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2012-01-23T21:55:00.000+05:30

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2011-12-05T03:16:00.000+05:30

Listening and reading

The tables below indicate the mean raw scores achieved by candidates at various levels in each of the Listening, Academic Reading and General Training Reading tests and provide an indication of the number of marks required to achieve a particular band score.

Listening
Band score	Raw score out of 40
5	16
6	23
7	30
8	35

Academic Reading
Band score	Raw score out of 40
5	15
6	23
7	30
8	35

General Training Reading
Band score	Raw score out of 40
4	15
5	23
6	30
7	34

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The IELTS Question Paper Production Process

2011-12-03T08:44:00.000+05:30

The production of IELTS question papers is a lengthy process which includes a number of quality checks. The objective of these checks is to ensure that the material in each test is suitable for the test purpose in terms of topics, focus, level of language, length, style and technical measurement properties.

We apply both qualitative standards for the production of test material involving the judgement of qualified professionals, and quantitative, statistical standards for the selection of suitable test material and the maintenance of consistent levels of test difficulty over time.

The stages in the process of producing question papers are shown in Figure 1 below. The first three stages of commissioning, pre-editing and editing involve gathering and choosing appropriate test content that reflects the aims of the Academic and General Training modules.

Once the best material has been selected, it is then given to representative groups of language learners to check that each question – or item - is at an appropriate difficulty level for IELTS; that candidates will be able to understand the questions and that each question can help us to differentiate between more and less able candidates. This stage is known as pretesting. Approved material is stored in an item bank and can then be introduced to live tests – tests that are used as the basis for awarding official IELTS certificates – through a

process known as standards fixing. Each of these stages is explained in more detail below.

1. Commissioning of Material for Question Papers

2. Pre-editing and Editing of Material (Rejection or Revision of Material)

3. Pre-test Construction

4. Pretesting move

5. Pre-test Review (Rejection or Revision of Material)

6. Banking of Material

7. Standards Fixing Construction

8. Live Test Construction and Grading

9. Live Test Release

Commissioning

There are one or two commissions each year for each of our item writing teams. These feed material into the question paper production process. To reflect the international nature of IELTS, test material is written by trained groups of item writers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the USA and is drawn from publications sourced anywhere in the world. Overall test content is the responsibility of both externally commissioned language testing professionals – the chairs for each of the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

sub-tests – and of Cambridge ESOL staff. Item writers work from test specifications. These specifications detail the characteristics of an the IELTS sub-tests, outline the requirements for commissions and guide writers in how to

approach the item writing process including selecting appropriate material; developing suitable items and submitting material for pre-editing and editing.

Pre-editing

Pre-editing is the first stage of the editing process and takes place when commissioned materials are initially submitted in draft form by item writers. A meeting is held involving chairs and Cambridge ESOL staff to review the material.

The purpose of pre-editing is to ensure that test material is appropriate in terms of:

• topic

• topicality

• level of language

• suitability for the task

• length

• focus of text

• style of writing

• focus of task

• level of task.

At this stage, guidance is given to item writers on revising items and altering texts for resubmission. This is seen as an important element in item writer training and advice is also offered on any rejected texts and unsuitable item types.

Editing

Following pre-editing feedback, material is completed and submitted for editing. Editing takes place at meetings involving Cambridge ESOL staff and chairs. Item writers are encouraged to participate in editing meetings dealing with their material. This is seen as another important part of their ongoing training.

At editing, texts and selected items are approved for pretesting or are sent back to a writer for further revision. Revised material is then re-edited at a subsequent meeting.

Pretest construction and Pretesting

IELTS pretests are very similar to the tests that will be used in live administrations. The tasks are in their final form including task rubrics (instructions) and Examples. Listening pretests are professionally recorded to ensure that they are of acceptable quality. Listening and Reading pretests are administered to IELTS candidates at selected centres or to prospective candidates on IELTS preparation courses. The pretests are marked at Cambridge ESOL and statistically analysed. Writing and Speaking pretests are administered to representative samples of candidates to assess the appropriateness of this material for use in live tests, and to establish that the tasks are capable of eliciting an adequate sample of language to allow for the assessment of candidates against the scoring criteria.

Pretest Review

The Validation Unit at Cambridge ESOL collates and analyses the pretest material.

Listening and Reading pretests

All candidate responses are analysed to establish the technical measurement characteristics of the material, i.e. to find out how difficult the items are, and how they distinguish between stronger and weaker candidates. Both classical item statistics and latent trait models are used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the material. Classical item statistics are used to identify the performance of a particular pretest in terms of the facility and discrimination of the items in relation to the sample that was used. Rasch analysis is used to locate items on the IELTS common scale of difficulty. In addition, the comments on the material by the staff

at pretest centres and the immediate response of the pretest candidates are taken into account.

At a pretest review meeting, the statistics, feedback from candidates and teachers and any additional information are reviewed and informed decisions are made on whether texts and items can be accepted for construction into potential live versions. Material is then stored in an item bank to await test construction.

Writing and Speaking pretests

Separate batches of Writing pretest scripts are marked by IELTS Principal Examiners and Assistant Principal Examiners. At least two reports on the task performance and its suitability for inclusion in live versions are produced. On the basis of these reports, tasks may be banked for live use, amended and sent for further pretesting or rejected.

Feedback on the trialling of the Speaking tasks is reviewed by experienced examiners, who deliver the trialling tasks, and members of the item writing team who are present at the trialling sessions. The subsequent reports are then assessed by the paper chair and Cambridge ESOL staff.

Banking of material

Cambridge ESOL has developed its own item banking software for managing the

development of new live tests. Each section or task is banked with statistical information as well as comprehensive content description. This information is used to ensure that the tests that are constructed have the required content coverage and the appropriate level of difficulty.

Standards Fixing and Grading

Standards fixing ensures that there is a direct link between the standard of established and new versions before they are released for use at test centres around the world.

Different versions of the test all report results on the same underlying scale, but band scores do not always correspond to the same percentage of items correct on every test form. Before any test task is used to make important decisions, we must first establish how many correct answers on each Listening or Reading test equate to each of the nine IELTS bands. This ensures that band scores on each test indicate the same measure of ability.

Once we are satisfied with the quality of the material, each new test task is introduced as part of a live test administration (with limited numbers of candidates and under tightly controlled conditions). We use information from this exercise to confirm our estimate of how difficult the new task is when compared to the established test material. The task is then ready to be used in combination with other material as part of a fully live test.

