IELTS writing task 2: Some students take a year off between school and university, to work or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

IELTS writing task 2: Some students take a year off between school and university, to work or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? 

It is true these days that many high school leavers choose to start their work or take a trip before going to university. While a gap year can bring some immediate drawbacks, I am convinced that it is more likely to have long-term benefits for their lives.

On the one hand,  young students are very likely to encounter several difficulties when delaying their university study. One of these problem is the delay in academic progress caused by spending one year off school. It is understandably almost impossible for young people to enjoy their experiences in doing a job or travelling to new place but still arrange a certain amount of time for revision. As a result, gap-year takers may have to face the challenge of becoming familiar with the knowledge at school again, receiving more pressure of catching up with their peers. Besides, the life out of university campus may prove to be mentally and physically overwhelming for inexperienced school leavers. They, for instance, may be at risk of being exploited in an exhausting job or face potential dangers on their trips to a new country. If not well prepared for such possible obstacles, young high school graduates can suffer from unintended consequences.

On the other hand, I would argue that these disadvantages are outweighed by the positive effects. A gap year is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about what is not taught at university. Working with other people who are experts in a particular field can give these newcomers not only understanding of the job but also valuable practical lessons to help them become more mature. When it comes to applying for a position in a company, employer tend to favourably consider applicants who possess extensive experience in life and the occupation. Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a year to relax can be advantageous as students can have a chance to relieve stress in study. With a comfortable and willing attitude, undergraduates can acquire knowledge more effectively in comparison with those who go to university straightaway.

In conclusion, despite some negative aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a gap year are more significant for the reasons mentioned.

(365 words, written by Bao Nguyen)

IELTS Writing Task 2: Some people think that young people should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Are disadvantages of this requirement greater than the benefits for the community and individuals?

Some people think that young people should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Are disadvantages of this requirement greater than the benefits for the community and individuals?

It is true that volunteer work provides great benefits for both participants and the community. However, forcing the youth to engage in those activities maybe counterproductive, as now will be explained.

On the one hand, if young people were required to do social jobs for free, there would be certain advantages for all sides related. A vast majority of the younger population are energetic, dynamic and passionate about improving themselves, and it is the unpaid work that can satisfy that demand. Charitable campaigns such as teaching primary school children or helping the elderly with their daily activities provide the participants with not only knowledge and skills, but also a sense of community and a belief that they are a pivotal part of societies. Vice versa, the government, with the assistant from young people, has a productive workforce available for charity work without wasting money on the recruitment process.

On the other hand, I believe that the disadvantages of this are more important. Working on a volunteer basis may distract young people from their priorities. For example, students of state universities and colleges are expected to attend lessons, complete homework and even consult external academic materials. With such a heavy workload, those students should spend their little remaining time relaxing or playing sport rather than joining free social activities. Regarding those who do not go to school, vocational or internship courses are what they would seek for. Professional skills from such classes are tools for these individuals to achieve a stable later life; therefore, the community should allow them to pursue their career.

In conclusion, the youth can choose to support others, and the volunteer work should never be made obligatory.

(282 words, written by Thanh Nguyen IELTS)

IELTS Writing task 2: Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by making us want to be and to look the same. To what extent do you agree or disagree??

Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by making us want to be and to look the same. To what extent do you agree or disagree??

An often debated topic is whether advertising has a major influence on the growing similarity of people's lifestyle in the modern world. Personally, I partly agree with this opinion for a number of reasons.

On the other hand, the power of advertising is undeniable. The growth of the advertising industry has resulted in many people buying products of the same manufacture, which can be seen in the case of consumer goods. Today, the advertising campaigns of multinational companies such as Unilever have been so successful that their products almost dominate the market. Smaller enterprises tend not to be able to compete with these giant market leaders due to their disadvantages of capital poured into advertising programs. Thus, customers are often swayed to buy products of famous brands rather than those made by less well-know companies.

On the other hand, it is also true that people have the tendency to copy other's lifestyle without being affected by advertising. For example, it is valid to argue that many young people are trying to emulate the fashion styles of their idols. Many Vietnamese youths manage to purchase the same clothes, dye their hair and wear the same perfume as their stars do. People can also turn to their social relations for advice when they need to buy something. For instance, junior citizens always ask their friends before they come to a final decision on buy a smart phone.

