【IELTS-Writing & Reading-17】IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks | How I got a band 8.5 (雅思閱讀技巧 | 我是如何拿到8.5分的)

【寫作 (Writing)】 結構: 2任務，60分鐘。 Task 1（20分鐘，150字）：圖表/流程描述（學術組）或書信（培訓組）。 Task 2（40分鐘，250字）：議論文/問題解決。 高分技巧: Task 1：清晰描述趨勢/比較數據；書信注意語氣。 Task 2：明確論點，結構清晰（引言、主體、結論）。 使用多樣句型與高級詞彙。 留5分鐘檢查語法與拼寫。 練習常見題型（如原因、解決方案）。 Structure : 2 tasks, 60 minutes. Task 1 (20 minutes, 150 words): Charts/process (Academic) or letter (General Training). Task 2 (40 minutes, 250 words): Essay (argument/problem-solution). High-Score Tips : Task 1: Clearly describe trends/compare data; use appropriate tone for letters. Task 2: Clear thesis, structured (intro, body, conclusion). Use varied sentence structures and advanced vocabulary. Reserve 5 minutes to check grammar/spelling. Practice common topics (causes, solutions).
【 閱讀 Reading  】 結構: 3篇文章，40題，60分鐘。 學術組：學術文章；培訓組：廣告、指南等。 題型：選擇、配對、填空、判斷（T/F/NG）、標題配對。 高分技巧: 快速掃讀（skimming）找主旨。 精讀（scanning）定位答案。 管理時間，每篇20分鐘。 注意同義詞與改述。 先易後難，跳過卡題。 Structure : 3 passages, 40 questions, 60 minutes. Academic: Scholarly articles; General Training: Ads, guides. Question types: Multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, T/F/NG, heading matching. High-Score Tips : Skim for main ideas. Scan for specific answers. Manage time: 20 minutes per passage. Note synonyms and paraphrasing. Skip tough questions, tackle easier ones first. Essay There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays? Example Answer It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music. Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people?s musical preferences develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life without it. In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history of a country. Traditional styles connect us to the past and form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these national styles disappeared. In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music. Essay
Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life? Example Answer I t is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways. On the one hand, having a defined career parth can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a sense of satisfation to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change their career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal. On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways, Firstly, not everone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession. In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one?s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfilment. Essay Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion. Example Answer It is true that homework is an essential part of education for school children. Many parents and teachers insist that students should be given some tasks that they should complete at home because it enables them to internalize the concepts they learned at school. However, others completely oppose this view and claim that homework puts students under pressure. Even though it brings some disadvantages, such activities are often considered to be advantageous due to various reasons. The main benefit of homework is that it encourages independent learning and problem solving, as children are challenged to work through tasks alone and at their own pace. In doing so, students must apply the knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom. This in turn develops their cognitive skills. Also, it will cultivate a regular study habit in them considerably. To make it clear, pupils are forced to learn lessons whatever they studied in their classroom every day and they never forget such things in the long run. Moreover, they can achieve higher score or grade in their examinations For example, by doing mathematics exercises at home, students consolidate their understanding of the concepts taught by their teacher at school. On the other hand, giving too much homework can be counterproductive. When children are not given additional work, they would have more free time and can inculcate sports in their daily routine. This can help them to improve their health and physical fitness and encourage all round development. Additionally, most students spend a lot of time in the classroom. They are already tired by the time they reach home and lack the motivation to complete their homework. When children are forced to do homework, they are less likely to focus on what they are doing. This practice will not benefit them in any way. To conclude, abolishing homework is not the solution. Instead of taking such drastic measures, in my opinion, teachers should just reduce the amount of homework they give. Essay
In today's times the internet is making it easy to study online from home. Some prefer online courses to study and they think it is better. Others prefer classroom education. Discuss both views and share your opinion. Example Answer Owing to the popularity of the World Wide Web, studying has been easier than ever before, students from all over the world are taking advantage from online courses offered by institutions. Regardless, some pupils are not so keen on this learning style and prefer classic classroom education. This essay will discuss why although traditional classes have their upside, online education is ultimately superior. On one hand, online classes have broadened our possibilities to learn. Firstly, the requirements to access these courses are fairly small, it takes no more than a laptop and a broad-band connection to get started. Secondly, the tuition cost is noticeably low, wherein some courses are even free making this option especially luring for students with tight budget. Lastly, transportation