IELTS Task 2: Focus on articles

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Table of Contents

1. Mobile phones - pros and cons?

2. Violence in films - causing social problems?

3. Machines - are we over-dependent on them?

4. Neighbours - how to improve relations?

5. Online shopping - negative effects?

6. Fossil fuel alternatives - a global priority?

7. Urban vs rural development - problems and solutions?

8. Health Budgets

9. School transport

10. Learning a foreign language

Blue sentences = General Statement/Topic sentences

Words in bold = Linking words and phrases

Red words = These words introduce a contrasting opinion in the first or last paragraph

Yellow/Orange words = Show your opinion clearly

All of the essays below conform to a 4 or 5 paragraph structure and are suitable
for both Academic and General Training Tests

Your Task: Can you put a/an/the in the spaces?

The aim of this exercise is to train your mind to notice articles and become more
familiar with their use. Don’t worry if you get a few wrong - there are many
subtleties, and usually small mistakes do NOT cause confusion.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

1. Mobile phones - pros and cons?

Mobile phones have brought many benefits, but they have also had negative effects.

Do [_____] disadvantages of having mobile phones outweigh [_____] advantages?

Mobile phones have had[_____]enormous impact on many aspects of our lives. They have
significantly changed [_____] way we communicate with each other in both our personal and
our professional lives and they clearly have many advantages. However, there are several
drawbacks to being constantly available and connected to [_____] internet, which I will outline
below.

By far [_____] most common criticism of mobile phones is [_____] fact that we are now
expected to be available 24/7. Before mobile phones were invented, [_____] time spent away
from work was our own, but now it seems that [_____] separation between work and free time
has disappeared. In addition, mobile phones pose certain health risks and can be dangerous if
drivers use them at [_____] wheel or if people cross busy roads while texting. There have been
several mobile-phone related accidents and fatalities.[_____]final negative effect is that in
public places such as on [_____] train or at [_____] cinema, there is no escape from [_____]
noise of annoying ringtones and loud, one-sided conversations.

On [_____] other hand, there are several obvious benefits. [_____] most powerful argument in
favour of mobile phones is that they can be used to call for help in [_____] most inaccessible
places, for example when[_____]car breaks down in[_____]remote area, and emergency
services can be called to [_____] scene of[_____]accident without delay. Moreover, being easily
contactable every minute of [_____] day has real advantages for business people and for
working parents.

To sum up, I feel that although there are some clear drawbacks to mobile phones, their
efficiency, portability and multi-functional abilities have greatly enhanced most aspects of our
lives and [_____] plus points certainly offset [_____] downsides.

275

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

Mobile phones have had an enormous impact on many aspects of our lives. They have
significantly changed the way we communicate with each other in both our personal and our
professional lives and they clearly have many advantages. However, there are several
drawbacks to being constantly available and connected to the internet, which I will outline
below.

By far the most common criticism of mobile phones is the fact that we are now expected to be
available 24/7. Before mobile phones were invented, the time spent away from work was our
own, but now it seems that the separation between work and free time has disappeared. In
addition, mobile phones pose certain health risks and can be dangerous if drivers use them at
the wheel or if people cross busy roads while texting. There have been several mobile-phone
related accidents and fatalities. A final negative effect is that in public places such as on the
train or at the cinema, there is no escape from the noise of annoying ringtones and loud,
one-sided conversations.

On the other hand, there are several obvious benefits. The most powerful argument in favour
of mobile phones is that they can be used to call for help in the most inaccessible places, for
example when a car breaks down in a remote area, and emergency services can be called to the
scene of an accident without delay. Moreover, being easily contactable every minute of the day
has real advantages for business people and for working parents.

To sum up, I feel that although there are some clear drawbacks to mobile phones, their
efficiency, portability and multi-functional abilities have greatly enhanced most aspects of our
lives and the plus points certainly offset the downsides.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

2. Violence in films - causing social problems?

Many people believe that [_____] high levels of violence in films today are causing serious
social problems.

What are these problems and how could they be reduced?

