnocentrism (n.)
Overeating (n.) Research facility (n.p) Burn fossil fuels (coll.) Segregation (n.)
Prescribe (v.) Diploma (n.) Natural resources (n.p) Diversity (n.)
Medical (adj.) Faculty (n.) Rainforests (n.) Ethnicity (n.)
Wellness (n.) Dissertation (n.) Deforestation (n.) Interdependence (n.)
Depression (n.) Scholarship (n.) Ecosystem (n.) Globalization (n.)
Nutrition (n.) Distance learning (n.p) Species (n.) Cultural heritage (n.p)
Dehydration (n.) Higher education (n.p) Biodiversity (n.) Etiquette (n.)
Sleep deprivation (n.p) Literacy/Illiteracy (n.) Habitat (n.) Residents (n.)

n. (noun) adj. (adjective) v. (verb) n.p. (noun phrase) coll. (collocation) 129
Use Topic-Related Vocabulary
Below is a list of the 20 most common topics that often appear on IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should practice the topic-related vocabulary for each of these 20 topics:

1. Health 11. Business & Money


2. Education 12. Communication & Personality
3. Environment 13. Media & Advertising
4. Society 14. Food & Diet
5. Globalization 15. Work
6. Public Transport 16. Sports & Exercise
7. Crime & Punishment 17. Tourism
8. Family & Children 18. Art
9. Technology 19. Language
10. Government Spending 20. Housing
130
Next stop is…

Lexical Resource:
Collocations

131
Collocations
Lexical Resource: Writing Task 2

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Use Collocations
A collocation is a set of 2 or more words that are commonly used together.
These “chunks” of words express a particular meaning and are important because
they make language more fluent and natural. For example, compare:
a. “The best way to get knowledge is through education.”
b. “The best way to gain knowledge is through education.”

The wrong version will immediately jump out to native speakers and show your
weak English.
Let’s look at some examples...

133
Use Collocations
Verb-Noun Collocations
1. There are some people who have a raised a question.
2. The government is giving priority to the issue of water quality in cities.

Verb-Adverb Collocations
1. Many customers have complained bitterly about the terrible service.
2. She apologised profusely after bumping into her boss and spilling his drink.

Adjective-Noun collocations
1. Due to the heavy snow overnight, all roads were blocked.
2. There is a strong possibility that ocean levels will rise due to climate change.
134
Use Collocations
Adverb-Adjective Collocations
1. I was utterly shocked by her bad behaviour.
2. It is incredibly stupid to drink and drive.

Noun-Noun Collocations
1. She got a round of applause after her performance.
2. It can be challenging to work in the service industry for several reasons.

Collocations with ‘Have’ or ‘Take’


1. I had a bath, but she took a shower before we both went out to have lunch.
2. If you’re having a tough time, you should take a rest.
135
How to Learn Collocations?
When you learn a new word, you should also learn what words are commonly used in
combination with it. For example, let’s say you are learning the word “have.”

have lunch have a good time Don’t learn new words in isolation!
Instead, learn them in “chunks.”
have a bath have a relationship
have a rest have a holiday
have a meeting have sympathy For example, instead of learning “have” and
“problem” separately, it’s much better to
have a haircut have a problem learn them as a ‘set’ - ‘have a problem.’
have a drink

As you can see, collocations can come in countless varieties. Therefore, the best way to
learn them is to immerse yourself in English by reading books, listening to audiobooks and
conversing with native speakers.
136
Next stop is…

Lexical Resource:
Word Formation

137
Word Formation
Lexical Resource: Writing Task 2

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Word Formation
Word formation is the modification of root words with suffixes, prefixes and compounds

Suffixes Prefixes Compounds


A suffix is a letter or a group of A prefix is a group of letters Compounding is the linking of
letters added to the end of a added to the start of a root two or more base words to
word to change its word class: word to change its meaning: create a new word:

mastery prewar stomach + ache = stomachache


masterful postwar head + ache = headache
masterfully prowar back + ache = backache
mastership antiwar neck + ache = neckache

Let’s explore each of these modification in more detail…


139
Suffixes
A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a root word to change its word class

Noun Verb Adjective Adverb


beauty beautify beautiful beautifully
creation create creative creatively
access access accessible X
weakness weaken weak weakly

Root words cannot be Some root words have By adding a suffix to Not every word can be
broken down further suffixes; others don’t the root word, we can changed into every
change its word class word class

Example: Drinking alcohol makes the body weaker. → Drinking alcohol weakens the body.
140
How to Form Nouns

Nouns (Suffix) Examples


-age baggage, village, postage
-al arrival, burial, deferral
-ance/-ence reliance, defence, insistence
-dom boredom, freedom, kingdom
-ee employee, payee, trainee
-er/-or driver, writer, director
-hood brotherhood, childhood, neighbourhood
-ism capitalism, socialism, terrorism
-ist capitalist, socialist, terrorist
-ity/-ty brutality, equality, cruelty
-ment amazement, disappointment, parliament
-ness happiness, kindness, usefulness
-ry entry, ministry, robbery
-ship friendship, membership, workmanship
-sion/-tion/-xion expression, population, complexion 141
How to Form Adjectives

Adjectives (Suffix) Examples


-able/-ible drinkable, portable, flexible
-al brutal, formal, postal
-en broken, golden, wooden
-ed inflated, complicated, situated
-ese Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese
-ful forgetful, helpful, useful
-i Iraqi, Pakistani, Yemeni
-ic classic, Islamic, poetic
-ish British, childish, Spanish
-ive active, passive, productive
-ian Canadian, Malaysian, Peruvian
-less homeless, hopeless, useless
-ly daily, monthly, yearly
-ous cautious, famous, nervous
142
-y cloudy, rainy, windy
How to Form Verbs & Adverbs

Verbs (Suffix) Examples


-ate complicate, dominate, irritate

-en harden, soften, shorten

-ify beautify, clarify, identify

-ise/-ize economise, realise, industrialize

Note that ‘-ise’ is used in British English, whereas ‘-ize’ is used in American English.
Both spellings are accepted on the IELTS exam.

Adverbs (Suffix) Examples


-ly calmly, easily, quickly

-ward(s) downwards, homeward(s), upwards

-wise anti-clockwise, clockwise, edgewise 143


Prefixes
A prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning

Root word en- de- re- un- dis-


code encode decode recode X X
able enable X X unable disable
list enlist X relist unlist X
repeat X X X X X

Some root words contain By adding a prefix to the root Not every prefix can be
prefixes; others don’t. word, you change its meaning applied to every word

Example: I do not agree with this view. → I disagree with this view.
144
How to Make New Words

Prefix Meaning Examples


ab- away, from abnormal, absent, abduct
anti- against/opposed to anti-government, anti-racist, anti-war
auto- self autobiography, automobile
bi- two bicycle, binoculars, bilateral
co- with co-worker, co-pilot, cooperation
de- reverse or change de-classify, detour, demotivate
dis- reverse or remove disagree, displeasure, disqualify
down- reduce or lower downgrade, downhearted
em-, en- cause to, put into embrace, encode, embed, enclose, engulf
ex- former, out of ex-president, ex-boyfriend, exterminate
extra- beyond extraordinary, extraterrestrial
fore- before forecast, foresee, forehead, foremost
homo- same homosexual, homogenous
hyper- extreme, over, above hyperactive, hypertension 145
How to Make New Words

Prefix Meaning Examples


im-, in- into insert, import, inside
il-, im-, in-, ir- not illegal, impossible, insecure, irregular
inter- between interactive, international
macro- large macroeconomics, macromolecule
mega- very big, important megabyte, mega-deal, megaton
micro- small microscope, microbiology, microwave
mid- middle midday, midnight, mid-October
mis- incorrectly, badly misaligned, mislead, misspelt
mono- one, singular monotone, monolithic
non- not non-payment, non-smoking
omni- all, every omnibus, omnivore, omnipotent
over- too much overcook, overcharge, overrate
out- go beyond outdo, out-perform, outrun
post- after post-election, post-war 146
How to Make New Words

Prefix Meaning Examples


pre- before prehistoric, pre-war
pro- in favour of pro-communist, pro-democracy
re- again reconsider, redo, rewrite
semi- half semicircle, semi-retired
sub- under, below submarine, sub-Saharan
super- above, beyond super-hero, supermodel
tele- at a distance television, telepathic
therm- heat thermometer, thermostat, thermodynamic
trans- across transatlantic, transfer, transport
tri- three triangle, tripod, tricycle
ultra- extremely ultra-compact, ultrasound
un- remove, reverse, not undo, unpack, unhappy
under- less than, beneath undercook, underestimate
up- make or move higher upgrade, uphill
147
Compounds
Compounding is the linking of two or more base words to create a new word:

tooth + brush = toothbrush eco + friendly = eco-friendly

Nouns: car park, soap opera


There are no specific rules about when
Adjectives: environmentally-friendly, fat-free to use hyphens in words. But you can
consult a dictionary if you’re unsure.
Verbs: daydream, dry-clean
Adverbs: nevertheless, nowadays
Pronouns: anyone, everything, nobody
Numerals: twenty-seven, three-quarters
Prepositions: into, onto
Conjunctions: although, however
148
Next stop is…

Part 2: The Recipe

149
Part 2: Recipe
Basic Strategy for Writing Task 2

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How to approach Writing Task 2…

Understand Identify Outline Write Essay Check Work


Read the question Figure out the Outline the main Use the outline Check your work
and underline question type to ideas & supporting and template to to correct mistakes
keywords to ensure use the correct details of the body construct your if you have
you understand it strategy paragraphs essay leftover time 151
Template #1

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into paragraph (optional)

1 State main idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into conclusion (optional)

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
152
Template #2

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 State main idea #2


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
153
Structure of The Essay
General

Give general statement


Introduction
1

2 Paraphrase question statement


3 State thesis (essay overview)/opinion

1 State main idea Per body para


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraphs 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into next body paragraph

Conclusion 1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


2 Give suggestion or recommendation
Specific

You must refine your ideas and go from general to specific


154
Next stop is…

Recipe: How to Create


Outlines

155
How to Create
Outlines
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Basics

● Spend about 3-5 minutes on creating an outline


● Only create outline for body paragraphs - main ideas and supporting details
● Do not outline introduction & conclusion, since we have templates for those
● Outline will save you time, keep your writing focused, organize thoughts,
reduce anxiety and boost your score
● Coherence and Task Completion form 50% of your score, so always outline!

157
Template #1 Format of Outline

1 State main idea #1 I. Main Idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
1) Supporting Detail #1
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2 2) Supporting Detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

1 State main idea #2 II. Main Idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
1) Supporting Detail #1
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2 2) Supporting Detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

158
Agree/Disagree Outline - Template #1

Position/Opinion: Strongly agree that


Some people believe that unpaid
community service should be compulsory
community service should be
compulsory part of high school I. Builds character
programmes (for example working for 1. Adds new perspective
a charity, improving the 2. Builds work ethic
neighborhood or teaching sports to
II. Improves community
younger children).
1. Creates unity
To what extent do you agree or 2. Can inspire solutions to problems
disagree?

Choose ONE side only! You can partly agree, but


it’s easier to just simplify it and pick one side
159
Template #2 Format of Outline

1 State main idea #1 I. Main Idea #1


2 Give supporting detail 1) Supporting Detail
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain more/give example
4 Explain more or transition ⤷ Explain/Example

1 State main idea #2 II. Main Idea #2


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain more/give example 1) Supporting Detail
4 Explain more or transition ⤷ Explain/Example

160
Advantage/Disadvantage Outline - Template #2

Position: Yes, advantages outweigh


Some experts believe that it is better disadvantages
for children to begin learning a
foreign language at primary school I. Dis.
1. Underperformance in math, science
rather than secondary school.
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security
Do the advantages of this outweigh
II. Adv.
the disadvantages?
1. Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important
Choose ONE side only!
The answer is either “yes” or “no” Pro tip: Write the paragraph you disagree with
first, so that you can refute it in the next
paragraph - this will make your essay flow better

161
Problem/Solution Outline - Template #1

Opinion: The problem/solution for


In some countries the average weight declining health are…
of people is increasing and their levels
of health and fitness are decreasing. I. Causes of the problem
1. Lack of time
What do you think are the causes of 2. Lack of money
these problems and what measure
could be taken to solve them? II. Solutions → Government initiative
1. National campaigns
2. Subsidies

Pro tip: Write the paragraph about


causes/problems first, so that you can address
how to solve them in the next paragraph
162
Discuss/Opinion Outline - Template #2

Position/Opinion: Gyms are not the best


Some people say that the best way to way to improve health
improve public health is by increasing
the number of sports facilities. I. Benefits of more gyms
1. Easier accessibility
Others, however, say that this would
⤷ → increased motivation
have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required. II. Other measures are needed
1. Gov. initiatives
Discuss both these views and give ⤷ → education + help poor areas
your own opinion.
Your opinion will go in this paragraph

You must discuss both sides. You Pro tip: Write the paragraph you disagree with
cannot pick just one side! first, so that you can refute it in the next
paragraph - this will make your essay flow better
163
Opinion Outline - Template #1

Opinion: Strongly believe that recycling


Some people claim that not enough of laws are paramount
the waste from homes is recycled.
They say that the only way to I. Many ignore recycling
increase recycling is for governments 1. People will take recycling seriously
to make it a legal requirement. 2. Law → build good habits

To what extent do you think laws are II. Critical for improving planet’s health
needed to make people recycle more 1. ↓ Env. pollution
2. Conserves natural resources
of their waste?