expenses shall not be a hurdle anymore and even students located overseas can access the virtual classroom. Summing up, the numerous advantages in e-learning makes this option tremendously convenient. On the other hand, traditional education is still widely popular and maintains itself as the preferred teaching method by most institutions. Social interaction is something unique in this system, it gives pupils the chance to create long-lasting bonds and acquire skills available only through real-time interaction. Furthermore, healthcare careers such as medicine or nursing forcefully require the student to have face-to-face experiences, which would not be plausible through distance learning. To conclude, whilst there are a number of fields which demand a traditional classroom approach, a gigantic number of areas can be studied through the internet, and the advantages with this method are multifarious. IELTS Essay Writing 99 Questions for Critical Thinking Skills Development in IELTS Critical Thinking Question Sample These IELTS essay writings have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered.  Essay Categories Agree / Disagree Discuss Two Opinions Causes Cause & Effect Cause & Solutions Cause, Pros & Cons Problems and Solutions Advantages and Disadvantages Other Types (Hybrid) IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types There are 6 types of questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2, and you may get any one type in your IELTS test. Hence, get to know about them to identify the question prompts effortlessly! Opinion - You need to pick one of the two given sides of an argument, and write in support of it, along with reasons for your opinion. Agree/Disagree -  In this essay type, you need to state whether you agree or disagree with a given statement and support it with reasons and examples. Discussion (Discuss Both Views) - This type requires you to discuss both sides of an issue and then give your own opinion last. Problem/Solution - You have to identify problems related to the topic and suggest possible solutions. Advantages/Disadvantages - This question asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation or issue. Double Question (Direct Question) - You must answer two or more direct questions related to a single topic and support them with proper examples as well. Top 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid 1. Misunderstanding the Question - Many test-takers misunderstand the question, leading to off-topic essays. 2. Poor Time Management - Struggling to manage time effectively often results in incomplete essays. 3. Lack of Ideas - Difficulty in generating relevant ideas quickly is a common problem. 4. Disorganised Structure - Failing to organise thoughts into clear, logical paragraphs is a frequent mistake. 5. Grammar Errors - Frequent grammar errors can significantly lower the writing score. 6. Limited Vocabulary - Using a limited vocabulary makes it hard to express ideas effectively. 7. Weak Evidence - Providing weak examples usually weakens arguments and doesn’t provide a strong essay. 8. Incorrect Word Count - Not meeting the required word count can negatively affect the score. Exercises How do I identify the topic? Answers 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. C 7. B 8. A 9. C 10. A Identifying the Task This IELTS practice will help you identify the task of an essay question. The most important thing is to make sure you answer the question.  Answers 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. C 9. A 10. B Brainstorming and Planning In this IELTS lesson, learn how to brainstorm ideas for your essay and how to extend those ideas and create a plan. Essay Plan Why has teenage crime increased ? 1) Breakdown in the nuclear family- high divorce rates = no father as ‘role model’– boys go astray, drugs & crime 2) Lack of things to do- e.g. TV has shown nothing to do- children see crime as entertainment What can be done about it ? 1) Govt - Provide better support for families- e.g. more youth centres- guidance and activities, sport 2) Parents - take responsibility- provide loving environment, relative as role model Sample Essay - Teenage Crime Question: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: In recent times, the crime rate among teenagers has increased dramatically in many countries. Discuss some possible reasons for this increase and suggest solutions. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Example Answer: Over the last decade, there has been a massive rise in the level of crime committed by teenagers in a number of countries. This essay is going to discuss possible reasons for this increase and look at ways to solve the problem. One reason is the breakdown of the nuclear family .  The high divorce rates have meant many children have been brought up in one-parent families with no father to act as a role model, which is detrimental to their development.  This is particularly important for boys who, without this guidance, are easily led astray by bad influences such as drugs and crime.  Another factor is the lack of things to do  for the young.   For example ,  in the UK, many television programs about this issue have shown that teenagers hang around in the evenings with little to do.  When this happens, the boredom means they will find their own entertainment, which is often crime. There are, however , ways to tackle these problems.  Firstly, the government should provide more support for families .  They could, for instance, invest more into building and staffing youth centres, which would provide guidance through the youth workers and also enable teenagers to focus their attention on sport and other activities.   