1?Try this exercise using the essay in last week's lesson:

　　1.Read the essay and make sure you understand it.

　　2.Read it again slowly, and make notes on a separate piece of paper. Just write the main idea or key words from each sentence (there are only 13 sentences in the whole essay).

　　3.Hide my essay, and try to rewrite it using only your notes. Don't try to memorise the essay exactly as I wrote it; the aim is to see if you can write a similar essay using the same key ideas.

　　4.Compare your essay with mine. Did you write the same number of sentences? Did you include the same key vocabulary? Did you use the vocabulary correctly? Does your essay 'flow' as well as mine does?

　　You can learn a lot by doing this exercise. Apparently, this is how Benjamin Franklin worked on his writing skills! He describes the technique in chapter 2, paragraph 6 of his autobiography, which you can read here.

　　#Timing

　　If you haven't seen my advice about timing before, here's a reminder.

　　You have 40 minutes for writing task 2, and I suggest that you:

　　?Spend the first 10 minutes planning your essay structure and brainstorming ideas for the two main body paragraphs.

　　?Spend 5 minutes writing your 2-sentence introduction.

　　?Spend 20 minutes on the main body (10 minutes for each paragraph).

　　?Spend the last 5 minutes writing your conclusion and checking everything.

　　?# 如何寫草稿

　　Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

　　Here's our plan for a 4-paragraph essay:

　　1.Introduction: Topic = best age to learn a foreign language. Our opinion = better to learn at primary school age.

　　2.Disadvantagesof learning languages at primary age: other subjects are more important at that age (maths, mother tongue language, science), learning a new language is confusing and wastes time, could delay development of child's first language.

　　3.Advantagesof learning languages at primary age: young children learn faster, they are less self-conscious or shy, they pick up the pronunciation better, they enjoy copying and learning through games, nowadays languages are just as important as maths etc.

　　4.Conclusion: repeat / summarise our answer.

　　The plan took us 10 minutes to write. With a plan like this, it should be easy to write a good essay in 30 minutes.

　　2、審題

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

　　Question 1 contains two opinions: "wild animals have no place in the 21st century" and "protecting them is a waste of resources". These two opinions are connected, and we need to address both of them in our answer. A good way to do this might be to disagree completely, and to write one main body paragraph for each opinion (explaining why you disagree).

　　# Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

　　International travel is cheaper than ever before, and more countries have opened their doors to tourists. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

　　"International travel is cheaper than ever before" and "more countries have opened their doors to tourists". The 'trend' in the question refers to both of these facts, and we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both aspects of this trend.

　　#report類的審題2-part question

　　In some parts of the world it is becoming popular to research the history of one's own family. Why might people want to do this? Is it a positive or negative development?

　　Note:

　　I would call this a “2-part question”. The task is NOT to write an essay about the positives and negatives of researching family history. The task is to explain why people do it, and then give your opinion as to whether it is a positive OR negative thing to do.

　　Tip:

　　Why not do some research on the Internet around the topic of “family history”? Try to find some good words and phrases that English speakers use when writing about this topic

　　e.g. family tree, ancestors, genealogy, tracing family history, a person’s roots etc.

　　Essay Plan - 10 minutes

　　Paragraph 1: Just write 2 sentences

　　-introduce the topic

　　-give an overall answer to both questions

　　Paragraph 2: Why might people want to research family history?

　　-various different reasons

　　-to know more about themselves and their roots, where they come from, whether their ancestors had similar personality traits

　　-because the Internet makes it easier to do this research, we hear about others who have done it, there are even advertisements to encourage us

　　-out of curiosity e.g. we might secretly hope that we have a famous or wealthy ancestor

　　There are various reasons why people might decide to trace their family histories. One explanation may be that they would like to know more about themselves, in terms of their roots, where they come from, or whether their ancestors had similar personality traits. Another factor could be that it has become so much easier to carry out genealogical research using the Internet. We hear about people who have studied their family trees, and there are even advertisements to encourage us to use genealogy websites. Finally, it may be that people are simply curious tofind out whether they have any famous or wealthy ancestors.

　　Paragraph 3: Is it positive or negative?

　　-positive in my view

　　-a fascinating hobby, a nice way to spend free time, a good talking point with family and friends e.g. if we discover a particularly interesting ancestor

　　-a good way to teach children about history, how earlier generations lived

　　-we may even find “long-lost” family members, distant relatives that we might have the chance to meet

　　Paragraph 4:

　　- conclude by repeating (paraphrasing) the overall answer to both questions

　　3、如何寫主體段

　　Last week I showed you the skeleton of an essay. Now let's look at what was missing: the detailed explanation of ideas in the main body paragraphs. I'm tempted to refer to this as the 'muscle' on top of the skeleton's bones!