The increasing amount of violence that is shown regularly in films has been[_____]cause of
concern for some time. Such films make violence appear entertaining, exciting and even
something to be copied. However, it seems to be increasingly clear that this development is
causing problems in our society. This essay will argue that [_____] issues related to [_____]
portrayal of violence in films need to be urgently addressed.

It has been suggested that people who enjoy these films may stop associating [_____]
violence with real consequences. They could therefore lose their sense of reality and no longer
take violence seriously or have any sympathy with [_____] victims. This often leads to senseless,
random 'thrill-seeking' crimes such as drug-dealing and car-jacking. Another worrying trend is
that [_____] heroes of these films are shown as people to be admired, even though they are
very violent characters. This may lead some people to believe that they can gain respect and
admiration by copying this aggressive behaviour, and so [_____] levels of violence increase.

Unfortunately, [_____] rules regulating [_____] film industry are outdated. What is needed
now is definite action and policies that reflect [_____] reality of modern-day street violence,
knife crime and gang warfare. [_____] government should regulate [_____] film industry more
strictly and producers must be prevented from showing meaningless violence as 'fun'. Instead,
films should emphasise [_____] tragic consequences of violent acts and this would make young
people realise that violence is real. [_____] 'Breaking Bad' series was[_____]very good example
of this.

To conclude, I think that viewing violence as entertainment may indeed cause serious social
problems and that [_____] only way to improve this situation is by rigorous censorship of
violent scenes and educating [_____] public about [_____] real human suffering that such
violence brings.

(298 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

The increasing amount of violence that is shown regularly in films has been a cause of
concern for some time. Such films make violence appear entertaining, exciting and even
something to be copied. However, it seems to be increasingly clear that this development is
causing problems in our society. This essay will argue that the issues related to the portrayal of
violence in films need to be urgently addressed.

It has been suggested that people who enjoy these films may stop associating the violence
with real consequences. They could therefore lose their sense of reality and no longer take
violence seriously or have any sympathy with the victims. This often leads to senseless, random
'thrill-seeking' crimes such as drug-dealing and car-jacking. Another worrying trend is that the
heroes of these films are shown as people to be admired, even though they are very violent
characters. This may lead some people to believe that they can gain respect and admiration by
copying this aggressive behaviour, and so the levels of violence increase.

Unfortunately, the rules regulating the film industry are outdated. What is needed now is
definite action and policies that reflect the reality of modern-day street violence, knife crime
and gang warfare. The government should regulate the film industry more strictly and
producers must be prevented from showing meaningless violence as 'fun'. Instead, films should
emphasise the tragic consequences of violent acts and this would make young people realise
that violence is real. The 'Breaking Bad' series was a very good example of this.

To conclude, I think that viewing violence as entertainment may indeed cause serious social
problems and that the only way to improve this situation is by rigorous censorship of violent
scenes and educating the public about the real human suffering that such violence brings.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

3. Machines - are we over-dependent on them?

We are becoming more and more dependent on machines to function in [_____] modern
world. Some people think this is[_____]very negative development.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is difficult to imagine how modern life could carry on without [_____] machinery that we
have come to rely on. However, this does not necessarily mean that [_____] effects of our
dependence are negative. In this essay I will argue that machines have brought great benefits
to most aspects of our daily lives.

First of all, let us consider [_____] countless advantages of machinery. In our homes, for
instance, washing machines, kettles and all [_____] labour-saving devices that we take for
granted have liberated many people, especially women, from hours of domestic chores.
Similarly in [_____] workplace, computers and [_____] communication equipment that we use
form [_____] basis of business and commerce. Examples of [_____] positive effect of machines
in our lives are endless, whether we consider transport, medicine or many other sectors of
society.

In contrast, it is hard to find reasons to argue against [_____] use of machines. Of course
people may risk losing their jobs if they are replaced by more efficient machines, for example in
car factories, and there are also health problems associated with [_____] more sedentary
lifestyles that have resulted from manual labour becoming automated. Also [_____] passive
nature of much of our entertainment can be counted as[_____]drawback. Yet these are features
of modern life that individuals can change if they want to.