Parents should also be encouraged to take more responsibility for their children .  Ultimately, the onus is on them to raise their children in a loving environment,  thus ensuring they are less likely to turn to crime.  They could, for example, find a male relative to act as a role model. Therefore , it is clear that there are various reasons for this rise in crime, but solutions are available.  If we begin to tackle the issue now, we may be able to prevent the situation from declining further. More Brainstorming Tips Learn some top techniques for coming up with ideas for your IELTS essays. Sample Essay - Technology Development Question: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample Answer: Developments in technology over many years have dramatically changed the world that we live in, and some people think that earlier advances in technology have had a greater impact on and been more beneficial to the lives of ordinary people than more recent changes. However, I partially agree  with this as the advantages and influences on people’s lives actually depend on the particular area of technology. There is no doubt that some earlier advances in technology have been very influential, such as those related to technology around the home. Devices such as washing machines, fridges and freezers, central heating, microwaves and televisions were invented many years ago, and now nearly every household has all or some of these in their home, making life much easier. Though they have been improved over time, they still carry out much the same purpose as when they were first invented.  Another example is that of medicine. Despite the fact that there have been ground-breaking recent medical developments, such as those connected to research into genes and stem cells, the benefits to the average person are still many years away. The most influential impacts on health have been earlier technological developments of the past, which remain today. These are the ability to treat so many injuries and diseases, and carry out organ transplants in hospitals. It is these that have benefits on so many lives and will for decades to come.  However, if we look at some more recent developments, they have had a much greater influence than in the past. For instance, there is the phone, which was a significant development when invented, helping many people. However, although invented many years ago, technological developments over the last few decades have enabled the phone to now be mobile and connected to the internet. This has had incredible impacts on the way people live their lives, with people using phones for so many everyday activities and for connecting around the world. In conclusion, I would argue that although some older technological developments are important, some new ones are too. The impacts on ordinary people’s lives, therefore, depend on the type of technology in question.  (356 Words) Comments: You may have noted the length is 356 words. You should aim for around 275+ words (the minimum is 250 words). You can still get a high score with 275 words, provided it scores highly for the four marking criteria in the grading system ( Task Response; Coherence and Cohesion; Lexical Resource; Grammatical Range and Accuracy ). IELTS Task Response In this lesson, we look at the dangers of not properly answering an IELTS writing task 2 essay question. Ideas for IELTS Candidates often worry about not having any ideas for IELTS essay topics. This gives you some advice on how to generate ideas.  Parts of an Essay: IELTS Essay Introduction This lesson explains how you should approach writing an introduction for an IELTS Task 2 essay.  Two Elements of an IELTS Essay Introduction Tip: Use your time carefully . You need a good IELTS essay introduction, but do not spend too long writing it, to avoid rushing when writing your paragraphs. Paragraphs are the most important part as they contain all your supporting arguments and demonstrate how good you are at organising your ideas. You need a method to write your IELTS essay introduction fairly quickly. When you write an introduction, you should make sure you do two things: Write a sentence (or two) introducing the topic and giving some background facts about it  Tell the reader what you are going to be writing about (thesis statement) Example 1 Question Blood sports  have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. Blood sports should be banned. To what extent to you agree or disagree? Sample IELTS essay introduction: Killing animals for sport  remains a contentious issue for discussion in recent times. I believe that blood sports are cruel and uncivilized and should be banned as soon as possible. Note: This does the following things: First sentence:   consists of the  topic  plus some  background facts  on the topic, which have been taken from the rubric. Second sentence:  gives the  writer's opinion  and tells us that in the essay, the writer will be arguing the reasons why it is cruel. The topic does not have to be in the first sentence, but it should be made clear somewhere in the introduction. You must always have a thesis. Paraphrasing Another important point -  don't copy from the question!  