Test construction

At regular test construction meetings, Listening and Reading papers are constructed according to established principles. Factors taken into account are:

• the difficulty of complete test versions and the range of difficulty of individual items

• the balance of topic and genre

• the balance of gender and accent in the Listening versions

• the balance of item format (i.e. the relative number of multiple choice and other item types across versions)

• the range of Listening/Reading skills tested.

The item banking software allows the test constructor to model various test construction scenarios in order to determine which tasks should be combined to create tests that meet the requirements.

Data are collected routinely from live administrations and analysed both to confirm the accuracy of the initial grading process and to support additional investigations into quality assurance issues.

Ongoing Research and Development

In addition to this routine of test development and validation, the IELTS partners carry out academic research to support the tests and sponsor external researchers. Details of this research are given in the IELTS Annual Review, which can be accessed on the IELTS website: www.ielts.org. Based on this research work, regular improvements are made both to the test itself and to its administration.You have read this post. Why don't you write down your opinion it. I greatly appreciate it.

Advanced English Certifecate (CAE)

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http://caewithgeorgeandrews.blogspot.com/

2011-08-27T06:42:00.003+05:30

Energy Consumption
Process Description

Aluminum is derived from the naturally occurring ore called Bauxite. Bauxite is refined into alumina which is electrochemically reduced into aluminum in reduction cells or pots (Hall-Herault process). The molten aluminum is then either cast into ingots, bars, rolled into sheets, plates or foil, or drawn into rod. These intermediate shapes are then shipped to processing plants which shape the aluminum into consumer products. Click on a process step below for more information.

2011-08-27T06:36:00.001+05:30

Electricity GenerationEighty-two percent of Kentucky's coal is used to generate electricity. After coal is mined, it is transported to power plants by trains, barges, and trucks. A conveyor belt carries the coal to a pulverizer, where it is ground to the fineness of talcum powder. The powdered coal is then blown into a combustion chamber of a boiler, where it is burned at around 1,400ºC. Surrounding the walls of the boiler room are pipes filled with water. Because of the intense heat, the water vaporizes into superheated high-pressure steam. The steam passes through a turbine (which is similar to a large propeller) connected to a generator. The incoming steam causes the turbine to rotate at high speeds, creating a magnetic field inside wound wire coils in the generator. This pushes an electric current through the wire coils out of the power plant through transmission lines. After the steam passes through the turbine chamber, it is cooled down in cooling towers and it again becomes part of the water/steam cycle.

2011-08-27T06:32:00.003+05:30

Coal-Fired Power Plant

Coal-fired units produce electricity by burning coal in a boiler to heat water to produce steam. The steam, at tremendous pressure, flows into a turbine, which spins a generator to produce electricity. The steam is cooled, condensed back into water, and returned to the boiler to start the process over.

For example, the coal-fired boilers at TVA’s Kingston Fossil Plant near Knoxville, Tennessee, heat water to about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (540 degrees Celsius) to create steam. The steam is piped to the turbines at pressures of more than 1,800 pounds per square inch (130 kilograms per square centimeter). The turbines are connected to the generators and spin them at 3600 revolutions per minute to make alternating current electricity at 20,000 volts. River water is pumped through tubes in a condenser to cool and condense the steam coming out of the turbines.

The Kingston plant generates about 10 billion kilowatt-hours a year, or enough electricity to supply 700,000 homes. To meet this demand, Kingston burns about 14,000 tons of coal a day, an amount that would fill 140 railroad cars.

2011-08-05T08:09:00.004+05:30

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January 14, 2010

2011-08-03T22:31:00.001+05:30

In today’s world, it is private companies rather than government that pay for and carry out most scientific research. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Rephrasing the question

Emergence of free market economies has initiated (encouraged) private companies invest huge amounts of money in scientific research, so as to enable them to use the findings, for profitable business activities. The increasing domination of private enterprises, especially multinational corporations in carrying out most research projects has downplayed the role of the government and raised certain issues.

Advantages

1. Huge investments are required for scientific research and so government can concentrate on more priority issues like health care and social security.

2. Better quality research and better utilisation of money for research in it is carried out by private companies.

3. This would expedite (speed up) the development of the economy through technological innovations.

4. This would enable government to invest in essential research concerning the basic needs of the society.

Disadvantages

1. Monopolisation of certain research and consequently the products from inventions may be priced very high. (eg: medicines)

2. Profit motive and therefore no social commitment. May not be accessible to the poor.

3. Sometimes research may be hampered as private companies may not be able to invest as much as government as it may not be financially feasible (alternative sources of energy).

Viewpoint

Since the resources of the government is greatly limited, there is no harm in allowing private companies to carry out majority of scientific research. Hence, government can concentrate more on essential research concerning the basic needs of the people, where private companies may not be interested in participating.

Vocabulary

· Research and development

· Carry out research

· Research into

· Research on

· State funding

· Corporate research

· Corporate companies

· Monopolistic policies

· Multinational

· Inventions

· Discoveries

· Scientific development

· Social commitment

· Profit motive

· Money making

· Researchers

· Scientists

· Greater benefits

· expedite

· private enterprises

· monopoly

· private sector

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1. January 9, 2010

2011-07-27T01:28:00.000+05:30

Some people believe that the charity organisations should give aid to those in the greatest need wherever they live. However others are of the opinion that such organisations would better concentrate, instead, on helping people who live in their own country.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Rephrasing the question

There are many charity organisations that function beyond their national boundaries reaching out to millions of underprivileged, especially the most disadvantaged (underprivileged) in poor regions of the world. However, there are certain people who oppose (object to) the international nature of such humanitarian activities and suggest their aid should be limited to the poor in their own countries.

Aid to people wherever they live because:

There are poor countries where the local charity organisations are not financially capable of meeting the basic needs of the underprivileged.
There are very rich countries where there is very little requirement for extensive charity work, but have great amount of charity money at their disposal.
Even in rich countries during serious emergencies, like, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes need the help of international charity organisations.

Help those in their own countries:

Dependence on rich countries will increase and discourage them from becoming self reliant.
Sharing in poor countries will increase when they do not get help from abroad.

Viewpoint

1. In spite of (despite) certain drawbacks, I would consider, charity organisations should not limit (confine) their activities within their own national boundaries as it has greater advantages for the beneficiaries.

