Topic 1: Increasing travels between
countries enable people to learn different cultures or to increase tension
between people from different countries? (IELTS Essay example)
Globalisation is a catch-all
term that refers to any activity that involves more than one country, for example,
travel from one country to another. The dramatic increase in transnational
travel in recent years has sparked controversy over the potential impacts of
this trend on individual countries, especially those new member states of
globalisation. Some people are concerned that the upsurge in new arrivals will
prompt local hostility against
visitors, instead of promoting their
understanding on mutual cultural background. This notion should be rejected as
one can see many facts in favour of this development between countries.
The first reason why international travels would never
bring conflict is rooted in
the fact that both visitors and locals are economically motivated.
International travel opens up opportunities for business development throughout
the world. Entrepreneurs are
interested not only in the domestic market but also in the overseas market.
Foreigners should learn the culture of a country before winning over the local
people. In turn, locals should show their hospitality to visitors in exchange for
their trust. They share a view that acceptance of each other's cultural
background is a necessary condition for cooperation.
Understanding a culture has other implications.
Differences in social background, cultural values and religious belief might make
the discrepancy of
foreigners and local inhabitants on some issues indelible; however, the higher
interaction, the higher level of communication and understanding. Arabians, for
example, used to consider westerners as their foes. Now they have concrete relations with
their western allies in many fields. In the initial stage, their divergence
seemed inherent but over time,
with better mutual understanding, they take the same position on many
issues.
Undeniably, it is likely that in some resorts, foreign visitors
repel the local
community with their scant
regard for the local environment and conventions when they first arrive.
However, it should be noted that most offense is accidental, rather than
intentional. Instead, visitors disobey rules and conventions simply because
they have no knowledge of them. This situation is expected to be improved with
the passing of time when visitors from different countries increase their
knowledge of a local culture.
According to the above analysis, we can observe that the
increase in the international travel should not be taken as the cause of any
conflict that arises between two countries. Alternatively, one should recognise
its role in improving mutual understanding between two countries.
1. catch-all
= all-embracing
2. hostility
= enmity = resentment
3. rooted
in = derived from = based on
4. entrepreneur
= tycoon = mogul = industrialist
5. discrepancy
= disagreement = difference = divergence
6. foe
= enemy = rival
7. concrete
= tangible = solid
8. over
time = in due course = sooner or later
9. resort;
tourist resort; holiday resort; beach resort; scenic spot; place of interest
10. repel
= revolt = repulse
11. scant
= limited = scarce
Topic 2: When international media
(including movies, fashion shows, advertisements and other TV programmes)
convey the same messages to the global audience, people argue that the
expansion of international media has negative impacts on cultural diversity.
What is your opinion?(IELTS Essay example)
As international media companies expand across the
world, the growing popularity and uniformity of some media programmes (such as
TV shows, movies, fashion shows) is causing worldwide concern. Many people have
strong views toward this trend. In my opinion, international media is closely
linked to cultural globalisation and cultural homogeneity.
The dominance
of international media is a sign
of Western cultural imperialism and has the potential to thwart cultural
diversity. It is not a secret that international media is owned and operated by
a handful of giant
corporations, such as Time Warner. They control large sectors of the media
market and place national media companies at risk. The contraction in the number of media owners will cause a proportional reduction
in the variety of programmes broadcasted. For example, painting, music and
movies accessible in the media have a small number of genres, imposing
restraints on one's knowledge of artworks of different cultural backgrounds.
In addition to seizing control over those creative
industries, global entertainment companies affect cultural diversity by reshaping
the perceptions, beliefs
and norms of ordinary citizens in different countries. Most of the cultural
values and ideals promoted
by the leading mainstream media are of American origin. American culture values
individuality, maximisation of one's benefits and material wealth, rather than
communal life and family solidarity, the values and
norms previously treasured in many Asian countries. Unfortunately, many Asian
people now imitate American people, causing the alteration of their perceptions
of family. This radical change can be attributed to those movies and TV
programmes that portray the success of American individuals or corporations.
The loss of media diversity is also responsible for
people's narrow sense of ways of life. The ruling class of many countries
speaks English, favours Western food, wears Western-style jackets and even
prefers Western weddings. Young people are
captivated by American basketball and some even daubing the
names of NBA stars on their school sweatsuits. All these transformations in
life are the result of the audience's exposure to Hollywood
movies, TV shows and sports reports. The loss of media diversity will lead to
degradation of culture and to a minimisation of cultural diversity. It is a
worrying trend, as people need cultural diversity to preserve and pass on their valuable
heritage to future generations, including lifestyle.
As shown above, international media, controlled by a
handful of transnational media corporations, is exporting Western culture
worldwide and putting many indigenous cultures at the risk of extinction. The
uniformity of media programmes has led to that of artworks, norms and ways of
life wherever international media goes.
1. dominance
= domination = power
2. sign
= symbol = mark = signal = indication
3. thwart
= prevent = spoil = ruin
4. a
handful of = a small number of
5. contraction
= reduction
6. proportional
= relative
7. perception
= view = opinion
8. ideal
= value = belief = principle
9. solidarity
= unity = harmony = cohesion
10. be
captivated by = be obsessed with = be passionate about = be addicted to = be
keen on = be enthusiastic about
11. pass
on = give = impart = convey
Topic 3: There is a disagreement on
the impact of increased business and culture contact between countries on a
country's identity. What is your opinion? (IELTS Essay example)
One of the most conspicuous
trends in the 21st century is a closer connection
between countries, in both economic and cultural aspects. There is a
widespread worry that this will lead to the gradual demise of countries' identities. This issue should be
viewed and analysed from multiple
perspectives.
When a country tends to develop a closer relationship
with the rest of the world, it does not necessarily give up its culture.
Culture is not a disgrace to
but an asset of a country. An indigenous culture can distinguish one country
from others, attracting foreign visitors and yielding high income. As most
tourists travel abroad for learning different cultures and sampling different
ways of life, such as Beijing opera in China.