　　Here's an example of a full paragraph:

　　(1) On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child. (2) Teachers educate large groups of children together, which means that they must train pupils to work with their peers and respect other members of the class. (3) Pupils also learn to behave sensibly in lessons, regardless of the distractions around them, and to follow instructions given to them by teaching staff. (4) These behavioural skills will be crucial in later life. (5)In the workplace, for example, adults are expected to work in teams, listen to each other, and follow the instructions of a manager or company director.

　　Notice how I "build" the paragraph using 5 sentences:

　　1.Topic sentence introducing the main idea- the role of teachers in children's development.

　　2.One aspect of this role - training children to work with others.

　　3.Another aspect of this role - children learn to behave and follow instructions.

　　4.Why the two points above are important- for later life.

　　5.Examples- work in teams, follow a manager's instructions.

　　#如何寫主體段2

　　Here are the 5 ideas from last week, about the negatives of credit cards:

　　1. encourage spending money that people don't have

　　2. leads to excess shopping, consumer culture

　　3. more credit cards, debt becomes out of control

　　4. bankrupt, in court, lose home

　　5. sometimes fines or even prison

　　Now here's a 5-sentence paragraph using these ideas:

　　The main drawback of credit cards is that they encourage people to spend money that they do not have. This has led to the consumer culture and addiction to shopping that we now see in society. When credit card users are unable to pay off their debts, they often resort to signing up for multiple cards, and the debt becomes increasingly overwhelming. Many people in this situation find themselves in court, bankrupt, and without a home as a final consequence of credit card dependence. In the worst cases, they may even face prison sentences.

　　#Supporting 和main idea 之間的區(qū)別

　　If you're using my 4-paragraph essay approach, your essays only need to contain two main ideas - one for each main body paragraph.

　　But there is a difference between the main idea?and the supporting points. For example, the main idea could be "there are several advantages", and each advantage is a supporting point. Start a new paragraph for each main idea, but not for each supporting point.

　　Express your main idea for each paragraph in a 'topic sentence' at the beginning of the paragraph. Then explain that idea with either one, two or three supporting points.

　　# using examples

　　Should governments make decisions about people's lifestyle, or should people make their own decisions?

　　This question seems difficult, but if you take "smoking" as an example of a lifestyle choice, it becomes a lot easier. Here's my paragraph:

　　In some cases, governments can help people to make better lifestyle choices. In the UK, for example, smoking is now banned in all workplaces, and it is even prohibited for people to smoke in restaurants, bars and pubs. As a result, many people who used to smoke socially have now given up. At the same time, the government has ensured that cigarette prices keep going up, and there have been several campaigns to highlight the health risks of smoking. These measures have also helped to reduce the number of smokers in this country.

　　# main paragraph methods

　　1.Idea, explain, example: If you have one main idea, this easy format will help you to build a good paragraph.

　　The "idea, explain, example" format is a good way to organise your main paragraphs. Start with the main idea of the paragraph, explain it in more detail, then give an example.

　　Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.

　　2.Firstly, secondly, finally: If you have two or three ideas, just use this format. Miss the "finally" if you only have two ideas, and remember that you can use alternative words for the same structure (e.g. The main reason, another reason, also, furthermore).

　　Some simple alternatives to "firstly, secondly, finally" could be:

　　The main reason why I believe... is... / Another argument is... / Also,...

　　One problem is that... / Furthermore,... / Another drawback is that...

　　From a business perspective,... / In terms of education,... / From a social point of view,... (this could work for the paragraph in last week's lesson)

　　# topic sentences

　　A good way to start a paragraph is with a short, simple sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Teachers often call this a ‘topic sentence’.

　　I normally write my topic sentences by thinking about how many points I want to mention in the paragraph:

　　1. If I only have one point or idea, I usually state it straight away:

　　In my opinion, junk food is the main cause of childhood obesity.

　　(then explain this opinion and give examples in the rest of the paragraph)

　　2. If I have two or three points or ideas, I don’t usually mention them directly in the topic sentence:

　　There are two main causes (or ‘several causes’) of childhood obesity.

　　(then explain using “firstly, secondly...” or something similar)

　　Have a look through the essays that you’ve written in the past, and compare them with some of mine. Did you begin your main paragraphs with good topic sentences?

　　# Firstly, secondly, finally

　　The paragraph I wrote for?last week's lesson (repeated below) is structured in the following way:

　　1. Topic sentence

　　2. Firstly

　　3. Example

　　4. Secondly

　　5. Finally

　　I think this is a good way to organize a paragraph. However, it's best not to use the same structure twice in one essay. Compare the two paragraphs below. How did I structure the second one to avoid repeating "Firstly, Secondly, Finally"?

　　First main paragraph

　　there are good reasons why some people feel the need to make significant changes to their lives from time to time. Firstly, any new situation that a person encounters can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. A new job, for instance, might present challenges that push the person to adapt, acquire new knowledge, or add to his or her skill set. Secondly, a change can represent a break with the past and an old routinewhich has become boring and predictable. Finally, as well as making life more fun and interesting, new experiences can be good for our physical and mental health.