In conclusion, I cannot deny [_____] fact that our dependency on machines has [_____]
potential to bring disaster if they all suddenly stopped working, but without them, our standard
of living and [_____] economic growth and development of our society would collapse. Few of
us would want to go back to subsistence farming with hand-made tools. Instead of trying to turn
back history, we should appreciate [_____] many benefits that machines can bring.

(295 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

It is difficult to imagine how modern life could carry on without the machinery that we have
come to rely on. However, this does not necessarily mean that the effects of our dependence
are negative. In this essay I will argue that machines have brought great benefits to most
aspects of our daily lives.

First of all, let us consider the countless advantages of machinery. In our homes, for instance,
washing machines, kettles and all the labour-saving devices that we take for granted have
liberated many people, especially women, from hours of domestic chores. Similarly in the
workplace, computers and the communication equipment that we use form the basis of
business and commerce. Examples of the positive effect of machines in our lives are endless,
whether we consider transport, medicine or many other sectors of society.

In contrast, it is hard to find reasons to argue against the use of machines. Of course people
may risk losing their jobs if they are replaced by more efficient machines, for example in car
factories, and there are also health problems associated with the more sedentary lifestyles that
have resulted from manual labour becoming automated. Also the passive nature of much of our
entertainment can be counted as a drawback. Yet these are features of modern life that
individuals can change if they want to.

In conclusion, I cannot deny the fact that our dependency on machines has the potential to
bring disaster if they all suddenly stopped working, but without them, our standard of living and
the economic growth and development of our society would collapse. Few of us would want to
go back to subsistence farming with hand-made tools. Instead of trying to turn back history, we
should appreciate the many benefits that machines can bring.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

4. Neighbours - how to improve relations?

People do not have such[_____]close relationship with their neighbours as they did in [_____]
past.

Why is this so, and what can be done to improve contact between neighbours?

In [_____] past, neighbours formed[_____]essential part of people's social lives and they
helped each other in times of need. Nowadays people often do not even know their
neighbours and as[_____]consequence they live more isolated lives. In my opinion, getting to
know one’s neighbours requires time and energy, but [_____] results will be hugely worthwhile.

There are[_____]number of reasons why we have less contact with our neighbours. Firstly, our
lifestyles are more mobile. This means that people move house quite frequently and
relationships tend to become more superficial. Secondly, people often commute long distances
to work. This leads to them forming closer relationships with work colleagues than with their
neighbours. Finally, modern lifestyles make us spend more time inside our houses on screens
than in [_____] local pub. As[_____]result, we get fewer opportunities to build relationships
within [_____] community.

There are many ways in which neighbourhood ties could be strengthened. First of all, local
authorities could provide more communal areas such as playgrounds and community halls so
that there are places where neighbours can meet and make friends. In addition, I think that
when new people come to[_____]street, [_____] local residents should make more
of[_____]effort to introduce themselves and welcome them. Lastly, people could set up
neighbourhood associations that meet regularly to discuss [_____] things which affect them.

Admittedly, these suggestions require[_____]great deal of time and effort, both of which seem
to be in very short supply in this day and age. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that [_____]
community spirit is still alive and just needs[_____]push in [_____] right direction.

(275 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

5. Online shopping - negative effects?

More and more people are shopping online.

What might be [_____] effect on [_____] environment and on [_____] types of jobs that are
needed?

The popularity of online shopping continues to increase at[_____]alarming rate. Indeed, it is

hard for most of us to resist [_____] allure, convenience and affordability
of[_____]next-day-delivery being brought right to our doorstep at [_____] click
of[_____]button. But despite [_____] many benefits of internet shopping, in my opinion
[_____] long-term impact on [_____] environment and on jobs needs to be taken more
seriously.

First of all, let us consider [_____] environmental impact. Although people argue that home
delivery means fewer cars on [_____] road and therefore less pollution, research has shown
that there has been no reduction in car use and that people still drive to [_____] shops. This
doubles [_____] amount of traffic on [_____] road and worsens [_____] air quality as
diesel-fuelled trucks compete for space with everyday shoppers. In addition, [_____] overuse of
plastic and non-recyclable packaging while transporting these goods is[_____]cause of growing
concern.