Vocabulary

· Aid agency
· Benefactor
· Charities
· Philanthropic groups
· Humanitarian
· Donations
· Sponsorship
· Outreach
· International Aid
· Natural calamities
· Floods
· Hurricanes
· Famine
· Earthquake
· Tsunami
· Unemployment
· Poverty
· Dependence
· Self-reliant
· the disadvantaged
· the underprivileged
· the deprived
· the most vulnerable sections of the society
· poverty-stricken areas of the world
· destitute
· oppose
· object to

Explanation and Vocabulary of Essay Question (February 6, 2010)

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Air travel can only benefit the richest people in the world. Ordinary people can get no advantage with the development of air travel. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Disagree

· Development of air travel would trigger increasing competition resulting in lowering of air fares, making it possible even for ordinary people to travel by air.

· When demand for affordable tickets increases, economy flights would be introduced catering to ordinary people for tourism, education, business and emergency travel.

Vocabulary

· Aircrafts

· Flights

· Travel by air

· Journey by air

· Airlines

· Planes

· Business class

· Economy class

· Tourist class ( the cheapest set of seats in flight)

· Chartered flights

· Fly

· Flying

· Frequency of flying

· Affordable

· Disadvantageous

· The common man

· The general public

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IELTS Essays, discussion and vocabulary, January 2010 (Questions Courtesy www.ielts-blog.com)

2011-07-17T02:35:00.003+05:30

IELTS Essay 2010

1. January 9, 2010

Some people believe that the charity organisations should give aid to those in the greatest need wherever they live. Some people believe that the charity organisations would better concentrate on helping people who live in their own country instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Aid to people wherever they live because:

· There are poor countries where the local charity organisations or government are not financially capable(especially in emergencies, like famines, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes or large amount of money is required by many African countries to fight poverty and diseases).

· There are very rich countries where there is very little requirement for extensive charity work, but great amount of charity money for disposal.

Help those in their own countries:

· Dependence on rich countries will increase and discourage them from becoming self reliant.

· Sharing in poor countries will increase when do not get help from abroad.

Vocabulary

· Aid agency

· Benefactor

· Charities

· Philanthropic groups

· Humanitarian

· Donations

· Sponsorship

· Outreach

· International Aid

· Natural calamities

· Floods

· Hurricanes

· Famine

· Earthquake

· Tsunami

· Unemployment

· Poverty

· Dependence

· Self-reliant

2. January 14, 2010

In today’s world, it is private companies rather than government who pay for and carry out most scientific research. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Advantages

· Huge investments required and so government can concentrate on more priority issues like health care and social security.

· Better quality research and better utilisation of money for research.

Disadvantages

· Monopolisation of certain research and consequently the products may be priced very high.

· Profit motive and therefore no social commitment. May not be accessible to the poor.

· Sometimes research may be hampered as private companies may not be able to invest as much as government as it may not be financially feasible (alternative sources of energy).

Vocabulary

· Research and development

· Carry out research

· Research into

· Research on

· State funding

· Corporate research

· Corporate companies

· Monopolistic policies

· Multinational

· Inventions

· Discoveries

· Scientific development

· Social commitment

· Profit motive

· Money making

· Researchers

· Scientists

· Greater benefits

3. January 23, 2010

The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming wider. While the rich are becoming richer, the poor are becoming poorer. What problems can this situation cause and give solutions to this problem?

Problems

· increasing levels of social unrest and antisocial behaviour

· polarisation of the society on the basis of income

· lopsided development

Solutions

· increase tax for the super rich and use it for social welfare

· industrialisation and the creation of good jobs for the poor

· better social security measures and welfare programmes

Vocabulary

· Widening the gap

· Increasing the gap

· Narrowing the gap

· Closing the gap

· Equitable distribution of resources

· Unequal distribution

· The wealthy

· The prosperous

· The underprivileged

· Lower economic strata

· Economically backward sections of people

· Issues

· Result in

· One of the best ways to address the problem

· Tackle the issue

· Economic divide

· On the basis of

· Disillusionment of the poor and the youth

4. January 30, 2010

Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of respect for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it?

Causes

· Modern consumerist culture

· Unemployment and poverty

· Lack of disciple in families and schools

· Pampered children

· Influence of the media like movies, television and the internet

· Leniency in punishments

· Selfishness and individualistic attitude

· Deterioration of social values

Solutions

· Better discipline and values in schools and homes

· Censorship of undesirable material in the media

· Creation of employment and eradication of poverty

· Superior policing and strong laws

Vocabulary

Increasing proportion of

Rising levels of

Go up

Multiply

Crimes

Offences

Law breakers

Social unrest

Disillusionment

Hostile

Lack of discipline

Civic sense

Social responsibilities

IELTS Essays of 2011 (courtesy http://www.IELTS-blog.com/)

2011-07-16T23:26:00.003+05:30

January 8, 2011
Some people think that robots are very important to human’s future development, while others think they are dangerous and have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

January 15, 2011
Nowadays, some workplaces tend to employ equal numbers of men and women workers. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

January 22, 2011
Nowadays some individuals behave in an anti-society way, such as committing crimes. In general, it is the society to blame. What causes the anti-social behaviours of individuals? Who should be responsible for dealing with it?

January 27, 2011

Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, while other people think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV and the Internet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

February 12, 2011

Tourism is an excellent way to develop a country, but it can also cause harm. How can countries ensure that tourism benefits development.

January 17, 2011

Some people think that creative artists should be supported financially by the government of their county, while others believe that they should find financial support from other sources instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

January 19, 2011

Some people believe that women should play an equal role as men in a country’s police force or military force, such as the army, while others think women are not suitable for these kinds of jobs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

January 26, 2011

Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

March 5, 2011

Some people think governments should spend money on measures to save languages with few speakers from dying out completely. Others think this is a waste of financial resources. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

March 10, 2011
Some think that children should start school as early as possible, while others believe that they should start school at the age of seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

March 12, 2011

Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect individuals? Is it a positive or negative trend?

March 19, 2011
Around the world, more adults can work from home and more children can study from home as computer technologies have become cheaper and more accessible. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

April 2, 2011

Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people freedom to travel further. However, others think this leads to environmental problem, so air travel should be more expensive in order to discourage people from having it. Discuss the both sides and give your own opinion.