　　Second main paragraph

　　On the other hand, it is understandable why people might avoid change. Whenever people are forced to change their lifestyles, jobs or even to move house, they are likely to experience stress and worry as they try to adapt to the new situation. By contrast, we feel comfortable and confident when we stay with what we know. The decision to persist with a course of action or stick to one chosen path often leads to greater success in life. For example, by staying in the same job for many years, a person can become an expert in his or her field, which will lead to better opportunities for promotions and career progression.

　　Here's another example of a "firstly, secondly, finally" paragraph that I wrote with my students:

　　Three main factors are affecting health in modern societies. One problemis the lack of awareness among many people of the negative consequences of an unhealthy diet. This is made worse by the prevalence of fast food and processed food, which are full of fat, salt and sugar. Another key factoris the changing trend in lifestyles. For example, children’s hobbies now involve much less outdoor activity, and adults are less active as jobs have shifted towards sedentary office work instead of manual labour. In addition to this, time-saving technologies, such as cars, elevators, dishwashers and washing machines, have made people lazier.

　　There are several advantages to using computers in education. Firstly, students learn new skills which will be extremely useful for their future jobs. For example, they learn to write reports or other documents using a word processor, and they can practise doing spoken presentations using PowerPoint slides. Secondly, technology is a powerful tool to engage students. The use of websites or online videos can make lessons much more interesting, and many students are more motivated to do homework or research using online resources. Finally, if each student has a computer to work on, they can study at their own pace.

　　4、不同的問題回答方法

　　For me, the skeleton (or framework or basic structure) of a task 2 essay is:

　　- the introduction

　　- topic sentences for main paragraphs

　　- and the conclusion

　　Look at this essay 'skeleton' for example:

　　People have different views about whether parents or schools should bear the responsibility for helping children to become good citizens. In my view, this responsibility should be shared.

　　On the one hand, parents certainly have a vital role to play in the upbringing of their children.

　　On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child.

　　In conclusion, both parents and schools should work together to ensure that young people become polite and productive members of society.

　　Note:

　　I've highlighted my main paragraph 'topic sentences' in blue. Can you see how each topic sentence relates to one part of the question?

　　# 總括

　　Do the following questions ask for your opinion or not?

　　1.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　2.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

　　3.Discuss both views and give your opinion.

　　4.Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

　　5.Is this a positive or negative development?

　　6.What are the benefits and drawbacks?

　　Answers:

　　- Numbers 2 and 6 are discussion questions. Discuss both sides of the issue, but don't give an opinion about which side you agree with.

　　- Numbers 1 and 5 are opinion questions. Give your opinion and support it. If you have a strong opinion, you don't need to mention the other side of the argument.

　　- Numbers 3 and 4 can be called discussion + opinion questions. Discuss both sides and make your opinion clear too.

　　Here are the four types of question from last week's lesson:

　　1.Opinion

　　2.Discussion + opinion

　　3.Problem + solution

　　4.2-part question

　　Important points to remember:

　　1.An 'opinion' question asks for your view, not the views of other people, and you don't have to give both sides of the argument. Just make your opinion clear in the introduction, then explain it in the rest of the essay.

　　2.A 'discussion' question requires you to write about both sides of the argument, and you should write a similar amount for each view. If the question also asks for your opinion, you don't need an extra paragraph. Just make it clear in the introduction and conclusion which of the two views you agree with.

　　3.Type 3 is easy. Simply write a paragraph explaining the problem(s) and a paragraph explaining the solution(s). Some questions ask about 'causes' or 'effects': these would be part of the 'problem' paragraph.

　　4.For type 4, just answer the two questions. Write one paragraph about each.

　　# Discuss both views and give your own opinion

　　Task 2 questions often ask you to Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Here's how I structure a 4-paragraph essay for this kind of question:

　　1. Introduction (2 sentences):

　　?First introduce the topic. I often begin with the phrase "People have different views about...".

　　?In the second sentence, mention both views and your own opinion. I often use the word "although" in this sentence e.g. Although there are good arguments in favour of..., I personally believe that...

　　2. The first view

　　3. The second view (I make it clear that I agree with this view)

　　4. Conclusion: summarise both views and your own opinion

　　#Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?的回答方法

　　In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

　　This is my suggestion for an essay outline:

　　1.Introduce the topic, and say that the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks.

　　- 2 sentences

　　2.Explain the drawbacks of CCTV (see yesterday's ideas).

　　- introduce the topic, then answer the question

　　3.Explain the security benefits.

　　- accept what the question is saying: "It is true that..."

　　4.Conclude by repeating / summarising your opinion.

　　- compare the two views in a 'while' sentence

　　A student asked me the following useful question:

　　I am confused about the question "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?". Is this an opinion question or discussion + opinion question?

　　Here's my answer:

　　Strictly speaking, "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" is asking for your opinion (do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages?). Technically, you could give a one-sided "opinion" answer e.g. you could argue that there are many advantages and almost no disadvantages.