164
Two Parts Outline - Template #2

Position: Technology has had a positive


Nowadays, the way many people impact on our relationships
interact with each other has changed
because of technology. I. How technology shapes relationships
1. Form new relationships
In what ways has technology affected ⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating
the types of relationships people app
make?
II. Pos. dev.
Has this become a positive or negative 1. Phones, email → brings us closer
development? ⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings

Choose ONE side only!


This is not a “discuss both sides” question
165
Next stop is…

How to Come up with


Ideas

166
“I don’t know how to
come up with ideas”
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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3 Questions for Generating Ideas
It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is
necessary to help them learn this distinction. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Position: Punishment does not teach children right from wrong.

1 Why? (support) 2 Alternative? (example) 3 What if (not)? (scenario)

Example: Infants will not Example: Instead of harshly Example: If a child is punished,
understand what is happening punishing negative behavior, it will teach the child that it is
or why he or she is being children should be rewarded acceptable for larger people to
punished, because their brains for good behavior for positive hit smaller ones, which may
are underdeveloped. reinforcement. This kind of result in the child starting to
approach is more effective. bully others.

Use these 3 questions to outline your main ideas and supporting details
168
3 Questions for Generating Ideas
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however,
believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Position: Child’s education is not the responsibility of the parents alone.

1 Why? (support) 2 Alternative? (example) 3 What if (not)? (scenario)

Example: Once a child goes to Example: At school, children Example: If a child’s education
school, they are entering a will experience working with becomes the responsibility of
wider community where people from various parents alone, then children
teachers and peers will have backgrounds. This experience will miss out on the
just as much influence as their should teach them how to be opportunity to learn valuable
parents do at home. good members of society. lessons from others.

Use these 3 questions to outline your main ideas and supporting details
169
Next stop is…

How to Write
Introductions

170
How to Write
Introductions
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Basics

● Spend about 5 minutes on introduction


● Should be 3 sentences (40-50 words)

172
Template

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into paragraph (optional)

1 State main idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into conclusion (optional)

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
173
3 Ways to Write the General Statement
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1 State why the topic is 2 Write about recent 3 Write about the impact of
important development in the topic topic on daily life or society

Example: Every nation needs Example: In the last few years, Example: Volunteer work
citizens who display social numerous approaches to directly benefits the society by
commitment and actively work improve society and reinforce increasing the productivity of
to improve the community for the ties between community its residents and imparting
the welfare of its residents. members have taken root. valuable life skills.
174
Phrases for Starting Introductions
● Many/some people claim/opine/believe that...
● There is no denying/doubt that...
● It is often said that...
● These days.../ Nowadays...
● In this day and age...
● Recently,.../Lately,...
● In the last few years, ...
● It is universally accepted that...
● We live in an age when many of us are...
● People are divided in their opinion regarding...
● .... is one of the most important issues...
● Whether .... or .... is a controversial issue/subject...

175
How to Paraphrase

① Use Synonyms ② Change Word Order

shows Australian people

demonstrates presents People of Australia

176
How to Write the Thesis
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Position/Opinion
+ Main Ideas

I strongly agree with this view, because volunteering not only improves the
community as a whole but also builds valuable character traits.

Note that your position is not required in Problem/Solution questions.


177
Next stop is…

How to Write Introductions


for Agree/Disagree Questions

178
How to Write
Introductions
Agree/Disagree: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Agree/Disagree

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.


180
Agree/Disagree Introduction

Some people believe that unpaid community


Every nation needs citizens who display
service should be compulsory part of high school
social commitment and actively work to
programmes
improve the community for the welfare of
its residents.
Template
1 Give general statement
This general statement tells us
2 Paraphrase question statement why the topic is important
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

181
Agree/Disagree Introduction

Some people believe that unpaid community


Every nation needs citizens who display
service should be compulsory part of high school
social commitment and actively work to
programmes
improve the community for the welfare of
its residents. Since students are the
Template nation’s future, some people have argued
1 Give general statement that volunteer work should be a
2 Paraphrase question statement
mandatory part of the school curriculum.
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

Paraphrase

182
Agree/Disagree Introduction

Some people believe that unpaid community


Every nation needs citizens who display
service should be compulsory part of high school
social commitment and actively work to
programmes
improve the community for the welfare of
its residents. Since students are the
Template nation’s future, some people have argued
1 Give general statement that volunteer work should be a mandatory
2 Paraphrase question statement
part of the school curriculum. I strongly
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
agree with this view, because volunteering
Outline not only improves the community as a
I. Builds character
whole but also builds valuable character
1) Adds new perspective traits.
2) Builds work ethic
Position Main Ideas
II. Improves community
1) Creates unity
2) Can inspire solutions to problems
183
Agree/Disagree Introduction

Some people believe that unpaid community


Every nation needs citizens who display
service should be compulsory part of high school
social commitment and actively work to
programmes
improve the community for the welfare of
its residents. Since students are the
Template nation’s future, some people have argued
1 Give general statement that volunteer work should be a mandatory
2 Paraphrase question statement
part of the school curriculum. I strongly
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
agree with this view, because volunteering
Outline not only improves the community as a
I. Builds character
whole but also builds valuable character
1) Adds new perspective traits.
2) Builds work ethic
II. Improves community
1) Creates unity
2) Can inspire solutions to problems
184
Next stop is…

How to Write
Introductions for
Advantage/Disadvantage
Questions

185
How to Write
Introductions
Advantage/Disadvantage: Recipe for Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Advantage/Disadvantage

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

187
Advantage/Disadvantage Introduction

Some experts believe that it is better for children


A growing number of parents are enrolling
to begin learning a foreign language at primary
their children in foreign language classes
school rather than secondary school.
for well-rounded linguistic development.

Template
This general statement
1 Give general statement tells us about a recent
2 Paraphrase question statement development in the topic
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

188
Advantage/Disadvantage Introduction

Some experts believe that it is better for children


A growing number of parents are enrolling
to begin learning a foreign language at primary
their children in foreign language classes
school rather than secondary school.
for well-rounded linguistic development.
In this regard, some educators propose
Template that primary school is the best place for
1 Give general statement learning another language instead of
2 Paraphrase question statement
secondary school.
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

Paraphrase

189
Advantage/Disadvantage Introduction

Some experts believe that it is better for children


A growing number of parents are enrolling
to begin learning a foreign language at primary
their children in foreign language classes
school rather than secondary school.
for well-rounded linguistic development.
In this regard, some educators propose
Template that primary school is the best place for
1 Give general statement learning another language instead of
2 Paraphrase question statement
secondary school. This essay will explore
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
both, the advantages and disadvantages of
Outline this proposal, and demonstrate why its
I. Dis.
proponents are correct.
1) Underperformance in math, science
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security Position Main Ideas
II. Adv.
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important
190
Advantage/Disadvantage Introduction

Some experts believe that it is better for children


A growing number of parents are enrolling
to begin learning a foreign language at primary
their children in foreign language classes
school rather than secondary school.
for well-rounded linguistic development.
In this regard, some educators propose
Template that primary school is the best place for
1 Give general statement learning another language instead of
2 Paraphrase question statement
secondary school. This essay will explore
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
both, the advantages and disadvantages of
Outline this proposal, and demonstrate why its
I. Dis.
proponents are correct.
1) Underperformance in math, science
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security
II. Adv.
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important
191
Next stop is…

How to Write Introductions for


Problem/Solution Questions

192
How to Write
Introductions
Problem/Solution: Recipe for Writing Task 2

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Problem/Solution

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measure could be taken to
solve them?

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

Write at least 250 words.

194
Problem/Solution Introduction

In some countries the average weight of people


Maintaining optimal health is crucial for
is increasing and their levels of health and
living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding
fitness are decreasing.
diseases and disorders.

Template
1 Give general statement This general statement tells us
2 Paraphrase question statement why the topic is important
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

195
Problem/Solution Introduction

In some countries the average weight of people


Maintaining optimal health is crucial for
is increasing and their levels of health and
living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding
fitness are decreasing.
diseases and disorders. Unfortunately,
some nations are now witnessing an
Template increase in the average weight of their
1 Give general statement population and a decline in their health
2 Paraphrase question statement
and well-being.
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

Paraphrase

196
Problem/Solution Introduction

In some countries the average weight of people


Maintaining optimal health is crucial for
is increasing and their levels of health and
living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding
fitness are decreasing.
diseases and disorders. Unfortunately,
some nations are now witnessing an
Template increase in the average weight of their
1 Give general statement population and a decline in their health and
2 Paraphrase question statement
well-being. This essay will highlight the
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
principal causes of these issues and
Outline possible solutions to resolve them.
I. Causes of the problem
1) Lack of time
2) Lack of money Main Ideas
II. Solutions → Government initiative
1) National campaigns Note that your position is not required in
2) Subsidies Problem/Solution questions.
197
Problem/Solution Introduction

In some countries the average weight of people


Maintaining optimal health is crucial for
is increasing and their levels of health and
living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding
fitness are decreasing.
diseases and disorders. Unfortunately,
some nations are now witnessing an
Template increase in the average weight of their
1 Give general statement population and a decline in their health and
2 Paraphrase question statement
well-being. This essay will highlight the
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
principal causes of these issues and
Outline possible solutions to resolve them.
I. Causes of the problem
1) Lack of time
2) Lack of money
II. Solutions → Government initiative
1) National campaigns
2) Subsidies
198
Next stop is…

How to Write Introductions for


Discuss/Opinion Questions

199
How to Write
Introductions
Discuss/Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Discuss/Opinion

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

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.

201
Discuss/Opinion Introduction

Some people say that the best way to improve


public health is by increasing the number of In many nations, the average weight of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this people is increasing, and their level of
would have little effect on public health and well-being is declining.
that other measures are required.
This general statement
Template tells us about a recent
1 Give general statement development in the topic
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

202
Discuss/Opinion Introduction

Some people say that the best way to improve


public health is by increasing the number of In many nations, the average weight of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this people is increasing, and their level of
would have little effect on public health and well-being is declining. In this regard, it is
that other measures are required. proposed that expanding the number of
gyms is the most effective way to boost
Template
the health of the general public, although
1 Give general statement
many disagree and contend that other
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
measures are needed.

203
Discuss/Opinion Introduction

Some people say that the best way to improve


public health is by increasing the number of In many nations, the average weight of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this people is increasing, and their level of
would have little effect on public health and well-being is declining. In this regard, it is
that other measures are required. proposed that expanding the number of
gyms is the most effective way to boost the
Template
health of the general public, although many
1 Give general statement
disagree and contend that other measures
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
are needed. In my opinion, the proposal of
expanding the number of gyms is an
Outline insufficient measure; however, this essay
I. Benefits of more gyms will explore both aspects of this discussion.
1) Easier accessibility
⤷ → increased motivation
Position Main Ideas
II. Other measures are needed
1) Gov. initiatives
⤷ → education + help poor areas 204
Discuss/Opinion Introduction

Some people say that the best way to improve


public health is by increasing the number of In many nations, the average weight of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this people is increasing, and their level of
would have little effect on public health and well-being is declining. In this regard, it is
that other measures are required. proposed that expanding the number of
gyms is the most effective way to boost the
Template
health of the general public, although many
1 Give general statement
disagree and contend that other measures
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
are needed. In my opinion, the proposal of
expanding the number of gyms is an
Outline insufficient measure; however, this essay
I. Benefits of more gyms will explore both aspects of this discussion.
1) Easier accessibility
⤷ → increased motivation
II. Other measures are needed
1) Gov. initiatives
⤷ → education + help poor areas 205
Next stop is…

How to Write
Introductions for
Opinion Questions

206
How to Write
Introductions
Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

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Opinion

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

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

Write at least 250 words.

208
Opinion Introduction

Some people claim that not enough of the waste


The growing pollution and the resulting
from homes is recycled. They say that the only
environmental concerns have stirred a
way to increase recycling is for governments to
make it a legal requirement.
crucial debate.

Template This general statement


tells us about a recent
1 Give general statement
development in the topic
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

209
Opinion Introduction

Some people claim that not enough of the waste


The growing pollution and the resulting
from homes is recycled. They say that the only
environmental concerns have stirred a
way to increase recycling is for governments to
make it a legal requirement.
crucial debate. Some environmentalists
claim that due to public's negligence
Template towards proper waste disposal, recycling
should be legally enforced.
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

210
Opinion Introduction

Some people claim that not enough of the waste


The growing pollution and the resulting
from homes is recycled. They say that the only
environmental concerns have stirred a
way to increase recycling is for governments to
make it a legal requirement.
crucial debate. Some environmentalists
claim that due to public's negligence
Template towards proper waste disposal, recycling
should be legally enforced. I strongly agree
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement with this proposal, since a legal mandate
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) will compel citizens to take recycling more
seriously and result in the recovery of our
Outline planet’s health.
I. Many ignore recycling
1) People will take recycling seriously
Position Main Ideas
2) Law → build good habits
II. Critical for improving planet’s health
1) ↓ Env. pollution
2) Conserves natural resources 211
Opinion Introduction

Some people claim that not enough of the waste


The growing pollution and the resulting
from homes is recycled. They say that the only
environmental concerns have stirred a
way to increase recycling is for governments to
make it a legal requirement.
crucial debate. Some environmentalists
claim that due to public's negligence
Template towards proper waste disposal, recycling
should be legally enforced. I strongly agree
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement with this proposal, since a legal mandate
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) will compel citizens to take recycling more
seriously and result in the recovery of our
Outline planet’s health.
I. Many ignore recycling
1) People will take recycling seriously
2) Law → build good habits
II. Critical for improving planet’s health
1) ↓ Env. pollution
2) Conserves natural resources 212
Next stop is…

How to Write
Introductions for
Two-Parts Questions

213
How to Write
Introductions
Two Parts: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Two Parts

WRITING TASK 2
Question Statement
Write about the following topic:

Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

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

Write at least 250 words.