Japanese tea culture and Thai temples, many countries have responded with
protecting and preserving their cultural identities, in an effort to keep
themselves in the list of the most popular destinations. Increased tourism
instils fresh life force into
these countries, aiding the conservation
of their features.
While tourism provides a driving force for cultural
conversation, some components of a culture, such as traditions, customs or
taboos might die out over time. It seems that in some countries, the locals
have become more accustomed to exotic
cultures. It reflects the combined effects of the invasion of foreign
cultures, either through media or through direct business interaction. For
example, two decades ago, sex was a taboo subject in China and most
Chinese people felt embarrassed to talk openly about it. Over time the Western
culture has permeated into
the Chinese lifestyle, and the Chinese people have broken many of their time-honoured traditions.
It occurs in the rest of the world as well.
As outlined above, increased interaction between countries in the domains of
business and culture can either strengthen or undermine the identities of
countries involved. To date there is no definite answer to this question.
1.
conspicuous = noticeable =
prominent = striking
2.
connection = linkage = relation =
relationship
3.
demise = disappearance = vanishing
= fading
4.
multiple = manifold = numerous =
various = many
5.
disgrace = dishonour = shame =
humiliation
6.
life force = soul = essence
7.
conservation = protection =
preservation
8.
exotic = bizarre = outlandish =
from afar = mysteriously unusual
9. taboo = offensive = embarrassing =
unacceptable = disgraceful = dishonourable = humiliating
10.
permeate = seep into = pervade =
leak into
11.
time-honoured = age-old =
long-established
12.
interaction = interplay =
communication = relationship
Topic 4: Some people believe that
culture will be ruined if it is used to earn tourism revenue, but others
consider that tourism is the only way of protecting a culture. Discuss both
sides and give your own opinion. (IELTS Essay example)
There is little room for doubt that tourism is one of
the fastest-growing industries in the world. However, its impact on culture
remains a source of constant debate. This essay will elaborate on both positive
and negative effects of tourism from a cultural perspective.
Providing economic incentives for cultural preservation
is unarguably one of
the main contributions of tourism. To many tourists, culture and history are
what they first consider when choosing a destination.
Their mindset has been recognised by many tourism sites and money has been
subsequently directed toward cultural protection, including the maintenance of key
historical sites. Tourism is therefore one of the primary forces contributing
to the preservation of a culture.
In addition to raising financing, tourism can make an indigenous culture known
to the world and rally support worldwide to protect it. When a historic site or
a site that shows a country's cultural heritage is made accessible to the
public, visitors from all over the world will soon flock there. They will share
their experience in the local culture with their friends and families once they
return home, assisting this site to gain international fame. Both financial and technological support will
flood in for the conservation of natural and cultural resources.
On the negative side, tourism develops sometimes at the expense of part of
culture. Food, festivals, costumes and other stimulating elements of a culture
tire highlighted to entertain
tourists, constituting an insult
to the locals and causing damage to the unique nature of a culture.
Moreover, cultural commercialisation has made the sacred elements of a culture commonplace and tourists
are encouraged to attach little importance to a unique tradition, which cannot
be found elsewhere.
In
the light of these facts,
one can conclude that tourism is neither a boon nor a bane to cultural
preservation. While its endeavour
to protect an indigenous culture should be recognised, it has put the integrity of a culture at risk.
1.
unarguably = unquestionably = indisputably
= undeniably
2.
destination = site = place
3.
maintenance = preservation =
upholding = protection
4.
indigenous = original = aboriginal
5.
fame = reputation = recognition =
eminence
6.
at the expense of = at the cost of
7.
entertain = amuse = keep somebody
amused
8.
insult = offence
9.
commonplace = ordinary
10.
in the light of = in view of =
considering = taking into account
11.
endeavour = effort = attempt
12.
integrity = entirely = unity
13.
put at risk = endanger = jeopardise
Topic 5: Some people argue that
immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. An
alternative view is that they can adapt to a new environment by establishing a
minority community. Discuss these two views and give your opinion. (IELTS Essay example)
The world in the 21st century is marked by high
population mobility. When an increasing number of people have chosen to leave
their motherlands and resettle in a new
country, they are at crossroads whether to blend in with the local culture or
to cherish their own cultural heritages by establishing a minority community.
In my opinion, the convergence
of different cultures does not require one culture to yield to another.
Instead, it can be achieved by building minority communities.
Most immigrants, at the first stage of their life in a
new country, are faced with merging
into the new culture and integrating into the new society.
Accepting the local culture by observing the local traditions is a good starting point. Doing so
enables immigrants to interact with locals, especially in the workplace, where
locals predominantly work. For example, in Western culture, people customarily keep a
certain distance from each other when having a conversation, whereas in some
other cultures, the closeness
of physical distance is taken as a sign of mutual trust. Examples of this
kind are many. A migrant to a new country should recognise the differences and
observe local conventions. It will help avoid embarrassment and bring a sense
of comfort.
While adopting local customs and blending into the local
culture, migrants can follow their individual cultural traditions. The
coexistence of different minority communities in a country benefits both
immigrants and locals. On the one hand, it enables immigrants to counteract the stress
that results from culture shock and to increase confidence in their residence
in a new country. On the other, the flourishing
of different cultures contributes to the establishment of a multi-cultural
environment, a prerequisite
for attracting skilled workforce from all over the world to settle.
By comparing the immigration options above, one can
conclude that immigrants can adopt local conventions and cherish their own
cultures simultaneously. This allows both locals and immigrants to co-build a
harmonious multi-cultural community.
1. motherland
= native country
2. resettle
= relocate
3. convergence
= union = junction = meeting
4. merge
into = blend into = integrate into
5. starting
point = basis
6. customarily
= routinely = habitually = regularly = usually
7. closeness
= nearness = proximity
8. counteract
= offset = neutralise = counter
9. flourishing
= blooming = budding
10. prerequisite
= requirement = condition = must = precondition
Topic 6: The advantages of the
spread of English as a global language will continue to outweigh its
disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
In these years, there is a growing recognition that English
is well on its way to becoming the dominant global language. The impact of this
trend is a subject of intense debate. It is my opinion that advantages of a
dominant global language will continue to outweigh its disadvantages.