As for [_____] impact on jobs, it seems to me that as more local businesses and small shops
close down because they are unable to compete on price with [_____] large online companies
such as Amazon, different types of workers (shop floor staff, managers, cleaners) are having to
find jobs elsewhere. Unfortunately, [_____] delivery driver jobs which have been created from
online shopping are not suitable for everyone. Besides, these jobs are often badly-paid and have
little job security and other benefits such as sick pay.

To conclude, consumers need to be better informed about how their shopping habits impact
their environment and people’s livelihoods. It may be worth paying[_____]little extra to
support[_____]local business and walking to [_____] shops rather than making shopping
decisions based on price and convenience.

(288 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

The popularity of online shopping continues to increase at an alarming rate. Indeed, it is hard
for most of us to resist the allure, convenience and affordability of a next-day-delivery being
brought right to our doorstep at the click of a button. But despite the many benefits of internet
shopping, in my opinion the long-term impact on the environment and on jobs needs to be
taken more seriously.

First of all, let us consider the environmental impact. Although people argue that home
delivery means fewer cars on the road and therefore less pollution, research has shown that
there has been no reduction in car use and that people still drive to the shops. This doubles the
amount of traffic on the road and worsens the air quality as diesel-fuelled trucks compete for
space with everyday shoppers. In addition, the overuse of plastic and non-recyclable packaging
while transporting these goods is a cause of growing concern.

As for the impact on jobs, it seems to me that as more local businesses and small shops close
down because they are unable to compete on price with the large online companies such as
Amazon, different types of workers (shop floor staff, managers, cleaners) are having to find jobs
elsewhere. Unfortunately, the delivery driver jobs which have been created from online
shopping are not suitable for everyone. Besides, these jobs are often badly-paid and have little
job security and other benefits such as sick pay.

To conclude, consumers need to be better informed about how their shopping habits impact
their environment and people’s livelihoods. It may be worth paying a little extra to support a
local business and walking to the shops rather than making shopping decisions based on price
and convenience.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

6. Fossil fuel alternatives - a global priority?

The development of alternatives to fossil fuels should be [_____] most important global
priority today.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Our reliance on fossil fuels as[_____]main source of energy has taken[_____]terrible toll on
[_____] environment, and [_____] effects of releasing so much carbon dioxide into [_____]
atmosphere can be felt all over [_____] world. Therefore it seems to me that alternatives need
to be found as[_____]matter of urgency, otherwise [_____] scale of their use will only continue
to grow as more countries develop their industries and economies.

Burning gas, petrol and coal causes increases in temperature. [_____] results of this could be
devastating and irreversible, posing[_____]threat to our entire planet. Despite pledges by world
leaders to cut CO2 emissions, governments appear to be dragging their heels in implementing
real change, as if there is no real urgency about [_____] situation. This is[_____]terrible mistake
in my opinion, and it is imperative that they now devote far more time and money into finding
other ways of producing energy.

While some countries have started to use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and
water power, insufficient investment has been made to develop and exploit [_____]
technology available to make these alternatives accessible for all. So it should indeed
be[_____]global priority to invest in research and development, especially because time is
running out and solutions will take some time to achieve.

To conclude, although there are of course several other global issues that we need to address,
such as poverty and disease, in my opinion prioritising environmental problems caused by our
continued use of fossil fuels would improve [_____] situation of people whose lives have been
affected by extreme weather, drought and flooding linked to global warming.

(276 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

Our reliance on fossil fuels as a main source of energy has taken a terrible toll on the
environment, and the effects of releasing so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere can be
felt all over the world. Therefore it seems to me that alternatives need to be found as a matter
of urgency, otherwise the scale of their use will only continue to grow as more countries
develop their industries and economies.

Burning gas, petrol and coal causes increases in temperature. The results of this could be
devastating and irreversible, posing a threat to our entire planet. Despite pledges by world
leaders to cut CO2 emissions, governments appear to be dragging their heels in implementing
real change, as if there is no real urgency about the situation. This is a terrible mistake in my
opinion, and it is imperative that they now devote far more time and money into finding other
ways of producing energy.

