How to Write About a Table (Task 1 Writing)

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful wooden table. It was round and made of the finest mahogany, and it stood proudly in the home of a wealthy business man…”

WAIT! Not that kind of table!

This kind of table:

This chart gives information about the proportion of people from various age groups and family statuses who are currently living in poverty in SomeCity, along with a figure giving the exact number of families in destitution.

Like many other Task 1 Essays, your first goal should be to make a general statement about the information. In this case, we have a clear general statement. What do you think it should be?

In this case, we can make a very general statement such as:

From the table, we can see that the percentage of people living in poverty varies significantly between different family and income groups.

The next step should be to find the most notable features. In a table, this is generally fairly easy, because we can always look for the smallest and largest numbers.

In this case, which two categories have the lowest percentages of people living in poverty?

It's clear that elderly couples, couples with no children, and single aged people experienced the lowest rates of poverty.

What do these categories have in common?

Generally, couples and individuals who are not responsible for children are least likely to live in destitution.

After stating the general trend, give an example to illustrate your point:

The percentage of elderly couples living in poverty was just 4% or 48,000 individuals.

Which two categories have the largest percentages of people living in poverty?

Single people, either with or without children, are more likely to be poverty-stricken.

Give another example to illustrate your point:

The highest rate of poverty can be found in the single parent group, with around 21% of families or 232,000 individuals.

Now we're almost finished!

Important Hints for This Topic

• Always use the present tense, unless you are given a specific date in the past.
• Do not give opinions or include background reasons!
• Use only information you are given.
• Make sure to state a general trend, then give an example.

Here is an ideal sample essay for the topic above:

This table gives information about the proportion of people living in poverty in SomeCity and categorises the information based on type of household. It also provides precise figures as to the number of families in each group. We can see that the total percentage of households living in poverty is about 11%, which represents nearly 2 million individual households overall.

Generally, couples tend to have much lower rates of poverty than single people, either with or without children. Older couples are the least likely to suffer from poverty with a proportion amount of just 4%. Couples with no children are also unlikely to live in destitution, with a poverty rate of just 7% or 211,000 households. Although couples with children have a higher rate of poverty than those without them, they still have the relatively low proportion of 12%. This accounts for a notable number of individual households, however, accounting for 933,000 families.

Expressed as a percentage of households by category, single parents are more likely to experience poverty in SomeCity, with a proportion of 12% or more than 200,000 families. The percentage of childless singles with financial strife is also quite high, accounting for 19% of that group.
In sum, even while there are a significant number of couples with children living in poverty, the group with the highest percentage of households in poverty consists of single-parent families.

Should The Media Report on Celebries? (Task 2 Writing)

The following topic occurred several times on IELTS exams in 2013. Read the excellent sample answer below and look for:

• The writer's main opinion, stated clearly in the introduction paragraph of the essay.
• Two reasons to support the main opinion.
• Specific examples, including detailed descriptions to support the reasons.
• A conclusion that summarises the ideas and restates the writer's opinion.

Nowadays, the media spends far more time reporting on celebrity gossip when they should be covering more serious issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

There has been some debate in recent years about whether newspapers and other media spend too much time reporting about celebrities. Although information about celebrities can be interesting, my belief is that the purpose of newspapers is to report only on essential world events. In the following essay, I will outline the reasons for this view.

Undoubtedly, the world is more interconnected than ever before. We are global citizens, and as such, we have a responsibility to learn about the world around us. Events such as natural disasters, political uprisings, and humanitarian crises have a significant impact on our lives. Unfortunately though, we sometimes fail to hear about these important occurrences because our media outlets are full of stories about Beyonce and Lady Gaga. This is not to say that celebrities are entirely unimportant, only that their private lives do not belong alongside the normal news.

Secondly, although celebrities are public figures to a certain degree, they still have a right to privacy. So-called celebrity news tends to report only the worst and most salacious stories about sex and drugs. We should not entertain ourselves by enjoying their misfortunes and sorrows. Aside from invading the privacy of the famous person being discussed, these stories also serve as a negative influence on children. If celebrity news must be reported, I believe that it should focus on the good deeds of well-known individuals rather than their terrible mistakes.

Thanks to the internet, we all have a great deal of information at our fingertips. While it might be interesting to keep up with celebrity news now and then, I believe that the main focus of mainstream media should be to keep us informed about serious issues in the world. With the proper information, we may be able to make the world a better place.