April 16, 2011

Many people think it is very important to protect the environment but they make no effort to do it themselves. Why do you think it is the case? What actions can be done to suggest individuals protect the environment?

April 28, 2011

Some people think that too much money has been spent looking after and repairing old buildings, so we should knock down old buildings and build modern ones instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

April 30, 2011

Some people think foreign visitors should be charged more than local people when they visit the cultural and historical attractions in a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

May 7, 2011

Environmental problems are too big for individual countries and individual persons to address. In other words, we have reached the stage where the only way to protect the environment is at an international level. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

May 14, 2011

Individual greed and selfishness has been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

May 19, 2011

The government should control the amount of violence in films and on television in order to decrease the violent crimes in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

May 28, 2011

Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge what is right and wrong so that they can behave well. Others say that teachers should only teach students academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

June 4, 2011

Nowadays, we rely on news for our knowledge, but we are uncertain about the truth of these news. Should we believe journalists? What qualities should a good journalist or correspondent have?

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Some people believe that universities are producing more graduates than needed, and that less emphasis should be placed on university education. Others are of a different opinion. Discuss both views and include your own opinion.

University education does equip students with wider perspective about life and better general knowledge. However, increasing number of university graduates find it hard to find employment and this raises the question whether university education should be given less importance.

On the one hand, while many graduates from universities are not are not employable, skilled labour is in shortage in today’s growing industrial and business sectors. This indicates the wrong emphasis given to tertiary education, whereas sufficient number of school graduates does not opt for technical education, as required by the job market. This tendency would lead to further unemployment of the educated youth, which is already being experience in many parts of the world. Evidences in many industrialised countries like Australia show that increasing number of graduates are forced to choose jobs that do not match their qualifications. Moreover, as their knowledge is often not used, the huge investment that government makes for their education go waste.

In contrast, there are those who believe that the purpose of education is not just to teach a trade. Hence, university graduates, with their superior knowledge have a greater role to play for the development of the nation. They are better equipped to take up leadership in many areas of social life. Hence, they believe, the importance given to university education is justified.

Nonetheless, viewing from a practical point of view, and the difficulties experienced by university degree holders in finding jobs, one needs to admit that universities churn out more graduates than required. There are evidences that suitable job openings are scarce for large number of graduates and postgraduates in subjects like history, philosophy, language and even science.

In conclusion, although an excess in the number of university students may reflect the level of education in the country, it would create certain practical problems like unemployment among the educated youth and scarcity of skilled labour.

Words and phrases to study

equip

perspective

tertiary education

employable

scarce

job openings

excess

excess You have read this post. Why don't you write down your opinion it. I greatly appreciate it.

The Pie Chart and Essay IELTS exam July 2011

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June 2011 IELTS Academic Test

the percentages of household energy usage and greenhouse gas produced in Australia.

Task II

Every year rare languages disappear from the world. Some people say this is not important, because it is better to have fewer languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Individuals and the reduction of pollution.

2011-06-22T22:44:00.000+05:30

Reducing global environmental damage should be handled by governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The damage to the environment is increasing at an alarming rate mainly due to human activities. Although a great deal of effort is being now made by governments all over the world, individuals also have a major role to play in the minimising global environmental hazards.

To start with, one of the major reasons for the pollution of the environment is the uncontrolled use of automobiles. If individuals can make a conscious effort to change their lifestyle, by cutting down the use of private cars and use public transport, it would substantially reduce the burning of fossil fuels. For instance, serious attempt should be made by individuals to travel to work regularly by buses and trains. The lack of public support can seriously hamper any government endeavour towards the reduction of pollution.

Again, people use enormous amount of plastic in daily life, which is a hazardous pollutant of the soil. Individuals can make a great contribution for the protection of the environment, opting for eco friendly substitutes. An ideal way to do this is by using paper and cloth bags instead of plastic in supermarkets.

Finally, people should gradually withdraw from excess consumerism, which has greatly contributed to the over exploitation of natural resources. This would mean that they should give greater priority to durable and reusable products in the shopping list, consequently discouraging ‘use and throw’ culture.

In conclusion, individuals have a crucial role in joining hands with the government in reducing the harm caused to the environment.

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Recent IELTS Essay Questions (May 2011)

2011-06-22T19:14:00.000+05:30

Some say that public health is important and there should be more sports facilities. Others say that they have small impact on individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people believe that teachers should also teach students how to judge right from wrong and how to behave, while others think they should just teach academic subjects. What is your opinion?

In many countries crime is increasing. What are the main reasons for this? What can be done to improve the situation? Support your position with relevant examples and include your own experience.

Reducing global environmental damage should be handled by governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay Questions 2009

2011-05-24T02:16:00.000+05:30

January 10, 2009

The range of technology available for individuals will increase the gap of rich and poor. . Others think it is having an opposite effect.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

January 15, 2009

Some people think students at schools and universities learn far more from lessons with teachers than from others sources (such as the internet, television).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

January 17, 2009

Nowadays, people in some countries can choose to live and work anywhere they want, because of the improvement of the communication technology and transport.

Discuss both the advantages and disadvantages.

February 7, 2009

Rich countries often give financial aid to poor countries, but it does not solve poverty, so rich countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

February 12, 2009

Some people think that development in technology causes environmental problems. Some people believe that solution in these problems is everyone accepts a simpler way of life, while others say that technology can solve these problems.

Discuss both views.

February 21, 2009

Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to deal with, while others think that individuals should take some action.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

February 28, 2009

Some people believe that to improve public health the number of sports facilities should be improved; others believe that it has little effect and need other measures to improve it.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

March 7, 2009

Some people think music plays an important role in society. Others think it is it is simply a form of entertainment.

Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.

March 14, 2009

More and more students choose to move to other countries to have the higher education. Do you think the advantages far outweigh its disadvantages?

March 21, 2009

It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle, in order to prevent illness rather than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

April 4, 2009

Nowadays people live in a society where consumer goods are relatively cheaper to buy. Do you think its advantages outweigh its disadvantages?

