A Variety of Hobby Topics (Task 2 Writing)

One thing students often worry about during Writing Task 2 is not having enough time. They begin writing their essays as quickly as possible because they are afraid of not finishing. 

However, you must believe the following advice:

• You are more likely to finish quickly and write a better essay if you MAKE A PLAN beforehand.

This is especially true if you would like to write about two sides of an Argument Topic which asks for your opinion. For more general information on planning and structure, look at the previous entry:

Make A Plan!

One good way of planning your essay is to make a Mind Map. There are many kinds of mind maps but my favourite is one that I like to call "The Tree."

Your tree will probably not look like this one, but this does give you some idea of what we will do when we make our tree.

In order to practice making a tree to organise our ideas, let's look at a common Task 2 Writing Topic.

Actors, musicians, and sports players make millions of dollars every year while many other people in the world are struggling with poverty. Do you believe this is justified? Explain your answer.

We can see that this is an argument topic with two main sides. The two possible opinions we can take are as follows:

It is justified that actors, musicians, and sports players make millions of dollars even though some people in the world are poor.

Or...

It is NOT justified for actors, musicians, and sports players to make so much money while others in the world are struggling with poverty.

Now that we have recognised the two sides of this argument, it's time to make a tree. Just quickly draw something like this on your exam paper:


  It's justified                         It's not justified

                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                                                                           I
                              

Then, take a few moments to think of points for each side. Remember: You may only want to write about one side of the argument, but it's often helpful to look at both sides. You only have a few minutes to prepare, so it's not necessary to write full sentences at this point. Look at the example below:


It's justified                         It's not justified

                                                                         
Actors and sports players have special skills                         People are too focused on entertainment these
which are in demand.                                                             days, and these people only give entertainment.                                                    
                                                                         
They have short careers.                                                      Actors and sports players work very short
- injuries                                                                               hours compared with other workers.
-getting old                                                        
                                                                         
These are high-risk jobs sometimes.                                       These people live extravagant lifestyles and
                                                                                             waste their money. It's wrong for them to do
The market demands that some careers have                          this when there are so many poor people.
higher pay.                                                          

                                                                   
Now you try! Look at the topics below and try making some trees! The more ideas you can prepare before the exam, the easier the exam will seem.


Many people argue that modern children spend far too much time with sedentary activities like TV and computer games. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people say that children have too many extracurricular activities and that they are not given enough time for free play. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Actors, musicians, and sports players make millions of dollars every year while many other people in the world are struggling with poverty. Do you believe this is justified? Explain your answer.

Problem & Solution Essays on Crime Topics

We’ve seen many examples of how to write an essay on an argument topic, that is, a topic that requires you to give your opinion. However, it’s not always necessary to give your opinion on an issue. Sometimes you need to understand a problem, discuss its causes and effects, and give possible solutions. This kind of essay can be referred to as a Problem & Solution Essay. They are sometimes called Cause & Effect essays.

Here are some common Task 2 Essay prompts on the topic of crime that require a Problem & Solution Essay:

The rates of violent crime are increasing in many countries around the world. Give some reasons for this situation and some possible solutions.

Traffic congestion and air pollution from automobiles is at an all-time high in many major cities, which creates a number of problems for residents. Discuss the causes and effects of this issue and suggest some ways to remedy the problem.

This days, children spend a large amount of time playing computer games and doing other sedentary activities, which leads to increasing rates of childhood obesity. Discuss some of the factors that influence this problem and give potential solutions.

These days, many cities are becoming overcrowded due to heavy migration from rural areas. Why do you think this problem is occurring and what measures can be taken to remedy it?

As you can see, these topics are stating factual information and so it is not necessary for us to give our opinions. We should assume that the information in the topic is true and proceed from there. In this type of essay you should not try to argue with the main statement!

Most Problem & Solution Essays should follow this basic structure:

Paragraph 1: Introduce the problem

Paragraph 2: Mention possible causes of the problem 

Paragraph 3: Discuss common effects of the problem.

Paragraph 4: Offer solutions and conclude.

In some cases, you may need to combine the cause and effect paragraphs to leave room for more solutions. Also, if you have a large amount of information, you can write a separate conclusion paragraph, but the above structure works well for most essays.

Let’s take a look at this topic to help us understand the best way to write about Problems & Solutions:

Prison overpopulation is becoming a significant problem in many developed countries. What has caused this situation and what, if anything, can be done about it?

Similar to Argument-style essays, you need to write an introduction which gives basic information about the topic. This can be taken from the topic itself and modified slightly. (Remember, it’s ok to copy a little bit from the topic!) In a Problem & Solution essay, we don’t need to give our opinion, but the overall introduction paragraph will be the same. We should begin by saying what the problem is, then explaining why the problem is important, and briefly describing what we will write about.