Words: 298
                                                                                                                                   NZ© Andrea Holland 2014

Globalization & Essay Structure (Task 2 Writing)

As we have learned, all English essays have certain important elements. The basic structure of an IELTS Task 2 essay should be as follows:

Paragraph 1: Introduction with Main Idea

Paragraph 2: General idea to support Main Idea with examples and details

Paragraph 3: Second general idea to support Main Idea with examples and details

Paragraph 4: Possible third general idea to support Main Idea with examples and details

Paragraph 5: Conclusion – be sure to restate the Main Idea!

If you follow this structure, it will help you to achieve a high score in Coherence and Cohesion, since it provides your ideas in a well organised way. However, today we are going to learn that there is more than one way to organise an essay, especially when that essay is asking you to compare two different ideas and give your opinion. Many IELTS questions have a structure that looks like this:

Many people believe that A is correct because it is beneficial for society. On the other hand, some people support B. Please give your opinion on this issue and give evidence to support that opinion.

So, the essay is asking us to compare A and B and give our opinion about which one is better. There are two basic ways to organise this essay (while maintaining the basic structure that we need.)

Ø The first way is called the Thesis-Led approach. To write a thesis-led essay, I always state my opinion very firmly at the beginning of the essay, and make sure that all my statements support this opinion. This very basic example will give you an idea of how your essay should look with a thesis-led approach.

Paragraph 1: Undoubtedly, A has more advantages than B.

Paragraph 2: A is beneficial for children whereas B is not.

Paragraph 3: A is enjoyable for adults while B is not.

Paragraph 4: Implementing A is far less expensive than implementing B.

Paragraph 5: In conclusion, it is clear that A is superior to B.

You can see that each paragraph of the essay mentions both A and B. If I am using a thesis-led approach, I should not separate the sides of the topic, but compare each one with the general ideas that I have chosen to separate my paragraphs. Thesis-led essays are often very strong and persuasive.

Ø The second way to organise an essay is called the Argument-Led approach. While I should still give my opinion on the topic, I can also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each argument before finally stating my opinion strongly. An argument-led essay should be structured as such:

Paragraph 1: While both A and B have merits, this essay will discuss the reasons why A is ultimately preferable to B.

Paragraph 2: B has some benefits. On the other hand, B has many drawbacks.

Paragraph 3: Although A has some negative aspects, A has more advantages than B.

Paragraph 4: In conclusion, it is clear that A is superior to B.

Ø Look at the following Task 2 topic which we have previously discussed:

While globalization has made it possible for us to buy a wide variety of international products, many people believe that it’s preferable to buy local products, rather than those from international companies, in order to support the local economy. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this issue, and present your own opinion.

Ø Now look at the two essays on the following pages. Which one is using the thesis-led approach? Which one is using the argument-led approach?

1.

Undoubtedly, the development of globalization in the past few decades has led to a massive increase in the number and variety of products that are available to buy. All the same, there has been some debate about whether it is better to buy products from large multinational corporations or to purchase from local producers. While it may sometimes be convenient or preferable to buy goods from overseas, I would argue that it remains beneficial to buy the majority of our goods from local producers.

Admittedly, the quality and variety of internationally produced items cannot be disputed.  We can buy imported clothing in any style or any colour at a reasonable price. We can have a taste of international culture through products such as Swedish furniture, German cars, and Indian textiles. Overseas companies like the Apple Corporation produce the most up-to-date technology and gadgets which simply can’t be recreated locally. International products can sometimes be cheaper and more easily accessible than ones produced at home.

Even so, it would be unwise to ignore the true cost of buying from abroad. Whenever we send our dollars to another country, we are sending jobs there, too. Eating fast food from McDonald’s harms the business of local restaurant owners and takes jobs and money away from the local economy. If international companies put local merchants out of business, this will ultimately lead to less variety and control over what we consume. Furthermore, buying products that have been transported long distances has a highly negative effect on the environment.

Thus, although it is tempting to purchase predominantly from large multinational companies, I believe it is in the best interest of the community for people to buy locally whenever possible. Even if it costs a few dollars more to buy something from a local producer, the benefits to society will certainly repay the difference.         

2.

For several decades, there has been a heated debate about the advantages and disadvantages of globalization. More specifically, consumers must decide whether they will purchase a majority of their goods from global corporations or from local producers. It is my opinion that people should buy from local companies in order to support the local economy, maintain national solidarity, and protect the environment.

Buying from international producers harms small independent regions in several ways. Firstly, it takes money out of the local economy and sends it overseas, often to large companies in wealthy countries. This can also increase the unemployment rate in the region, as local shops and producers are forced out of business by international competitors. As these local shops close, consumers are then forced to buy from the overseas producer, giving them fewer choices and less control over their daily lives. Because they are not mass-produced, local goods may be more expensive but are often of higher quality. Additionally, since local producers are small, they often provide superior service and care to the customer.

