Graph

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows the proportion of graduates from Bluesky University in 2006 entering different employment sectors.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.  

Task 1 of the IELTS Writing test requires you to “summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.”  There are two important requirements in this task.

1. The information should be stated along with the reasons why it is an important information.
2. If there is a possibility compare some of the information.

Important information

This would mean that it is not necessary to use all the information in the graph.  However, in many instances candidates are forced to include all the information, otherwise they may not be able to complete 150 words.  But it should not end up just the listing of facts and figures.  You should qualify all the information you give.

The introduction is usually the reproduction of the question in your own words.  Please do not repeat the question, as it is.  For this, you need to read the question thoroughly and read all the information in the chart.  This will give you an overall picture of the graph.  The question is “The chart below shows the proportion of graduates from the Bluesky University in 2006 entering different employment sectors.”  This could be rephrased in this way. 

“The pie chart gives an overall picture of the carer options that Bluesky University graduates of 2006 chose after their university studies.”

You can also expand the introduction.  “The pie chart illustrates the career choices of Bluesky University’s 2006 graduates, giving the percentages who worked in each of the various sectors after finishing university.”

However, it is advisable to write a simple introduction and not to use language that you cannot handle comfortably. 

The body:   This is a pie chart where there are specific information given on a number of things.  It is not very difficult to pick important information from this chart.

For example:  The highest:

“Service industries attracted the highest proportion of graduates at 33%.” This sentence can also be structured differently.  The highest percentage of graduates from Bluesky University chose (went into, preferred) service industries as their career choice.  Now look at this sentence.  About one third (33.0%) of the Bluesky graduates went into service industries, which was the most preferred career option.  Instead of saying 33% it always better to use ‘one third’ because it adds weightage to your ‘lexical resource’. 

Look at all the above sentences.  Subject has been changed in all of them.  It is always advisable to change the subject of the sentence to present the information in a variety of ways.  Your language proficiency will definitely improve, if you practice this particular skill when preparing for the exam. 

Comparison:  Although we are asked to ‘make comparisons where relevant’, it is not necessary to do it, if there are no relevant comparisons. 

Here is a sentence that makes a comparison. “In contrast, sport attracted the least number of Bluesky graduates at 0.1%.”  There are other words that can be used to express comparison

-          in comparison

-          while

-          on the other hand

-          whereas

-          similarly

-          in contrast

etc.

Grouping information

Information is often grouped in order to condense it or to avoid repetition of vocabulary.  It is also an attractive way to present facts and compare them.

Eg:  “Just under half the students went into industry, with almost a third (33%) being attracted by service sector.  About half of them (16%) took up jobs in manufacturing.”

This can also be written in a different way.  “Just under half the students went into industries, with almost one third (33.0%) of the total graduates opting for the service sector and half that number (16%) preferring manufacturing.” 

Instead of using ‘third and ‘fourth’ position, you can write the sentence in the following way.  “Education and politics and government were the next most popular career choices, with the figures of 14.7% and 12.1% respectively.”  You can write it in this way. 

Look at the way we qualify the next information “The other significant career choices were science and technology (7.3%), the arts, entertainment and media (7.8%) and civil service (5.65%), accounting for more than one fifth of the total graduates. 

The last information can be presented in this way.  “The least popular choices included sport (0.1%), charity (0.3%) and other (2.8%) unspecified areas.  You can also use expressions like, ‘at the bottom line were’ etc. This sentence may be made more attractive in this way.  “The least popular choices included work in charitable sector and careers in sport, both of which were chosen by well under 1% of graduates.  Finally, 2.8%entered work in other unspecified sectors.

Conclusion

Conclusion is not necessary for graph, but if you really want to write one, try this option.  “Although Bluesky graduates chose a variety of career options, service and manufacturing industries were the most popular choices.”   This gives an overall picture of the chart.  Please remember that you should not use any figures in the conclusion.

Essay Questions

47.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

University lecturers are now able to put their lectures n the Internet for students to read and so the importance of attending face to face lectures have been reduced.

Do you believe the use of the Internet in formal education is a good idea?  What future effects will the intent have on academic study?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

48.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Under British and Australian laws a jury in a case has no access to information bout the defendant’s past criminal record.  This protects the person who is being accused of the crime.

Some lawyers have suggested that this should be changed and that jury should be given all the past facts before they reach their decision about the case.

Do you agree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

49.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some employers reward members of staff for their exceptional contribution to company by giving them extra money.  This practice can act as an incentive for some but may also have negative impact on others.

To what extent is this style of management effective?

Are there better ways of encouraging employees to work hard?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

50.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Failure is proof that the desire wasn’t strong enough.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

51.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

To be labelled a ‘Work of Art’, a painting, sculpture or other art forms should display certain qualities that are unique.  However, over the past century there has been a decline in the quality of prize-winning artwork and it is now possible for quite ordinary pieces of art to be labelled ‘masterpieces’ whilst true works of art pass unnoticed.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

52.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

There is an excessive number of cars on our roads today and this leads to many problem.  Individuals and governments should ensure that public transport plays a more important role in modern life in order to tackle these problems.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

53.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Academic achievement at school or university is the only true measure of a person’s intelligence.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

54.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Parents and family background have more influence than teachers on a young person’s learning an academic achievement.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

55.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Future plans to design prisons for learning and working, with bigger cells containing computers that will enable study and communication, have been criticized for trying to turn prisons into ‘holiday camps ‘ and for ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

56.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In recent years many countries have become extremely concerned about the increase in crimes committed by young people.  Tough measures and strict punishments are necessary to stop youths from re-offending.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

57.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative form of medicine.  However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

58.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

59.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people judge success solely by money and material possessions.  However, success can be achieved or measured in other ways.