The rise of a global language is a facilitator of
cross-cultural communication and the communication between people with
different language backgrounds. In different areas of global communication,
such as science and news, recognising a common language removes communication
barriers and increases convenience. On many formal occasions, English, as a
working language, boosts efficiency and avoids misunderstanding. Likewise, the
exchange of essential information like know-how
and technologies will be tremendously
prompted.
One might argue that the rise of a global language would
endanger other languages, in a belief that an increasing number of people have
turned to English as their first language. This viewpoint is flawed. The spread
of global English has little, if any, influence on non-English-speakers'
language proficiency. People might be motivated to learn English as a foreign
language but do not necessarily drop their native language because learning
beginner or intermediate level English is sufficient for day-to-day
communication.
The dominance of English as a global language is,
therefore, not a cause of the loss of language diversity. Its negative effect
is reflected mainly in cultural imperialism.
As international media recognises English as its root language, most of the
broadcasted information is related to the lifestyle, norms and beliefs of
English-speaking countries. It might over time put many minority cultures on the verge of extinction,
when those ethnic groups gradually adopt the Western culture. The effects of
shrinking cultural diversity are destructive,
causing people to live in a simple and monotonous world and think and act
in similar ways.
The development of English is overall, a positive global
trend. It connects people
who previously spoke different languages and enables them to exchange ideas,
although it might lead to the loss of cultural diversity.
1. know-how
= knowledge
2. prompt
= encourage = stimulate = trigger
3. imperialism
= colonialism
4. on
the verge of = on the brink of = on the edge of
5. destructive
= damaging = devastating = injurious = detrimental
6. connect
= unite = link
Topic 7: Aircrafts have been
increasingly used to transport fruits and vegetables to some countries where
such plants hardly grow or are out of season. Some people consider it a good
trend, but some people oppose it. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Essay example)
There has been a steady increase in the demand for
imports throughout the world in recent years, including those perishable items, such as
fruits and vegetables. Despite the boom
in this business, importing agricultural products is very often criticised
as unnecessary and extravagant,
especially when air freight is involved. The criticism was correct in the
past, but at the present time,
there are indications that
this trade activity has brought various benefits.
At first, it is important to note that contrary to
popular belief, imports are now increasingly affordable to the general
population. Thanks to the rapid development of the freight transport industry,
air travel has become an economical mode of transport, resulting in the
subsequent decrease in the cost of importing. Meanwhile, technical advance in
the food processing industry has made it much easier to preserve fresh fruits
and vegetables over a long-haul air flight. Because of the wide availability of
imported crops, there are more varieties
in the food market, leading to the drop in the price of imports. The supply
of products in the market is less likely to be influenced by seasonal factors,
and an adequate intake of nutrition is guaranteed for the general population
throughout the year.
Another fact to note is that import and export normally go hand in hand, and a
country that imports goods from other countries does not necessarily suffer a
loss. Trade is not unilateral
but bilateral. Some countries are noted for an agrarian economy, while
others specialise in manufacturing industrial products. Countries differ in
their product structures because they have dissimilar natural resources, climates,
and geographical features. By adopting an enlightened
policy and promoting trade activities with other countries, a country can
facilitate the exchange of goods, services and capital with the rest of the
world and promote economic development.
On the negative side, some countries might become
addicted to importing goods and overlook
the possibility of developing a self-contained
economy. Scarcity of
resource or lack of technology might disable a country from producing crops to
feed its population, but it cannot be taken as an excuse for relying heavily on
imports. Government funding in scientific research can make it possible to
achieve a breakthrough and increase the
yield, thereby resolving food supply crisis.
Countries are therefore advised to promote international
trade and to develop their own industries
simultaneously. Positive
attitudes toward importing goods from other countries demonstrate a
government's stance on
the international trade, although the government should also prevent itself
from relying on imported goods.
1. perishable
= easy to rot
2. boom
= rapid growth = sudden increase = expansion = surge
3. extravagant
= wasteful = luxurious
4. at
the present time = at present = currently
5. indication
= sign = hint = clue
6. variety
= selection
7. go
hand in hand = be closely connected = be inseparable
8. unilateral
= one-sided
9. enlightened
= liberal = open-minded
10. overlook
= neglect = ignore
11. self-contained
= self-reliant = self-sufficient
12. scarcity
= deficiency = shortage = dearth = deficit
13. yield
= harvest = the amount of crops produced
14. simultaneously
= at the same time
15. stance
= position = stand
Topic 8: Millions of dollars are
spent on space research every year. Some people argue that the money should be
spent on improving living standards on Earth. Do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
In recent years, there have been more and more countries
involved and interested in long-term space projects. Because of the enormous
research expenditures incurred, the value
of space projects has been disputed. Some people suggest that government
funding should be diverted
toward improving the living standard of ordinary people. In evaluating the
merits of space ambition, one should adopt a broader perspective. The
investment in space research can be paid off someday in the future.
The first reason to support it is that our planet is now
facing an unprecedented resource problem, which can be tackled only by
discovering and mining new resources on other planets. The overuse or scarcity of some resources on the Earth is
a severe problem. Rare metals, such as gold or silver, will eventually be
depleted, as industrial production expands. These metals and other natural
resources, although rare on
Earth, might abound on
other planets. In that case, conducting space research is a promising adventure.
Meanwhile,
the world's population is now growing to a stage where there are too many
people for the planet to support, highlighting the need to seek land suitable
for people's re-settlement
off the planet. Even if new urban developments are able to accommodate the
increasing population, water and electricity supply, waste treatment, sewage disposal and
sanitation will become unmanageable
for the capacity of our planet. As there are countless planets orbiting
stars throughout the universe, one can be confident that at least one of them
is suitable for our second home planet. Mars, for example, bearing a close
resemblance to the Earth, is considered a potential backup.