While some countries have started to use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and
water power, insufficient investment has been made to develop and exploit the technology
available to make these alternatives accessible for all. So it should indeed be a global priority
to invest in research and development, especially because time is running out and solutions will
take some time to achieve.

To conclude, although there are of course several other global issues that we need to address,
such as poverty and disease, in my opinion prioritising environmental problems caused by our
continued use of fossil fuels would improve the situation of people whose lives have been
affected by extreme weather, drought and flooding linked to global warming.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

7. Urban vs rural development - problems and solutions?

In recent years, some countries have experienced very rapid economic development. This has
resulted in higher standards of living in urban areas but not in [_____] countryside.

What problems could this cause? How could these be reduced?

It is inevitable that economic growth is mostly generated in [_____] business and industrial
centres of major cities. As[_____]consequence, urban citizens have access to jobs and facilities
that improve their living standards considerably. However, [_____] wealth is not evenly
distributed, and this creates[_____]number of problems in rural areas, which I will outline
below.

First of all, young people from [_____] countryside leave their villages in search of better
employment opportunities. [_____] villages are left under-populated, schools and doctors’
surgeries close and [_____] increase in [_____] urban population puts great pressure on
housing, infrastructure and services. This leads to [_____] creation of slum areas where
conditions may be worse than in [_____] villages. Finally, as[_____]country's economy
develops, there may be[_____]increasing sense of inequality as [_____] towns get richer and
[_____] villages get poorer, and this may even result in civil unrest.

The solution to these problems seems to lie in improving [_____] standards of living and
[_____] facilities available in [_____] countryside. Perhaps incentives can be offered to
factories and companies to relocate; road and rail networks can be built to make such relocation
possible; investment could be made into developing tourism in [_____] countryside so that
more jobs are created and [_____] income of [_____] local economy grows.

In conclusion, however, improving rural living standards requires investment and political will
that is sometimes not easy to generate. More pressure needs to be put on [_____] government
to take [_____] plight of rural areas more seriously and to investigate ways in which money
invested in rural economies could benefit [_____] country as[_____]whole.

(271 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

It is inevitable that economic growth is mostly generated in the business and industrial
centres of major cities. As a consequence, urban citizens have access to jobs and facilities that
improve their living standards considerably. However, the wealth is not evenly distributed, and
this creates a number of problems in rural areas, which I will outline below.

First of all, young people from the countryside leave their villages in search of better
employment opportunities. The villages are left under-populated, schools and doctors’
surgeries close and the increase in the urban population puts great pressure on housing,
infrastructure and services. This leads to the creation of slum areas where conditions may be
worse than in the villages. Finally, as a country's economy develops, there may be an increasing
sense of inequality as the towns get richer and the villages get poorer, and this may even result
in civil unrest.

The solution to these problems seems to lie in improving the standards of living and the
facilities available in the countryside. Perhaps incentives can be offered to factories and
companies to relocate; road and rail networks can be built to make such relocation possible;
investment could be made into developing tourism in the countryside so that more jobs are
created and the income of the local economy grows.

In conclusion, however, improving rural living standards requires investment and political will
that is sometimes not easy to generate. More pressure needs to be put on the government to
take the plight of rural areas more seriously and to investigate ways in which money invested in
rural economies could benefit the country as a whole.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

8. Health Budgets

‘Prevention is better than cure'.

Out of a country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to
spending on health education and preventative measures.

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

A huge amount of money is spent curing preventable illnesses and obviously it would make
far more sense for more of this money to be spent educating [_____] public about [_____]
long-term benefits of[_____]healthy diet and lifestyle. However, in countries such as [_____]
UK where [_____] national health system is already under severe pressure, there is barely
enough money to cope with [_____] current surge in demand for its services. Therefore it
seems hard to imagine [_____] consequences of diverting[_____]large chunk of its funding to
preventative strategies.