215
Two Parts Introduction

Nowadays, the way many people interact with There is no doubt that technology has had
each other has changed because of technology.
a significant bearing on all facets of our life,
including work, education, and
Template communication.
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement This general statement tells us
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) about the impact that this
topic has had on society

216
Two Parts Introduction

Nowadays, the way many people interact with There is no doubt that technology has had
each other has changed because of technology.
a significant bearing on all facets of our life,
including work, education, and
Template communication. This impact is particularly
1 Give general statement noticeable in modern-day relationships,
2 Paraphrase question statement which have been remarkably enhanced
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) through telephones, video-conferencing,
emails, and social media platforms.

217
Two Parts Introduction

Nowadays, the way many people interact with There is no doubt that technology has had
each other has changed because of technology.
a significant bearing on all facets of our life,
including work, education, and
Template communication. This impact is particularly
1 Give general statement noticeable in modern-day relationships,
2 Paraphrase question statement which have been remarkably enhanced
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) through telephones, video-conferencing,
emails, and social media platforms. This
Outline essay will explore how technology has
I. How technology shapes relationships
impacted our relationships and why this
1) Form new relationships has been a positive development.
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app
II. Pos. dev. Main ideas Position
1) Phones, email → brings us closer
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings
218
Two Parts Introduction

Nowadays, the way many people interact with There is no doubt that technology has had
each other has changed because of technology.
a significant bearing on all facets of our life,
including work, education, and
Template communication. This impact is particularly
1 Give general statement noticeable in modern-day relationships,
2 Paraphrase question statement which have been remarkably enhanced
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) through telephones, video-conferencing,
emails, and social media platforms. This
Outline essay will explore how technology has
I. How technology shapes relationships
impacted our relationships and why this
1) Form new relationships has been a positive development.
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app
II. Pos. dev.
1) Phones, email → brings us closer
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings
219
Next stop is…

How to Write Body


Paragraphs

220
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

● Spend about 10 minutes on each body paragraph

● Each body paragraph should be 4-5 sentences (90-100 words)

● Body paragraphs are the most important part of the essay

● Template #1 and Template #2 are both used in the examples that follow to
give you a better understanding of both methods

222
Specific General

Explain Supporting Detail #1


Main Idea #1

Explain Supporting Detail #2


Essay
Structure of a Body Paragraph

Explain Supporting Detail #1


Main Idea #2

Explain Supporting Detail #2


223
Template #1

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into paragraph (optional)

1 State main idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into conclusion (optional)

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
224
Template #2

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 State main idea #2


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
225
Phrases for Starting Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2

First and foremost,... Second(ly),...(not 'Second of all')


In essence, Then.../Next,.../After that...
It is true that.../ Besides,...
Though it is true that... Likewise,...
To begin/start with,... In addition,.../Additionally,...
In regards to.../Regarding... Consequently,...
It is worth considering… What is more is that…
Initially,.../In the first place,... Furthermore,... /Moreover,...
Some people believe/think that... Other people think/believe that...
According to many... On the other hand...
Many support the view that... Apart from that...
On the one hand,… Finally,…/Lastly,...
Without a doubt,.../Undoubtedly,... Last but not the least…
First,.../First of all,.../Firstly,... The proponents/opponents of this proposal...
226
How to Explain Supporting Details
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same
products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Outline Template #1
I. Loss of cultural diversity 1 State main idea #1
1) Cultural artifacts will lose their value 2 Give 2 supporting details
2) It will prevent cultural learning 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
II. Loss of jobs for local people 5 Transition into next para (optional)
1) Decline in sales of local products
2) Decline in tourism
227
How to Explain Supporting Details
1 Why/Why not? 2 Example 3 Personal Experience
Example: A country's history, Example: An illustration of this Example: For instance, I once
language, and ethos are all so loss of heritage is visible in travelled to South Africa and
inextricably bound up in its India, where local citizens found that local artifacts were
manufactured artifacts that have replaced traditional near impossible to locate and I
buying a cultural item attires with western clothing, was instead forced to
non-locally would be devoid of like jeans, jackets, and t-shirts. purchase a generic souvenir
richness and meaning. devoid of cultural richness.

4 Research 5 Elaboration 6 Question


Example: As cross-cultural Example: Globalization Example: What would a
studies have shown that many undermines a nation of its Japanese tea ceremony be
countries are steadily losing history, traditions, cultural without its specially crafted
their traditions and languages, richness and meaning by teapot, or a Fijian kava ritual
the role of cultural artifacts in stripping it of its cultural without its bowl made from a
preserving local heritage is artifacts. certain type of tree bark?
more important than ever.
228
How to Explain Supporting Details
7 Trend Over Time 8 Speculation/Prediction 9 Comparison
Example: For instance, Example: International brands Example: The loss of cultural
anthropologists have found that may introduce more artefacts is visible in India
consumers’ interest in local technologically advanced where the younger generation
artifacts has plummeted in Asia versions of products that may has replaced traditional attires
over the last 50 years and has make local items obsolete and with western clothing. In
reached an all-time low over the undesirable, thereby leading contrast, Fiji is an island where
past year. to a possible discontinuation natives still wear traditional
of the use of cultural artifacts. skirts, gowns and other
10 Scenario/Consequence garments due to a lack of
globalization.
Example: If the relentless
advance of international brands
into every corner of the world
continues, generic packages Note that all these methods for explaining the
might one day completely oust supporting details can overlap with each other and
the traditional objects of a appear as a combination
nation.
229
Transitions
● You only need one transition between two paragraphs
Transition
● A transition can take two forms:
Paragraph
○ End a paragraph with a sentence that leads
Paragraph
forward to the next paragraph, or
○ Start the new paragraph in a way that links back
to the previous paragraph

● Transitions are sandwiched between two paragraphs


● Transitions are optional, but sometimes, it is important to use them, especially when
there is a contrast between the two paragraphs:
○ Such as in Advantage/Disadvantage, Problem/Solution, or Discuss Both Sides essays

230
Next stop is…

How to Write Body Paragraphs


for Agree/Disagree Questions

231
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Agree/Disagree: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Agree/Disagree

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.


233
Template #1

Body Paragraph #1 Outline


1 State main idea #1 I. Builds character
2 Give 2 supporting details 1) Adds new perspective
3 Explain detail #1 2) Builds work ethic
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Body Paragraph #2 II. Improves community


1) Creates unity
1 State main idea #2 2) Can inspire solutions to problems
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional) 234
Agree/Disagree Body Para 1

Template #1 First and foremost, community service


develops strong-charactered individuals
1 State main idea #1
2 Give 2 supporting details Main Idea #1
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Builds character
1) Adds new perspective
2) Builds work ethic

235
Agree/Disagree Body Para 1

Template #1 First and foremost, community service


develops strong-charactered individuals by
1 State main idea #1 exposing them to new perspectives and
2 Give 2 supporting details encouraging a healthy work ethic.
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2 2 Supporting Details
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Builds character
1) Adds new perspective
2) Builds work ethic

236
Agree/Disagree Body Para 1

Template #1 First and foremost, community service


develops strong-charactered individuals by
1 State main idea #1 exposing them to new perspectives and
2 Give 2 supporting details encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall
3 Explain detail #1 that when I volunteered to clean up the
4 Explain detail #2 trash in my high school, I gained an
5 Transition (optional) immense appreciation for the arduous
work that janitors went through each day
Outline to keep our school tidy.

I. Builds character Detail #1 is explained with


1) Adds new perspective Personal Experience
2) Builds work ethic

237
Agree/Disagree Body Para 1

Template #1 First and foremost, community service


develops strong-charactered individuals by
1 State main idea #1 exposing them to new perspectives and
2 Give 2 supporting details encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall
3 Explain detail #1 that when I volunteered to clean up the
4 Explain detail #2 trash in my high school, I gained an
5 Transition (optional) immense appreciation for the arduous
work that janitors went through each day
Outline to keep our school tidy. Witnessing such
labor with which society members improve
I. Builds character our society can impart valuable lessons
1) Adds new perspective about hard work, commitment, and
2) Builds work ethic meeting goals and deadlines.
Detail #2 is explained with
Speculation/Consequence 238
Agree/Disagree Body Para 2

Template #1 Moreover, volunteering actively improves


one's community as a whole.
1 State main idea #2
2 Give 2 supporting details Main Idea #2
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Improves community
1) Creates unity
2) Can inspire solutions to problems

239
Agree/Disagree Body Para 2

Template #1 First and foremost, community service


develops strong-charactered individuals. It
1 State main idea #2 serves as a bridge that connects
2 Give 2 supporting details community members with each other and
3 Explain detail #1 can inspire solutions to community
4 Explain detail #2 problems.
5 Transition (optional) 2 Supporting Details

Outline
II. Improves community
1) Creates unity
2) Can inspire solutions to problems

240
Agree/Disagree Body Para 2

Template #1 Moreover, volunteering actively improves


one's community as a whole. It serves as a
1 State main idea #2 bridge that connects community members
2 Give 2 supporting details with each other and can inspire solutions to
3 Explain detail #1 community problems. In my experience,
4 Explain detail #2 the volunteering program at my high school
5 Transition (optional) allowed me to form lifelong friendships
with fellow volunteers, which has
Outline strengthened my relationship with my
neighborhood.
II. Improves community
1) Creates unity Detail #1 is explained with
Personal Experience
2) Can inspire solutions to problems

241
Agree/Disagree Body Para 2

Template #1 Moreover, volunteering actively improves


one's community as a whole. It serves as a
1 State main idea #2 bridge that connects community members
2 Give 2 supporting details with each other and can inspire solutions to
3 Explain detail #1 community problems. In my experience,
4 Explain detail #2 the volunteering program at my high school
5 Transition (optional) allowed me to form lifelong friendships
with fellow volunteers, which has
Detail #2 is explained
Outline strengthened my relationship with my
with Scenario/
Speculation neighborhood. It is also worth noting that
II. Improves community such exposure can put students in touch
1) Creates unity with the obstacles their community faces,
2) Can inspire solutions to problems which can inspire them to choose a
significant line of work that directly
benefits their community. 242
Agree/Disagree: Body Paragraphs

First and foremost, community service develops strong-charactered individuals by exposing


them to new perspectives and encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall that when I
volunteered to clean up the trash in my high school, I gained an immense appreciation for the
arduous work that janitors went through each day to keep our school tidy. Witnessing such
labor with which society members improve our society can impart valuable lessons about
hard work, commitment, and meeting goals and deadlines.

Moreover, volunteering actively improves one's community as a whole. It serves as a bridge


that connects community members with each other and can inspire solutions to community
problems. In my experience, the volunteering program at my high school allowed me to form
lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers, which has strengthened my relationship with my
neighborhood. It is also worth noting that such exposure can put students in touch with the
obstacles their community faces, which can inspire them to choose a significant line of work
that directly benefits their community.
243
Next stop is…

How to Write Body Paragraphs for


Advantage/Disadvantage Questions

244
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Advantage/Disadvantage: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Advantage/Disadvantage

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

246
Template #2

Body Paragraph #1 Outline


1 State main idea #1 I. Dis.
2 Give supporting detail 1) Underperformance in math, science
3 Explain or give example ⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security
4 Explain more or transition

Body Paragraph #2 II. Adv.


1 State main idea #2 1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

247
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 1

In regards to the disadvantages, the main


Template #2 drawback of teaching a foreign language at
primary school is that it may result in
1 State main idea #1
underperformance in other vital subjects.
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example Main Idea #1
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Dis.
1) Underperformance in math, science
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security

248
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 1

In regards to the disadvantages, the main


Template #2 drawback of teaching a foreign language at
primary school is that it may result in
1 State main idea #1
underperformance in other vital subjects.
2 Give supporting detail
Subjects like math, science and computer
3 Explain or give example programming have real world applications,
4 Explain more or transition and allocating time away from these
subjects can lower our children’s
Outline employability in the future.