In conclusion, it is true that advertising has bridged the gap between each individual's lifestyle in modern society.  However, I believe that it is not the sole factor that contributes to the trend.

(268 words, written by Thay Vinh IELTS)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample: In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. Which of these two systems is more appropriate in today's world?

In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. Which of these two systems is more appropriate in today's world?
Designing the school curriculum is of paramount importance in any education system. The dilemma is whether to teach secondary pupils a wide range of subjects or to focus on a small number of practical courses that lend themselves to the future career of students. In this essay, I will first analyze the benefits of each education system and then argue for the first one.

There is no doubt that providing secondary students with a limited number of hands-on subjects is beneficial to their career paths in the future. Children will definitely have more time to focus on study, putting aside the exam pressure of subjects that are irrelevant to their jobs. This helps them gain an in-depth knowledge of their chosen career before entering the workforce. For example, children who have specialised in IT skills and physics at secondary school will have a head start on other children when applying for jobs in engineering.

On the other hand, an education system in which children are taught a range of subjects gains my support due to several reasons. At its simplest, secondary students are merely too young to define correctly their jobs for life, meaning that teaching them a small number of practical subjects should be delayed until later on. Another reason is that children can learn knowledge of different courses, which may help to grow their passion for a particular field. If we educated children only in narrow specialisms in secondary schools, there would be no artists, philosophers or historians of the next generation.

In conclusion, posterity will judge which system is superior to the other. However, it seems to me that giving secondary schoolchildren a chance to learn a wide range of subjects is a more desirable solution in contemporary society.

(292 words – written by Thay Vinh IELTS)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample: Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.


Finding ways to improve educational quality is often one of the top priorities in every education system. In some cultures, high school students are encouraged to give their opinions about teachers, but I believe that this can also give rise to lack of respect and discipline in the classroom.

On the one hand, it is true that feedback from learners may contribute to an improvement in educational quality. In many cases, the level of comprehension of students relies very much not on the content of the lesson but on the way teachers conduct it. If, for example, the class is slow, it will be ineffective for teachers to teach too fast so that most students fail to retain the information. Without the comments of students, it would be difficult to know whether the speed of the lesson is appropriate for the class, which may eventually impair the quality of the lesson.

However, there are several drawbacks of allowing students to make comments and criticism on their teachers. Firstly, teachers can be vulnerable to the negative words of students. Many will feel that their efforts in delivering the lesson deserve praise rather than criticism or any form of feedback. This idea is commonly shared by teachers in the education systems of many Asian countries. Secondly, the classroom may be in chaos due to massive numbers of comments. Opinions vary from students to students, and it would be impractical for teachers to work out a way of teaching that can satisfy all students.

In conclusion, it seems to me that encouraging high school students to comment about their teachers does not necessarily mean an improvement in education quality.

(277 words - written by ielts.vinh@gmail.com)

IELTS Writing Task 2: Nowadays, many families have both parents working. Some working parents believe other family members like grandparents can take care of their children, while others think childcare centres provide the best care. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Nowadays, many families have both parents working. Some working parents believe other family members like grandparents can take care of their children, while others think childcare centres provide the best care. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Pressure of modern life means that a family often requires two incomes rather than one like before. In many cases, parents rely on the help of other family members to care for their children, but this is sometimes not the best option, as will now be discussed.

There are those who argue that babysitting can be done by relatives. For example, grandparents just need to keep an eye on their grandchildren while children in a childcare centre are often grouped together. In an average class, there might be up to 15 students or more under the supervision of two to three caretakers. Children are often playful, and just a second of neglect can lead to fatal consequences. Keeping children at home may therefore provide a safer environment for children to grow up.

On the other hand, I side with those who believe that sending children to nursery school is a more desirable solution when both parents go out to work. The growth of a child depends primarily on how they are educated. The staff members of a childcare organisation are often trained professionally to do their jobs, and they should know how to raise children healthily at each stage of development. In addition, attending a class at an early age is also a chance for children to develop social skills. Children can learn to obey rules, cooperate with other peers and thus may progress faster than those raised at home.

In conclusion, although there are arguments in favour of keeping children at home, I believe that children should be sent to childcare centres for better care.