In
addition to searching for a shelter for future generations, space programmes
contribute considerably to the well-being of the Earth in some other aspects.
For example, by monitoring the ozone hole, global warming, the loss of rain
forests and other environmental threats to human survival, remote sensing
satellites help people trace the recovery
from the worst environmental threats and thereby improve the quality of
life. Meanwhile, space research provides a new platform on which scientists can carry out
experiments and make new discoveries in a variety of fields, such as
agriculture.
As
suggested above, in locating new resources, positioning new settlements,
addressing environmental concerns and facilitating scientific discovery, space
research will prove to be not only worthwhile, but also crucial to the survival
and sustainability of human civilisation.
1.
value
= merit = worthiness = worth
2.
divert
= redirect = reroute = switch
3.
overuse
= overexploitation
4.
abound
= be plentiful = thrive = flourish = proliferate = grow in great numbers
5.
adventure
= voyage = journey
6.
re-settlement
= relocation = immigration
7.
sewage
= sullage = waste water
8.
unmanageable
= uncontrollable = unruly
9.
backup
= candidate = replacement
10. recovery = healing = recuperation
11. platform = stage
Topic
9: Space travel to the Moon is often cited as one giant leap for mankind. Yet
some people argue that this achievement made little difference to our daily
lives. What is your opinion? (IELTS Essay example)
The idea of travelling through space, even living and
working on other planets, has fascinated people for centuries. Despite numerous
setbacks and daunting expenditures, travelling in the outer space has never
failed to attract people's attention and provoke controversy. Sixty years after
the first Moon landing, people question whether the feat, previously thought of as a giant leap for
mankind, has substantially benefited people's lives. In my opinion, landing on
the Moon has enormous relevance
for the quality of life, albeit not always explicit.
The first implication of Moon landing is reflected in
the likelihood of travelling on other planets. Moon, as the object in the outer
space closet to the Earth, can serve as a launch site for the journeys to other
planets. Having no atmosphere, the Moon is a permanent base for people to observe the universe
easily and provide them with sufficient evidence they require for decision
making on a great many significant issues, which are likely to have direct
impact on them. For example, one can team more about the treat of potentially
hazardous objects that are likely to hit the Earth and destroy our
civilisation.
Another remarkable breakthrough made by the Moon landing
is that it reignites people's enthusiasm in the natural sciences. When today's
youths become increasingly interested in such subjects as commerce, finance and
business, space exploration successfully attracts and retains talents in
space-related technologies. These young minds are convinced that unravelling the unknown of the universe is
feasible, despite many challenges. They are inspired to think
for the future, instead of being preoccupied with contemporary issues only.
It should also be noted that the Moon has water, the
basic resource for people's survival, and it abounds in solar energy, a clean
and readily obtainable resource.
It is also believed that minerals are plentiful there to be exploited. Some
day, if people are forced to move off the Earth, the Moon might be the best
shelter. Although people have not yet fully explored this possibility at this
stage, preliminary investigation
is imperative.
Based on the above-mentioned facts, one can conclude
that the Moon landing greatly impacts on distant future, although its effect is
not apparent for the time being.
The Moon is the eventual gateway
to other planets and potentially the place of residence for the future
generations. The scientific knowledge and economic benefits to be gained by
building a sustainable Moon base are huge.
1. feat
= achievement = accomplishment
2. relevance
= significance = importance = weight
3. explicit
= overt
4. observe
= watch = monitor
5. unravel
= find an answer to = work out
6. unknown
mysterious = unfamiliar
7. feasible
= practicable = viable = practical = realistic
8. obtainable
= available = accessible
9. preliminary
= initial = preceding
10. imperative
= necessary = essential = crucial = vital
11. for
the time being = for now = for the moment
12. gateway
= entry = doorway = access
Topic 10: Some people argue that
the government should spend money on public services and facilities, but not on
the arts. Do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
The role of arts in modern life is unique, providing
people with entertainment and yielding various psychological rewards, such as
relief from stress. Despite these benefits, the arts have been taken as luxury
goods in many cases. It is suggested that public money of a city should be
concentrated in projects like public facilities, which are more likely to bring
immediate benefits to the public, rather than the arts. There are a number of
facts indicating that this position is right.
Public facilities, widely accepted as one of the main precursors to a city's
development, should be one of the highest priorities. Those underdeveloped
cities in particular, should direct sufficient funding toward public
facilities. While municipal
office buildings, courthouses and post offices are essential components of
public services, libraries, hospitals, parks, playing fields, gymnasiums and
swimming pools are available to the public for social, educational, athletic
and cultural activities. By boosting spending on public facilities, cities are
more capable to satisfy the needs of citizens and improve their standard of
living.
In addition to social benefits, there are economic merits that public
facilities can offer to communities. An integrated
transport network (maritime, land and inland waterways transport and civil
aviation), for example, promises the smooth and speedy movement of goods and
people in a city. Industrial products, as well as agricultural produce of a
city, can be delivered to other cities in exchange for steady income. Of equal
importance are public Internet facilities. Providing access to information by
improving Internet and other telecommunications facilities has relevance to the
ease with which businesses in a city receive, process, utilise, and send
information. It is no exaggeration to say that entrepreneurs, either from home
or abroad, will first examine the infrastructure of a city before deciding
whether to pursue business opportunities there.
The arts, by comparison, although enabling people to see
the world and the human condition differently and to see a truth one might
ignore before, do not merit
government spending. The first reason is that the arts — referring to
music, film and literature altogether—are more likely to attract the investment
of the private sector than public facilities. Businesspeople continue to invest
in the arts in the expectation of earning lump sum income and the arts in
return, continue to flourish
without the government spending. Meanwhile, the arts are a key component of
a culture and naturally passed down from one generation to another. Unlike
public facilities, they require no money to survive.