I. Dis. Supporting detail uses


Scenario and Speculation
1) Underperformance in math, science
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security

249
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 1

In regards to the disadvantages, the main


Template #2 drawback of teaching a foreign language at
primary school is that it may result in
1 State main idea #1
underperformance in other vital subjects.
2 Give supporting detail
Subjects like math, science and computer
3 Explain or give example programming have real world applications,
4 Explain more or transition and allocating time away from these
subjects can lower our children’s
Outline employability in the future. For example,
digitalization is now displacing more and
I. Dis. more jobs with automation, and as a result,
1) Underperformance in math, science many favor scientific subjects over creative
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security ones, in order to ensure their children’s job
security.
Supporting Detail is explained with
Example and Trend Over Time250
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 1

In regards to the disadvantages, the main


Template #2 drawback of teaching a foreign language at
primary school is that it may result in
1 State main idea #1
underperformance in other vital subjects.
2 Give supporting detail
Subjects like math, science and computer
3 Explain or give example programming have real world applications,
4 Explain more or transition and allocating time away from these
subjects can lower our children’s
Outline Transition + Position employability in the future. For example,
digitalization is now displacing more and
I. Dis. more jobs with automation, and as a result,
1) Underperformance in math, science many favor scientific subjects over creative
⤷ Ex. → Digitalization → Job Security ones, in order to ensure their children’s job
security. However, although this is an
understandable concern, this viewpoint
undermines the true value of bilingualism. 251
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 2

Template #2 Knowing a foreign language will result in


significant advantages to the child’s overall
1 State main idea #2 development.
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example Main Idea #2

4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Adv.
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important

252
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 2

Template #2 Knowing a foreign language will result in


significant advantages to the child’s overall
1 State main idea #2 development. One of the biggest benefits
2 Give supporting detail would be that children will learn to
3 Explain or give example appreciate other cultures from an early
4 Explain more or transition age.
Supporting detail is presented
with a general statement
Outline
II. Adv.
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important

253
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 2

Template #2 Knowing a foreign language will result in


significant advantages to the child’s overall
1 State main idea #2 development. One of the biggest benefits
2 Give supporting detail would be that children will learn to
3 Explain or give example appreciate other cultures from an early
4 Explain more or transition age. This is likely to lead to a healthy social
life and improved psychological and
emotional state, which are far more vital
Outline than job security.
II. Adv.
Supporting detail is explained
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life with Prediction/Consequence
⤷ → happier state → more important

254
Advantage/Disadvantage Body Para 2

Template #2 Knowing a foreign language will result in


significant advantages to the child’s overall
1 State main idea #2 development. One of the biggest benefits
2 Give supporting detail would be that children will learn to
3 Explain or give example appreciate other cultures from an early
4 Explain more or transition age. This is likely to lead to a healthy social
life and improved psychological and
emotional state, which are far more vital
Outline than job security. In fact, research proves
II. Adv. that the level of one’s happiness and
his/her income are directly correlated.
1) Cultural edu. → healthy social life
⤷ → happier state → more important
Research does not have to be true. You
just have to make it sound true!
255
Advantage/Disadvantage: Body Paragraphs

In regards to the disadvantages, the main drawback of teaching a foreign language at primary
school is that it may result in underperformance in other vital subjects. Subjects like math,
science and computer programming have real world applications, and allocating time away
from these subjects can lower our children’s employability in the future. For example,
digitalization is now displacing more and more jobs with automation, and as a result, many
favor scientific subjects over creative ones, in order to ensure their children’s job security.
However, although this is an understandable concern, this viewpoint undermines the true
value of bilingualism.

Knowing a foreign language will result in significant advantages to the child’s overall
development. One of the biggest benefits would be that children will learn to appreciate
other cultures from an early age. This is likely to lead to a healthy social life and improved
psychological and emotional state, which are far more vital than job security. In fact, research
proves that the level of one’s happiness and his/her income are directly correlated.
256
Next stop is…

How to Write Body Paragraphs


for Problem/Solution Questions

257
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Problem/Solution: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Problem/Solution

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measure could be taken to
solve them?

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

Write at least 250 words.

259
Template #1

Body Paragraph #1 Outline

1 State main idea #1 I. Causes


2 Give 2 supporting details 1) Lack of time
3 Explain detail #1 2) Lack of money
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Body Paragraph #2 II. Solutions → Government initiative


1) National campaigns
1 State main idea #2
2) Subsidies
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional) 260
Problem/Solution Body Para 1

Template #1 In essence, the principal causes of obesity


are two-fold
1 State main idea #1
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Causes
1) Lack of time
2) Lack of money

261
Problem/Solution Body Para 1

Template #1 In essence, the principal causes of obesity


are two fold - the fast-paced modern
1 State main idea #1
lifestyle and the poor economic condition
2 Give 2 supporting details endured by many.
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Causes
1) Lack of time
2) Lack of money

262
Problem/Solution Body Para 1

Template #1 In essence, the principal causes of obesity


are two fold - the fast-paced modern
1 State main idea #1
lifestyle and the poor economic condition
2 Give 2 supporting details endured by many. Firstly, a typical day of
3 Explain detail #1 average working people is marked by a
4 Explain detail #2 substantial lack of time, which can cause
5 Transition (optional) them to prioritize convenience and ease of
accessibility over health.
Outline
I. Causes Detail #1 is explained with
Scenario/Consequence
1) Lack of time
2) Lack of money

263
Problem/Solution Body Para 1

Template #1 In essence, the principal causes of obesity


are two fold - the fast-paced modern
1 State main idea #1
lifestyle and the poor economic condition
2 Give 2 supporting details endured by many. Firstly, a typical day of
3 Explain detail #1 average working people is marked by a
4 Explain detail #2 substantial lack of time, which can cause
5 Transition (optional) them to prioritize convenience and ease of
accessibility over health. Alternatively,
Outline there are those who are unemployed or
underpaid and are forced to consume
I. Causes
detrimental foods in an attempt to
1) Lack of time conserve their short supply of funds.
2) Lack of money
Detail #2 is explained with
Scenario/Consequence
264
Problem/Solution Body Para 2

Template #1 Despite these challenges, it is possible to


resolve this health crisis
1 State main idea #2
2 Give 2 supporting details
Transition
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Solutions → Government initiative
1) National campaigns
2) Subsidies

265
Problem/Solution Body Para 2

Template #1 Despite these challenges, it is possible to


resolve this health crisis through
1 State main idea #2
educational campaigns and government
2 Give 2 supporting details subsidies.
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Solutions → Government initiative
1) National campaigns
2) Subsidies

266
Problem/Solution Body Para 2

Template #1 Despite these challenges, it is possible to


resolve this health crisis through
1 State main idea #2
educational campaigns and government
2 Give 2 supporting details subsidies. National campaigns, which can
3 Explain detail #1 be promoted through social media and
4 Explain detail #2 street outreach, have the power to
5 Transition (optional) educate people about the importance of
prioritizing their health over convenience
Outline and time-saving.

II. Solutions → Government initiative


Detail #1 is explained
1) National campaigns with Elaboration (impact)
2) Subsidies

267
Problem/Solution Body Para 2

Template #1 Despite these challenges, it is possible to


resolve this health crisis through
1 State main idea #2
educational campaigns and government
2 Give 2 supporting details subsidies. National campaigns, which can
3 Explain detail #1 be promoted through social media and
4 Explain detail #2 street outreach, have the power to educate
5 Transition (optional) people about the importance of prioritizing
their health over convenience and
Outline time-saving. Moreover, if the government
were to subsidize healthy foods, it would
II. Solutions → Government initiative
allow farmers to produce them at a
1) National campaigns cheaper cost and lower the price for
2) Subsidies consumers as a result.

Detail #2 is explained with Scenario/Consequence


268
Problem/Solution: Body Paragraphs

In essence, the principal causes of obesity are two fold - the fast-paced modern lifestyle and
the poor economic condition endured by many. Firstly, a typical day of average working
people is marked by a substantial lack of time, which can cause them to prioritize convenience
and ease of accessibility over health. Alternatively, there are those who are unemployed or
underpaid and are forced to consume detrimental foods in an attempt to conserve their short
supply of funds.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to resolve this health crisis through educational
campaigns and government subsidies. National campaigns, which can be promoted through
social media and street outreach, have the power to educate people about the importance of
prioritizing their health over convenience and time-saving. Moreover, if the government were
to subsidize healthy foods, it would allow farmers to produce them at a cheaper cost and
lower the price for consumers as a result.

269
Next stop is…

How to Write Body Paragraphs


for Discuss/Opinion Questions

270
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Discuss/Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Discuss/Opinion

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

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.

272
Template #2

Body Paragraph #1 Outline


1 State main idea #1 I. Benefits of more gyms
2 Give supporting detail 1) Easier accessibility
3 Explain or give example ⤷ → increased motivation
4 Explain more or transition

Body Paragraph #2 II. Other measures are needed


1 State main idea #2 1) Gov. initiatives
⤷ → education + help poor areas
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

273
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 1

Template #2 It is true that this proposition does offer


some benefits.
1 State main idea #1
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Benefits of more gyms
1) Easier accessibility
⤷ → increased motivation

274
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 1

Template #2 It is true that this proposition does offer


some benefits. For instance, if a sports
1 State main idea #1 facility was established in every zip code of
2 Give supporting detail a city, people would find it quite
3 Explain or give example convenient and time-efficient to commute
4 Explain more or transition to the nearby gym and as a result would be
more likely to work out.

Outline Supporting detail is


explained with Consequence
I. Benefits of more gyms
1) Easier accessibility
⤷ → increased motivation

275
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 1

Template #2 It is true that this proposition does offer


some benefits. For instance, if a sports
1 State main idea #1 facility was established in every zip code of
2 Give supporting detail a city, people would find it quite convenient
3 Explain or give example and time-efficient to commute to the
4 Explain more or transition nearby gym and as a result would be more
likely to work out. Additionally, gym-goers
may come into contact with other
Outline like-minded individuals who share similar
I. Benefits of more gyms health goals, which could result in an
increased motivation to exercise.
1) Easier accessibility
⤷ → increased motivation
Supporting detail is further explained
with Speculation and Consequence

276
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 1

Template #2 It is true that this proposition does offer


some benefits. For instance, if a sports
1 State main idea #1 facility was established in every zip code of
2 Give supporting detail a city, people would find it quite convenient
3 Explain or give example and time-efficient to commute to the
4 Explain more or transition nearby gym and as a result would be more
likely to work out. Additionally, gym-goers
may come into contact with other
Outline Transition + Position
like-minded individuals who share similar
I. Benefits of more gyms health goals, which could result in an
increased motivation to exercise. However,
1) Easier accessibility
despite these benefits, merely increasing
⤷ → increased motivation
the number of gyms is not the ideal
solution.
277
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 2

Template #2 In my view, more effective strategies are


needed to promote public health.
1 State main idea #2
2 Give supporting detail
State your opinion in the body
3 Explain or give example paragraph that you agree with
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Other measures are needed
1) Gov. initiatives
⤷ → education + help poor areas

278
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 2

Template #2 In my view, more effective strategies are


needed to promote public health. The
1 State main idea #2 government should take the initiative to
2 Give supporting detail promote healthy eating, because research
3 Explain or give example has shown that food plays a larger role in
4 Explain more or transition fitness than exercise.

Outline Here, we have presented our Supporting


Detail, and we have backed it up with
II. Other measures are needed scientific research

1) Gov. initiatives
⤷ → education + help poor areas

279
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 2

Template #2 In my view, more effective strategies are


needed to promote public health. The
1 State main idea #2 government should take the initiative to
2 Give supporting detail promote healthy eating, because research
3 Explain or give example has shown that food plays a larger role in
4 Explain more or transition fitness than exercise. National campaigns
should be launched to educate people
about their food choices and economic
Outline stability should be promoted in
II. Other measures are needed underserved communities, since
malnourishment rates tend to be the
1) Gov. initiatives
highest in poor areas.
⤷ → education + help poor areas
Supporting detail is further explained with
examples of how the gov. can help and the
reasons why the govt. should do this.
280
Discuss/Opinion Body Para 2

Template #2 In my view, more effective strategies are


needed to promote public health. The
1 State main idea #2 government should take the initiative to
2 Give supporting detail promote healthy eating, because research
3 Explain or give example has shown that food plays a larger role in
4 Explain more or transition fitness than exercise. National campaigns
should be launched to educate people
about their food choices and economic
Outline stability should be promoted in
II. Other measures are needed underserved communities, since
malnourishment rates tend to be the
1) Gov. initiatives
highest in poor areas. I believe that these
⤷ → education + help poor areas
measures have the potential to have the
most profound impact on public health.
281
Discuss/Opinion: Body Paragraphs

It is true that this proposition does offer some benefits. For instance, if a sports facility was
established in every zip code of a city, people would find it quite convenient and time-efficient
to commute to the nearby gym and as a result would be more likely to work out. Additionally,
gym-goers may come into contact with other like-minded individuals who share similar health
goals, which could result in an increased motivation to exercise. However, despite these
benefits, merely increasing the number of gyms is not the ideal solution.

In my view, more effective strategies are needed to promote public health. The government
should take the initiative to promote healthy eating, because research has shown that food
plays a larger role in fitness than exercise. National campaigns should be launched to educate
people about their food choices and economic stability should be promoted in underserved
communities, since malnourishment rates tend to be the highest in poor areas. I believe that
these measures have the potential to have the most profound impact on public health.

282
Next stop is…
How to Write Body Paragraphs for
Opinion Questions

283
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Opinion

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

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

Write at least 250 words.