　　However, I think the examiner would expect and prefer to see a balanced discussion of both sides as well as your opinion.Therefore, I think it's best (and easiest) to write a discussion + opinion essay.

　　# "agree or disagree" questions:

　　If you completely agree or completely disagree:

　　?Make your opinion clear in the introduction and conclusion.

　　?Explain one reason for your opinion in paragraph 2 and another in paragraph 3. Imagine that you are persuading the examiner that your opinion is right.

　　?Don't write a paragraph about what 'other people' think. If you do that, you are in danger of writing a "discuss both views" essay. If you mention the opposite argument, make sure that you refute it (explain why you think it's wrong), like I did in paragraph 2 of this essay.

　　If you partly agree:

　　?Make it clear in the introduction and conclusion that you have a balanced view i.e. that you accept both sides of the argument to some extent, like I did in last week's lesson.

　　?Write one paragraph about each side of the argument. But do this from your point of view e.g. On the one hand, I accept that... / On the other hand, I also believe that...

　　?Don't write a discussion essay e.g. some people believe / other people argue...

　　PS. This week's (free) video lesson will also help with this "agree, disagree or partly agree" problem. It will be ready tomorrow.

　　In last week's lesson I asked whether you could see the problem with an essay outline. The problem was the use of "many people" in paragraph 2.

　　If the question asks whether YOU agree or disagree, don't write a paragraph about what other people think.The whole essay should be about YOUR views.

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

　　Question 1 contains two opinions: "wild animals have no place in the 21st century" and "protecting them is a waste of resources". These two opinions are connected, and we need to address both of them in our answer. A good way to do this might be to disagree completely, and to write one main body paragraph for each opinion (explaining why you disagree).

　　## Don’t structure an “opinion” essay like this:

　　1.Introduction

　　2.Paragraph supporting the opposite opinion

　　3.Paragraph supporting my opinion

　　4.Conclusion

　　The problem with this essay structure is that paragraph 2 is not consistent with my opinion. This is a “discussion” essay structure!

　　Think of it this way: your task when you answer an “agree or disagree” question is to persuade the reader that your view is right. Each paragraph should defend your opinion.

　　## 例子1

　　Women should have an equal role alongside men in both police and armed forces. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Here is my plan for a 4-paragraph essay:

　　1. Introduction: topic + response

　　- Introduce the topic e.g. "Increasing numbers of women are choosing to..."

　　- Respond to the question e.g. "I completely agree that women should be able..."

　　2. First reason why I agree: equal opportunities

　　Explain why women should have the same right as men to choose their profession. People should be chosen for jobs according to their skills, qualifications, character etc.

　　3. Second reason why I agree: women's capabilities

　　I would disagree with the view that women are less able than men to do certain jobs. Also, I would argue that policewomen, for example, may be better at controlling a situation by communicating more effectively. Police and military work requires more than just physical strength. Teamwork, leadership and communication can be much more important.

　　4. Conclusion: one sentence

　　Repeat your response in a different way.

　　## 例子2

　　In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives.

　　To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　For this question, I would write that "I partly agree" or that "I agree to some extent". Then I would write one main paragraph about each side of the argument:

　　1.Introduction: I partly agree. Make it clear that you have a balanced opinion.

　　2.One side: In practical terms, sending a man to the moon has not changed most people's lives. We have not benefited in terms of our standard of living, health etc. In fact, governments have wasted a lot of money that could have been spent on public services.

　　3.Other side: On the other hand, putting a man on the moon was a huge achievement that still inspires and interests people today. It showed us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to.

　　4.Conclusion: The fact that man has walked on the moon might not have had a direct effect on our daily lives, but it was an inspiring achievement.

　　# A good way to answer this question

　　A good way to answer this question is:

　　To a certain extent I agree that... However, I also think that...

　　By saying that you agree to a certain extent (not completely), you can now talk about both sides of the argument.

　　Example question:

　　People visiting other countries should adapt to the customs and behaviours expected there. They should not expect the host country to welcome different customs and behaviours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　My introduction:

　　To a certain extent I agree that visitors to other countries should respect the culture of the host country. However, I also think that host countries should accept visitors' cultural differences.

　　# Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

　　My advice for these questions is to write a paragraph about each side, and make it clear in the introduction and conclusion which side outweighs the other (i.e. your opinion about whether there are more advantages or disadvantages).

　　This was a recent exam question:

　　In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities.

　　Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

　　Here are some ideas:

　　1.Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the statement, then give a clear opinion about whether there are more advantages or disadvantages.

　　2.Advantages - e.g. costs are lower in regional areas; there is more space; provide jobs to boost deprived areas; avoid further overcrowding in cities.

　　3.Disadvantages - e.g. greater availability of skilled workers in big cities; better transport and infrastructure; companies based in regional areas are further from their clients, providers and other contacts.

　　4.Conclude by summarising your opinion in a different way.

　　5、如何寫結尾段

　　When writing a conclusion for task 2, I always start with the words "In conclusion". There's no reason why you should learn any alternatives.

　　Here are some phrases that I would not use:

　　1.All things considered

　　2.To sum up

　　3.In summary

　　4.To summarize

　　5.In short

　　6.In a nutshell

　　7.To put it in a nutshell

　　Note:

　　Phrases 1 to 5 are acceptable, but I still wouldn't use them myself.

　　Don't use any phrase containing the word "nutshell". 6 and 7 are not appropriate for an academic essay.

　　6、如何寫開頭段

　　# 方法總括

　　A good IELTS Writing introduction needs only 2 things:

　　1.A sentence that introduces the topic

　　2.A sentence that gives a short, general answer to the question

　　As computers are being used more and more in education, there will soon be no role for the teacher in the classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Here is my introduction:

　　It is true that computers have become an essential tool for teachers and students in all areas of education. However, while computers are extremely useful, I do not agree with the idea that they could soon replace teachers completely.

　　1.In the first sentence I introduce the topic of computers in education.

　　2.In the second sentence I answer the question and make my opinion clear. Don't wait until the conclusion to give your opinion.

　　The introduction technique that I recommend involves writing just 2 sentences: one to introduce the topic, and one to answer the question. Let’s look at this technique in more detail using the following question:

　　Marriages are bigger and more expensive nowadays than in the past. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

　　First, we can introduce the topic by paraphrasing the question statement:

　　It is true that weddings have become more costly and extravagant in recent years.

　　Second, I need a short, simple answer to both parts of the question:

　　There are several reasons for this, and in my view it is a negative trend.

　　If I put the two sentences together, I have a really succinct* introduction:

　　It is true that weddings have become more costly and extravagant in recent years. There are several reasons for this, and in my view it is a negative trend.

　　# 不同題目的寫法

　　Here are some example introductions for 3 different types of essay. My technique is to write 2 sentences:

　　1.A sentence to introduce the topic

　　2.A sentence giving a general response to the question or instruction

　　Problem & Solution Essay:

　　It is true that children's behaviour seems to be getting worse. There are various reasons for this, and both schools and parents need to work together to improve the situation.

　　Discussion (& Opinion) Essay:

　　People have different views about how children should be taught. While there are some good arguments in favour of teaching children to be competitive, I believe that it is better to encourage co-operation.

　　Opinion (Agree / Disagree) Essay:

　　In recent years it has become more common for women to return to work after having a child. However, I do not agree that this has been the cause of problems for young people.

　　My advice:

　　Keep your introduction short. Main body paragraphs are more important.

　　# To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Some people think the main purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals.

　　To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Here are 3 different introductions. Notice that the opinion is clear in each one.

　　Agree:

　　People have different views about what the main purpose of schools should be. Personally, I agree that a school's role is to prepare children to be productive members of society.

　　Disagree:

　　Many people argue that the main role of schools is to prepare children for their future jobs. However, I believe that the purpose of education should be to help children to grow as individuals.

　　Balanced view:

　　To a certain extent I agree that the role of schools is to prepare children to be productive members of society. However, I also believe that the education process has a positive impact on us as individuals.

　　# whether you agree or disagree

　　When the question asks whether you agree or disagree, you can either express a strong opinion (completely agree or disagree) or you can express a balanced opinion (partly agree, or agree to a certain extent).

　　Let's look at two ways to answer the following question:

　　After leaving school or university, young people should choose a job or career that they love, rather than one that pays the best salary. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

　　1) Introduction for a strong opinion

　　Some people make their career choices according to what they enjoy doing, whereas others place more importance on earning a high salary. Personally, I support the view that job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment are much more important than money.

　　2) Introduction for a balanced opinion

　　Some people make their career choices according to what they enjoy doing, whereas others place more importance on earning a high salary. Personally, I believe that both criteria should be given equal consideration.

　　# 折中

　　In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　You can see my 4-paragraph plan in the lesson, but a student asked me to explain exactly how we can 'partly agree'. So here's my sample introduction:

　　It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal people. While I agree that this is true in practical terms, I believe that the psychological impact of this great achievement should not be underestimated.

　　Note:

　　Can you see how I create a balanced answer by using a 'while' sentence to contrast the 'practical' and 'psychological' impacts of the moon landing?

　　#強烈支持或者反對類型的開頭段

　　‘Teleworking’, or the use of telecommunications to allow people to work from home, should be adopted by all employers in order to improve the quality of life of their staff.? To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

　　The current trend towards teleworking is a positive one in many respects. However, I strongly disagree with the idea that it should be introduced in all work contexts.

　　Can you see how this introduction allows me to write about both the positives and negatives of teleworking, even though I expressed a strong opinion? Which word in the question allowed me to do this?

　　#how to use while（despite也能發(fā)揮相同的作用）

　　If you want to mention both sides of the argument for an "agree or disagree" question, try including a 'while' sentence in your introduction.

　　Here's the 'while' sentence formula:

　　"While I accept argument A, I favour argument B"

　　Here's an example question:

　　Early technological developments helped ordinary people and changed their lives more than recent developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Technological progress has taken place throughout the course of human history. While early technologies certainly changed the lives of normal people, I believe that recent breakthroughs have had an even greater impact.

　　Note:

　　The 'while' sentence makes it clear that I favour one side of the argument, but it allows me to mention both sides in the main body of my essay.

　　7、全部范文

　　Marriages are bigger and more expensive nowadays than in the past. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

　　It is true that weddings have become more costly and extravagant in recent years. There are several reasons for this, and in my view it is a negative trend.

　　Marriages have become bigger and more expensive for three main reasons. Firstly, people in developed countries are wealthier than their ancestors were in the past. They therefore have more money to spend on weddings, which are seen as one of life’s most important and unforgettable occasions. Secondly, in today’s globalized world, people see photos of celebrity weddings and want to copy them. For example, when Prince William got married here in England, the ceremony was shown on television and many people were influenced by what they saw. Finally, the wedding industry has grown, and many companies have an interest in selling products and services to us, using persuasive marketing techniques

　　Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

　　We spent 10 minutes planning, then we wrote half of the essay together:

　　It is true that the top sports people earn incredibly high salaries. Although reasons can be given to justify this, I personally believe that sports stars should be paid much less.

　　There are several reasons why some people support high incomes in sport. Firstly, people who reach the highest levels in any sport must be uniquely talented. For example, it is rare to find someone with the football skills of Messi or Ronaldo, and it can be argued that these players deserve salaries that reflect their abilities. Secondly, even the most talented sports professionals must undergo many years of training to develop the skills and fitness required, and this takes great commitment, dedication and passion. Finally, sports salaries are only high because audiences and fans are willing to pay to watch their favorite stars。

　　Economic progress is often used to measure a country's success. However, some people believe that other factors are more important. What other factors should also be considered when measuring a country's success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?

　　The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are several other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my opinion education is the most important of all.

　　Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be considered when measuring a country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any nation, with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality of future generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within a country, and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability of medical services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account. For example, a country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.

　　In my view, a country’s education system should be seen as the most important indicator of its success and level of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the other two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries, and increased wealth.

　　In conclusion, nations can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that the standard of a country's education system is the best measure of its success.

　　(288 words, band 9)

　　Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

　　People have different views about the funding of creative artists. While some people disagree with the idea of government support for artists, I believe that money for art projects should come from both governments and other sources.

　　Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of artin public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.

　　On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for art. The main reason for this view is that governments have more important concerns. For example, state budgets need to be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists do a job like any other professional, and they should therefore earn their own money by selling their work.

　　In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary.

　　Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

　　It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.

　　The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.

　　If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important buildings.

　　In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.

　　(269 words, band 9)

　　while others think that people have become more independent.? Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

　　People have different views about whether we are more or less dependent on others nowadays. In my view, modern life forces us to be more independent than people were in the past.

　　There are two main reasons why it could be argued that we are more dependent on each other now. Firstly, life is more complex and difficult, especially because the cost of living has increased so dramatically. For example, young adults tend to rely on their parents for help when buying a house. Property prices are higher than ever, and without help it would be impossible for many people to pay a deposit and a mortgage. Secondly, people seem to be more ambitious nowadays, and they want a better quality of life for their families. This means thatboth parents usually need to work full-time, and they depend on support from grandparents and babysitters for child care.

　　However, I would agree with those who believe that people are more independent these days. In most countries, families are becoming smaller and more dispersed, which means that people cannot count on relatives as much as they used to. We also have more freedom to travel and live far away from our home towns. For example, many students choose to study abroad instead of going to their local university, and this experience makes them more independent as they learn to live alone. Another factor in this growing independence is technology, which allows us to work alone and from any part of the world.

　　In conclusion, while there are some reasons to believe that people now depend on each other more, my own view is that we are more independent than ever.

　　Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money.

　　Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

　　It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages should be protected and preserved.

　　There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each minority group.

　　Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are less widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it. If a language disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes societies more interesting. By spending money to protect minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part of a country’s history.

　　In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage.

　　(258 words)

　　When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Many people choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. Personally, I disagree with the idea that money is the key consideration when deciding on a career, because I believe that other factors are equally important.

　　On the one hand, I agree that money is necessary in order for people to meet their basic needs. For example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills, health care, and education. Most people consider it a priority to at least earn a salary that allows them to cover these needs and have a reasonable quality of life. If people chose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial factors, they might find it difficult to support themselves. Artists and musicians, for instance, are known for choosing a career path that they love, but that does not always provide them with enough money to live comfortably and raise a family.

　　Nevertheless, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we earn in our jobs. Firstly, personal relationships and the atmosphere in a workplace are extremely important when choosing a job. Having a good manager or friendly colleagues, for example, can make a huge difference to workers’ levels of happiness and general quality of life.Secondly, many people’s feelings of job satisfaction come from their professional achievements, the skills they learn, and the position they reach, rather than the money they earn. Finally, some people choose a career because they want to help others and contribute something positive to society.

　　In conclusion, while salaries certainly affect people’s choice of profession, I do not believe that money outweighs all other motivators.

　　(275 words, band 9)

　　Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

　　It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.

　　The argument in favour of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.

　　If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul’s Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation’s cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important buildings.

　　In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.

　　(269 words, band 9)

　　#顧家北的范文一篇

　　The mobile phone use has become common today and many people have also benefited from iPads, tablet computers and other hi-tech devices in daily communication. I believe that these technologies have made a positive difference to our lives, although they may also pose a threat to our social relationships.

　　If people can communicate with each other via mobile technology, they can gain information and support more easily. Due to the lack of knowledge, they have to make new friends through social networks and draw upon the ideas of others to tackle different problems. Mobile phone apps enable them to achieve this and expand the circle of friends. For example, some young people may find it easy to enlist the help of others by using mobile devices, when preparing for exams or acquiring some skills. ?They can get a competitive edge because they are able to handle demands of modern life.

　　On the other hand, some people argue that new communication technology is a threat to social and family life. They may prefer to keep in touch with eachother by text messaging and via email, instead of meeting face to face. ?This means that they are less likely to have a meal together with their family, attend social gatherings and enjoy outdoor activities with colleagues or friends. This may create a sense of isolation and cause damage to their interpersonal relationships, which can be harmful to their well-being.

　　Personally, I think that the mobile phone use can make our ways of life sustainable. ?We can place an order on the phone without having to shop on high street, and use video chat programmes to attend meetings in the comfort of our homes. This can reduce car emissions and make our world a better place to live. Without mobile technology, we would have relied on different means of transport, which could be a threat to the environment.

　　In conclusion, the excessive mobile phone use can affect our connection with others, but it is basically a positive change to us, helping us gather information more easily.

　　Happiness is considered very important in life.Why is it difficult to define?What factors are important in achieving happiness?

　　It is no doubt true that the majority of people would like to be happy in their lives. Whilethe personal nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to be some common needs that we all share with regard to experiencing or achieving happiness.

　　Happiness is difficult to define because it means something different to each individual person. Nobody can fully understand or experience another person’s feelings, and we all have our own particular passions from which we take pleasure. Some people, for example, derive a sense of satisfaction from earning money or achieving success, whereas for others, health and family are much more important. At the same time, a range of other feelings, from excitement to peacefulness, may be associated with the idea of happiness, and the same person may therefore feel happy in a variety of different ways.

　　Although it seems almost impossible to give a precise definition of happiness, most people would agree that there are some basic preconditions to achieving it. Firstly, it is hard for a person to be happy if he or she does not have a safe place to live and enough food to eat. Our basic survival needs must surely be met before we can lead a pleasant life. Secondly, the greatest joy in life is usually found in shared experiences with family and friends, and it is rare to find a person who is content to live in complete isolation. Other key factors could be individual freedom and a sense of purpose in life.

　　In conclusion, happiness is difficult to define because it is particular to each individual, but I believe that our basic needs for shelter, food and company need to be fulfilled before we can experience it.

　　(292 words, band 9)

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

　　Some people argue that it is pointless to spend money on the protection of wild animals because we humans have no need for them. I completely disagree with this point of view.

　　In my opinion, it is absurd to argue that wild animals have no place in the 21st century. I do not believe that planet Earth exists only for the benefit of humans, and there is nothing special about this particular century that means that we suddenly have the right to allow or encourage the extinction of any species. Furthermore, there is no compelling reason why we should let animals die out. We do not need to exploit or destroy every last square metre of land in order to feed or accommodate the world’s population. There is plenty of room for us to exist side by side with wild animals, and this should be our aim.

　　I also disagree with the idea that protecting animals is a waste of resources. It is usually the protection of natural habitats that ensures the survival of wild animals, and most scientists agree that these habitats are also crucial for human survival. For example, rainforests produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and stabilise the Earth’s climate. If we destroyed these areas, the costs of managing the resulting changes to our planet would faroutweigh the costs of conservation. By protecting wild animals and their habitats, we maintain the natural balance of all life on Earth.

　　In conclusion, we have no right to decide whether or not wild animals should exist, and I believe that we should do everything we can to protect them.

　　(269 words, band 9)

　　顧家北范文一篇

　　A large proportion of university student’s travel to the campus for attending lectures. This educational model is, however, regarded as unnecessary, due to technological advances. I do not agree with this view.

　　Students are likely to interact with others, if they attend lectures. This provides them with opportunities to improve their communication skills and also enables them to improve the ability to work well in groups. This prepares them for their working lives. In contrast,students who enrol ononline courses normally do a self-study, so they fail to develop social skills.

　　Another benefit is that face-to-face interaction with lecturers makes it possible for students to discover and fill knowledge gaps. Students will choose to expand knowledge constantly, which can increase their competitiveness. Therefore, they are likely to become well-rounded individuals. This cannot be achieved for those who study online, because they are not able to draw upon the ideas of their classmates or professors.

　　On the other hand, it is sometimes argued that attending lectures online enables learners to access course materials and even to communicate with teachers on a timely basis, provided that these students connect to the Internet. For this reason, it is possible for online learners to

　　receive the same instruction as they do in a traditional setting.

　　To summarize, I believe that online education cannot substitute for the tradition means of receiving education, although it is true thatthe former now performs some similar functions.Those who study at university can improve their social skills and broaden their minds.

　　Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

　　People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads safer. In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used together to promote better driving habits.

　　On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating the same offence. There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, license suspension, driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these punishments is to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative consequences. As a result, we would hope that drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully.

　　On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways that do not punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before they start to drive, and this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test. Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design. For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from driving too quickly. Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing in better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to travel by car.

　　In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety measures should also be introduced.

　　(269 words, band 9)

　　These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?

　　It is true that men are increasingly likely totake on the role of househusband, while more women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.

　　In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal rights movements have made great progress, and it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay at home and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before starting a family. Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who works and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each partner, or based on which partner earns the most money.

　　In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be happy to live in a society in which men and women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that men should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this is what they wish to do. Couples should be left to make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes, according to their particular circumstances and needs.

　　In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.

　　(274 words, band 9)

　　Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.

　　In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?

　　It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people. Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and negative effects.

　　Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life. Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting each other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and teachers. For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or country. Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.

　　On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between people in different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or social contexts. On the other hand, the availability of new communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction. For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing with their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real friendships.

　　In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people, but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.

　　(257 words, band 9)

　　Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.

　　To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

　　On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an activity that is easy for most people is swimming. This hobby requires very little equipment, it is simple to learn, and it is inexpensive. I remember learning to swim at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and it never felt like a demanding or challenging experience. Another hobby that I find easy and fun is photography. In my opinion, anyone can take interesting pictures without knowing too much about the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being straightforward, taking photos is a satisfying activity.

　　On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an activity is more challenging, we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we manage to do it successfully. For example, film editing is a hobby that requires a high level of knowledge and expertise. In my case, it took me around two years before I became competent at this activity, but now I enjoy it much more than I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when we reach a higher level of performance because the results are better and the feeling of achievement is greater.

　　In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally pleasurable for different reasons.

　　Here are my 2 main body paragraphs for last week's question. I tried to use an "Idea, Explain, Example" structure for the first paragraph, and a "Firstly, Secondly, Finally" structure for the second.

　　Main body paragraphs:

　　On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.

　　On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.

　　Last week I wrote a plan for the question below. Now you can read my full essay.

　　We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be concerned with our own communities and countries.

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

　　Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should try to help as many people as possible.

　　On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbours and fellow citizens. In most communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about this problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.

　　At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when children are dying from curable diseases in African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international charity might have a much greater impact than helping in our local area.

　　In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need.

　　(280 words, band 9)

　　In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

　　It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.

　　As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be more people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The proportion of younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore receive less money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly have to look after their elderly relatives.

　　There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to continue a productive working life. A second measure would be for governments to encourage immigration in order to increase the number of working adults who pay taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other areas and spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers of older citizens.

　　In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

　　(265 words, band 9)

　　Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

　　Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that they are more likely to have a harmful impact.

　　On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has been shown that computer simulation games can improve users’ motor skills and help to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.

　　However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console. The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.

　　In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more significant than the possible benefits.

　　(258 words, band 9)

　　There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

　　It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.

　　Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life without it.

　　In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history of a country. Traditional styles, such as ...(example)..., connect us to the past and form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these national styles disappeared.

　　In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

　　(261 words, band 9)

　　Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

　　In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.

　　Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty per cent of the places needed to go to males.

　　Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it is surely wrong to reject her in favour of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.

　　In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.

　　(265 words, band 9)

　　Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate.

　　Discuss both views and give you own opinion.

　　People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.

　　On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain. Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many people will want to see. The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.

　　On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know. Usually this means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition. In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life.

　　In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting, enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same time.

　　(253 words, band 9)

　　Here's an example of how I write a 4-paragraph essay for "discuss and give your opinion" questions. Notice that I give my opinion in 3 places (introduction, paragraph 3, conclusion).

　　Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.

　　Discuss both views and give your opinion.

　　When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.

　　The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a successful career.

　　On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete.

　　For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.

　　(271 words, band 9)

　　Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual teenager and society as a whole.

　　Do you agree or disagree?

　　Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid work.

　　Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when they finish their studies.

　　At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free and fair society to force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.

　　In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should not make this compulsory.

　　Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to humanity.

　　Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

　　It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for human use. WhileI tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines.

　　On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation. To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured. Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that scientists should use alternative methods of research.

　　On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available. Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with the banning of animal testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical procedures are concerned.

　　In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical research until equally effective alternatives have been developed.  (270 words, band 9)