April 18, 2009

If a product is good and necessary, people will buy it, the advertisement will just be a kind of entertainment.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

April 25, 2009

Some people think computer and Internet are important in children's study, but others think students can learn more effectively in schools and with teachers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

May 9, 2009

Some people believe that teenagers should learn all school subjects, while others claim that students should focus on the subjects that they are best at or that they are interested in. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

May 16, 2009

It has been believed that people reading for pleasure have developed better imagination and language skills than people who prefer to watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

May 21, 2009

Hundred years ago, people thought that human race was steadily improving in every area of life. Nowadays, there is no certainty about this. In which areas do you think we have made important progress nowadays? In which areas do you think we still need to make progress?

May 30, 2009

Fossil fuels are the main sources of energy in many countries, but in some countries the use of alternative sources of energy are encouraged. Is it a positive or negative development?

June 11, 2009

The food travels thousands of miles from farm to consumer. Some people think it would be better to our environment and economy if people only ate locally produced food. What extend does the advantage outweigh disadvantage?

June 13, 2009

Research suggests that majority of criminals who are sent to prison would commit crimes after they are set free. What do you think are the causes? What to be done to solve this problem?

June 20, 2009

Some believe that those who are not talented in language learning should not be required to learn a foreign language. Do you think school should required students to learn a foreign language?

June 27, 2009

Developing countries require international organizations' help. Some people think that financial aid is important. However, others believe that practical aid and advice is more important. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

July 4, 2009

Money for postgraduate research is limited. Some people, therefore, think that financial support from the government should be only provided for scientific research rather than research for less useful subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

July 11, 2009

Some people argue that the companies and private individuals should pay the bill of cleaning up the pollution they produced, while others believe that it is the government's responsibility. What is your opinion?

July 23, 2009

Some think that the 21st century is providing opportunities for us to make some positive changes. To what extent do you agree or disagree? And what kind of changes will be provided?

August 8, 2009

The development of technology changes the way people connect with each other. In which way does the development of technology change the types of relationships among people? Does it have positive or negative effects on the relationships?

August 13, 2009

The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities such as the government. Some people argue that teachers should make the choice. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

August 22, 2009

News media is more influential nowadays. Some people think it is a negative development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

August 29, 2009

In the past, people used to travel to see the difference from their home country. However, the sceneries in places around the world seem similar nowadays. What are the causes of these similarities? Do you think that the advantages of this similarity outweigh the disadvantages?

September 5, 2009

Some people think that young people should receive college education, while other people say that they should work. What's your opinion?

September 12, 2009

Caring for children is the most important thing of the society. It is suggested that all mothers and fathers should be required to take the childcare training courses. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?

September 17, 2009

Some people think that lawbreakers should be sent to prison, while others say that criminals who are better talents should be made to work. Discuss both viewpoints and give your opinion.

September 22, 2009

In some countries, some school leavers choose to work or travel for a period of time between finishing high school and attending college. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this school leavers’ decision. Give your opinion.

October 10, 2009

An increase in production of consumer goods results in damage of the natural environment. What are the causes and possible solutions?

October 24, 2009

Some people think that a university should prepare students for employment, while others disagree and believe it has other functions. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

November 7, 2009

In some countries, the rate of teenagers' criminal acts is increasing. What are the reasons and give your measures to reduce it.

November 14, 2009

Some people say that professional workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers who make greater contribution to the society should be paid more than those people in the field of sports and entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

November 19, 2009

Some people think governments should introduce new technology to improve people's life, while others think free education is the better choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

November 21, 2009

Individuals and individual countries cannot help everyone who needs help in the world, so we should be only concerned about our own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

December 5, 2009

Nowadays, people like to throw away damaged things and buy new ones while people in the past would always reuse them by repair. Why do you think it is the case? What problems might this lead to?

December 12, 2009

Using modern technology to work at home benefits workers only, but not employers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

December 19, 2009

Crime is a big problem all over the world, and we can do nothing to prevent it. To what extent do you agree?

You have read this post. Why don't you write down your opinion it. I greatly appreciate it.

IELTS Essay Questions of 2008 Exams.

2011-05-23T01:15:00.000+05:30

1. 10-1-2008

Some people think children’s spending time on TV, video and PC games is good, while others think it is bad.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2. 12-1-2008

Some people think that criminals should be given longer terms in prison, so as to reduce the crime rate. Others think there are more alternative ways to reduce crime rate.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3. 19-1-2008

Old generations often hold some traditional ideas on the correct way of life, thinking and behaviour. However, some people think that it is not helpful for the young generations to prepare for modern life in the future.

What’s your opinion?

4. 24-1-2008

In countries where there is high unemployment most pupils should be given only primary education. There is no point in giving secondary education to people who have not hope of finding a job.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4. 26-1-2008

Unemployment is getting increasingly serious in many countries. Some people think students only need to get primary education, while others think secondary education is necessary.

What’s your opinion?

5. 2-2-2008

Some people think people can exploit animals for any purpose they need, while others do not think so.

What is your opinion?

6. 14-2-2008

An increasing number of people choose to live in big cities. What problems will this bring about? Should the government encourage people to live in small towns?

7. 16-2-2008

An American film actor once said, “Tomorrow is important and precious.” Some people think individuals and society should pay more attention to the future than to the present.

Do you agree or disagree?

8. 23-2-2008

Some people think imported food exerts positive impacts on our lives.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

9. 1-3-2008

Schools offer a wide range of courses such as literature, economics, philosophy, mathematics, physics, history, English, geography, foreign languages, physical education and music. Among all these subjects, which one do you think is the most important and which one is the least important?

10. 8-3-2008

The number of cars keeps increasing, so road systems should be expanded. Some people think the government should pay for it, while others think the car owners should pay for it.

What’s your opinion?

11. 13-3-2008

People should look after their health as a duty to the society they live in rather than personal benefits.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

12. 29-3-2008

Some people think government should ensure a healthy lifestyle of people, but others argue that it should be decided by individuals themselves.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

13. 5-4-2008

One long distance flight uses more fuel that a car uses in several years time, but both produces the same amount of pollution. So some people suggest we should discourage non-essential use of aircraft such as for tourist travel rather than limit the use of cars.

Do you agree or disagree?

14. 12-4-2008

Many people are busy with work and do not have enough time to spend with family and friends. Why does this happen? What in your opinion are the effects of this on family life and society as a whole?

15. 19-4-2008

Figures show that some countries have an ever-increasing proportion of the population who are aged 15 or younger. What do you think are the current and future effects of this trend for those countries?