You must paraphrase (put it in your own words). To do this you can use synonyms and move the order of the sentence around. Using some of the same words is acceptable, but  don't copy whole phrases . Example 2 Question Science and technology have helped the world make many advances. The Arts, such as painting, theatre and dance, to name just three examples, however, are also valuable. What things do the Arts provide to the world that Science and Technology do not? Sample IELTS essay introduction: Societies have developed rapidly over time due to the many advances in science and technology. However, the arts are also very important and provide our world with many things that science and technology cannot. Example 3 Question According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities world wide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction. How far do you agree with this opinion? Sample IELTS essay introduction: A recent study has shown that as people use the Internet more, they are spending less time with human beings. I believe that although this has increased the communication around the world in positive ways, it has also led to negative effects on the day-to-day social interaction of human beings. Example 4 Question Unemployment has become an increasing problem in the recent past. What factors contribute to an increase in unemployment and what steps can be taken to solve the problem? Sample IELTS essay introduction: Over recent years, the level of unemployment has been increasing at an alarming rate in many countries around the world. This essay will discuss the reasons for this increase and consider what practical solutions are available. Example 5 Question Some people think children in secondary school should study international news as part of the curriculum. Others think that this would be a waste of time as there are already too many subjects for children to concentrate on. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Sample IELTS essay introduction: While some people are of the opinion that it would be useful to include international news as a subject in the school curriculum, others believe that this is a waste of students time because they are already overloaded with subjects to study. This essay will examine both sides of the issue. Exercises The most important consideration  when choosing any career or job  is having a high income . To what extent do you agree or disagree? It is widely accepted that, for most people, their daily working lives will not be spent in their dream jobs. Despite this, I do not feel that people should instead prioritise becoming a higher earner above all other concerns. In many societies in the world, the population is ageing rapidly and this is leading to an unsustainable increase in the cost of public healthcare. A nation's population should pay for their healthcare provision in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Advances in medical science are resulting in prolonged lifespans but there is a knock-on effect for public health services with many hospitals struggling to cope with an aging populace. Many countries enjoy the benefits of free or subsidised national public health services. However, there are some within senior health management who claim that such provision will become unsustainable, and I firmly agree that changes need to be made in order to reflect this changing reality. Fewer students are studying science at school and university, favouring more computer-based subjects instead. Is this a positive or negative development? What are the reasons for this? In recent years, it has become evident that there has been a shift among secondary and university students away from traditional sciences and towards IT-based subjects. In this essay, I will talk about the reasons behind this shift and explain why I think that, overall this is a negative development. Nowadays, technology is influencing modern art in areas such as design, painting and film. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Nowadays, technology is influencing modern art in areas such as design, painting and film. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Writing a Thesis Statement The thesis statement is an important part of your essay, so this lesson explains how to write thesis statements for different essay types.  What is a thesis statement? It tells the reader what will be in the essay . It may also  give your opinion  if the question asks you for this. It is the last sentence of your introduction. Example Identify the task of the essayQuestion As global trade increases, many goods including those we use on a daily basis are produced in other countries and transported long distances. Do the benefits of this trend *outweigh the drawbacks? Note: Y our essay is going to be  discussing the advantages and disadvantages  of this issue, and this is what needs to be made clear in your thesis statement. It  is also an opinion essay as it asks you to make a decision on whether you think there are more advantages or disadvantages. Example Intro Due to the increase in global trade, many of the goods that we consume every day are made in a different country and then transported over a long distance in order to reach us.   In my opinion, this trend has more disadvantages than advantages . Paragraph Writing Writing clear and well-organised paragraphs is essential for your essay, so here you will learn about the basic elements that make up a good paragraph.  IELTS Essay Conclusion Learn how to write a quick conclusion for an IELTS essay. Coherency and Cohesion: Using Transitions One way to improve coherence in your writing is to use transition words. This lesson teaches you how.  