Recent research has shown that many of today’s illnesses are related to lifestyle. Many people
work long hours, do not have time to cook healthy meals and drink too much in order to cope
with [_____] stress of modern life. If [_____] government spent more money on alleviating
such problems, for example, by subsidising gyms, taxing unhealthy food, reducing [_____]
number of hours in[_____]working week and introducing more annual leave, there could
be[_____]massive knock-on effect on people's general well-being and this would be[_____]very
cost-effective solution in [_____] long term.

Unfortunately, such[_____]positive outcome cannot be guaranteed, and [_____] government

would have to take[_____]huge risk of cutting health budgets at[_____]time when [_____]
money is so desperately needed. It would be extremely difficult to convince tax-payers of
[_____] benefits of investing in public health facilities and awareness campaigns when all they
see is long queues at A&E, lengthy waiting lists for routine operations and extreme difficulty
getting[_____]appointment to see their local GP.

So although I completely support [_____] idea of diverting money to preventing rather than
curing illness, [_____] reality is more complicated and requires careful research, thought and
planning.

(291 words)

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

A huge amount of money is spent curing preventable illnesses and obviously it would make
far more sense for more of this money to be spent educating the public about the long-term
benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, in countries such as the UK where the
national health system is already under severe pressure, there is barely enough money to cope
with the current surge in demand for its services. Therefore it seems hard to imagine the
consequences of diverting a large chunk of its funding to preventative strategies.

Recent research has shown that many of today’s illnesses are related to lifestyle. Many people
work long hours, do not have time to cook healthy meals and drink too much in order to cope
with the stress of modern life. If the government spent more money on alleviating such
problems, for example, by subsidising gyms, taxing unhealthy food, reducing the number of
hours in a working week and introducing more annual leave, there could be a massive knock-on
effect on people's general well-being and this would be a very cost-effective solution in the long
term.

Unfortunately, such a positive outcome cannot be guaranteed, and the government would
have to take a huge risk of cutting health budgets at a time when the money is so desperately
needed. It would be extremely difficult to convince tax-payers of the benefits of investing in
public health facilities and awareness campaigns when all they see is long queues at A&E,
lengthy waiting lists for routine operations and extreme difficulty getting an appointment to see
their local GP.

So although I completely support the idea of diverting money to preventing rather than curing
illness, the reality is more complicated and requires careful research, thought and planning.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

9. School transport

Some people think that it is [_____] government’s responsibility to transport children

to school. Others say that parents should be responsible.

What is your opinion?

The issues surrounding how children get to school have become[_____]subject of much
discussion recently because of[_____]huge increase in [_____] amount of cars on [_____] road
during rush hour. Having[_____]government-run system would certainly alleviate this growing
problem and in my opinion bring[_____]host of other benefits.

Let us look first of all at [_____] role of [_____] parents. It goes without saying that parents
have [_____] ultimate responsibility for ensuring that their child gets to school safely and
punctually. However, [_____] trend for going to school by car is having[_____]harmful effect on
[_____] children, who are missing out on opportunities to socialise, exercise and get fresh air.

Turning now to [_____] role of [_____] government, it is without doubt their duty to guarantee
that every child has access to education no matter what their personal circumstances are.
Therefore, it is up to [_____] government to provide[_____]reliable means of getting to school. I
believe that this could have several other positive consequences. Firstly, there would
be[_____]noticeable improvement in air quality due to fewer private vehicles being on [_____]
road. Secondly, it would be beneficial for [_____] economy, creating jobs for drivers and
providing more job opportunities for parents, especially women, who might currently be tied to
school-run duties and limited in [_____] type of jobs they can find. [_____] corresponding
increase in household income could in [_____] long term improve [_____] child’s life
opportunities.

All things considered, although it may be hard to justify [_____] additional costs involved in
providing[_____]school bus service, I think that overall there would be[_____]significant
improvement to [_____] quality of life of many different people and not just [_____] children
concerned.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

The issues surrounding how children get to school have become a subject of much discussion
recently because of a huge increase in the amount of cars on the road during rush hour.
Having a government-run system would certainly alleviate this growing problem and in my
opinion bring a host of other benefits.

