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

Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

At school greater emphasis should be placed on an appreciation of the built as well as the natural environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Due to high population growth and the need to build facilities, housing, schools and work areas for people, cities have sprung up everywhere and there are few places of natural beauty. In the name of progress and development, the natural environment has been destroyed.

As most of the world’s population resides in urban areas children should value their surroundings. Architecture is an art form that is seen in buildings and appreciated by people living in an area as well as tourists and visitors. Children should be made aware that architects express their creativity through buildings using innovative materials and designs. As such, they should be proud of their city’s buildings.

Environmentalists have been fighting for young people to appreciate the natural environment and what it has to offer. Humans need green areas as they provide us with oxygen and are a reminder of what is pure and natural in life. Many parks can be found in city centres, for example, Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. These parks provide a refuge for city dwellers and are an ideal place for youngsters to play.

The built-up environment provides us with shelter, work, and places of entertainment and interest. It is where we spend most of our time so it should be aesthetically pleasing. It is the responsibility of architects to make our surroundings appealing and schools should educate children about this art form. Similarly, man cannot live without nature and its preservation is a key to our survival.

Question taken from Ready for IELTS Course book p. 125

General Training Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of social networking?

Many people today are members of a social network site like facebook, twitter, Hi5, Myspace, Weibo etc. These sites allow users to share personal information, their views, post photos and get together with people who share common interests with them.

Social network sites are extremely popular and a modern way to keep in touch with people who are important in our lives. They have made the world smaller and we are able to communicate with familiar faces on the other side of the globe. Users are also able to inform their friends about what is happening in their lives on a daily basis or chat to them. Similarly, people are notified of events as well as being informed about social and political issues. In fact, these sites are a great way to raise awareness about important issues.

Social networking is not without its drawbacks. Many users conceal their true identity and are able to harm or bully others with their dishonest. Secondly, some people feel depressed when they read that their friends are doing well while their life remains the same. Finally, many people become addicted to networking on the Internet and as a result forget that there is life beyond a computer screen.

In our fast-paced world, social networking has become the norm. It is simple to keep in touch and keep up to date using various applications but we shouldn’t forget traditional ways of interacting and networking. After all, this is part of human nature.

Question taken from Get Ready for IELTS writing, p. 51

Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

In the modern world there is a movement away from written exams to more practical assessment. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

The methods of assessing students have changed in recent years. Exams have traditionally been used to determine whether a student has mastered a subject well enough or not. Exams are required to gain entrance into a university or college or to graduate from any type of institution.  Similarly, many government posts require candidates to take written exams.  Practical assessment is becoming more popular especially in the arts and sciences where theory is not so important.

Written exams allow many students to be examined and at the same time they can cover a large amount of material.  It is also easy for examiners to correct written exams. Despite these advantages, this assessment method is not a true indication of a person’s ability. Many students study the previous night and when the exam ends, they forget what they have memorized. There is a lot of stress and pressure associated with exams and students do not often perform well under such conditions.

On the other hand, practical assessment gives students time to do coursework and projects at their own pace. This type of assessment is more indicative of a person’s academic abilities and is currently used for subjects that require creativity or are of a practical nature like music or chemistry where a laboratory is needed. Practical assessment however is time-consuming for students and it requires more time for an examiner to assess. Students also need individual attention from teachers and lecturers on progress, feedback etc. Although practical assessment might be desirable its shortcomings should not be ignored.

Question taken from Ready for IELTS course book p. 99