It is therefore clear that construction of public
facilities should be given the foremost consideration. The concern about the
well-being of individual citizens and that of a city is more acute than the apprehension about the
survival and prospects of the arts, something that businesses have a stake in.
1. precursor
= forerunner = foundation
2. municipal
= urban = metropolitan
3. merit
= value = advantage
4. integrate
= amalgamate = combine = mix
5. merit
= deserve = earn
6. flourish
= thrive = burgeon = boom
7. apprehension
= anxiety = uneasiness = dread = fearfulness
8. stake
= involvement = concern = interest share
Topic 11: Some people argue that
the government should spend money only on medical care and education but not on
theatres or sport stadiums. Do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
Where public money goes is an issue of broad interest to
the general public. Some people advocate that the government should fund the
sectors that bring tangible
and immediate benefits to the public, such as medical care and educational
systems, while opponents suggest that those large urban developments, such as
stadiums and theatres, are worth government funding. In my opinion, the
possibility remains that the two opinions can be reconciled and the government can coordinate
budgeting to meet the needs of both.
Medical care is essential to the economic and social
well-being of a country, particularly of an underdeveloped country. Both
empirical knowledge and academic research suggest that making education
available throughout a country and eliminating illiteracy can pave the way for
economic development. By receiving education, children from impoverished
families can shake off poverty,
climb high in the social ladder and live better off. Education also allows
citizens to secure employment and cam regular income, thereby maintaining or
improving their standard of living. For a country as a whole, education is
linked to skilled workforce and to high productivity, affecting both resource
use and national output.
Government interference in healthcare and medical
services is also highly recommended. Availability of affordable medical service
is a mark of the social and economic development of a country. By providing the
needy people with medical service, a country can inspire the loyally of citizens.
People feel assured living and working in a country where they
can be given medical service when unemployed, sick, injured or retired. By
comparison, if they cannot afford the high cost of visiting the clinic,
hospitalisation, or buying drugs,
they are less likely to enjoy their living. Social solidarity will
eventually suffer.
Although education and medical services are fundamental
to the stability and
development of a country, it is not to say that theatres or sport stadiums have
no redeeming feature. In
the hierarchy of human
needs, those needs for food, shelter
and health are among the basic. After these targets are attained, people
turn to higher aspirations, entertainment and recreation. Leisure facilities
like stadiums are cinemas satisfy people's needs in these fields. A game
between one's motherland and a visiting country can raise
people's sense of national pride and ethnical unity. The cinema brings artistic
pleasure to everyone.
To draw a conclusion, the decision to finance theatres
or sport stadiums depends on the financial situation of a country. When an
economy comes to maturity, the launch of recreational and entertainment
projects of this kind is reasonable.
1. tangible
= concrete = solid = material = touchable
2. reconcile
= tailor = modify = alter = adapt
3. shake
oft = get rid of = get away with
4. assured
= confident = self-confident = poised-self-assured
5. drug
= medicine = prescription drug
6. redeeming
feature = desirable quality
7. hierarchy
= pyramid = pecking order = chain of command
8. shelter
= safe haven = housing = accommodation = lodging
9. motherland
= fatherland = nation state
Topic 12: The advocates of
international aid believe that countries have a moral obligation to help each
other, while the opponents consider it unnecessary, because money is misspent
by the governments that receive it. Discuss these two points of view and give
your opinion.
International aid refers to money, equipment or services
that are provided by a country or international organisation for countries that
need them, known as recipient countries. It reflects a moral ideal of mankind,
that is, mutual support and interdependence, according to those donor
countries. However, some people adopt an opposing view and tend to believe that
aid money can be misspent by
the recipient countries.
My view is that people should not withhold
the provision of
money or material resources in aid.
Humanitarian aid is a moral imperative. Members of the
global community have the responsibility to provide relief to each other, especially
to those disadvantaged members and those victims of natural disasters and civil
unrest. This aid is
essential to the homeless and useful in helping recipient countries return to
their normal state after major disturbances. For example, with the humanitarian
relief obtained worldwide on an annual basis, victims of natural disasters
(such as tsunami, draught, flood) throughout the world can recover rapidly and
rebuild their homeland.
Humanitarian relief is meanwhile an instrument to
promote peace and security. The deep-rooted hostility between some countries
can result from the
disparity in the material standard of living, or from physical distance. The
provision of humanitarian relief opens
up the possibility of cultural, economic and social interaction
between countries, and thereby easing tension. Recipient countries can thus
participate in the global economy, a strategic step in shaking off poverty.
Admittedly, aid money is sometimes misused or spent on
unintended destinations, but these pitfalls
can never overshadow the benefits. Misuse can instead raise awareness of
the global community to a venal
regime and pressure the recipient country to adjust its system. Meanwhile,
it can be tackled by tight regulations and scrutiny. In general, the abuse of
international aid is an isolated
event, so its effect should not be overstated.
From what has been discussed above, one can reach a
conclusion that the role of humanitarian relief is not only to deliver urgent
assistance to populations in need but also to strengthen ties between countries. Although fraud and corruption
occur every now and then, they can be addressed in a way that enhances future
aid endeavours.
1.
misspend = mishandle = misuse = abuse
2.
recipient = receiver = beneficiary
3.
withhold = suspend = defer
4.
provision = supply
5.
unrest = turmoil = conflict =
turbulence
6.
result from = stem from = be caused
by
7.
open up = increase = raise
8.
shake off = get rid of
9.
pitfall = drawback = downside
10.
venal = corrupt
11.
isolated = exceptional
12.
tie = bond = link
13.
endeavour = attempt = effort
Topic 13: Some people think the
government should pay for health care and education, but there is no agreement
about whether it is the government's responsibility. What is your opinion? (IELTS Essay example)
Not surprisingly, health care and education are two
areas of government priority in most, if not all, of the countries around the
world. However, many tend to see the both areas as citizens' individual
responsibilities. This belief is partly right. The government and the citizens
should be jointly responsible for the cost of education and health care
service.