Another reason to buy products that are made close to home is that this does significantly less damage to the environment. Local products are made from nearby materials, and so manufacturers have a vested interest in taking care of, and not exploiting, the resources they use. Furthermore, regional goods do not travel long distances before they are sold, which means less petrol and far less pollution are involved with their production.

In sum, while there may be some products that simply cannot be purchased from the local area, consumers should make an effort to buy locally-produced items whenever possible. This ensures the security of the local economy and the protection of the global environment for many years to come.

Now you try! Look at the IELTS Task 2 Topics in the boxes below. Choose one which is interesting to you and try to make 2 different essay plans, one using the thesis-led approach, and one using the argument-led approach.

Although developing countries receive a great deal of financial aid from elsewhere in the world, they continue to have issues with poverty. Do you think that developed countries should give more help or a different kind of help? Or do you think that developing countries must find their own solutions to poverty?

Some have argued that the term globalization should actually be called “Americanization” because it largely consists of United States culture and products being dominant all over the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Differences between countries are becoming less and less evident with each passing year. Nowadays, everyone in the world has the same fashions, eating habits, and media. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Do you think the changes associated with globalization are largely positive or largely negative?

Thesis-Led Plan

1.      I firmly believe that  ___________________________________________________

2.     ___________________________________________________

3.     ___________________________________________________

4.     ___________________________________________________

5.     In conclusion, ___________________________________________________

Argument-Led Plan

1.      While ___________________________________________________ has many positive aspects, ___________________________________________________ is preferable.

2.     ___________________________________________________

3.     ___________________________________________________

4.     In conclusion, ___________________________________________________

Respecting the Elderly (Task 2 Writing)

For your consideration, a recent topic which has appeared on IELTS exams in several locations:

In many countries today, insufficient respect is shown to older people.

What do you think may be the reasons for this?

What problems might this cause in society?

This is not a typical argument-based essay topic. In this case, you must write a factual report, giving examples to support your ideas. Make sure to touch on all parts of the question. You could follow a paragraph structure as follows:

• Introduction
• Paragraph giving causes for disrespect toward older people
• Paragraph giving effects of disrespect on society
• Conclusion, with suggestions for how to improve the situation

It's okay to give your opinion at the end of the essay, but you should mostly use a factual approach.

Watch this video for a humorous take on this issue! 

Below you can find an example essay which would receive a Band 9 score. Observe the way it clearly states reasons and gives examples to support all statements.

Due to a large number of societal changes which have taken place in the past 100 years, it’s clear that older people have lost their once elevated position in society. Where we used to cherish our elders and show respect for their wisdom, we now disregard their knowledge or ignore them altogether. There are several reasons for this trend, and many negative consequences which result from it.

            One reason for the devaluation of elderly people in our society is its increasing dependence on technology. As we continually change our lifestyles and update the way we do things, the wisdom once given to us by older people seems to lose its usefulness. Technological skills are now necessary for most forms of employment, but they are often foreign and even frightening to the older generation. Thus, it’s easy for young people to adopt the opinion that old people are falling behind, and that they are no longer useful in the workforce. On a personal level, we may feel annoyed that our mothers and fathers are unable to communicate with technology, such as smart phones, that we use every day.

            Another trend which has led to disrespect for the elderly is the movement away from communities filled with extended families and into so-called “nuclear-family” units. Whereas in the past it was common for grandparents to live nearby and to play an integral role in the upbringing of children, they now live separately and in many cases far away from their children. Single-family living reduces the role that older individuals can play in the family, and therefore decreases their value in society.

            Obviously, the tendency to disrespect and devalue older people has many negative repercussions. While the elderly may not be able to teach us about smart phones, they do possess a great deal of insight into human nature, cultural traditions, and finding inner happiness. It would be a tragedy to lose the philosophical treasures that they offer us. For these reasons, it is my belief that we should constantly strive to maintain our family connections and return respect for the elderly to its rightful place.

Should The Government Support The Arts? (Task 2 Writing)

Below you can find 2 different essays on the topic:

Some people believe that the government should provide financial assistance to artists such as painters, musicians and poets. Others think that it is a waste of money.

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

The first essay is Argument-led, meaning that both sides of the issue are equally mentioned.

The second essay is Thesis-led, meaning that the writer takes a strong viewpoint and only briefly mentions the opposing view.