A good introduction for the above topic would be:

These days, overpopulation in prisons is becoming a serious problem in many countries. Obviously, this situation creates serious negative repercussions for individuals and for society as a whole. The following essay will outline some of the possible causes for the increase in imprisonment, discuss its effects on society, and suggest some ways to resolve this issue.

The most difficult thing about writing a Problem & Solution Essay is having the correct information on hand. Remember that the examiner is not worried about whether or not your essay is 100% factual. They are concerned about your ability to use English! However, it’s usually not a good idea to invent statistics or completely lie about information. (Some people are simply bad at lying!) It’s better to use HEDGING to make “soft” statements that cannot be wrongly interpreted.

Do you know why the prison population is growing? It’s ok if you don’t. Just make an intelligent guess and use HEDGING to soften your idea. For example:

There are many possible reasons as to why the prison population is growing in developed countries. It could be due to an increase in urban population, which brings a large number of people together in a small area. When many diverse groups of people live together in close proximity, there’s bound to be confusion, conflict, and crime. Another possible reason for the growing number of prison inmates is income inequality. As the gap between the rich and the poor grows larger, more and more people are likely to feel desperate for financial stability, thus turning to criminal activities to make ends meet.

You can see that the writer is not completely sure of the information, but does a good job of presenting his or her guesses in an intelligent way. Reread the preceding paragraph and circle all of the hedging words!

Now let’s talk about possible effects. These are usually easier to describe than causes, since we can observe them in the world around us. Use your common sense!

There is no doubt that having a large number of citizens in jail is a profoundly undesirable situation. Prisoners, who are usually male, leave behind their families and live in terrible, violent conditions. Women and children without financial support become reliant on the government, putting pressure on an already overstretched system. Furthermore, young men who lose their fathers to prison may become marginalized by society and end up turning into criminals themselves, continuing this vicious cycle.  Additionally, the cost of maintaining prison facilities can be very high and consume funding that could certainly be used in a more positive manner.

Now we just need to offer a few solutions and conclude our essay. Again, you don’t need to worry if your solution is not perfect. You are not a political commentator or a sociologist (or maybe not yet!) but you need to show that you have enough language to write intelligently on a wide range of topics. Give your best ideas and use accurate vocabulary that you know. It’s alright to give your opinion at this point. It’s even ok to admit that the problem is difficult to solve, like so:

The problem of overcrowding in prisons is undoubtedly a difficult one with no clear solution.  In my opinion, we must start by reducing income inequality and removing people’s motivation to commit crime. It might also be useful to institute other forms of punishment, such as community service, for non-violent offenders. Reducing the number of people in prison and increasing the number of productive citizens would certainly change society for the better.

Are you ready to try one?? Pick one of the topics given at the top of the page and write a brief outline for a Problem & Solution Essay. You don’t need to write down everything now, but you should have a clear idea of what the main points will be. Making this type of plan will REALLY help you during the exam, and ensure that you have plenty of time to finish your essay.

Should Students Study Overseas? (Task 2 Writing)

One of the criteria on which your writing is judged is Coherence and Cohesion. In other words, organisation!

Essays that do not have a clear structure will lose points in the area of Coherence and Cohesion. They may also receive a lower score because your lack of organisation causes the essay to become confusing or wander off topic. The following structure is most useful for Thesis essays or Report-style essays. For more about what those terms mean, Click Here.

1. The first paragraph should clearly state the topic and give your opinion (assuming an opinion is needed.)
2. The second paragraph should give a clear reason to support your opinion, plus examples or personal experiences to support your reason.
3. The third paragraph should give a new, different reason for why your opinion is correct. Try to avoid repeating points from the second paragraph.
4. You many want to have a fourth paragraph with a third distinct reason, but this is not always necessary or possible due to time limitations.
5. The conclusion should RESTATE your opinion in another way. This is a necessary step.

Let's look at the structure for the following topic:

Going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. However, while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

     

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

The introduction, conclusion, and main supporting reasons are given. You can see that each reason is slightly different from the others. We should include examples to support each point.

Here is a suitable introduction for this topic:

                These days, more and more students decide to leave their home countries and travel overseas to attend foreign universities. Although this decision is a difficult one which poses many challenges to young people, I believe that the advantages of studying overseas far outweigh the disadvantages.

You can see that the writer clearly sees more advantages than disadvantages to studying abroad. Let's give a reason for this opinion:

First Point: Studying overseas allows students to learn about other cultures, which makes them more valuable in an increasingly globalised society.

Now we need to give an example to support this idea. Why are students more valuable after studying overseas?  