The first point to note is that government funding for
education is of great benefit to families with children and the society as a
whole. There are occasions on which parents cannot afford the cost of their education
and their savings are meagre, compared with the formidable tuition
fees being charged by a tertiary institution. Poor academic experience can
impair one's employability
and put him or her into a seriously disadvantage position. Government
spending addresses this issue by providing aspiring
students with access to a comfortable learning experience. In this
knowledge-based society, possibly nothing is more valuable than the access to
education.
Similarly, an individual should receive health care treatments,
especially lifesaving ones, whether he or she has the means to pay. Access to
health care is a basic human right and a measure to ensure a decent standard of living. In
the event of the need for urgent or emergency treatment, government spending enables
sufferers to receive
immediate health care services. This is the fulfilment of the government's
responsibility to its members. Needless to say, health care treatment costs
are, in general, unaffordable to low income families. Government's financial support
is therefore required.
Despite these facts, it is immoral that individuals
shirk responsibility and try to pass all medical costs on to the government. In
view of the fact that the government raises financing primarily from taxpayers'
income, individual's over-exploitation of a health care system will in fact add
a heavy burden on those hardworking and good-hearted
citizens. Particular attention should be paid on those people whose health
problems are attributed to their poor personal living habits (smoking,
drinking, substance use or inactive lifestyle). In such cases, they should not
be entitled for public medical services.
As suggested above, education and healthcare services
are of primary importance to citizens, and the government has the responsibility
to ensure that those services are available and affordable. However, it is not
to say that the government should bear
the costs of all healthcare and educational services that the citizens
currently enjoy.
1. formidable
= remarkable = astounding = daunting
2. employability
= the ability to find a job
3. aspiring
= promising = aspirant
4. standard
of living = living standard = level of affluence = level of comfort
5. sufferer
= victim = patient
6. good-hearted
= charitable = benevolent = generous = altruistic
7. bear
= assume = shoulder = take on
Topic 14: People should keep all
the money they earn and should not pay taxes to the state. Do you agree or
disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
The role of taxation is providing funds necessary for
carrying out a variety of functions in a country. However, to many taxpayers,
especially employers, paying tax remains the biggest headache. In
my opinion, tax revenue is essential to a country. Below are some of its main
functions.
Although many taxpayers see income tax as an appropriation of their earnings, tax is in fact
a relief to taxpayers and their families, for example, by providing a safeguard against
unemployment and a solution to other problems that they may confront in life.
For example, those who lose their
earning capabilities because of injuries, diseases and disabilities are
entitled to the government's financial support, derived mainly from tax
revenue. There is no point in denying that tax is the principal source of
finance that sustains many of the benefits offered by the welfare system of a country.
Although most workers are not the beneficiaries currently, they will count on
these benefits in their later years (as pensioners). So will
their dependents (children and parents).
Taxation is meanwhile an effective tool by which a
society can achieve the redistribution of income and close the gap between haves and have-nuts. In
most countries, as a general rule, the higher the personal income, the higher
the income tax. By imposing different tax rates, the government is able to
distribute the tax burden across social classes, reducing income disparity
between the rich and the poor.
Corporate tax is deemed by business as a regular cost,
which must be kept to a minimum, but it is not necessarily a bane. By levying
different types of tax, the government can exert an influence on macroeconomic
performance, which in turn influences the income of the business world. When
the economy is on the verge of a recession, the government can reduce
the tax and present tax incentives,
which proves to be an effective policy in reviving the economy. By
contrast, during the periods of growth, the government can raise the tax rate
so as to prevent an overheated economy and combat inflation. It is fair to say
that tax is one of the main tools in establishing a healthy environment
conducive to business's sustained growth.
What have been discussed above are the benefits brought
by taxation, all being essential to a country, its businesses and individual
taxpayers. Although many taxpayers feel pressured by taxes, they will eventually
benefit from the taxes they have paid and should therefore bear tax
liabilities.
1. headache
= problem = annoyance
2. appropriation
= acquisition = seizure = requisition
3. earning
= remuneration = wage = income = take-home pay = salary
4. safeguard
= protection = precaution
5. later
years = last few years of one's life
6. haves
and have-nots = rich and poor
7. recession
= downturn = depression = slump
8. incentive
= encouragement
Topic
15: It is widely accepted that
people who have post-school qualifications earn a higher salary than those less
educated do. University students should, therefore, pay all the full cost
incurred over the course of obtaining a college education. To what extent do
you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
With the labour intensive economy gradually giving way to knowledge-focused
economy, the access to higher education has become an issue of broad interest.
The proposal to charge all university students with tuition fees and allow no exemption arises mainly
from the concern that tertiary education has to compete with many other urgent
demands for public funds and struggle with underfunding. I believe that this
policy, if implemented, will have an accumulative
effect on the well-being of either individual students or the society as a
whole.
When laying the hope of future development over
students, the government cannot shirk
from the responsibility to finance them. The sustained growth of a country rests on young talents. In this sense, the government
is investing, not spending money. A standard example is America, a country investing
multimillion dollars in higher education on an annual basis and sponsoring
students' study by different forms of aid, such as scholarships, subsidies,
allowances and student loans. It can be expected that these well-educated aspiring people, after
finishing their education, will constitute a main drive of a slate's growth.
Moreover, the government should plough a reasonable proportion of tax revenue,
most being sourced from parents, back to their children.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that some schools tend
to force a complex of charges over students, with the aim to extend their
profit margin. Ignorant of their not-for-profit nature, many universities might
deviate from their
most important tasks, such as improving teaching quality. The persistence of this
problem will make their academic service much less credible and quality of
teaching and faculty staff uneven. A university can
cover its expense by various means, such as the receipt of donation, or the
government's funding, instead of levying a high fee over students.