Pronouns Your writing must be coherent, and this IELTS practice lesson shows you how pronouns can help you to do this Improving Coherency and Cohesion Learn some simple strategies to improve the coherence and cohesion of your essays. Substitution Learn how to use substitution in IELTS to improve your cohesion and quality of writing. Style and Tone: Personal Pronouns in Essays How to use personal pronouns such as 'I', 'our' and 'we' in IELTS essays. How to Write an IELTS Essay Overview:   These are some of the types of IELTS essays you can get in the test:  Agree / disagree Discuss two opinions Advantages & disadvantages Causes (reasons) & solutions Causes (reasons) & effects Problems & solutions Not every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do. You may get some of these tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it. The golden rule is to  ALWAYS read the question very carefully  to see exactly what you are being asked to do. Example Question Write about the following topic: In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. Essay Structure An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements: Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion Introduction Remember, you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs. You should do just two things: State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question) Say what you are going to write about Here is an example introduction for this essay question about IT: The last two decades have seen enormous changes  in the way people's lives are affected by IT , with many advances  in this field. However , while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe  that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive . Note: The first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not directly copy from the question! The second part clearly sets out what the essay will be about  and confirms the writers opinion  (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does). The writer clearly agrees that there will be more negative impacts. Body Paragraphs For an IELTS essay, you should have  2 or 3 body paragraphs . Each paragraph should contain  one controlling idea , with supporting sentences . Body Paragraph 1 The essay is about the benefits and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs. On the positive side, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. This has resulted in numerous benefits for commerce and business as there is no need to wait weeks for letters or take time sending faxes, which was the case in the past. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.  These developments have made life far easier and more convenient for many. The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT ', and there are  two supporting ideas . No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence. Body Paragraphs 2 & 3 Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these. The topic sentence in the next paragraph, therefore, tells us we are changing the focus to the negative points: Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialise and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect: In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and the spread of computer viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up. Conclusion One or two sentences  doing the following: Re-state what the essay is about ( re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words ) Give some thoughts about the future Here is an example: In conclusion , developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe  that these are outweighed by the drawbacks. In the future,  these will need to be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society. Full Essay Question: In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Essay The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive. On the positive side, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. This has resulted in numerous benefits for commerce and business as there is no need to wait weeks for letters or take time sending faxes, which was the case in the past. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.  These developments have made life far easier and more convenient for many. Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and the spread of computer viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up. In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe that these are outweighed by the drawbacks. In the future these will need to be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society. Comments The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion. The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects... ), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements. The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future. The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement. Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation ( ...this has made life.. .) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (. ..likely to increase..., might get worse. ..). Types of Essay Questions Agree  / Disagree Type Questions In these types of questions, you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion: Advertising Alternative Medicine Spending on the Arts Human Cloning Social Interaction & the Internet Airline Tax Free University Education Scientific Research Banning Smoking Employing Older People Vegetarianism Paying Taxes   Examinations or Formal Assessment  Multinational Organisations and Culture Internet vs Newspapers Technology Development   Dying of Languages Animal Extinction Truth in Relationships Role of Schools Return of Historical Artefacts Happiness and Income Inequality Using Local Resources vs Importing Discuss Two-Opinion Type Questions In this essay question type, you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view: University Education Reducing Crime Animal Rights Child Development Diet & Health Childcare Donating Money to Charity Closing Zoos    Becoming Independent   Formal and Informal Education   Influence of Scientists and Politicians Sources for Stories Searching for Extraterrestrial Life International Cooperation Recruitment and Selection Building New Homes in