Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

If people have more money, they are generally happier. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Money is used as a measure of exchange for products and services and as a unit of measuring the value of items. When the barter system died out, it was replaced by money. Money is used in order to carry out any modern transaction.

Having money definitely means you can afford to live a better quality of life without worrying where your next meal will come from. Wealthy people receive higher levels of education and health care, have good pensions, are able to go on luxurious holidays and purchase quality brand products. This certainly makes their lives easier.

Even though having money means your choices are better, this does not mean that money and happiness are linked together. Many rich people have other types of issues that money cannot solve and which cause them misery e.g. health and social problems, dependency on drugs and alcohol etc.

On the other hand, people with very little have less to worry about. They are not concerned about social pressure and keeping up with others. They appreciate the simple things in life which are free like spending time with their family and friends. The value they place on social relationships will help them through difficult moments in life.

To conclude, I don’t think there is a connection between money and happiness. Happiness comes from within irrespective of money. Having more money does mean that people can afford material products that make them temporarily happy. But having too much money brings with it its own set of problems.

Question taken from Get Ready for IELTS writing p. 56

Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

Motorways help people travel quickly and cover long distances but they also cause problems. What are the problems of motorways and what solutions are there?

Motorways are arteries between cities and countries and help transport people and products from one location to another. They enable vehicles to cover vast distances, are a convenient way to travel and are a fast means of reaching your destination.

Despite the fact that motorways consist of several lanes, sometimes traffic can be formed, especially when many inhabitants leave the city to go on holiday. Dependence on this method of movement means that routes are often congested. Drivers may also be inconvenienced by an accident on the motorway or when it is closed for repairs causing delays and frustration.

On the downside, motorways are difficult and expensive to maintain. Roads need to be re-surfaced and repaired on a regular basis. This maintenance is paid by the tax payer’s money. Similarly, tolls are placed at regular intervals and drivers are obliged to pay for the use of roads. The building of new roads involves destroying the countryside. Farm animals are subjected to noise pollution and carbon dioxide emissions are high in these areas.

As a solution the government could encourage people to restrict their movement and promote local areas for holidays. If tolls are expensive, people will think twice about using their private vehicles and will opt to use a bus instead. Alternatively, a train can be used.

Compared to air travel this type of transportation is less damaging to the environment but nonetheless it is still harmful. People need to consider their impact on the environment before venturing out.

Question taken from Get Ready for IELTS Writing p.85

Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

Air travel causes a variety of problems in the world and we should find alternative means of transport. Describe some of the problems caused by air travel and suggest some solutions.

More travelers nowadays chose to travel by air as it is fast, easy and safe. In some cases the only way to reach another country is by air. Air travel has made the world a much smaller place to live in and allows travelers to experience other cultures and close important business deals.

The biggest problem created by airplanes is pollution. The skies are full of planes that consume large amounts of non-renewable fuel to keep them in the air. Similarly, airplanes create a lot of fumes that damage the environment. People travel without considering their carbon footprints which is particularly critical when traveling long distances. Travel by air is also stressful for passengers who experience delays, cancellations, overcrowded airports etc.

It is difficult to find a replacement for air travel. This is a large industry that provides jobs to many people and it allows humans and products to be transported around the globe. An alternative would be to try and find new sources of energy to power these machines or to make them consume less fuel. People should be made aware of their carbon footprints before booking a flight so that they avoid unnecessary journeys.

What is more, instead of traveling for business meetings, business men could use modern technology such as video conferencing so as to avoid travel and accommodation expenses. Holiday makers may look out for alternative ways of moving around such as by bullet train, coach or ferry. These means of transport cause less environmental pollution.

Question taken from Get Ready for IELTS Writing p.84

Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

Young people should spend more time on cultural activities such as music and theatre and less time on sport. How far do you agree with this statement?

These days, young people’s free time is limited as they have a heavy workload at school and university. When they do find time to relax, youngsters enjoy spending time on their hobbies, doing activities which relax them and which they enjoy.

It is a good idea to spend time on a physical activity as there are many benefits for a young person. Firstly, sports keep us fit and healthy and better able to defend off illnesses. They provide us with energy and improve a person’s self-confidence. Exercise ensures that our blood circulates and our heart, an important muscle in the body, beats faster. Youngsters spend a great deal of time sitting when they study or during lessons, so some form of sport will do them good.

Not everyone however is interested in sport. Some youngsters prefer going to the theatre or to concerts. These activities are good for a person’s spiritual development and creativity. They ensure that young people appreciate the arts and culture. These performances pass on useful messages to viewers, make them question important issues and broaden their minds.

Both sports and cultural activities are important for youngsters. Sports are good for a person’s body, giving them an added boost of energy. Being healthy is a vital part of our lives. A person is unable to function if they are unhealthy. Similarly, it is equally important for a person to cultivate their spiritual side by being involved in cultural activities. What a person choses to do depends on their preferences.

Question taken from Get ready for IELTS Writing p. 25