What are your opinions on this topic?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

60.              Question Type 1

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Millions of people in the world do not have enough to eat.

What do you think are some of the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to reduce it?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

61.              Question Type 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

People who commit serious crimes should be kept in prison for as long as possible to ensure that they cannot commit more crimes.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

62.              Question Type 3

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people argue that exams are the best way to assess people’s competence and that no better system has yet been found.  Others say they are unfair, unhelpful and out of date.

Do you think the benefits of exams outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

63.              Question Type 4

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Choose three of the following media and say how effective you think they are as sources of news.  Which do you think is the most effective?

Radio

Television

Magazine

The internet

Newspapers

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

64.              Question Type 5

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Money is important in most people’s lives, although some people think it is more important than others.

What do you feel are the right uses of money?  What other factors are important for a good life?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

65.              Question Type 6

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people feel the private lives of politicians, film stars, sports personalities and other well-known people should remain private; others say there are good reasons why they should not.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

66.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The age at which children are allowed to work for money varies from country to country.  While some people believe it is wrong, others regard it as a valuable opportunity to gain experience of the work environment.

Discuss the arguments for and against children participating in paid work.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

67.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Violence in playgrounds is increasing.  However, it is important that parents should teach children not to hit back at bullies.

Discuss this view and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

68.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The increasing use modern drug technology encourages the treatment of symptoms instead of treating causes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

69.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

An increasing number of people are turning to vegetarianism.  Some people believe that people are following a vegetarian diet for reason other than animal right issues.

Do you agree with this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

70.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Supermarkets should only sell food produced from within their own country rather than imports from overseas.

What are your opinions on this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

71.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

There are serious concerns about the sale and production of genetically modified food.  Yet this is necessary if we are to meet the demands of an increasing world population.

Give your opinions on this.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

72.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Private car ownership has grown dramatically in recent years. This has led to a rise in traffic congestion.

What could governments and individuals do to reduce congestion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

73.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In come countries privately owned transport systems have a poor safety record.  Yet it is the government’s who have ultimate responsibility for public safety.

How can governments ensure that private transport companies do not neglect safety regulations?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

74.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Today’s low-cost airlines are able to offer fast and cheap travel.  However some people believe this is at a cost the planet.

Suggest ways that governments and individuals could tackle the environmental impact of low-cost fights.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

75.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that it is the duty of city authorities to provide cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries.  Others believe that this is a waste of money, and that the focus should be on providing an effective infrastructure and efficient services.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

76.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

An increasing number of products for children are advertised on television.  Such advertisements sometimes rely on ‘pester power’ to persuade parents to by the products.

Do you think children’s products should not be advertised on television?  Would this be unfair to manufacturers?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

77.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people believe that increasing levels of violence on television and in films is having a direct result on levels of violence in society.  Others claim that violence in society is the result of more fundamental social problems such as unemployment.

How far do you think society is affected by violence in the media?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

78.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The inequality between rich and poor nations is now wider than it has ever been before.  What so you think are the main causes of this difference and what do you think can be done to reduce the gap?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

79.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The world has seen an enormous increase in flights for leisure, business and commercial purposes around the world over recent years. 

What do you think are the main advantages of and disadvantages of such flights?

Do you think flights should be taxed more?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

80.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Recent research has shown that media like the Internet and television has a greater influence over people’s lives than politicians.

Which do you consider to be greater influence?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

81.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

With recent developments in technology like e-books, some people feel that printed media like books, newspapers, and magazines will soon be thing of the past.  Others feel that these forms of media will never disappear.

What is your opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

82.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In recent times police and security forces have used considerable physical force against demonstrators for peace and environmental issues.

To what extent do you believe such force is justified?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

83.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Do you believe that it is right for a country to change its flag after citizens have fought and died under the existing flag?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Essay 026

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: The amount of sport shown on television every week has increased significantly and this is having an impact on live sports events.   Do you think the benefits of having more televised sport are greater than the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. Televised sports, both recorded and live, have become a major form of entertainment for millions of sports lovers in the recent years.  It definitely has an impact on live sports events that are conducted in stadiums, both positively and negatively.  On the one hand, the thrill of watching a match with thousands of spectators can hardly be experienced in the privacy of one’s television screen.  For instance, people cheer their favourite teams, sing patriotic chants and dress up in fancy clothes during a match, whereas such euphoric experience of mass entertainment is absent in televised sports.  Moreover, many sports fans greatly cherish watching their favourite sports heroes in person.  Again, many accuse television sports to be addictive in nature, as many people, especially children waste long hours glued to television sets, without engaging in any productive activities. On the other hand, there are greater benefits to televised sports, which has made sports one of the most popular forms of entertainment of the present era.  Firstly, television has made sports accessible to millions of people across the globe, while sports venues are restricted to only a limited number of people.  For example, when the world cup football is held, millions of soccer fans all around the world watch it in the comfort of their homes.  If not televised, it would deny them the opportunity of enjoying such an important sports event.  Secondly, television has played a significant role in substantially increasing the popularity of many sports like cricket, badminton and hockey.  Thirdly, a televised sport is more appealing to many viewers because of the superior technological features like close up and slow motion visuals, expert commentaries and statistics, which make it very interesting.  Finally, the huge amount of revenue generated through television rights and advertisements has made sports an important economic activity, benefiting both the players and the organisers. In the final analysis, the increasing coverage given to sports on television has been greatly beneficial for sports in general, and its growing influence suggests that, its negative impacts are negligible.