16. 24-4-2008

School teachers used to be the source of information. However, some people argue that teachers are not as important as before in modern education, with the wide variety of information sources.

Do you agree or disagree?

17. 10-5-2008

Some children can learn efficiently by watching television. Therefore, they should be encouraged to watch television regularly both at home and in school.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

18. 22-5-2008

Some people think schools should teach children some academic subjects which will be beneficial for their future careers. Therefore other subjects such as sport and music are not important.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

19. 31-5-2008

Some people argue that the fittest and strongest individuals and teams can achieve the greatest success in sports. But other people think mental attitude is equally important.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

20. 5-6-2008

Some people think that university students should specialize in one subject, while others think universities should encourage students to learn a range of subjects.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

21. 14-6-2008

Some people think the cheap air travel let more people to chose it, but others think that in order to fix the environmental problems created by increase in flights, cheap flights should be banned.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

22. 21-6-2008

Some people think that children should obey rules or do what their parents and teachers want them to do, but others think that children controlled too much cannot deal with problems well by themselves.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

23. 28-6-2008

With technology speeding up, more and more young people begin to use mobile phones and the Internet, but old people have little chance to be exposed to them. What ways could mobile phone and the Internet be useful to old people? How do old people be encouraged to use this new technology?

24. 5-7-2008

Some people think that theoretical subjects such as maths, philosophy and economics should not be taught in universities and they should focus on practical subjects such as computer technology and accounting.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

25. 12-7-2008

Some people support development of agriculture, like factory farming and scientific creation of fruits and vegetables, while others oppose it.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

26. 24-7-2008

Some people think that in the modern society individuals are becoming more dependent on each other, while others say that individuals are becoming more independent of each other.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

27. 26-7-2008

Some people think international cooperation has brought about benefits to world environmental protection, while others think that more gains have been made by international business.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

28. 9-8-2008

The government should encourage industries and businesses to move out of big cities and go to rural areas.

To what extent do you think the advantages outweigh disadvantages?

29. 16-8-2008

Giving detailed description of crimes in newspapers and television can create arguments. Some people think that it has negative consequences.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

30. 21-8-2008

International travel makes people prejudiced rather than broad-minded.

What are its causes and what measures can be taken to solve this problem?

31. 30-8-2008

Some people think that students should be organized into groups to study, while others argue that students should be made to study alone.

What are the benefits of each study method and which one do you think is more effective?

32. 6-9-2008

Once children start school, teachers have more influences on their intellectual and social development than parents.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

33. 13-9-2008

Many people think it is important to protect the environment, but make no effort for it themselves. Why is this happening? How can we solve it?

34. 13-9-2008

Criminals are usually imprisoned but many think and job training and education should replace this way of dealing with criminals.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

35. 27-9-2008

Poor students or students who come from rural areas often find it is difficult to get access to university education. So some people think that university education should be made easier for such people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

36. 11-10-2008

Society is based on rules and laws. If individuals were free to do whatever they want to do, it could not function.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

37. 23-10-2008

Many people use distance-learning programs to study at home through television or internet is better, but some people think that it cannot bring as much benefits as attending college or university.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

38. 25-10-2008

Economic progress is one way of measuring the success of a country. Some other factors should also be taken into consideration. What other factors should be considered. Within these factors, which one do you think is more important than others?

39. 8-11-2008

Fashion has become more and more important for people to choose clothes. Why is it? What are the positive and negative effects does this trend on the society?

40. 15-11-2008

More and more people work at home and study at home with the development of computer technology.

Do you think it is positive or negative development?

41. 20-11-2008

International travel is becoming cheaper than before, so more and more countries open their doors to tourists.

Do the advantages of the increased tourism outweigh the disadvantages?

42. 29-11-2008

Some people think modern games can help children to develop a wide range of skills, but other people argue that traditional games can be much better for developing such skills.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

43. 4-12-2008

Because of the global economy, many goods including the ones that we use daily are basically produced by other counties and have to be transported a long distance.

To what extent do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

44. 6-12-2008

Memorization of information by frequent repetition, namely rote learning, play a major role in most education systems.

To what extent do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

45. 13-12-2008

Some people believe that a country benefits greatly while so many students graduate from universities, while others believe that sending a large percentage of young students to university leads to graduate unemployment.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Vocabulary for Funerals and Burial

2011-05-21T16:20:00.000+05:30

Vocabulary for Funerals and Burial

ashes (noun) the substance that remains after a person’s body has been cremated (=burned after death)

bier (noun) a wooden structure for putting a coffin (=a container for a dead body) on

box (noun) a coffin for a dead body

burial (noun) the process of putting a dead body into a grave in the ground at a funeral

bury (verb) to put someone’s dead body in the ground during a funeral ceremony

casket (noun) a coffin for a dead body

coffin (noun) a long box in which a dead person is buried

cortège (noun) a line of people and cars taking part in a funeral

remains (noun) ashes that are left after cremation

cremate (verb) to burn the body of a dead person

crematorium (noun) a building where the bodies of dead people are cremated

dirge (noun) a slow sad song often sung at a funeral

disinter (verb) to dig a dead body out of the ground

embalm (verb) to preserve a dead body using chemicals. A person who does this as a job is called an embalmer

entomb (verb) to put a dead person in a tomb (=an underground room)

epitaph (noun) a short piece of writing that honours a dead person, especially one written on their grave

eulogy (noun) a speech at a funeral about the person who has died

executor (noun) someone who arranges for the instructions of a dead person’s will to be followed

exhume (verb) to remove a dead person’s body from where it is buried, especially in order to find out how they died

funeral (noun) a ceremony that takes place after someone dies, usually including a religious ceremony, and the formal process of taking the body to the place where it is buried or cremated

funeral (noun) relating to a funeral

gravedigger (noun) someone whose job is to dig graves

mortuary (noun) a place where a dead body is kept

mourner (noun) someone who is at a funeral, especially a relative or close friend of the dead person

mourning (noun) the process or ceremony of expressing great sadness because someone has died

mummify (verb) to preserve a dead body by treating it with special oils and wrapping it in long narrow pieces of cloth to prevent it from decaying

pallbearer (noun) someone who helps to carry a coffin at a funeral

pyre (noun) a high pile of wood for burning a dead body in a funeral ceremony

repose (verb) to be buried in a particular place

shroud (noun) a piece of cloth that is wrapped around a dead body before it is buried

shroud (verb) to wrap a dead body in a piece of cloth

undertaker (noun) someone whose job is to make arrangements for funerals

urn (noun) a container for the ashes of a dead person after the body has been burnt

wreath (noun) a circle of flowers or leaves that you put on a grave to show that you are remembering the dead person

cremation (noun)

exhumation (noun)

mummification (noun)

a letter/message/book of condolence (noun) a letter that you write or a book that you write in to show that you are sorry that someone has died

burial at sea a funeral ceremony that takes place on a ship, in which the dead person’s body is dropped into the sea

lay someone to rest (verb) to bury someone’s body in a ceremony after they have died

lie in state (verb) if the dead body of an important person lies in state, it is put in a public place for people to go and look at

pay your (last) respects (to someone) (verb) to go to someone’s funeral

Essay 34 (Who should pay for roads)