(266 words – by Thay Vinh IELTS)

IELTS Writing task 2: Some people say that too much attention and too many resources are given in the protection of wild animals and birds. Do you agree or disagree about this opinion?

Some people say that too much attention and too many resources are given in the protection of wild animals and birds. Do you agree or disagree about this opinion?


The protection of wildlife has become a frequent subject of debate with strong arguments for and against. Personally, I believe that humans are paying too much attention and allocating too many resources to this issue, as will now be explained.


Firstly, if we allow any species to disappear, this is actually not a disaster. Some people may argue that the biology will be seriously affected if birds and wild animals are on the verge of extinction, but this is an exaggeration. Fossil evidence suggests that the mass disappearance of the dinosaur did not cause any harm to other species on the Earth but merely triggered the emergence of others such as the mammal. Therefore, we should not devote too much attention to the protection of wildlife.

Secondly, public money is limited. This means that the national budget should be allocated to more urgent issues rather than expending too much in the conservation of wild animals and birds. For example, more resources should be diverted to medical research to find out remedies for fatal diseases such as HIV and cancer, which may help to save thousands of lives in society.

Finally, the government can simply protect wildlife by continuing campaigns to raise public awareness of the protection of wildlife habitats, or impose stricter punishments on activities that may harm wild animals. Any individual who hunts wildlife for food or for pleasure should be given a heavy fine, and this may discourage them from threatening the life of wild animals.

In conclusion, while I do not refute the argument for the conservation of wildlife, I believe that it should attract less attention and fewer resources from the public.

(276 words – written by Thay Vinh IELTS)

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

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

           Human development is a complex interplay of many factors. Some individuals are of the opinion that parents have the most significant role in a child‘s development whereas others opine that friends and other environmental factors such as TV have a more important role. It is necessary to look at both arguments before forming an opinion.

           Parents have direct interactions with the children. They provide a sense of identification to the child. These have their greatest effect on intellectual development and character traits. They also play a very important role in the socializing process of the child. Right from the bed time stories to the behavioral habits parents play a very important role in making a child a responsible citizen. They know their child‘s temperament better than anyone else. They can provide critical input better than anyone else. That is why it is believed by some that parents have the strongest role in a child‘s development.

            Friends, on the other hand, are important in order to help children grow emotionally and socially. Children find out who they are by comparing themselves to others. They learn about attitude, character and personality. Building good relationships boosts a child‘s self-esteem and they find comfort in those friendships when things get tough such as losing a pet or facing family problems. Therefore, friendships are essential to assure children develop a healthy psyche. When kids are surrounded by friends or have one close friend, they have better self-esteem, feel a sense of well-being and experience fewer social problems.

             Television is also one of the most prevalent media influences in kids' lives. How much impact TV has on children depends on many factors: how much they watch, their age and personality, whether they watch alone or with adults, and whether their parents talk with them about what they see on TV.

              In my opinion, we cannot generalize as to what has more significance. In the early years family generally has more impact but in adolescence peers and TV may impact more. It appears that the power of the peer group becomes more important when the family relationships are not close or supportive. For example, if the parents work extra jobs and are largely unavailable, their children may turn to their peer group for emotional support.

             To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that behavior is affected by a complex interaction of many different factors such as parents, peers and environment. All these are inextricably linked in the development of children. There is individual variation and therefore it is difficult to generalize which factor plays the most significant role.   (437 words)                                                                                                          

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample: In many countries, sports and exercise classes are replaced with the academic subjects. Discuss the effects of this trend.

In many countries, sports and exercise classes are replaced with the academic subjects. Discuss the effects of this trend.

Over the past few decades, academic subjects have become increasingly important in this fast-changing information-based society. Nowadays, there has been a growing debate as to whether it would be more effective to replace physical education classes with academic subjects. Despite the importance of sports, I highly believe that it is inevitable and more efficient to focus more on academic subjects for several reasons. 

           Those who argue that sports and exercise classes are needed in school base their case on the following arguments. First of all, sports are a good way to build character and develop personality. That is, there are necessary for learning about competition, cooperation, and good sportsmanship. In addition, as a majority of children these days are addicted to the Internet, they find it hard to leave their computer. Consequently, a growing number of children are becoming overweight or obese due to a lack of exercise. So, if schools foster an environment that deprives students of getting a proper physical education, it will have a long-term negative effect on children both mentally and physically.

           Nevertheless, people should not ignore the fact that devoting more time and energy to academic subjects will benefit students more in the long run. The time devoted to physical education now would be better spent teaching students English. This is because speaking fluent English will give young people an advantage over other college applicants and job seekers in the near future. Besides, science will undoubtedly benefit youth more than physical education as well. The principles learned in science will provide the necessary foundation for solving difficult problems that are sure to arise in students' futures.

           In summary, there are high hopes that educators and parents exercise wisdom in teaching young generations.

                                                                                                           (288 words)

IELTS Writing Sample: Some people believe that media should be allowed to publish information about the private lives of famous people. Others say that everybody has a right to privacy and this practice must be controlled or even stopped. Discuss both views.

We are living in a celebrity obsessed world where everything that famous people do or say makes headlines. If media publishes stories about the private lives of the rich and the famous, that is because there is an audience for them. People want to know what celebrities do, say, wear, eat and drink. Media merely satisfies this need because it makes sound business sense for them.

Public personalities also have a private life that they want to shield from others. Just because they are famous, the media doesn’t have the right to publish all sorts of personal information about them. It has now become fashionable to publish photos and stories that are demeaning to famous people. This trend must be condemned. Everybody has flaws; however, when a celebrity exhibits them it becomes news. People get some weird pleasure from knowing that these famous men and women that they admire are not perfect.

On the flip side, there is a symbiotic relationship between celebrities and the media. One depends on the other for their existence. Celebrities need media exposure to remain celebrities. They are desperate to stay in the news. They need media attention to build their career. They become conscious of their right to privacy only after they have established themselves in the industry. At that stage, however, they can’t expect the media, which fuelled their growth, to stop writing about them.

To conclude, as long as people want to know about the private lives of famous personalities, media will oblige them with photos and stories. However, I believe that public personalities also have a right to privacy. Although I wouldn’t say that media should stop writing about famous people, I do believe that they should draw a line. Media must resist the temptation to publish stories that can destroy lives and careers.

                                                                                                           (303 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2: 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?

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?

Outline

Opening:

- Paraphrase: video games have adverse effect -> video games detrimental to people's development

- Despite threats are real -> there are benefits

Body:

Playing video games has many drawbacks

- look at screen longer => reduced eyesight

   -> many game players wear glasses

- playing too much video games => addiction

   -> less time for studying

- video games promote aggression

   -> contents filled with violence and nudity

Cannot eliminate video games altogether

- many games are designed for education

   -> children develop thinking skill by solving puzzles on games

- animations on games improve creativity

   -> teachers are using games to make lessons more fun

Conclusion:

- Video games have drawbacks, but can be turned into an educational tool

Video games are often portrayed on the media as being detrimental to personal development, especially that of a child. However, while the threats they pose are definite, I believe video games offer a number of benefits if they are consumed responsibly.

On the one hand, the drawbacks of video games are manifold. Studies have proven that prolonged exposure to a digital screen, which is an indispensible component of any gaming consoles, could lead to reduced eyesight. It is quite common to attend a video game convention and spot flocks of prescription-glasses-wearing game enthusiasts. In addition to the negative impacts on health, video games can often lead to addiction. This takes away a large portion of time in one's daily routine, which could have otherwise been spent on studying or working. To add to this, many video games nowadays promote aggression and behavioral disorders, particularly in teenagers and young adults. This is largely because their content is usually overloaded with displays of violence and nudity, neither of which is likely to communicate an image of an exemplary citizen.

Be that as it may, the above disadvantages do not necessarily call for complete elimination of video games. A lot of games these days are actually designed with a keen focus on education. When playing these games, children can develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills by solving quizzes and puzzles. Equipped with fun animations and captivating storytelling, video games also foster people's creativity and appreciation of arts. Teachers around the world have already taken advantage of this characteristic to inject a bit of fun into the classroom and help students to be more excited about learning.

In conclusion, while I don't refute the harms of excessive video game playing, I believe they can be turned into a powerful educational tool if used in moderation.

Word count: 303

Written by IELTS Fighters

Good vocabulary

- manifold: there are many

- indispensible: cannot be without

- to be overloaded with: to have too much of something

- keen focus on: concentrate on

- captivating: attractive

- foster ...: to encourage and help somebody improve a skill/ quality