Students who study overseas are often able to master a second language and learn about new cultures, both of which are essential skills in the increasingly globalised world marketplace.

Here are two more points to support the original opinion. Can you think of suitable examples to illustrate them?

Second Point: It’s true that studying abroad is very challenging. However, the ability to solve challenging problems is an important life skill.

What are some challenges that foreign students face? How might this help them in the future?

Third Point: Last but not least, when students travel outside their home country, they can have amazing new experiences and create long-lasting friendships.

What are some fun things you can experience while traveling abroad? How might having international friends help me in the future?

Now that we've given three reasons to support our opinion and given examples, we can add our conclusion:

For the above reasons, I believe that spending time studying in another country is a very valuable experience for young people. It provides them with experiences and opportunities that can improve the quality of their lives and advance their careers. As such, it is the best choice a student can make.   

NZ© Andrea Holland 2014

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 and Economic Growth (Listening)

One topic that is certain to show up somewhere on your IELTS exam is the issue of globalization. You may find it in the reading section, in a listening lecture, or as a Task 2 Writing assignment such as the following common topics:

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.

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?

You will need to have appropriate ideas and vocabulary in order to understand and discuss these topics. 

In the following video, speaker Alex Tabarrok speaks mostly about the advantages and benefits of a globalized economy. It's useful to pay attention to the manner in which he presents his arguments and gives examples to support them. If you need specific help on how to structure an essay about globalization, or would like to see some sample essays on these topics, please see the previous blog post:

Essay Structure Globalization Topic

Before watching the video, look up the vocabulary words below and preview the gap fill sentences. Remember, it's a good strategy for IELTS listening to guess the word form that will go in the blank. Will the gap be filled by a noun, a verb, or an adjective? Make your guess before you hear the talk, then watch the video to fill the gaps.

Part 1: Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences from the talk. Use these vocabulary words and double check to ensure that the grammar of each sentence is correct. 

Disaster       Cataclysm       Tragedy       Poverty       Resistant       Demand

Embrace       Burden       Cooperation       Incentives       Tripled       Abyss

1. The first part of the 20^th century was an absolute _________________ in human affairs, a _________________.

2. It was only in the second half of the 20^th century that we slowly began to pull ourselves out of this _________________.

3. We globalised the world. What does that mean? We extended _________________ across national boundaries.

4. Never before in human history have so many people been raised out of such great _________________ as happened in China.

5. Over the next 18 years, incomes in India have _________________.

6. Sub Saharan Africa has been the area of the world most _________________ to growth.

7. The _________________ are much larger to produce drugs which treat more people.

8. It is fortunate that we are becoming less of an idea leader because for too long, the United States and a handful of other developed countries have shouldered the entire _________________ of research and development.

9. We should not fear other countries becoming wealthy, that is something that we should _________________.

10. Globalization is increasing the _________________ for new ideas.

Part 2: Discussion Questions

Is Alex Tabarrok generally optimistic or pessimistic about the future of globalization?

What is the meaning of the Thomas Jefferson quote: “He who lights his candle at mine receives light without darkening me.” ?

Explain why it is better to have a common disease than to have a rare disease, from the standpoint of receiving treatment.

According to Alex, how will economic growth in Africa affect the world market? Give an example.

Does Alex think that we should be worried about future Depressions? Do you agree with him?

Why does he ask the question “Is China drinking our milkshake?” What does that question refer to?

What does Alex Tabarrok recommend that America do regarding globalization?

Do you believe that Alex Tabarrok’s views about the future are correct? Do you see any problems with his argument?

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, ___________________________________________________

The Philosophy of Happiness (Task 2 Writing)

The following Task 2 Writing question came up on a recent IELTS exam:

Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?

In the following video, you will find some interesting information that could help you to better understand this topic. It's also a great opportunity to practice your listening! 

(Additionally, a sample essay for this topic is included below.)

1.Who was Epicurus? 

2. Why are people drawn to material things? What is the effect of accumulating a lot of possessions?

3. Is Steven Perry a happy person? How do you know?

4. What are the three things that we truly need for happiness according to Epicurus?

5. How do advertisers appeal to our needs when selling us products?

6. Do you agree with Epicurus' requirements for happiness?

Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?

Happiness is an elusive concept, which can be as difficult to define as it is to achieve. This is largely due to the fact that happiness has a variety of meanings which depend on a person’s culture, ambitions, and stage of life. Even so, the desire to be happy is a universal one, and there are some basic necessities that underpin our long-term happiness. I will discuss these ideas in the following essay.