The reasons cited above have justified why university
students need not pay more than a lower payment. While depending on young
generations, the society should be more considerate of their situation. The
effort to encourage tertiary education participation will pay back sooner,
rather than later.
1. give
way to = succumb to = yield to
2.
exemption
= exception
3. accumulative
= growing = increasing = incremental = spiralling
4. shirk
= evade = avoid = dodge = shun
5. sustained
= everlasting = eternal = endless = unending = perpetual
6.
rest on =
hinge on = depend on
7. aspiring
= hopeful = aspirant
8. deviate
= diverge = stray
9. persistence
= continuance
10. uneven
= unbalanced = unequal
Topic 16: Only government action
can solve housing shortages in big cities. To what extent do you agree or
disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
Housing shortage has become a serious urban social issue
in many parts of the world. It has been argued that only when the government
has taken actions, can demand for homes be fulfilled. Yet to the best of my
knowledge, the government alone cannot cope well with housing shortages.
One of the main objections
to government intervention is that it would hamper the private sector and
simultaneously pose a huge burden upon the state. In countries where the government
is on a tight budget and the homeless population is large, the involvement of
private property developers is required and recommended. Not only does it
release the government from the burden of funding large-sized construction
programmes but it also fosters the housing industry. Given its role in
attracting public consumption and accelerating economic development, the
housing industry should be at the
mercy of the market, rather than the government.
Another drawback of state control over the housing
market is that it could result in the stagnancy of construction quality,
functionality, facilities and other aspects of housing. Apartment blocks or
other residential constructions would be built in a similar pattern and the
cityscape would be monotonous. Excessive uniformity, especially in
the size and number of rooms, will fail to meet comprehensive requirements raised by citizens on
properties.
Despite these objections, government intervention is essential
in some segments of
the market and can render more resistance to citizens. Single parents, the
people with disabilities and other disadvantaged people are among those who are
not ready to afford commercial housing. UK-government can provide them either
with housing allowance to
purchase their private properties or directly with economical houses.
As indicated above, in addressing homelessness and
inadequate housing, the joint
effort of both government and private sector is required. While government
intervention would impede the property market and negatively influence the
supply and demand relationship, government assistance is essential for
low-income families and vulnerable individuals in need of housing.
1. objection
= opposition = argument against
2. at
the mercy of = reliant on
3. monotonous
= repetitive
4. uniformity
= sameness
5. comprehensive
= wide-ranging = ample
6. intervention
= interference = involvement
7. segment
= sector = section
8. allowance
= subsidy = payment
9. joint
= combined-shared = united
Topic 17: There are social, medical
and technical problems associated with the use of mobile phones. What form do
these problems take? Do problems of using mobile phones outweigh the benefits? (IELTS Essay example)
Across the world, especially the wealthier parts, the
mobile phone has taken the place of telephone as an electronic telecommunication
device, with the
majority of the adult, teenager and even child owning one. As this technology
has become rife, its
drawbacks, which can be seen from social, medical and technical perspectives,
deserve people's greatest attention.
Similar to many other hi-tech products, such as
computers, mobile phones have detrimental effects on users' health. For
example, long-time heavy phone users seem to be more prone to certain types of cancers, although evidence
to date is inconclusive. Another lethal
health concern is the link between mobile phones and road accidents. It is
argued that motorists have
a much higher risk of collisions and losing
control of the vehicle when driving and talking on the phone simultaneously,
despite sometimes using hands-free systems.
When the mobile phone has brought considerable
convenience, people's obsession with convenience has meanwhile caused enormous disturbance. That's why
the use of mobile phones has been prohibited in many public places, such as
libraries, theatres, hospitals and even transports, such as trains, buses and
aircrafts. Speaking at increased volume is considered impolite or even
offensive. In schools, students are required to switch off cell phones before
the class begins because mobile phones are responsible for a high amount of
class disruptions.
When its downside persists, the mobile phone has proven
indispensable in modern life. It is handhold, lightweight, portable and
multi-functioned, allowing users to send text messages, exchange music files,
make voice calls, browse Internet, and so forth. Meanwhile, within twenty
years, mobile phones are expected to be more
pervasive as technical
advances and mass manufacture will make them low-cost personal items. Given
those factors, the mobile phone will continue to perform its role as a key
social tool, by which one keeps in touch with others much more easily than did
the generations before.
As suggested above, the contribution of the mobile phone
to the society is prominent and people's dependence on it for communication is
an irreversible trend,
although it has a number of problems that should be well handled.
1. device
= equipment = appliance = instrument
2. rife
= widespread = prevalent = ubiquitous = predominant = rampant
3. prone
to = susceptible to = vulnerable to
4. lethal
= fatal = deadly = life-damaging
5. motorist
= driver = car user
6. collision
= crash = accident
7. disturbance
= annoyance = interruption
8. disruption
= interference = distraction
9. pervasive
= prevalent = omnipresent
10. irreversible
= permanent = irrevocable = unalterable
Topic 18: Do you agree that modern
technology has given us more leisure time than before? (IELTS Essay example)
In the history of mankind, possibly no century witnessed
more progress in technology than the 20th century did. People have become
increasingly interested in assessing the correlation between technological
development and leisure time. As far as I am concerned, people's leisure time
has been shrinking as a result of the tremendous advance in
modern technology.
Admittedly, thanks to modern technology, people can thus
spend less time on compulsory
activities (e. g., working), but it should also be noted that other
non-compulsory activities have come to consume a larger proportion of people's after-work life, such as
education. If leisure refers to the time spent in non-compulsory activities,
people's leisure time has in fact contracted. The growing concern on education
has increased the likelihood that people are willing to give up their leisure
lives for educational opportunities. This trend is attributed mainly to
competition and fears of job loss, causing people to turn to on-the-job
training and education for secured employment. Another incentive is the
increasing flexibility of educational institutions. Worthwhile knowledge can be passed
on from one generation of workers to another in different forms of education, such as
televised teaching and online courses. It comes at the cost of their leisure
time.