285
Template #1

Body Paragraph #1 Outline


1 State main idea #1 I. Many ignore recycling
2 Give 2 supporting details 1) People will take recycling seriously
3 Explain detail #1 2) Law → build good habits
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Body Paragraph #2 II. Critical for improving planet health


1) ↓ Env. pollution
1 State main idea #2
2) Conserves natural resources
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional) 286
Opinion Body Para 1

Template #1 It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore


recycling either out of ignorance or
1 State main idea #1 laziness
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Many ignore recycling
1) People will take recycling seriously
2) Law → build good habits

287
Opinion Body Para 1

Template #1 It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore


recycling either out of ignorance or
1 State main idea #1 laziness; however, legally enforcing this
2 Give 2 supporting details practice would compel residents to pay
3 Explain detail #1 more attention to recycling and result in
4 Explain detail #2 the formation of positive behavior.
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Many ignore recycling
1) People will take recycling seriously
2) Law → build good habits

288
Opinion Body Para 1

Template #1 It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore


recycling either out of ignorance or
1 State main idea #1 laziness; however, legally enforcing this
2 Give 2 supporting details practice would compel residents to pay
3 Explain detail #1 more attention to recycling and result in
4 Explain detail #2 the formation of positive behavior.
5 Transition (optional) Research has shown that punishing
negative behaviors with monetary
Outline penalties motivates people to correct their
behavior in an attempt to preserve their
I. Many ignore recycling hard-earned funds.
1) People will take recycling seriously
2) Law → build good habits Detail #1 is explained
with Research

289
Opinion Body Para 1

Template #1 It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore


recycling either out of ignorance or
1 State main idea #1 laziness; however, legally enforcing this
2 Give 2 supporting details practice would compel residents to pay
3 Explain detail #1 more attention to recycling and result in
4 Explain detail #2 the formation of positive behavior.
5 Transition (optional) Research has shown that punishing
negative behaviors with monetary
Outline penalties motivates people to correct their
behavior in an attempt to preserve their
I. Many ignore recycling hard-earned funds. Moreover, consistently
1) People will take recycling seriously repeating the act of recycling would
2) Law → build good habits reinforce it into a lifelong positive habit,
which can inspire others to follow in similar
Detail #2 is explained with Prediction/Speculation footsteps. 290
Opinion Body Para 2

Template #1 The opponents of this proposal should


realize that our environment directly bears
1 State main idea #2 the burden of any residents' negligence
2 Give 2 supporting details toward waste management.
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Critical for improving planet health
1) ↓ Env. pollution
2) Conserves natural resources

291
Opinion Body Para 2

Template #1 The opponents of this proposal should


realize that our environment directly bears
1 State main idea #2 the burden of any residents' negligence
2 Give 2 supporting details toward waste management. In recent years,
3 Explain detail #1 we have witnessed the collapse of
4 Explain detail #2 ecosystems and depletion of natural
5 Transition (optional) resources.

Outline
II. Critical for improving planet health
1) ↓ Env. pollution
2) Conserves natural resources

292
Opinion Body Para 2

Template #1 The opponents of this proposal should


realize that our environment directly bears
1 State main idea #2 the burden of any residents' negligence
2 Give 2 supporting details toward waste management. In recent years,
3 Explain detail #1 we have witnessed the collapse of
4 Explain detail #2 ecosystems and depletion of natural
5 Transition (optional) resources. Recycling regulations would
ensure that hazardous waste like chemicals
Outline and plastics do not upset any ecosystems or
endanger any marine or terrestrial species.
II. Critical for improving planet health
1) ↓ Env. pollution Detail #1 is explained with
2) Conserves natural resources a Scenario/Speculation

293
Opinion Body Para 2

Template #1 The opponents of this proposal should


realize that our environment directly bears
1 State main idea #2 the burden of any residents' negligence
2 Give 2 supporting details toward waste management. In recent years,
3 Explain detail #1 we have witnessed the collapse of
4 Explain detail #2 ecosystems and depletion of natural
5 Transition (optional) resources. Recycling regulations would
ensure that hazardous waste like chemicals
Outline and plastics do not upset any ecosystems or
endanger any marine or terrestrial species.
II. Critical for improving planet health Additionally, if people recycled their waste,
1) ↓ Env. pollution it would result in the conservation of
2) Conserves natural resources natural resources like trees, which are
routinely cut down to produce our everyday
Detail #2 is explained with
Speculation and a factual example items like paper and rubber. 294
Opinion: Body Paragraphs

It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore recycling either out of ignorance or laziness;
however, legally enforcing this practice would compel residents to pay more attention to
recycling and result in the formation of positive behavior. Research has shown that punishing
negative behaviors with monetary penalties motivates people to correct their behavior in an
attempt to preserve their hard-earned funds. Moreover, consistently repeating the act of
recycling would reinforce it into a lifelong positive habit, which can inspire others to follow in
similar footsteps.

The opponents of this proposal should realize that our environment directly bears the burden
of any residents' negligence toward waste management. In recent years, we have witnessed
the collapse of ecosystems and depletion of natural resources. Recycling regulations would
ensure that hazardous waste like chemicals and plastics do not upset any ecosystems or
endanger any marine or terrestrial species. Additionally, if people recycled their waste, it
would result in the conservation of natural resources like trees, which are routinely cut down
to produce our everyday items like paper and rubber. 295
Next stop is…

How to Write Body Paragraphs


for Two-Parts Question

296
How to Write Body
Paragraphs
Two Parts: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Two Parts

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

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

Write at least 250 words.


298
Template #2

Body Paragraph #1 Outline


1 State main idea #1 I. How technology shapes relationships
2 Give supporting detail 1) Form new relationships
3 Explain or give example ⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app
4 Explain more or transition

Body Paragraph #2 II. Pos. dev.


1. Phones, email → brings us closer
1 State main idea #2
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

299
Two Parts Body Para 1

Template #2 Modern technology has shaped our


relationships in a myriad of ways.
1 State main idea #1
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. How technology shapes relationships
1) Form new relationships
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app

300
Two Parts Body Para 1

Template #2 Modern technology has shaped our


relationships in a myriad of ways. Social
1 State main idea #1 media platforms have enabled us to not only
2 Give supporting detail maintain ties with the people in our lives, but
3 Explain or give example also to form new relationships.
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. How technology shapes relationships
1) Form new relationships
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app

301
Two Parts Body Para 1

Template #2 Modern technology has shaped our


relationships in a myriad of ways. Social
1 State main idea #1 media platforms have enabled us to not only
2 Give supporting detail maintain ties with the people in our lives, but
3 Explain or give example also to form new relationships. For example,
4 Explain more or transition we can now meet like-minded people
through Facebook groups and online forums,
and even meet potential mates through
Outline dating applications.
I. How technology shapes relationships
1) Form new relationships Supporting detail is explained
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app with an example

302
Two Parts Body Para 1

Template #2 Modern technology has shaped our


relationships in a myriad of ways. Social
1 State main idea #1 media platforms have enabled us to not only
2 Give supporting detail maintain ties with the people in our lives, but
3 Explain or give example also to form new relationships. For example,
4 Explain more or transition we can now meet like-minded people
through Facebook groups and online forums,
and even meet potential mates through
Outline dating applications. In fact, I have found
I. How technology shapes relationships three of my business partners on LinkedIn
and I first met my wife through a
1) Form new relationships
matrimonial website, so it is evident that
⤷ Ex. → FB groups, forums, dating app
technology has had a positive influence on
Supporting detail is further explained with our relationships.
personal experience + position + transition 303
Two Parts Body Para 2

Template #2 Perhaps the most constructive contribution


of technology to relationships has been to
1 State main idea #2 bring people closer to each other,
2 Give supporting detail irrespective of physical distances.
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Pos. dev.
1. Phones, email → brings us closer
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings

304
Two Parts Body Para 2

Template #2 Perhaps the most constructive contribution


of technology to relationships has been to
1 State main idea #2 bring people closer to each other,
2 Give supporting detail irrespective of physical distances. Phones,
3 Explain or give example emails and social media have allowed us to
4 Explain more or transition exchange information at phenomenal speeds.

Outline
II. Pos. dev.
1. Phones, email → brings us closer
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings

305
Two Parts Body Para 2

Template #2 Perhaps the most constructive contribution


of technology to relationships has been to
1 State main idea #2 bring people closer to each other,
2 Give supporting detail irrespective of physical distances. Phones,
3 Explain or give example emails and social media have allowed us to
4 Explain more or transition exchange information at phenomenal speeds.
For example, we can now stay updated with
the daily ongoings of our loved ones, conduct
Outline business meetings over Skype or collaborate
II. Pos. dev. remotely via task management software.

1. Phones, email → brings us closer


⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings Supporting detail is
explained with an example

306
Two Parts Body Para 2

Template #2 Perhaps the most constructive contribution


of technology to relationships has been to
1 State main idea #2 bring people closer to each other,
2 Give supporting detail irrespective of physical distances. Phones,
3 Explain or give example emails and social media have allowed us to
4 Explain more or transition exchange information at phenomenal speeds.
For example, we can now stay updated with
the daily ongoings of our loved ones, conduct
Outline business meetings over Skype or collaborate
II. Pos. dev. remotely via task management software. All
of these possibilities have enhanced personal
1. Phones, email → brings us closer
relationships and increased work
⤷ Ex. → stay updated, work meetings
productivity.

Transition + Position
307
Two Parts: Body Paragraphs

Modern technology has shaped our relationships in a myriad of ways. Social media platforms
have enabled us to not only maintain ties with the people in our lives, but also to form new
relationships. For example, we can now meet like-minded people through Facebook groups
and online forums, and even meet potential mates through dating applications. In fact, I have
found three of my business partners on LinkedIn and I first met my wife through a
matrimonial website, so it is evident that technology has had a positive influence on our
relationships.

Perhaps the most constructive contribution of technology to relationships has been to bring
people closer to each other, irrespective of physical distances. Phones, emails and social
media have allowed us to exchange information at phenomenal speeds. For example, we can
now stay updated with the daily ongoings of our loved ones, conduct business meetings over
Skype or collaborate remotely via task management software. All of these possibilities have
enhanced personal relationships and increased work productivity.
308
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions

309
How to Write
Conclusions
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

● Spend about 5 minutes on conclusion


● Should be 2-3 sentences (30-40 words)
● If you’re running out of time, focus on finishing the conclusion. It is very
important to finish the essay for a good score! It is okay to write a 1 sentence
conclusion.

311
Template

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into paragraph (optional)

1 State main idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into conclusion (optional)

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
312
Phrases for Starting Conclusions
● In conclusion,.../To conclude,...
● In summary,.../To summarise,.../To sum up,...
● In general,...
● In short/brief,...
● All in all,...
● Overall,...
● On the whole,...
● To draw the conclusion,...
● All things considered,...
● By and large,...
● Taking everything into consideration/account,...
● Weighing up both sides of the argument,...
● Personally,.../In my view/opinion,.../ (use to express your opinion)
313
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions for


Agree/Disagree Questions

314
How to Write
Conclusions
Agree/Disagree: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Agree/Disagree

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching
sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.


316
Our Answer So Far...

Every nation needs citizens who display social commitment and actively work to improve the community
for the welfare of its residents. Since students are the nation’s future, some people have argued that
volunteer work should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum. I strongly agree with this view,
because volunteering not only improves the community as a whole but also builds valuable character traits.

First and foremost, community service develops strong-charactered individuals by exposing them to new
perspectives and encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall that when I volunteered to clean up the trash in
my high school, I gained an immense appreciation for the arduous work that janitors went through each
day to keep our school tidy. Witnessing such labor with which society members improve our society can
impart valuable lessons about hard work, commitment, and meeting goals and deadlines.

Moreover, volunteering actively improves one's community as a whole. It serves as a bridge that connects
community members with each other and can inspire solutions to community problems. In my experience,
the volunteering program at my high school allowed me to form lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers,
which has strengthened my relationship with my neighborhood. It is also worth noting that such exposure
can put students in touch with the obstacles their community faces, which can inspire them to choose a
significant line of work that directly benefits their community.
317
Agree/Disagree Conclusion

Thesis Position To sum up, teenagers should be made to


partake in volunteer work as part of their
I strongly agree with this view, because high school curriculum, since it will build
volunteering not only improves the strong character traits while
community as a whole but also builds
simultaneously progressing the
valuable character traits.
community.
Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

318
Agree/Disagree Conclusion

Thesis Position To sum up, teenagers should be made to


partake in volunteer work as part of their
I strongly agree with this view, because high school curriculum, since it will build
volunteering not only improves the strong character traits while
community as a whole but also builds
simultaneously progressing the
valuable character traits.
community. As a firm believer in this
Main ideas approach, I suggest that every high school
across the nation should take this proposal
into serious consideration and implement it
Template
into their school agenda.
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

319
Full Essay (294 words)

Every nation needs citizens who display social commitment and actively work to improve the community for the welfare
of its residents. Since students are the nation’s future, some people have argued that volunteer work should be a
mandatory part of the school curriculum. I strongly agree with this view, because volunteering not only improves the
community as a whole but also builds valuable character traits.
First and foremost, community service develops strong-charactered individuals by exposing them to new perspectives
and encouraging a healthy work ethic. I recall that when I volunteered to clean up the trash in my high school, I gained
an immense appreciation for the arduous work that janitors went through each day to keep our school tidy. Witnessing
such labor with which society members improve our society can impart valuable lessons about hard work, commitment,
and meeting goals and deadlines.
Moreover, volunteering actively improves one's community as a whole. It serves as a bridge that connects community
members with each other and can inspire solutions to community problems. In my experience, the volunteering
program at my high school allowed me to form lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers, which has strengthened my
relationship with my neighborhood. It is also worth noting that such exposure can put students in touch with the
obstacles their community faces, which can inspire them to choose a significant line of work that directly benefits their
community.
To sum up, teenagers should be made to partake in volunteer work as part of their high school curriculum, since it will
build strong character traits while simultaneously progressing the community. As a firm believer in this approach, I
suggest that every high school across the nation should take this proposal into serious consideration and implement it
into their school agenda.
320
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions for


Advantage/Disadvantage
Questions

321
How to Write
Conclusions
Advantage/Disadvantage: Recipe for Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Advantage/Disadvantage

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at
primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

323
Our Answer So Far...

A growing number of parents are enrolling their children in foreign language classes for well-rounded
linguistic development. In this regard, some educators propose that primary school is the best place for
learning another language instead of secondary school. This essay will explore both, the advantages and
disadvantages of this proposal, and demonstrate why its proponents are correct.