2011-05-11T01:00:00.002+05:30

The number of cars keeps increasing, so road systems should be expanded. Some people think the government should pay for it, while others think the car owners should pay for it. What’s your opinion?

Unless roads are developed to accommodate the increasing number of cars, it would aggravate the rising traffic problems in our cities. However, it is unfair for the government to expect car owners to bear the cost of expanding roads due to a number of reasons.

In the first place, car owners are already burdened by various types of taxes levied on them by the government at the time of purchase of the car and on a periodic basic. Increasing number of cars would naturally boost the tax revenue of the government. This money should be used for widening existing roads, building new highways and constructing bridges and flyovers. For example, in many cities of India, ideally a large number of flyovers are built by government funding. It is quite unreasonable to charge car owners to pay toll for these new developments.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of a responsible government to provide the basic infrastructure like efficient roads to the people. If tax revenue is not sufficient for this purpose, Governments usually perform these responsibilities by availing loans. For instance, international financial institutions like World Bank and International Monitory Fund lend huge amounts of money to governments at lower interest rates for such purposes. This would mean that there is hardly any need for governments to require car owners to pay for such expenses.

On the other hand, there are people who believe that since it is the car owners who need better roads, they should pay for its construction. This argument would, in fact, seriously downplay the basic responsibility of the government to provide people with infrastructural facilities.

In conclusion, from the above arguments it is clear that government should bear the cost of improving the road system, in order to handle the growing traffic problems associated with large number of cars.

You have read this post. Why don't you write down your opinion it. I greatly appreciate it.

IELTS ESSAY QUESTIONS IN APRIL (2)

2011-05-02T07:59:00.000+05:30

Many people want their country to host an international sporting event. Others believe that international sporting events bring more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and include your opinion, supported by examples.

Many people say there is a need to protect the environment, but put no effort when it comes to them. Do you belong to these people? What actions could be taken to prevent this? Discuss and provide real life examples.

IELTS Exam April 2011

2011-04-15T01:33:00.003+05:30

There is a trend of increasing competitiveness in today’s society. In your opinion, is it a good or a bad development?

Essay 33 (Strict punnishments for drivers)

2011-04-09T19:27:00.003+05:30

The only way to improve safety on our reads is to have stricter punishment for driving offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Careless driving and violation of traffic rules certainly result in a large number of accidents and stricter punishments are necessary to reduce them. However, there are also certain other measures that have equal or more effectiveness in ensuring road safety.

In the first place, there are certain accidents that occur not because of traffic violations. To explain it further, poor road condition is considered a major reason for road casualties. For example, narrow roads and sharp curves often force even law-abiding drivers makes mistakes. Therefore, it should be noted that drivers alone cannot be blamed for such mishaps and giving them stricter punishments in these cases is no solution. A more effective strategy by the government would be to straighten accident prone curves and widen narrow roads. Larger number of road signs and proper traffic signals can also be effective in reducing accidents on roads.

Furthermore, poor climate condition can be a major cause of accidents. For instance, poor visibility due to dense mist and rain, slippery roads on account of snowfall cause make driving difficult and cause serious accidents in many countries. Stricter punishment for drivers is a futile exercise in handling such problems. Modern technological innovations should be used to deal with such emergency situations.

On the other hand, reckless driving, speeding and breach of traffic rules by careless drivers have caused many accidents. Moreover, drunken and drowsy driving have also resulted serious traffic mishaps. While we admit that more stringent punishment for drivers would be an effective measure to an extent, it should not be considered the only way towards road safety.

In summary, there are certain situations where drivers are not responsible for a particular accident. Hence apart from punishing drivers with heavier penalties other effective measures should also be taken.

IELTS Essay Questions

2011-04-06T00:33:00.000+05:30

1. Some sports are extremely dangerous but many people still like them very much. Why do people take part in dangerous sports? Give some suggestions on how to deal with these dangers.

2. Some people say that parents have the most important role in a child’s development. However, others argue that other things like television or friends have the most significant influence. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

3. Today, people can work and live in anywhere they want, because of the improvement of communication technology and transport. Do advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

4. Films can have effect on the children’s education and teach them many things. Do you think it is always a positive influence? Discuss.

5. Competitive sports like football are considered to add a lot of value by bringing people of different states and nationalities together. Yet some people argue that these sports divide people on the basis of nationalities and age groups. What is your opinion? Write about each view and then describe your answer supporting it with relevant examples from your own experience.

6. Some people think that competitive sports have a positive effect on the child’s education while others argue it is not so. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and opine.

7. Scientists believe that computers will become more intelligent than human beings. Some people find it a positive development while others think it is negative development. Discuss both points and give your own opinion.

8. For some people shopping is not just about buying what is necessary, but a form of entertainment. Do you think it is a positive or a negative development? Give your opinion and examples from your experience.

9. Students at schools and universities learn far more from lessons with teachers than from others sources (such as the internet, television). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

10. Some people believe the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between poor people and rich people. Others think it is having an opposite effect. Discuss these points of view. What is your opinion?

11. Some people think that paying taxes is enough to contribute to the society. Others argue that being a citizen involves more responsibilities. Discuss, what is your opinion?

12. Some people think that charity organizations should only offer help to people of their own country. But others believe that these organizations should give aid to people in great need wherever they live. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

13. Some people say that the government should not put money on building theatres and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on medical care and education. Do you agree or disagree?

14. Tobacco is a kind of drug. People have been free to use it. Some people think that it should be illegal to use it comparing with other drugs. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What is your opinion?

15. Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, and the protection is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

16. Some people believe that tourists should accept social and environmental responsibility while others believe that tourists should not accept any responsibility at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

17. The speeding up of life in many areas such as travel and communication has negative effects on society at all levels—individual, national and global. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

18. The only way to improve the safety on our own road is to have stricter punishment for driving offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

19. History tells that people have often thought about creating an ideal society, but most of the times fail in making this happen. What is your opinion about an ideal society? How can we create an ideal society?

20. Children who grow up in families which are short of money are better prepared with the problems of adult life than children who are brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

21. In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years, but others think everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss and give your own opinion.

22. Some people think the increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say it causes the loss of national identities. Discuss on both sides and give your opinion.

23. The detailed description about crime will affect the people and cause many social problems. Some people say that the media should be strictly controlled. Do you agree or disagree?

24. Some scientists believe that studying the behaviour of 3-year-old children can tell which children would grow up to be criminals. To what extent in your opinion is crime a product of human nature or is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals?

25. Far too little has been done to prevent animals and plants from dying out, although people have been aware of this problem for a long time. Why do people do so little about it? Give your suggestions on how to solve this problem.

26. Many people say that we have developed into a “throw-away” culture, because we are filling up our environment with so many plastic bags and rubbish that we cannot fully dispose of. To what extent do you agree with this opinion and what measures can you recommend reducing this problem?

27. The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books and they shouldn’t waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

28. It is more important for a building to serve a purpose than to look beautiful. Architects shouldn’t worry about producing building as a work of art. Do you agree or disagree?

29. Many employees may work at home with the modern technology. Some people claim that it can benefit only the workers, not the employers. Do you agree or disagree?

30. Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

31. Many people are optimistic of the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to the world. To what extent do you share their optimism? What changes would you like to see in the new century?

32. Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilisers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

33. Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on both sides and give your opinion.

34. It is generally believed that education is of vital importance to the development of individuals and the well-being of societies. What should education consist of to fulfil both these functions?

35. It is known to all that the technological and scientific advances have made great changes to the range and quality of our food. Some people regard it as an improvement while others believe that the change is harmful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

36. Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

37. Air transport is increasingly used to export types of fruits and vegetables to countries where they cannot be grown or are out of season. Some people say it is a good thing, but other people think it can’t be justified. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

38. Some people think that the government should provide assistance to all kinds of artists including painters, musicians and poets, etc. However, other people think that is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

39. The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be damaging. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

40. People can perform everyday tasks, such as shopping and banking as well as business transactions, without meeting other people face-to-face. What are the effects of this on an individual and the society as a whole?

March 2011(IELTS Essay Questions)

2011-04-04T15:12:00.000+05:30

Some people think that government should support artists (poets, musicians) financially, while other argue that this money should be spent on other more important, issues.

Do you agree or disagree?

Essay 32 (Dependence or Independence)

2011-04-04T06:59:00.003+05:30

IELTS Exam March 2011

Some people think that in the modern world we have become more dependent on each other, while others think that people are now more independent.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In personal, social and professional life people today have become more independent due to a number of reasons. However, there is an opposing view that modern lifestyles have forced people to become more dependent on each other. Both perspectives are analysed in this essay.

Firstly, a major reason for people being more independent today is the financial freedom they enjoy, especially by the young people. For instance, more and more young people do part time jobs during their studies and many of them are employed immediately after their secondary education. This gives them greater self-reliance as they need not depend on their parents for their economic needs.

Secondly, the disintegration of traditional family systems and values has made people much more independent as compared to the past. An ideal example would be the disappearance of joint family system in many parts of India, where younger members had to obey the head of the family in their personal, career or economic matters.

Finally, emergence of technology has also given a great deal of freedom to people to perform many activities without depending on others. For example, computerisation of offices, Bank ATMs, online commerce and modern household appliances have reduced the dependence of people on others.

On the other hand, there are others who hold the view that dependence on others has become more prominent in modern life. They cite the example of modern work places where team work and coordination among various departments play vital role in the success of any particular business. Even in scientific developments group activity is more crucial than individual achievements. Moreover, since technology has influenced most human activities people need to depend on specialist technicians in each area to sort out issues in their everyday life.

After analysing both points of view in detail, I would consider that people have become more dependent on others in greater number activities, despite the freedom they enjoy in certain areas.

(While considering both the perspectives, I am convinced that people today have greater independence, in spite of their dependence on others in certain areas)

In summary, while people have become independent in some aspects, dependence on others have increased in many areas of modern life

You have read this post. It is greatly appreciated if you write down your opinion on this essay.

Essay 31 (Lack of support for Art)

2011-04-01T08:40:00.005+05:30

Question

Professional sports involve large sums of money and receives enormous media coverage. Meanwhile serious culture, including music, art and theatre, is badly neglected. This is making our society shallower. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer

Due to the enormous popularity that sport enjoys it receives great financial support and media publicity, while sponsorship to serious cultural activities is seriously on the decline. This essay examines whether this trend reflects a superficial attitude of the society.

On the one hand, the declining financial as well as media support for music, art and theatre is often interpreted as society’s indifference towards serious cultural activities. It seems that very few people today have the willingness or time to enjoy such arts, which would require a deeper aesthetic sense. In contrast, the society spends a great deal of time and effort to watch sports, which provides instant entertainment and emotional satisfaction. For instance, in many societies it is difficult to get audiences for classical music concerts or theatre, whereas football and cricket stadium are usually crowded with cheering spectators. Consequently, organisers of such events fail to get media support and financial sponsorship. Such attitude of modern society towards serious cultural activities forces many people consider it a ‘shallow society’.

On the other hand, there are others who believe that today’s society cannot be labelled superficial in it attitude, because of its unenthusiastic approach towards serious cultural activities. The excess economic and press support that sports receive is due to its universal popularity as a means of entertainment. Moreover, people today need rest from their stress-filled life and sports provide such relaxation and help them to ease their tensions. Art or music cannot expect such back up from the government or corporate world because, as people generally spend much less time to enjoy such activates. For example, people may go for a theatre performance or similar shows only a few times a year, but and this has not reduced their appreciation of such serious cultural events. A society’s depth of character should not be judged only on the basis of the amount of support that the cultural activities receive.

Overall, although today serious culture does not receive as much media attention or money as sport, the society cannot be considered shallow in it approach.