People's leisure lives are continuously eroded also
because of ubiquity of
modern technological tools (e. g., computers with Internet access and
telecommunications equipment). It is noteworthy that people now take fewer and
shorter vacations following the increase in the number of technology-based
activities. For example, cell phones and laptops make people accessible to
their superiors wherever they go and wherever they are. People are more
stressed than any generation before. Meanwhile, people now have to engage in
more everyday processes than ever before, such as shopping, food ordering, and
so on. It seems that the time budget is burdened because more time should be
invested in activities that were previously ignored or unnoticed.
While posing a threat on people's leisure lives,
technologies might on other occasions, give workers more flexibility in
controlling their work and more quality time after work. A traditional workweek
has been cut, as the amount of manual work continues to decline because of
automation. The availability of various means of transport has released working
people from lengthy commutes.
The line between work and private life is much more blurred, with many
workers shopping, checking private emails and reading newspaper online even
when working.
From what has been discussed, one understands that the
development of technology has tremendous impacts on people's daily lives,
although the exact impacts are not conclusive. When the proliferation of new technologies, such as computers,
allows people to manage their own working time and accommodate family needs and lifestyle choices, it
has locked them in a struggle to cope with more tasks in daily lives.
1. shrink
= decline = diminish = contract
2. compulsory
= required
3. after-work
life = personal life
4. pass
on.. .to = hand on = transfer
5. ubiquity
= prevalence
6. commute
= the journey between home and place of work
7. proliferation
= increase = mushrooming
8. accommodate
= give room for
Topic 19: Earlier technological
development brought more changes to the life of ordinary people than recent
technological development do. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
Undoubtedly, people are now enjoying one of the greatest
technological boom times in human history. Although there is a consensus that
social changes coincide normally with technological advances, it is a
contentious issue whether the earlier technology (e.g., machines, cars,
airplanes) impacts on people's lives to a larger extent than does the recent
technology (e.g., Internet, computers). In my opinion, the recent improvements
in technology have more far-reaching consequences.
While the invention of automobiles was a landmark in
the technological evolution of humankind, the widespread
use of computers and telecommunications technology has dramatically reshaped the nature of
the society. One might have benefited a lot from one's improved ability to move
rapidly from one place to another because of the availability of automobiles,
yet this benefit has been discounted
because of the advent of the Internet. With Internet access, the world has
become accessible to people and one can perform many tasks at home (e.g., grocery
shopping) and let their fingers do the walking.
Lifestyles are changed by recent technologies in equal
measure. Before computers and the Internet were created, most working people
struggled with a lack of leisure time and the balance between family life and
work life. They were fully occupied by employment and various chores, such as
shopping. With Internet, they are now able to spend much less time on those
routine, dull activities
and lead active leisure lives.
Modern technologies also account for the evolution of
people's perception of society. People tend to develop, modify and repurpose
technology for their own use. Interdependent, previously a core virtue of many
societies, is now undermined. Cell phones allow people to insulate their
private interactions from the culture around them and to create their own
micro-cultures. The mobility given by modern transport meanwhile, allures them
to leave their place of birth and work and live elsewhere. Cultural norms are subject to modification and the communal lifestyle is going out of fashion.
In conclusion, whether one likes it or not, technology
will continue to evolve, with the resulting changes impacting the lifestyles
and cultural norms continuously. While the earlier technology had enhanced the
quality of life and generated revenue for people, the recent technology has
made them lead a different lifestyle from previous generations.
1. landmark
= turning point = watershed event
2. humankind
= mankind
3. reshape
= reform = restructure = remodel
4. discount
= impair
5. dull
= tedious = monotonous = dreary
6. norm
= custom = normal ways of behaving
7. communal
= collective
Topic 20: It is said that the fast
pace of our everyday life, as a direct result of the rapid development of
telecommunications technology and travel industry, has negative effects on
individuals, nations and the globe. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (IELTS Essay example)
Not surprisingly, many aspects of people's daily lives
have undergone considerable changes because of the recent development in
technology. It is a particular concern that the pace of everyday life is
becoming faster, resulting from the development in cars, air travel,
telecommunications technology and the Internet. As well as benefits, this trend
is to bring problems.
On the positive side, the fast rhythm of life requires
people to enhance efficiency when working and then allows them to enjoy longer
leisure time. With the advance in telecommunications, people can make inquires
by phone, instead of travelling long distances. Internet access makes it possible
for one to perform various tasks without leaving their offices. Even though
people have to travel every now and then for meeting business partners,
visiting clients in other cities or other purposes, modern transport networks
reduce the amount of time they spend on commutes.
The acceleration of the pace of life also implies the
expansion of people's social circle. In the past, social relationships were
limited by physical factors such as geographical distance and low mobility, but
nowadays, one can travel further and gel acquainted with more people with those
technological advances, such as the railroad, the automobile and the telephone.
For instance, the rapid penetration of
telecommunications technology' has made the mobile phone a key social tool and
people rely on their mobile phone address book to keep in touch with their
friends.
On the negative side, the fast-paced lifestyle is
responsible for the upsurge in lifestyle-related problems. Jobs become
demanding and require workers' full commitment, resulting in their depression
and pressure. Underneath the facade
of continued contraction
of official working hours, employees are actually working longer, primarily
because fax, e-mail or other communication devices have made them accessible to
their supervisors, colleagues and customers after work. They have to respond
instantly to voice and email messages from others. Private life has to be
sacrificed.
According to the facts outlined above, the doubts about the
negative effects of the acceleration of pace of life are not well-grounded.
People now enjoy greater well-being, which is reflected in more quality family
time, less travel-related stress and close contact with friends and family
members. However, they might have to accept frequent intrusions as a by-product
of convenient communication.
1. penetration
= invasion = permeating
2. facade
= disguise = cover-up
3. contraction
= reduction
4. intrusion
= interruption
5. by-product
= unwanted product = anything produced in the course of making another thing