In regards to the disadvantages, the main drawback of teaching a foreign language at primary school is that
it may result in underperformance in other vital subjects. Subjects like math, science and computer
programming have real world applications, and allocating time away from these subjects can lower our
children’s employability in the future. For example, digitalization is now displacing more and more jobs with
automation, and as a result, many favor scientific subjects over creative ones, in order to ensure their
children’s job security. However, although this is an understandable concern, this viewpoint undermines
the true value of bilingualism.

Knowing a foreign language will result in significant advantages to the child’s overall development. One of
the biggest benefits would be that children will learn to appreciate other cultures from an early age. This is
likely to lead to a healthy social life and improved psychological and emotional state, which are far more
vital than job security. In fact, research proves that the level of one’s happiness and his/her income are
directly correlated. 324
Advantage/Disadvantage Conclusion

Thesis In conclusion, while studying a foreign


language in primary school does have some
This essay will explore both, the drawbacks, they are temporary and
advantages and disadvantages of this outweighed by the significant benefits of
proposal, and demonstrate why its this approach
proponents are correct.
Position Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

325
Advantage/Disadvantage Conclusion

Thesis In conclusion, while studying a foreign


language in primary school does have some
This essay will explore both, the drawbacks, they are temporary and
advantages and disadvantages of this outweighed by the significant benefits of
proposal, and demonstrate why its this approach, which is why I would urge
proponents are correct. school boards to introduce foreign
Position Main ideas language classes as early as possible.

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

326
Full Essay (272 Words)

A growing number of parents are enrolling their children in foreign language classes for well-rounded linguistic
development. In this regard, some educators propose that primary school is the best place for learning another
language instead of secondary school. This essay will explore both, the advantages and disadvantages of this
proposal, and demonstrate why its proponents are correct.
In regards to the disadvantages, the main drawback of teaching a foreign language at primary school is that it may
result in underperformance in other vital subjects. Subjects like math, science and computer programming have
real world applications, and allocating time away from these subjects can lower our children’s employability in the
future. For example, digitalization is now displacing more and more jobs with automation, and as a result, many
favor scientific subjects over creative ones, in order to ensure their children’s job security. However, although this is
an understandable concern, this viewpoint undermines the true value of bilingualism.
Knowing a foreign language will result in significant advantages to the child’s overall development. One of the
biggest benefits would be that children will learn to appreciate other cultures from an early age. This is likely to
lead to a healthy social life and improved psychological and emotional state, which are far more vital than job
security. In fact, research proves that the level of one’s happiness and his/her income are directly correlated.
In conclusion, while studying a foreign language in primary school does have some drawbacks, they are temporary
and outweighed by the significant benefits of this approach, which is why I would urge school boards to introduce
foreign language classes as early as possible.
327
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions for


Problem/Solution Questions

328
How to Write
Conclusions
Problem/Solution: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Problem/Solution

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and
fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measure could be taken to
solve them?

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

Write at least 250 words.

330
Our Answer So Far...

Maintaining optimal health is crucial for living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding diseases and disorders.
Unfortunately, some nations are now witnessing an increase in the average weight of their population and
a decline in their health and well-being. This essay will highlight the principal causes of these issues and
possible solutions to resolve them.

In essence, the principal causes of obesity are two fold - the fast-paced modern lifestyle and the poor
economic condition endured by many. Firstly, a typical day of average working people is marked by a
substantial lack of time, which can cause them to prioritize convenience and ease of accessibility over
health. Alternatively, there are those who are unemployed or underpaid and are forced to consume
detrimental foods in an attempt to conserve their short supply of funds.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to resolve this health crisis through educational campaigns and
government subsidies. National campaigns, which can be promoted through social media and street
outreach, have the power to educate people about the importance of prioritizing their health over
convenience and time-saving. Moreover, if the government were to subsidize healthy foods, it would allow
farmers to produce them at a cheaper cost and lower the price for consumers as a result.

331
Problem/Solution Conclusion

Thesis To conclude, although many nations are


currently experiencing declining health,
This essay will highlight the principal such challenges can be resolved with
causes of these issues and possible careful planning.
solutions to resolve them.

Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

332
Problem/Solution Conclusion

Thesis To conclude, although many nations are


currently experiencing declining health,
This essay will highlight the principal such challenges can be resolved with
causes of these issues and possible careful planning. I would advise the food
solutions to resolve them. and health administrations of nations
facing such issues to allocate a significant
Main ideas portion of taxpayer funds to improve the
well-being of their citizens through
Template educational campaigns and subsidies.

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


2 Give suggestion or recommendation

333
Full Essay (257 Words)

Maintaining optimal health is crucial for living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding diseases and disorders.
Unfortunately, some nations are now witnessing an increase in the average weight of their population and a decline
in their health and well-being. This essay will highlight the principal causes of these issues and possible solutions to
resolve them.
In essence, the principal causes of obesity are two fold - the fast-paced modern lifestyle and the poor economic
condition endured by many. Firstly, a typical day of average working people is marked by a substantial lack of time,
which can cause them to prioritize convenience and ease of accessibility over health. Alternatively, there are those
who are unemployed or underpaid and are forced to consume detrimental foods in an attempt to conserve their
short supply of funds.
Despite these challenges, it is possible to resolve this health crisis through educational campaigns and government
subsidies. National campaigns, which can be promoted through social media and street outreach, have the power to
educate people about the importance of prioritizing their health over convenience and time-saving. Moreover, if
the government were to subsidize healthy foods, it would allow farmers to produce them at a cheaper cost and
lower the price for consumers as a result.
To conclude, although many nations are currently experiencing declining health, such challenges can be resolved
with careful planning. I would advise the food and health administrations of nations facing such issues to allocate a
significant portion of taxpayer funds to improve the well-being of their citizens through educational campaigns and
subsidies.
334
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions for


Discuss/Opinion Questions

335
How to Write
Conclusions
Discuss/Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Discuss/Opinion

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of
sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and
that other measures are required.

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.

337
Our Answer So Far...

In many nations, the average weight of people is increasing, and their level of well-being is declining. In this
regard, it is proposed that expanding the number of gyms is the most effective way to boost the health of the
general public, although many disagree and contend that other measures are needed. In my opinion, the
proposal of expanding the number of gyms is an insufficient measure; however, this essay will explore both
aspects of this discussion.

It is true that this proposition does offer some benefits. For instance, if a sports facility was established in every
zip code of a city, people would find it quite convenient and time-efficient to commute to the nearby gym and as
a result would be more likely to work out. Additionally, gym-goers may come into contact with other
like-minded individuals who share similar health goals, which could result in an increased motivation to
exercise. However, despite these benefits, merely increasing the number of gyms is not the ideal solution.

In my view, more effective strategies are needed to promote public health. The government should take the
initiative to promote healthy eating, because research has shown that food plays a larger role in fitness than
exercise. National campaigns should be launched to educate people about their food choices and economic
stability should be promoted in underserved communities, since malnourishment rates tend to be the highest
in poor areas. I believe that these measures have the potential to have the most profound impact on public
health.
338
Discuss/Opinion Conclusion

Thesis Position All things considered, while increasing the


number of gyms would have some benefits,
In my opinion, this proposal is an it would be an inadequate measure.
insufficient measure; however, this essay
will explore both aspects of this
discussion.
Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

339
Discuss/Opinion Conclusion

Thesis Position All things considered, while increasing the


number of gyms would have some benefits,
In my opinion, this proposal is an it would be an inadequate measure. I would
insufficient measure; however, this essay advise health committees to instead focus
will explore both aspects of this on exploring more effective measures, such
discussion. as education and incentivization.
Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

340
Full Essay (288 Words)

In many nations, the average weight of people is increasing, and their level of well-being is declining. In this regard,
it is proposed that expanding the number of gyms is the most effective way to boost the health of the general
public, although many disagree and contend that other measures are needed. In my opinion, the proposal of
expanding the number of gyms is an insufficient measure; however, this essay will explore both aspects of this
discussion.
It is true that this proposition does offer some benefits. For instance, if a sports facility was established in every zip
code of a city, people would find it quite convenient and time-efficient to commute to the nearby gym and as a
result would be more likely to work out. Additionally, gym-goers may come into contact with other like-minded
individuals who share similar health goals, which could result in an increased motivation to exercise. However,
despite these benefits, merely increasing the number of gyms is not the ideal solution.
In my view, more effective strategies are needed to promote public health. The government should take the
initiative to promote healthy eating, because research has shown that food plays a larger role in fitness than
exercise. National campaigns should be launched to educate people about their food choices and economic stability
should be promoted in underserved communities, since malnourishment rates tend to be the highest in poor areas.
I believe that these measures have the potential to have the most profound impact on public health.
All things considered, while increasing the number of gyms would have some benefits, it would be an inadequate
measure. I would advise health committees to instead focus on exploring more effective measures, such as
education and incentivization.
341
Next stop is…

How
Conc to Write
Opini lusions fo
on Qu r
estion
s

342
How to Write
Conclusions
Opinion: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Opinion

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the
only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

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

Write at least 250 words.

344
Our Answer So Far...

The growing pollution and the resulting environmental concerns have stirred a crucial debate. Some
environmentalists claim that due to public's negligence towards proper waste disposal, recycling should be
legally enforced. I strongly agree with this proposal, since a legal mandate will compel citizens to take
recycling more seriously and result in the recovery of our planet’s health.

It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore recycling either out of ignorance or laziness; however, legally
enforcing this practice would compel residents to pay more attention to recycling and result in the
formation of positive behavior. Research has shown that punishing negative behaviors with monetary
penalties motivates people to correct their behavior in an attempt to preserve their hard-earned funds.
Moreover, consistently repeating the act of recycling would reinforce it into a lifelong positive habit, which
can inspire others to follow in similar footsteps.

The opponents of this proposal should realize that our environment directly bears the burden of any
residents' negligence toward waste management. In recent years, we have witnessed the collapse of
ecosystems and depletion of natural resources. Recycling regulations would ensure that hazardous waste
like chemicals and plastics do not upset any ecosystems or endanger any marine or terrestrial species.
Additionally, if people recycled their waste, it would result in the conservation of natural resources like
trees, which are routinely cut down to produce our everyday items like paper and rubber. 345
Opinion Conclusion

Thesis Position All in all, I firmly believe that recycling


should be mandated by law and enforced
I strongly agree with this proposal, since a with hefty fines to encourage the public to
legal mandate will compel citizens to take take recycling seriously and aid in the
recycling more seriously and result in the recovery of our planet’s health.
recovery of our planet’s health.

Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

346
Opinion Conclusion

Thesis Position All in all, I firmly believe that recycling


should be mandated by law and enforced
I strongly agree with this proposal, since a with hefty fines to encourage the public to
legal mandate will compel citizens to take take recycling seriously and aid in the
recycling more seriously and result in the recovery of our planet's health. I would
recovery of our planet’s health. suggest the government to make this
legislation a top priority and urgently
Main ideas
implement it for the benefit of all.
Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

347
Full Essay (288 Words)

The growing pollution and the resulting environmental concerns have stirred a crucial debate. Some
environmentalists claim that due to public's negligence towards proper waste disposal, recycling should be legally
enforced. I strongly agree with this proposal, since a legal mandate will compel citizens to take recycling more
seriously and result in the recovery of our planet’s health.
It is an unfortunate fact that many ignore recycling either out of ignorance or laziness; however, legally enforcing
this practice would compel residents to pay more attention to recycling and result in the formation of positive
behavior. Research has shown that punishing negative behaviors with monetary penalties motivates people to
correct their behavior in an attempt to preserve their hard-earned funds. Moreover, consistently repeating the act
of recycling would reinforce it into a lifelong positive habit, which can inspire others to follow in similar footsteps.
The opponents of this proposal should realize that our environment directly bears the burden of any residents'
negligence toward waste management. In recent years, we have witnessed the collapse of ecosystems and
depletion of natural resources. Recycling regulations would ensure that hazardous waste like chemicals and
plastics do not upset any ecosystems or endanger any marine or terrestrial species. Additionally, if people recycled
their waste, it would result in the conservation of natural resources like trees, which are routinely cut down to
produce our everyday items like paper and rubber.
All in all, I firmly believe that recycling should be mandated by law and enforced with hefty fines to encourage the
public to take recycling seriously and aid in the recovery of our planet's health. I would suggest the government to
make this legislation a top priority and urgently implement it for the benefit of all.
348
Next stop is…

How to Write Conclusions for


Two-Parts Questions

349
How to Write
Conclusions
Two Parts: Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Two Parts

WRITING TASK 2

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of
technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

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

Write at least 250 words.


351
Our Answer So Far...

There is no doubt that technology has had a significant bearing on all facets of our life, including work,
education, and communication. This impact is particularly noticeable in modern-day relationships, which have
been remarkably enhanced through telephones, video-conferencing, emails, and social media platforms. This
essay will explore how technology has impacted our relationships and why this has been a positive
development.

Modern technology has shaped our relationships in a myriad of ways. Social media platforms have enabled us
to not only maintain ties with the people in our lives, but also to form new relationships. For example, we can
now meet like-minded people through Facebook groups and online forums, and even meet potential mates
through dating applications. In fact, I have found three of my business partners on LinkedIn and I first met my
wife through a matrimonial website, so it is evident that technology has had a positive influence on our
relationships.