What provides contentment in life can vary from person to person. An ambitious individual may find happiness in working hard and achieving goals, while a more laid back person may prefer to relax and spend time smelling the roses. Young people tend to need adventure and stimulation to be happy, while older people feel content when they have stability. It is up to each individual person to decide for him or herself what happiness means, and to spend time nurturing this need.

These considerations aside, it is clear that certain requirements are necessary for a happy life. Obviously, it is important that basic needs such as health and safety are met. People cannot spend time improving their emotional state if they lack food or shelter, or if they live in fear. Secondly, it’s essential that we surround ourselves with family and friends who care about us. These people act as a support group which can guide us through difficulties and share in our moments of joy. Lastly, we should pursue satisfaction in contributing to society in some way, either by helping others or expressing ourselves creatively.

To conclude, while there are many different perspectives on happiness, most people can agree that certain aspects of life should not be ignored. If we pay more attention to these, we are likely to live happier and more meaningful lives.

(Words: 281)

Successful Introductions (Task 2 Writing)

Some advice for writing an introduction for an argument topic.

A successful introduction has two main purposes. The first is to give a clear idea of what your essay will be about. The second (in argument-style topics) is to present which side of the issue you will take and/or indicate that you will give arguments on both sides.

The first sentence of your essay should always describe the topic. It’s ok to copy from the question a little bit, but make sure to use your own words and expressions.

Consider the following topic:

Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas, whether in words, pictures, music or film, and should not be restricted by the government. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

• The first sentence should restate the topic clearly. DO NOT assume that you can skip this step. Obviously, the examiner knows what the topic is, but you should still include this basic information so that your essay is clear and cohesive.

All of the following sentences would be excellent FIRST sentences for an essay on this topic:

Many people believe that creative artists such as writers, musicians and filmmakers should be able to express themselves in any way they see fit, while others may believe that some government restriction is required.

There has been some debate in recent years about whether creative artists should be given complete freedom to express their ideas in pictures, music and film.

There is no doubt that creative artists such as writers, musicians and filmmakers make valuable contributions to society. However, there is some debate about the degree to which these individuals should be limited by the government.

• After clearly stating the topic, you should then present a clear opinion regarding which side you would like to take, whatever it may be. For instance:

It is my opinion that the work of creative artists should not be limited in any significant way by the government.

I completely disagree with the assertion that artists should have complete freedom to express themselves in any manner that they choose. There are many instances when this behavior can be harmful to children or wider society.

• If you plan to write an argument-led essay, (an essay which discusses both sides) you can indicate this mixed view in your introduction. You might do so as follows.

Although there are some circumstances in which artists must be limited, I believe that for the most part, we should guarantee all people’s freedom of expression.

In most instances, artists can feel free to express themselves in any manner they choose. However, there must be limitations.

• Remember! Even if you do not have strong opinions on a given topic, it’s still a good idea to pick one side over the other to ensure the clarity of your essay. If you feel absolutely neutral, you can still introduce your essay with a sentence such as this:

I believe that both sides of this argument are equally valid, and will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

There are arguments to be made in favour of each of these viewpoints.

• Next, close out your introduction paragraph with a sentence indicating your main arguments. Try to avoid personal pronouns such as “I,” “You” or “Me” by using the passive voice. Be careful not to sound too casual/conversational. Do not use the verb “talk” or “speak about.” (You aren’t talking!) Some examples might be:

The reasons for this argument will be presented as follows.

The reasons for this viewpoint will be outlined below.

Both sides of this argument will be detailed in the following essay.

• A few things to avoid in your introduction paragraph:

·         Don’t include extremely detailed information or personal stories. Use them as examples after you have already stated your main points.

·         Be careful to accurately use the phrases “In recent years,” “for many years,” and “nowadays” because they are not always appropriate! Use these for technological issues or for issues related to recent development. For instance, it’s not appropriate to say “Nowadays, people are concerned about the best way to raise and educate children.” This is a very old problem, not a recent one!

·         When you make comparisons, be sure that they match each other. It is especially important to watch out for words such as “problem,” “concern,” “issue,” and “debate.” Make sure you use them accurately. Remember your parallel structures!

WARNING: Although the above advice is meant to guide you and help you to write introductions to a variety of topics, you should never stick too closely to a formula or try to use one sentence for every situation. Read your topic closely and stay flexible so that you can write the best possible essay.

 Think about what introduction you'd write for each of the following common IELTS topics:

Some people believe that schools should focus on teaching core subjects such as maths, science and language, while other subjects such as art and music are less important and should be taught outside of school. What is your opinion on this issue?

While many important works of art have contributed to society in the past, the quality and relevance of artistic works has been decreasing in recent history. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Technological advances have made sophisticated design technology available to everyone. This decreases the importance of artistic ability since anyone can use computers to create art. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?