the Countryside Cause Type Questions - Causes & Effects: There are a variety of cause-type essay questions. In these, you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words, the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to which it is a positive or negative development: Child Obesity Skin Whitening Creams Family Size Having Children Later in Life Time Away from Family Cause Type Questions - Causes and Solutions: There are a variety of cause-type essay questions. In these, you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words, the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to which it is a positive or negative development: Youth Crime Global Warming Stress Paying Attention in Class International Travel & Prejudice  Museums & Historical Places Disappearance of Traditions Communication Between Generations Cause Type Questions -  Causes, Pros & Cons: There are a variety of cause-type essay questions. In these, you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words, the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to which it is a positive or negative development: Family Closeness Living Alone Rural to Urban Migration Problems & Solutions Type Questions In this type of question, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be done to solve these problems: Overpopulation Competing for Jobs   Professionals Immigrating Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions In this type of question, you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ):  Traffic Problems Food Additives Computer Games Age Discrimination at Work   Children using Tablets and Computers   Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication   Working from Home  Eating Locally grown Produce   Oil and Gas Essay   Peer Pressure on Young People Online Fraud Decreasing House Sizes 'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently.  Protecting Old Buildings Animal Testing Fear of Crime Communication Technology Influence of Children's Friends   Agree / Disagree Example Question: Write about the following topic: Social Interaction and the Internet According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction. How far do you agree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. 40 minutes Example Answer: It is evident that, at present, people are spending a considerable amount of time on the Internet, and thus spending less time with real people . I strongly agree  that although this use of the Internet has greatly increased the level of communication available, it has also had detrimental effects  on the amount and type of social interaction that takes place. The benefits of the Internet in terms of increased communication are clear, with people connected across the globe.  In the past,  communication was only possible by phone or mail, which entailed time and expense. It also usually meant just keeping in contact with those people already known to you. With the internet, this has changed dramatically. Email and social networking sites  such as Facebook and MSN have created online communities  that are global in scale, and they have fostered communication between people and countries  that we would not have thought possible in the not-too-distant past. That said , there is no doubt in my mind that this has had negative impacts on social interaction . People, especially the younger generation , spend hours of their time online, chatting and on forums. Although this can be beneficial, it is certainly not the same as real interaction with human beings  and does not involve the same skills . It is important that children have and maintain real friendships  in order to develop their own interpersonal skills . Furthermore , it can also have negative effects on local communities if people are spending most of their time communicating online and not mixing in their neighbourhoods, which can possibly lead to feelings of isolation  for those individuals who do not have a ‘real’ person to turn to in times of need . To conclude , I believe that the internet has undoubtedly been beneficial , but there are good reasons to be concerned about social interaction in our societies. It is therefore important that we maintain a balance  between our online life and our contact with real human beings. ( 326 Words ) Student Sample Essays: Below each essay, you can leave your own comments or ask a question if you have one. IELTS Essay - Focusing on products and brands   Some people focus too much on products and brands that they buy/use. Do you think this behaviour has more advantages than disadvantages? It is … IELTS Essay: Teenagers working while studying   Please provide feedback on this essay: It is a good idea for teenagers to have jobs while they are still students. To what extent do you agree … IELTS Homeschooling Essay  Homeschooling is better than school. Do you agree or disagree? It is irrefutable that study is an essential part of our life; we can not survive … IELTS Task 2 - Industrialisation and Environmental Problems.   