Both are excellent examples of a Task 2 essay and would receive Band 9 scores.

For more information about Thesis-led and Argument-led essays, please see the previous post.

The first essay opposes government support of the arts, while the second essay supports it. Which one do you agree with?

Essay 1 

There are differing opinions about whether the government should give financial assistance to artists or not. Although there are valid arguments to be made in support of government arts patronage, it is my belief that the arts should be primarily supported not by the government, but by private enterprise.

There is no doubt that artistic pursuits are worthwhile. Playing music, painting, sculpting or even simply viewing art can have therapeutic effects on people, helping them to relax and express themselves. Arts education is especially beneficial for children and helps them develop creativity, which will integral to their success in later life. Additionally, I believe that public art projects such as statues and murals can help to beautify urban areas and could be partly funded by government grants.

These arguments aside, I would like to assert that spending tax money on art and artists is wasteful, as there are countless other sectors in desperate need of government funding. For example, even in highly developed countries, there are people who are unable to meet basic needs like food and shelter. Many thousands of people die every year from diseases that could be easily cured. Furthermore, the governments of many countries have not yet addressed the important issues surrounding environmental protection and clean energy. Surely, meeting these requirements is far more important than promoting art, despite all its merits.

In an ideal world, there would always be plenty of revenue for all of a countries needs as well as its wants. Until that time comes, however, I believe that the government should focus on solving the aforementioned health and environmental issues and leave the funding of creative projects to motivated individuals and private enterprises.

Words: 281

Essay 2

There are differing opinions about whether the government should give financial assistance to artists or not. Some people believe that the government has a responsibility to help support the arts, while others believe that this is a wasteful practice. I wholeheartedly believe that patronage of the arts is fundamental to the role of government, and that it benefits each and every member of society.

Expressing oneself creatively is a human need that is not unlike our basic needs for acceptance and love. We have been writing songs and drawing on the walls of caves since the dawn of our species. Although creating art is arguably less important than food or shelter, it remains something that all people have a right to enjoy and participate in, and so we should not balk at using tax dollars to support it. Providing government money for artistic endeavours ensures that all people can take part, regardless of their financial means.

Another important point is that arts education for children is an absolutely essential part of their development, and should be publicly promoted. Children who learn to be creative today can become the inventors, designers, and innovators of tomorrow. It has been proven, for example, that young people who learn to play a musical instrument early in life will achieve higher scores in mathematics and have an easier time learning new languages when they grow up. Additionally, people who develop creative outlets at an early age tend to be better at dealing with stress as adults.

In sum, the benefits of publicly supporting the arts go far beyond mere aesthetic appreciation. It is our duty as a society to support the arts along with the rest of our human requirements.

Words: 284

What Does a Level 9 Essay Look Like?

Many people are particularly worried about Task 2 Writing. Test-takers must write 250 words in approximately 40 minutes. It's necessary to communicate a lot of information in an organised way in a limited period of time. How does your writing stack up?

Task 2 Essay, Band 9:

Every year, countries spend large amounts of money to host international sporting events such as the Olympics or the Football World Cup. Some believe these events are important for building national pride and international unity, while others think that these events are a waste of money and resources. What is your opinion on this issue?

            Hosting an international sporting event such as the Olympics or the Football World Cup can be an incredibly costly and labor-intensive endeavor. While some people believe that these efforts are not worth the time and money they require, I believe that the advantages of hosting such an event are far greater than the disadvantages. Bringing international sports to a country can provide economic, diplomatic, and cultural benefits that may last many years.

            The first way that an international sporting event can benefit a country is by boosting its economy. In order to host the Olympics, for example, the government must build new sporting facilities, transport routes and tourist sites. This provides jobs for unemployed people and puts additional funds into the economy. Furthermore, when people visit a country to watch the Olympic Games, they will spend money on food and other items, which benefits restaurant and shop owners.

            Another benefit that countries can experience is an improvement in their diplomatic relationships. When a nation invites foreigners within their borders to enjoy sports, they are demonstrating that they are part of the international community and that they are open to the world. For example, when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, it was a symbol that this country had overcome its human rights problems and was ready to participate in the world as an equal partner.

            Finally, whenever people from many countries come together in one place, it provides a valuable opportunity for communication. Both athletes and spectators can learn about each other and appreciate cultures that are different from their own. Sports can be an extremely powerful way to bring people together and promote multicultural understanding.

            For all of the above reasons, I believe it is incredibly beneficial for a country to host international sporting events, and I hope that my country will be able to do so in the future.

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                    Words: 298