Let us look first of all at the role of the parents. It goes without saying that parents have the
ultimate responsibility for ensuring that their child gets to school safely and punctually.
However, the trend for going to school by car is having a harmful effect on the children, who
are missing out on opportunities to socialise, exercise and get fresh air.

Turning now to the role of the government, it is without doubt their duty to guarantee that
every child has access to education no matter what their personal circumstances are. Therefore,
it is up to the government to provide a reliable means of getting to school. I believe that this
could have several other positive consequences. Firstly, there would be a noticeable
improvement in air quality due to fewer private vehicles being on the road. Secondly, it would
be beneficial for the economy, creating jobs for drivers and providing more job opportunities for
parents, especially women, who might currently be tied to school-run duties and limited in the
type of jobs they can find. The corresponding increase in household income could in the long
term improve the child’s life opportunities.

All things considered, although it may be hard to justify the additional costs involved in
providing a school bus service, I think that overall there would be a significant improvement to
the quality of life of many different people and not just the children concerned.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

10. Learning a foreign language

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning[_____]foreign

language at primary school rather than secondary school.

Do [_____] advantages of this outweigh [_____] disadvantages?

Traditionally, children have begun studying foreign languages at secondary school, but
introducing them earlier is recommended by some educationalists. This policy has been
adopted by some educational authorities or individual schools, with both positive and negative
outcomes.

The obvious argument in its favour is that young children pick up languages much more easily
than teenagers. Their brains are still programmed to acquire their mother tongue, which
facilitates learning another language, and unlike adolescents, they are not inhibited by
self-consciousness. In addition, [_____] greater flexibility of [_____] primary timetable allows
for more frequent shorter sessions and for[_____]play-centred approach, thus maintaining
learners' enthusiasm and progress. Their command of [_____] language in later life will benefit
from this early exposure, while learning other languages subsequently will be easier for them.
They may also gain[_____]better understanding of other cultures.

There are, however, some disadvantages. Primary school teachers are generalists, and may not
have [_____] necessary language skills themselves. If specialists have to be brought in to deliver
these sessions, [_____] flexibility referred to above is diminished. If primary language teaching
is not standardised, secondary schools could be faced with[_____]great variety of levels in
different languages within their intake, resulting in[_____]classroom experience which undoes
[_____] earlier gains. There is no advantage if enthusiastic primary pupils become demotivated
as soon as they change schools. However, these issues can be addressed strategically within
[_____] policy adopted.

In my opinion, anything which encourages language learning benefits society culturally and
economically, and early exposure to language learning contributes to this. Young children's
innate abilities should be harnessed to make these benefits more achievable.

272 words

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses

Full response

Traditionally, children have begun studying foreign languages at secondary school, but
introducing them earlier is recommended by some educationalists. This policy has been
adopted by some educational authorities or individual schools, with both positive and negative
outcomes.

The obvious argument in its favour is that young children pick up languages much more easily
than teenagers. Their brains are still programmed to acquire their mother tongue, which
facilitates learning another language, and unlike adolescents, they are not inhibited by
self-consciousness. In addition, the greater flexibility of the primary timetable allows for more
frequent shorter sessions and for a play-centred approach, thus maintaining learners'
enthusiasm and progress. Their command of the language in later life will benefit from this early
exposure, while learning other languages subsequently will be easier for them. They may also
gain a better understanding of other cultures.

There are, however, some disadvantages. Primary school teachers are generalists, and may not
have the necessary language skills themselves. If specialists have to be brought in to deliver
these sessions, the flexibility referred to above is diminished. If primary language teaching is not
standardised, secondary schools could be faced with a great variety of levels in different
languages within their intake, resulting in a classroom experience which undoes the earlier
gains. There is no advantage if enthusiastic primary pupils become demotivated as soon as they
change schools. However, these issues can be addressed strategically within the policy adopted.

In my opinion, anything which encourages language learning benefits society culturally and
economically, and early exposure to language learning contributes to this. Young children's
innate abilities should be harnessed to make these benefits more achievable.

©️ Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses