General Training Model Answer (Task 2)

Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Most schools today are co-educational where boys and girls study and learn side by side. Single sex schools can still be found particularly if religion is an important part of the school’s instruction.

To begin with, those who favour single sex schools perhaps believe their children are receiving a higher level of education as there is no distraction from the opposite sex. Students are able to concentrate in class and receive better marks.

On the other hand co-educational schools are common today. This is a more realistic way of learning and it reflects conditions in the working world. When students enter the workplace they will find both sexes there and their experience in the classroom will make them accept and respect their work colleagues equally. In addition it is often thought that boys and girls have different strengths in the classroom. For example boys might prefer problem-solving or practical subjects whilst girls might enjoy reading and being creative. This means that a student’s strengths complement another’s weaknesses.

Education is not restricted to what is learnt in the classroom. Socially, students also need a balance and they need to be in the same environment as the opposite sex.

In my opinion, students benefit more in schools with a mixed environment as this provides a model of the real world. It also encourages each student to bring their own unique knowledge to classroom learning. Single sex schools may be regarded as being limiting and may create social problems later on in life.

Question taken from IELTS 8 Past Papers p.129

General Training Model Answer (Task 1)

You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken.

Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter
describe the problem with the equipment
explain what happened when you phoned the shop
say what you would like the manager to do

Dear Sir or Madam,

Last week I purchased a microwave oven from your shop. When I arrived home and tried to heat some food, I discovered that the door could not be opened. I attempted pressing the button several times once I had turned the appliance on but this action was unsuccessful.

As a result, I rang your Customer Service hotline to inform them of this defect. Even though your employee Stavros Mela assured me that a technician would come past and rectify the problem as he regarded it as being minor, nobody from your technical team arrived. I followed up on the initial phone call several times but no action was taken despite the promises made.

I would appreciate it if you could look into this with your Customer Service Department and adhere to your refund policy regarding faulty electrical items by sending me a cheque for the amount of the microwave oven.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs. Jamie Walsh

Question taken from IELTS 8 Past Papers p.129

General Training Model Answer (Task 2)

Today more people are travelling than ever before.
Why is this the case?
What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

The world has come a long way since animals such as horses and donkeys were used for local transport and people walked from one area to another. Similarly, a trip abroad was achieved once in a life-time. Nowadays the skies are full of aeroplanes, the seas of ships, the land of cars and trains and the list of frequent flyers is endless.

The increase in travel can be attributed to the invention of modern means of transport such as high speed trains and planes. The links between countries, cities and towns have improved and travellers are now connected to destinations worldwide. What is more, by buying tickets on the internet and with so many special offers and packages, travel is now affordable to most people. In terms of business, it has become fashionable to meet representatives from other countries and to seal contracts by meeting people in their home environment.

There are multiple benefits for travellers going abroad. Firstly, they gain a better understanding of another culture, history, and heritage which broadens their horizons and makes them respect other people. It has made the world a smaller place where difference is accepted, encouraged and valued. Secondly, many travellers see this as an opportunity to relax and escape their work routine and daily life of time-tables. It is usually the experiences from travelling that people remember most.

The low cost of international travel, better connections and speed ensures that people have a wealth of opportunities available to them. Travelling for pleasure creates moments that stay with us forever.

Question taken from IELTS 8 Past Papers p. 116

General Training Model Answer (Task 1)

You have recently moved to a different house.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
Explain why you have moved
Describe the new house
Invite your friend to come and visit

Dear Alex,

How have you been? It’s been a while since I last wrote to you and this is because I have been busy moving house.

Do you remember that small house I used to live in? Well, the owner decided that he wanted to live in it with his wife as he’s started receiving his pension and cannot afford to pay rent on another house.

My new house which is located in the suburbs is much bigger. It has three spacious bedrooms, a cosy living room and a modern kitchen. Unlike the previous house, the main bedroom has a unsuite bathroom and there is an additional bathroom for guests painted in my favourite colour, purple. On sunny days I am able to sit in the garden and read the newspaper.

I would really love for you to come and stay with me. This time you won’t be sleeping on the couch but you’ll have a comfortable double bed of your own. Let’s arrange something for the summer.

Best wishes,

Sam

Question taken from IELTS 8 Past Papers p. 116

Traditional Wholesaler

Traditional Wholesaler