Perhaps the most constructive contribution of technology to relationships has been to bring people closer to
each other, irrespective of physical distances. Phones, emails and social media have allowed us to exchange
information at phenomenal speeds. For example, we can now stay updated with the daily ongoings of our loved
ones, conduct business meetings over Skype or collaborate remotely via task management software. All of
these possibilities have enhanced personal relationships and increased work productivity.
352
Two Parts Conclusion

Thesis In summary, technology has had a


significant impact on every aspect of our
This essay will explore how technology has relationships and has enhanced our social
impacted our relationships and why this ties by bridging the distance between
has been a positive development. people.

Main ideas Position

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

353
Two Parts Conclusion

Thesis In summary, technology has had a


significant impact on every aspect of our
This essay will explore how technology has relationships and has enhanced our social
impacted our relationships and why this ties by bridging the distance between
has been a positive development. people. As such, we should embrace the
role of technology in our lives and
Main ideas Position encourage new developments in this field.

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

354
Full Essay (273 Words)

There is no doubt that technology has had a significant bearing on all facets of our life, including work, education,
and communication. This impact is particularly noticeable in modern-day relationships, which have been
remarkably enhanced through telephones, video-conferencing, emails, and social media platforms. This essay will
explore how technology has impacted our relationships and why this has been a positive development.
Modern technology has shaped our relationships in a myriad of ways. Social media platforms have enabled us to not
only maintain ties with the people in our lives, but also to form new relationships. For example, we can now meet
like-minded people through Facebook groups and online forums, and even meet potential mates through dating
applications. In fact, I have found three of my business partners on LinkedIn and I first met my wife through a
matrimonial website, so it is evident that technology has had a positive influence on our relationships.
Perhaps the most constructive contribution of technology to relationships has been to bring people closer to each
other, irrespective of physical distances. Phones, emails and social media have allowed us to exchange information
at phenomenal speeds. For example, we can now stay updated with the daily ongoings of our loved ones, conduct
business meetings over Skype or collaborate remotely via task management software. All of these possibilities
have enhanced personal relationships and increased work productivity.
In summary, technology has had a significant impact on every aspect of our relationships and has enhanced our
social ties by bridging the distance between people. As such, we should embrace the role of technology in our lives
and encourage new developments in this field.
355
Next stop is…

How to Check Your Work

356
Check Your Essay
Recipe for IELTS Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Basics

● Ideally, you should have 5 minutes left over for checking your work

● Use this time to correct small errors that are easy to fix

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7?

“To help child learn the difference between right and wrong teachers and parents should
provide first good role modelling in their own behevior.”

“To help a child learn the difference between right and wrong, teachers and parents should
first provide good role modelling in their own behavior.”
358
To Check or Not to Check
5 minutes is short amount of time. You should not check the elements which take too long
to find or fix (unless you have extra time). Focus on correcting small errors.

What NOT to Check What to Check

● The structure of your essay ● Word order/missing words


● How strong your arguments are ● Plurality (singular/plural/countable)
● Main ideas, supporting details and ● Subject-verb agreements
examples ● Articles (a/an/the)
● Synonyms and paraphrasing ● Prepositions
● Tenses ● Spelling
● Word formation
● Punctuation
359
Checking Exercise Pause and fix the mistakes!

Employees get job satisfaction in number of ways. Firstly a person need to feel
that they are doing valued and valuable work, so positive feedback with superiors
is very importance in this respect. A sense of fulfilling is also encouraged if an
worker feel the is worth doing because it contributes to the society or the
economy as a whole. Secondly, the amount right of challenge are also important
for enjoying ones work. when someone feels they are improving or developing
their skills at training opurtunities, there is a sense of progression and purpose
that rewards a worker.

Word order/missing words Plurality Subject-verb agreements Articles (a/an/the)


Prepositions Spelling Word formation Punctuation
360
Checking Exercise
Employees get job satisfaction in a number of ways. Firstly, a person needs to feel
that they are doing valued and valuable work, so positive feedback from
superiors is very important in this respect. A sense of fulfilment is also
encouraged if an the worker feels the job is worth doing because it contributes
to the society or the economy as a whole. Secondly, the right amount of challenge
are is also important for enjoying one’s work. When someone feels they are
improving or developing their skills at through training opportunities, there is a
sense of progression and purpose that rewards a worker.

Word order/missing words Plurality Subject-verb agreements Articles (a/an/the)


Prepositions Spelling Word formation Punctuation
361
Next stop is…

Part 3: Putting It All


Together!

362
Practice Question 1
Cooking: Real exam question answered in real-time

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Full Essay (286 Words)

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on gender
equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and female
students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would undermine
national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply to
maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would undermine the
importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their gender for acceptance
into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality. Many
deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students to pursue
further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to disqualify them from a
class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can easily demotivate students as
they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because focusing
on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students. As such, I
strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
364
Breakdown of
Strategy
Practice Question 1: Cooking for Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Template #1

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into paragraph (optional)

1 State main idea #2


2 Give 2 supporting details
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition into conclusion (optional)

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
366
Practice Question #1

WRITING TASK 2 Underlining keywords can help to make


sure that you understand the question
Write about the following topic:

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words. Choose ONE side only! You can partly agree, but it’s easier to
just simplify it and pick one side

367
Outline

I. Undermine national progress


Universities should accept equal numbers
1. Wasting talents/time
of male and female students in every
2. Lead to underperformance
subject.
II. Create inequality
To what extent do you agree or disagree? 1. Deprive deserving students
2. Demotivate students

Position/Opinion: Strongly disagree

368
Introduction

Universities should accept equal numbers of The subject of male to female student ratio
male and female students in every subject. in university classes has been a trending
topic in recent debates on gender equality.

Template
This general statement tells us
1 Give general statement
about the recent development
2 Paraphrase question statement related to the topic
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

369
Introduction

Universities should accept equal numbers of The subject of male to female student ratio
male and female students in every subject. in university classes has been a trending
topic in recent debates on gender equality.

Template
This general statement tells us
1 Give general statement
about the recent development
2 Paraphrase question statement related to the topic
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

370
Introduction

Universities should accept equal numbers of The subject of male to female student ratio
male and female students in every subject. in university classes has been a trending
topic in recent debates on gender equality.
In this regard, it is proposed that university
Template seats should be equally allocated between
1 Give general statement male and female students for every course.
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

371
Introduction

Universities should accept equal numbers of The subject of male to female student ratio
male and female students in every subject. in university classes has been a trending
topic in recent debates on gender equality.
In this regard, it is proposed that university
Template seats should be equally allocated between
1 Give general statement male and female students for every course.
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

Outline
I. Undermine national progress
1) Wasting talents/time
2) Lead to underperformance
II. Create inequality
1) Deprive deserving students
2) Demotivate students
372
Introduction

Universities should accept equal numbers of The subject of male to female student ratio
male and female students in every subject. in university classes has been a trending
topic in recent debates on gender equality.
In this regard, it is proposed that university
Template seats should be equally allocated between
1 Give general statement male and female students for every course.
2 Paraphrase question statement
However, I strongly disagree with this
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)
view, because focusing on gender would
undermine national progress and lead to
Outline inequality towards well-qualified students.
I. Undermine national progress
1) Wasting talents/time
2) Lead to underperformance
II. Create inequality
1) Deprive deserving students
2) Demotivate students
373
Our Essay So Far...

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on gender
equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and female
students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would undermine
national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.

374
Body Para 1

To begin with, implementing this proposal


Template #1 would degrade the productivity of our
1 State main idea #1 nation
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Undermine national progress
1) Wasting talents/time
2) Lead to underperformance

375
Body Para 1

To begin with, implementing this proposal


Template #1 would degrade the productivity of our
1 State main idea #1 nation
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Undermine national progress
1) Wasting talents/time
2) Lead to underperformance

376
Body Para 1

To begin with, implementing this proposal


Template #1 would degrade the productivity of our
1 State main idea #1 nation by wasting the talents of skilled
individuals and setting up students to
2 Give 2 supporting details
underperform.
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
I. Undermine national progress
1) Wasting talents/time
2) Lead to underperformance

377
Body Para 1

To begin with, implementing this proposal


Template #1 would degrade the productivity of our
1 State main idea #1 nation by wasting the talents of skilled
individuals and setting up students to
2 Give 2 supporting details
underperform. Disqualifying deserving
3 Explain detail #1
students from a class simply to maintain
4 Explain detail #2 the set ratio of male to female students will
5 Transition (optional) waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will
Outline negatively impact our national economy.
I. Undermine national progress
Detail #1 is explained with
1) Wasting talents/time Elaboration/Consequence
2) Lead to underperformance

378
Body Para 1

To begin with, implementing this proposal


Template #1 would degrade the productivity of our
1 State main idea #1 nation by wasting the talents of skilled
individuals and setting up students to
2 Give 2 supporting details
underperform. Disqualifying deserving
3 Explain detail #1
students from a class simply to maintain
4 Explain detail #2 the set ratio of male to female students will
5 Transition (optional) waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will
Outline negatively impact our national economy.
I. Undermine national progress Furthermore, such a proposal would
undermine the importance of hard work
1) Wasting talents/time
and result in underperformance as
2) Lead to underperformance
students learn to rely more on their gender
for admission than their competence.
Explained with Speculation/Consequence 379
Our Essay So Far...

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on gender
equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and female
students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would undermine
national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply to
maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would undermine the
importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their gender for acceptance
into university classes than their competence.

380
Body Para 2

Ironically, such an attempt to create gender


Template #1 equality in universities would give rise to a
1 State main idea #2 new form of inequality.
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Create inequality
1) Deprive deserving students
2) Demotivate students

381
Body Para 2

Ironically, such an attempt to create gender


Template #1 equality in universities would give rise to a
1 State main idea #2 new form of inequality.
2 Give 2 supporting details
3 Explain detail #1
4 Explain detail #2
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Create inequality
1) Deprive deserving students
2) Demotivate students

382
Body Para 2

Ironically, such an attempt to create gender


Template #1 equality in universities would give rise to a
1 State main idea #2 new form of inequality. Many deserving
students would be deprived of equal
2 Give 2 supporting details
educational opportunity and this can
3 Explain detail #1
demotivate students to pursue further
4 Explain detail #2 education.
5 Transition (optional)

Outline
II. Create inequality
1) Deprive deserving students
2) Demotivate students

383
Body Para 2

Ironically, such an attempt to create gender


Template #1 equality in universities would give rise to a
1 State main idea #2 new form of inequality. Many deserving
students would be deprived of equal
2 Give 2 supporting details
educational opportunity and this can
3 Explain detail #1
demotivate students to pursue further
4 Explain detail #2 education. Numerous hardworking
5 Transition (optional) students take their education very
seriously and to disqualify them from a
Outline class only because of their gender would be
II. Create inequality a great injustice.

1) Deprive deserving students


2) Demotivate students Detail #1 is explained with Elaboration

384
Body Para 2

Ironically, such an attempt to create gender


Template #1 equality in universities would give rise to a
1 State main idea #2 new form of inequality. Many deserving
students would be deprived of equal
2 Give 2 supporting details
educational opportunity and this can
3 Explain detail #1
demotivate students to pursue further
4 Explain detail #2 education. Numerous hardworking
5 Transition (optional) students take their education very
seriously and to disqualify them from a
Outline class only because of their gender would be
II. Create inequality a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose
1) Deprive deserving students
faith in the educational system or begin to
2) Demotivate students
doubt their abilities.
Explained with Speculation/Consequence
385
Our Essay So Far...

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on gender
equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and female
students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would undermine
national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply to
maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would undermine the
importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their gender for acceptance
into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality. Many
deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students to pursue
further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to disqualify them from a
class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can easily demotivate students as
they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.

386
Conclusion

Thesis Position In conclusion, university seats should not


be equally distributed between male and
However, I strongly disagree with this female students, because focusing on
view, because focusing on gender would gender would undermine national
undermine national progress and lead to
progress and result in inequality towards
inequality towards well-qualified students.
well-qualified students.
Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

387
Conclusion

Thesis Position In conclusion, university seats should not


be equally distributed between male and
However, I strongly disagree with this female students, because focusing on
view, because focusing on gender would gender would undermine national progress
undermine national progress and lead to
and result in inequality towards
inequality towards well-qualified students.
well-qualified students. As such, I strongly
Main ideas urge school boards across our nation to
reject such proposals.

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

388
Full Essay (286 Words)

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on gender
equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and female
students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would undermine
national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply to
maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would undermine the
importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their gender for acceptance
into university classes than their competence. Paragraphing/spacing
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality. Many
deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students to pursue
further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to disqualify them from a
class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can easily demotivate students as
they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because focusing
on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students. As such, I
strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
389
Breakdown of Ingredients for
Practice Question 1

390
Breakdown of
Ingredients
Practice Question 1: Cooking for Writing Task 2

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Full Essay (286 Words)

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would
undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply
to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would
undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their
gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
392
Cohesive Devices

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender would
undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents of
skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class simply
to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their graduation and
employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal would
undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more on their
gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
393
Coordinating Conjunctions (Compound Sentences)

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
These don’t form compound sentences. Instead, they form complex verb phrases, so use them too! 394
Subordinating Conjunctions (Complex Sentences)

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male
and female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
395
Relative Pronouns

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male
and female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
396
Voice

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
Active Voice . Passive Voice . 397
Tenses

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
. Present Simple . . Present Perfect . . Future Simple . . Modal Tenses . 398
Collocations

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male
and female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
strongly urge + urge school boards + school boards across + across our nation + urge to reject + reject such proposals 399
Vocabulary

The subject of male to female student ratio in university classes has been a trending topic in recent debates on
gender equality. In this regard, it is proposed that university seats should be equally allocated between male and
female students for every course. However, I strongly disagree with this view, because focusing on gender
would undermine national progress and lead to inequality towards well-qualified students.
To begin with, implementing this proposal would degrade the productivity of our nation by wasting the talents
of skilled individuals and setting up students to underperform. Disqualifying deserving students from a class
simply to maintain the set ratio of male to female students will waste their precious time and delay their
graduation and employment, which will negatively impact our national economy. Furthermore, such a proposal
would undermine the importance of hard work and result in underperformance as students learn to rely more
on their gender for acceptance into university classes than their competence.
Ironically, such an attempt to create gender equality in universities would give rise to a new form of inequality.
Many deserving students would be deprived of equal educational opportunity and this can demotivate students
to pursue further education. Numerous hardworking students take their education very seriously and to
disqualify them from a class only because of their gender would be a great injustice. In fact, such injustice can
easily demotivate students as they lose faith in the educational system or begin to doubt their abilities.
In conclusion, university seats should not be equally distributed between male and female students, because
focusing on gender would undermine national progress and result in inequality towards well-qualified students.
As such, I strongly urge school boards across our nation to reject such proposals.
. Vocabulary from Question . . New Vocabulary . You’ll only score points for vocabulary by using new words 400
Next stop is…

Practice Question 2 in
Real-Time

401
Practice Question 2
Cooking: Real exam question answered in real-time

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Full Essay (265 Words)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. Therefore, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.
403
Breakdown of
Strategy
Practice Question 2: Cooking for Writing Task 2

mastership.co Learn from the world’s best IELTS course.


Template #2

1 Give general statement


Introduction 2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

1 State main idea #1


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 1 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 State main idea #2


2 Give supporting detail
Body Paragraph 2 3 Explain/give example
4 Explain more or transition

1 Summarize main points/restate thesis


Conclusion 2 Give suggestion or recommendation
405
Practice Question #2

WRITING TASK 2 Underlining keywords can help to make


sure that you understand the question
Write about the following topic:

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others
believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful
adults.

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.

406
Outline

I. Benefits of competition
Some people think that a sense of
1. Push their boundaries
competition in children should be
⤷ Ex. → Soccer
encouraged. Others believe that children
who are taught to co-operate rather than II. Benefits of cooperation
compete become more useful adults. 1. Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects
Discuss both these views and give your
own opinion.

Position/Opinion: Both are important

407
Introduction

Some people think that a sense of competition in There are many competing views on the
children should be encouraged. Others believe that pedagogy of raising children.
children who are taught to co-operate rather than
compete become more useful adults.

This general statement tells us


Template about the recent development
1 Give general statement related to the topic
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

408
Introduction

Some people think that a sense of competition in The subject of male to female student ratio
children should be encouraged. Others believe that in university classes has been a trending
children who are taught to co-operate rather than
topic in recent debates on gender equality.
compete become more useful adults.

Template This general statement tells us


about the recent development
1 Give general statement related to the topic
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

409
Introduction

Some people think that a sense of competition in There are many competing views on the
children should be encouraged. Others believe that pedagogy of raising children. In this regard,
children who are taught to co-operate rather than
some educators believe that encouraging
compete become more useful adults.
children to compete is most beneficial to
their development, whereas others argue
Template
in favor of teaching cooperation.
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

410
Introduction

Some people think that a sense of competition in There are many competing views on the
children should be encouraged. Others believe that pedagogy of raising children. In this regard,
children who are taught to co-operate rather than
some educators believe that encouraging
compete become more useful adults.
children to compete is most beneficial to
their development, whereas others argue
Template
in favor of teaching cooperation.
1 Give general statement
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas)

Outline
I. Benefits of competition
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects 411
Introduction

Some people think that a sense of competition in There are many competing views on the
children should be encouraged. Others believe that pedagogy of raising children. In this regard,
children who are taught to co-operate rather than
some educators believe that encouraging
compete become more useful adults.
children to compete is most beneficial to
their development, whereas others argue
Template
in favor of teaching cooperation. It is my
1 Give general statement
view that both skills are essential to the
2 Paraphrase question statement
3 State thesis (position + main ideas) well-rounded development of children, and
as such, this essay will explore both facets
Outline of this debate and show why both are
I. Benefits of competition necessary.
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects 412
Our Essay So Far...

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.

413
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development.
1 State main idea #1
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Benefits of competition
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer

414
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development.
1 State main idea #1
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Benefits of competition
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer

415
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development. A competitive
attitude can compel children to push
1 State main idea #1
beyond their current limitations.
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Benefits of competition
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer

416
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development. A competitive
attitude can compel children to push
1 State main idea #1
beyond their current limitations.
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
I. Benefits of competition
1) Push their boundaries
⤷ Ex. → Soccer

417
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development. A competitive
attitude can compel children to push
1 State main idea #1
beyond their current limitations. For
2 Give supporting detail
example, in my childhood, it was the drive
3 Explain or give example to be better than the competing team at
4 Explain more or transition soccer that motivated me and my team to
put in extra hours of practice, which
Outline eventually led to our victory in many soccer
tournaments and helped us to discover our
I. Benefits of competition athletic potential.
1) Push their boundaries
Explained with an example
⤷ Ex. → Soccer from personal experience and
consequence

418
Body Para 1

Teaching competition serves an important


Template #2 role in kids’ development. A competitive
attitude can compel children to push
1 State main idea #1
beyond their current limitations. For
2 Give supporting detail
example, in my childhood, it was the drive
3 Explain or give example to be better than the competing team at
4 Explain more or transition soccer that motivated me and my team to
put in extra hours of practice, which
Outline eventually led to our victory in many soccer
tournaments and helped us to discover our
I. Benefits of competition athletic potential. Let us now turn to the
1) Push their boundaries other side of this debate.
⤷ Ex. → Soccer

419
Our Essay So Far...

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.

420
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
1 State main idea #2
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects

421
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
1 State main idea #2
2 Give supporting detail
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects

422
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
Such cooperation can prepare students to
1 State main idea #2
be good team players and understand the
2 Give supporting detail
value of other people’s perspectives.
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects

423
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
Such cooperation can prepare students to
1 State main idea #2
be good team players and understand the
2 Give supporting detail
value of other people’s perspectives.
3 Explain or give example
4 Explain more or transition

Outline
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects

424
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
Such cooperation can prepare students to
1 State main idea #2
be good team players and understand the
2 Give supporting detail
value of other people’s perspectives. For
3 Explain or give example example, I remember that in my early
4 Explain more or transition childhood education, our teachers assigned
us projects in which all the kids were
Outline required to collectively brainstorm
solutions to various problems.
II. Benefits of cooperation
1) Teamwork Explained with an example
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects from personal experience

425
Body Para 2

No less important is the role of teaching


Template #2 students to cooperate with each other.
Such cooperation can prepare students to
1 State main idea #2
be good team players and understand the
2 Give supporting detail
value of other people’s perspectives. For
3 Explain or give example example, I remember that in my early
4 Explain more or transition childhood education, our teachers assigned
us projects in which all the kids were
Outline required to collectively brainstorm
solutions to various problems. As a result,
II. Benefits of cooperation we were able to solve puzzles faster and
1) Teamwork accelerate our learning.
⤷ Ex. → Brainstorming projects
Further explained with
consequence
426
Our Essay So Far...

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves as important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.

427
Conclusion

Thesis Position In summary, a healthy balance of both,


competition and cooperation, is vital for
It is my view that both, competition and the well-rounded maturation of children.
cooperation, are essential to the
well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both
facets of this debate and show why both
skills are necessary.

Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

428
Conclusion

Thesis Position In summary, a healthy balance of both,


competition and cooperation, is vital for
It is my view that both, competition and the well-rounded maturation of children.
cooperation, are essential to the As a result, I would advise schools to
well-rounded development of children,
introduce a wide range of activities that
and as such, this essay will explore both
incorporate both these essential skills into
facets of this debate and show why both
skills are necessary. their teaching curriculum.

Main ideas

Template
1 Summarize main points/restate thesis
2 Give suggestion or recommendation

429
Full Essay (265 Words)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. Therefore, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.
430
Full Essay (265 Words)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. It is my view that both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children,
and as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate. Paragraphing/spacing

No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. Therefore, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.
‘Softener words’ to avoid overgeneralization
431
Next stop is…

Breakdown of Ingredients for


Practice Question 2

432
Breakdown of
Ingredients
Practice Question 2: Cooking for Writing Task 2

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Full Essay (265 Words)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

434
Cohesive Devices

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

435
Coordinating Conjunctions (Compound Sentences)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

These don’t form compound sentences. Instead, they form complex verb phrases, so use them too! 436
Subordinating Conjunctions (Complex Sentences)

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

437
Relative Pronouns

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

438
Voice

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

Active Voice . Passive Voice . 439


Tenses

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

. Past Simple . . Present Simple . . Future Simple . . Modal Tenses . 440


Collocations

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor of
teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and as
such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments, and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

advise schools to introduce + introduce a wide range + a wide range of activities + activities that incorporate + ... 441
Vocabulary

There are many competing views on the pedagogy of raising children. In this regard, some educators believe
that encouraging children to compete is most beneficial to their development, whereas others argue in favor
of teaching cooperation. In my view, both skills are essential to the well-rounded development of children, and
as such, this essay will explore both facets of this debate and show why both are necessary.
Teaching competition serves an important role in kids’ development. A competitive attitude can compel
children to push beyond their current limitations. For example, in my childhood, it was the drive to be better
than the competing team at soccer that motivated me and my team to put in extra hours of practice, which
eventually led to our victory in many soccer tournaments, and helped us to discover our athletic potential. Let
us now turn to the other side of this debate.
No less important is the role of teaching students to cooperate with each other. Such cooperation can prepare
students to be good team players and understand the value of other people’s perspectives. For example, I
remember that in my early childhood education, our teachers assigned us projects in which all the kids were
required to collectively brainstorm solutions to various problems. As a result, we were able to solve puzzles
faster and accelerate our learning.
In summary, a healthy balance of both, competition and cooperation, is vital for the well-rounded maturation
of children. As a result, I would advise schools to introduce a wide range of activities that incorporate both
these essential skills into their teaching curriculum.

. Vocabulary from Question . . New Vocabulary . You’ll only score points for vocabulary by using new words 442
Next stop is…

Final Tips for Your


Success!

443
Final Tips
What to do before your exam…

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The Day Before the Test

● Lightly review any content you’re still struggling with


○ Don’t use this day (or night) as an intense study session
○ Spend no more than 1-2 hours for review
○ Use this day to relax and refresh your mind and body
● Know where the test is and how to get there
○ Check the map and make sure you know how long it will take to get there
● Don’t stay up at night to prepare for your exam! Get a good night’s sleep
○ Research shows that students who sleep at least seven hours the night before a
test typically score higher than those who get only six hours of sleep.
○ Get as much sleep as you need to feel well rested and prepared for your test.
445
The Day Before the Test

● Set an alarm (or two or three)


○ Try not to set more than three alarms, and keep them at most 10-15 minutes
apart so that you don't end up accidentally oversleeping.
● Get together everything you’ll need for the test
○ Prepare all the materials you’ll need for your test the night before
○ So what do you need to bring to the test?

446
What things to bring for the IELTS exam?

● Your original and valid passport.


○ Driving licences and student IDs are not accepted as identification.
● Print out of the confirmation email for the test
○ This document will be stamped
● 2 colored photocopies of your passport
○ In case you have not sent the photocopies or uploaded them with your
application
● 4 colored passport-sized photographs of yourself
○ In case the photo uploaded in the registration form is not clear
447
What things to bring for the IELTS exam?

● Stationary items
○ Carry your own pencils, sharpener, erasers and pens (ballpoint pen with
black/blue ink) in case your test center does not provide them
● Water bottle (optional)
○ Should be transparent without any writing or labels on it
○ Not allowed in some test centers. In this case, a water facility will most probably
be available.
● Snacks (optional)
○ Not allowed in the test room, but you can eat while waiting to go into the
examination hall (sometimes, it can be a long wait)
448
The Day of the Test

● Eat a healthy, filling breakfast


○ Good brain foods to eat before a test include:
■ Whole grains (oatmeal, granola, quinoa, etc.)
■ Fresh fruit and vegetables

● Confirm that you have everything you need to take with you to the test
● Be on time
○ Aim to get to your test center at least 30 minutes before your test
○ If you arrive after the test starts, you will not be allowed to take the test
● Go to the bathroom
○ Use the restroom before leaving your house
449
Right Before the Test

● Gotta pee?
○ Use bathroom before the test, as there are no bathroom breaks in the exam.
○ To use the restroom during the test, raise your hand to ask the examiner.
○ Don’t go during your listening test, because the listening test will not stop and
you will miss the answers (and get a lower score as a result).
○ If you must, then go to the toilet during your reading or writing test.
● Stay calm and positive
○ It’s normal to feel nervous before an exam, just relax and do your best
○ Focus on deep breathing to calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety
○ If possible, stretch your arms and legs to get your blood flowing.
450
We have arrived!

451
Congratulations!

452
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