Industrialisation is the cause of environmental problems in a country. Do you agree? Industrialisation is very important during this decade. … IELTS Student Essay: Overpopulation   Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can … Student Sample Essay:   Advertising   Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree with this view? In today’s … IELTS Writing Task 2:Private Education   Some people believe that the responsibility for providing education should be borne only by the government and that private education should be banned. … IELTS Sample Writing: International Pollution Issues   Facing many international pollution issues, such as the energy shortage and global warming, some people believe that individuals have limited abilities … IELTS Task 2:The Influence of News Media   The popularity of news media often has a significant influence on people’s lives. Some people believe this to be a negative development. Do you agree … Task 2 IELTS Writing: Government Assistance to Artists   Some people believe that the government should provide financial assistance to all artists, including painters, musicians and poets. Others think that it … IELTS Sample Writing: Global Environmental Damage   Reducing global environmental damage should be handled by governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The damage … Task 2 Sample Writing:   Learning from Books   “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast the knowledge gained from experience with the knowledge gained from books. In … Task 2 IELTS Sample Writing: Children and TV   Many modern children spend a great deal of time sitting in front of a television or computer screen. This is extremely harmful to their development. Therefore, … IELTS Sample Writing Task 2:Relocating Industries and Business to Regional Areas   In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities. Do the advantages of this … IELTS Sample Writing Task 2:Spending on Sport or Education   Governments should spend more money on education than on sport. Do you agree or disagree? There is no doubt that almost every field has developed … Task 2 Essay Sample:   Developments in IT   In the last 20 years, there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example, the World Wide Web and communication … IELTS Writing Task 2: Mobility due to improved transport and communication   Today, people in many countries can live and work anywhere they choose because of improved communication technology and transport. Do the advantages … Task 2 IELTS Sample Essay: Smoking   Smoking is a bad habit. Do you agree or disagree? Task 2 Writing: Dependence on Computers  School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using … Sample Task 2 Writing: Competition at School   Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than … Task 2 IELTS Writing Sample: Youth Crime - Reasons and Solutions   Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world. What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions? There … IELTS Sample Task 2 Essay:   Child Obesity   The percentage of overweight children in Western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Discuss the causes and effects of this … Task 2 Sample Essay: Number of Elderly People   In future, it is expected that there will be a higher proportion of older people in some countries. Is this a positive or negative development? … Task 2 Essay: Study and Other Activities   Full-time university students spend most of their time studying. They should be doing other activities too. To what extent do you agree or disagree? … Task 2 Sample Essay: Foreign Aid   Does foreign aid help donor countries more than the recipients? Foreign aid programs have been criticised for benefiting the donor country over the … Task 2 Essay: Driving Age   The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to raise the age limits for younger drivers and to lower the age limit for older ones.  Do … Task 2 Essay: Child Labour   In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it valuable … Task 2 Essay: Teaching 'Finance' at School   Financial education should be a mandatory component of the school program. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? In present … Task 2: Education and a Country's Development   Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor for the development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with … Task 2: Advertising   Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may … Task 2: Public Transport and Cars   The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world's cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private … Task 2: Importing Food   Today’s food travels thousands of miles before it reaches customers. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative trend? Nowadays, an increasing … Task 2: Home-schooling   Children should never be educated at home by their parents. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. In … Task 2: Developed Countries Helping Developing Countries   IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH, EDUCATION AND TRADE ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF POORER NATIONS. HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENTS OF RICHER NATIONS SHOULD TAKE … Task 2: The advantages and disadvantages of examinations   Tests and examinations are a central feature of school systems in many countries. Do you think the educational benefits of testing outweigh any disadvantages? … Task 2: Gap Year   More general question about the paragraph order in a pro-contra essay: The opinion you agree with is first or second paragraph? And inside the paragraph … Task 2: Necessity of Mobile Phones for Children   The dangers and complexities of the modern world have made the mobile phone an absolute necessity for children. To what extent do you agree or disagree? … Task 2: Standards of Living & Happiness   So I tried a (single) opinion essay: I made 7 in the writing section on my first attempt to do IELTS, but I really need 8. So any critique is welcome. … IELTS Sample Writing Task 2: Government Spending - Education or Sports?   Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree? In these modern times of serious competition… Task 2: Inequalities in Society   The problem with society today is that it is essentially unbalanced, with some people being paid huge salaries to work very long hours, whilst others … Task 2: Spending on Education or Sport   Should more government money be spent on education or sports? IT is an undeniable fact that the importance of education can not be neglected at any cost … IELTS Sample Writing Task 2: Reducing the Working Week   The length of the working week does not reflect modern lifestyle needs. It should be substantially reduced to give people more leisure time and time with … Task 2: Use of Leisure Time   Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people … Task 2: Equality at Work   Most high-level positions in companies are filled by men, even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 per cent female. Companies … IELTS Sample Writing Task 2: Government Spending - Education or Sports?   Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree? Education, recreation and … IELTS Writing Task 2: All You Need to Know Assessment of your ability to understand and interpret written English in academic and general contexts. Our IELTS reading sample questions will help you understand the types of questions asked in the IELTS Academic Reading module. Exercises have a given time limit every time you practice. Topic: Antarctica’s Hidden History Reading > Academic > P3 > Antarctica’s Hidden History Accademic Reading Writing Task 1 Writing Task 2 https://ieltstutorials.online/sample-questions/cue-card https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/ielts-speaking-samples.html
50 Recent IELTS Speaking Topics for Parts 2 and 3 for IELTS 2025
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-part-1-topics/ IELTS Speaking Sample Questions with Answers for IELTS Speaking Part 3 https://www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-speaking.html https://ieltsmaterial.com/50-ielts-speaking-part-2-3-topics-2020-with-model-answers/ https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/ https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/speaking https://ielts-up.com/speaking/ielts-speaking-test.html https://leapscholar.com/exams/ielts/practice-test/speaking/part-1 https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors  - Speaking Assessment Criteria What is the IELTS Speaking test?   Four Skills   33 interview questions for students (with sample answers)   Interviewers usually ask these questions for students to learn about their basic knowledge and abilities. They also ask these questions to get a better understanding of your interests, attitude, and personality. Some common general questions include: Can you tell us about yourself? How did you learn about our organization/ university? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses, and how do you overcome them? Why did you choose your school? What motivates you? How do you believe you can contribute to our growth? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Can you tell us why you think you're the best fit for this role? Do you have any questions for us?
Experience and Background The interviewer may ask questions about your background and experience to understand your responsibilities in previous roles and how you handled them. They also ask these questions to envision you in the role and determine whether you fit their company culture. Below are examples of these questions: Tell us something about your field of study. Which academic accomplishment are you most proud of? Do you have prior experience in this role? Do you have any academic goals you hope to achieve before you graduate? What are they? What skills and experience do you hope to gain in this job? Do you have plans to further your education? Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? What are they? What do you wish you knew before choosing this career path? What steps have you taken for your professional growth and development? Do you think your education helped to prepare you for this role? In what way?
In-depth Questions Interviewers ask in-depth questions to get detailed information about your behaviour or abilities. These questions usually relate directly to the role and give the interviewer an idea of how well you'd perform. Examples of in-depth questions include: Can you give an example of a time you applied your leadership skills at work? How do you work under pressure? How do you handle stress? Do you prefer working alone or with a team? Why? Tell us about a time you exceeded your expectations. Have you ever missed a deadline? Why and what was the result? Describe how you organise your schedule and prioritise your tasks. Have you ever managed multiple tasks simultaneously? How did you handle them? How do you manage two projects that are due at the same time? How do you intend to make an impact in this role?
Discussion Questions (Tests) (1) What images spring to mind when you hear the word ‘test’? (2) Do you get nervous when you take tests? (3) Are there any kinds of tests that you love? (4) Do you follow any special routines before you take a test? (5) What test has made you most nervous? (6) What do you think about while you wait for the result of a test? (7) Have you ever cheated on a test? (8) Have you ever taken an IQ test? (9) Do you think testing is useful or a waste of time? (10) Do you think your test scores reflect your true ability and intelligence? (11) Do you like taking tests? (12) Are you good at taking tests? (13) What was the last English test that you took like? (14) Have you ever had a blood test? (15) Would you be more nervous before your driving test, a blood test or an English test? (16) What’s the best way to prepare for a test? (17) What medical tests have you had? (18) What was the worst test you ever took? (19) Are there too many tests in school? (20) How do you feel when you fail a test?