Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Some people believe that education is the key to tackling hunger worldwide, while others feel that the answer lies in food aid. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

There is an uneven distribution of food in the world today. While the developed world eats well and there are many overweight people, the opposite picture can be seen in underdeveloped countries in Asia and Africa where many people suffer from malnutrition.

Education and hunger are interlinked. If poor countries are taught about good farming practices they will be able to grow their own produce and not depend on richer nations to feed them. Farmers in rural areas can be taught about soil, irrigation methods, crop rotation, fertilizers, pesticides etc. This education will benefit them in the long run. Learning basic literacy skills is also important. Being able to read and write means that people will be able to manage their own lives and will be able to pass on their knowledge to future generations.

On many occasions food shortages cannot be controlled. Natural disasters such as droughts, floods and tsunamis occur and these can destroy crops leaving the population with nothing to eat. In these cases, immediate help is required from the rest of the world in the form of food aid in order to prevent millions dying of starvation. Unfortunately, this is only a short-term solution as it becomes expensive to feed a country for free every day. What is more, countries become dependent on foreign aid and sometimes this help does not actually reach those who need it most.

I believe solid long-term solutions are better than temporary ones. If a country is to stand on its own two feet and feed its citizens then education is needed. However, natural disasters cannot be avoided and in this case immediate food aid is required.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.115

Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Some people think that it is wrong for humans to search for new worlds in space when we have so many problems on our own planet. Others believe such searches help mankind to develop.

The space race began with the USA and Russia competing against each other to send shuttles into space to look for new life forms, research existing planets and to search for other galaxies. Since then, other nations have also become interested in outer space.

Exploring space is extremely expensive and countries willing to do so spend millions on this project. These funds could be used to tackle existing issues on our planet such as hunger, poverty, unemployment, education and pollution. It’s not only about the money, valuable energy and resources are being used up too. The brains behind space exploration could be better used to solve existing problems on earth. It is better to untangle the mess we have created on earth before venturing into space.

On the other hand, humans have always been interested in exploring new destinations. Their curiosity has led explorers to seek out unknown and unfamiliar territories. Finding out about new worlds in space will be beneficial to mankind in terms of gaining knowledge and eliminating doubts and uncertainties they may have. Discoveries might also be useful particularly if natural resources are found or if there is potential for humans to inhabit places other than earth.

To sum up, I believe humans destroy every new territory they discover and are likely to do the same with new worlds in space. Rather than continuing the path of destruction, our focus should be on solving current problems. Too much time and money is being spent on space adventures.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.74

Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Advertising campaigns on TV that are targeted at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Children of today spend hours in front of a TV screen and advertisers are well aware of this. They take advantage of breaks in cartoons and programs for children to conveniently place commercials aimed at youngsters. Products that are commonly advertised include toys, food and beverages and the latest gadgets.

Children are too young and naive to understand how TV adverts are used to manipulate them to buy products. They are unable to tell the difference between an ad and a show. They will also be influenced by the products their favourite characters use. TV advertisements indirectly affect parents too because children put pressure on them to buy the products being advertised. Therefore, some people think it is unethical to show ads for children when they are unable to make an informed judgement about the value of an item.

On the other hand, there is a need to understand that children are also consumers with their own needs and preferences. The only way for sellers to notify children of new products is through advertising. Some products might be beneficial for children such as educational toys, healthy food options, play centres etc. We shouldn’t assume all advertisement are bad and should therefore be banned.

Producers spend large amounts of money developing products and advertising them. Without the income received from commercials, children wouldn’t be able to watch their favourite TV programs. If parents disagree with ads aimed at their children then they shouldn’t let them watch television. It is also up to the parents to say “no” to their children instead of letting their children have what they want and then blaming advertisers.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.86

Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Cinema attendance in some countries is on the decline. What do you think are the causes of this development and what measures could be taken to solve it?

In the past cinema was a popular form of entertainment and in many cases it was actually the only way for adults and teenagers to enjoy a good movie. Although cinema continues to be popular in some countries like India which has its own film industry, in other places movie theatres have shut down.

One reason for this decline is the number of alternative options available today for watching films. Devices such as tablets, pcs and mobile phones allow viewers to watch movies at any time and any place, usually for free. People also have the opportunity to see films on a big screen with the use of home-cinema and satellite television which has a range of the latest movies. People spend a lot of time at home in front of a screen and they are able to download films immediately after they have been released. Secondly, there are many more choices available for entertainment today and people may find these options more active, interactive and fun than going to the cinema.

We can learn from this art form so it is important to try and preserve it somehow. A good way to do this is to organise festivals and promote interesting, independent films. The Golden Horse film festival in Taipei, Taiwan for example gives awards to movies made in Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Having sponsors and advertising these events as well as giving awards, publicizes movies and encourages people to watch them at the cinema. Organisations and the industry could subsidize tickets to make them cheaper or offer special tickets so that going to the cinema is affordable. Finally, making quality movies, with an interesting plot and good acting might be helpful.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.101