Ielts Writing

EASY-IELTSWriting 1 WRITING VER.1.0 Topic Sentence Brown 2 EASY-IELTS John The subject of this paragraph will be my parents. I want to talk about air pollution. 3 WRITING VER.1.0 My Parents have had three different periods in their life. Air pollution causes many problems in big cities. Men and women are very different. essay Men’s and women’s behaviors in the workplace are different in three ways. In 1990s, an earthquake struck BAM. The earthquake in BAM influenced the way people build houses. Teachers have played an important role in my life, but they were not as important as my parents. 4 EASY-IELTS Supporting Sentence (Concluding/ending/closing sentence) × ---------------------------------- . × ------------------. × ------------------------------. × ------------------------------. × --------------------. × ----------------------------------------------------------. × ------------------------. × ------------------------------------. Topic sentence Supporting sentence Ending sentence 5 WRITING VER.1.0 Mr. Branson is the best teacher I have ever had. First, he is knowledgeable in his field. He knows English very well, and he always reads new articles about teaching English. Second, he is helpful. When students face problems, he is there to help. He spends some time after class to help us individually, gives us more activities to do at home, and encourage us to practice more. Finally, he is punctual. He comet to the classroom 10 minutes to 6:00pm, and starts the class at 6:00 sharp. We also try to respect him by not being late. Being Knowledgeable, helpful and punctual makes Mr. Branson the best English teacher I have ever seen. 1- Make a point 2- Support the point 3- Organize and connect the support 4- Write error-free sentences 6 EASY-IELTS IELTS (essay) Transition words Finally Second First 7 0 (Prewriting) Free writing Questioning Clustering Making a list 8 .WRITING VER.1. He reads more than students..EASY-IELTS Mr. Branson is a good teacher. 9 . He is on time. He has a book in his hand. He reads in the class and staff room.. His knowledge in English is great. He is ready to help us… How. Who. Why. What Why Mr. Branson is a great teacher? He knows a lot… When/where does he read? He reads every time he has. Where. He doesn’t likes students are late. He almost know everything. When. How is he practical? He spends time after class to help us… What else makes him good? He is on time. Of course one day he made a mistake and correct him mistake. Branson is a good teacher Is helpful A mistake Is on time Help me a lot We are not late 10min before class Brainstorming .He is patient . Branson is really kind .1.Reads a lot of new articles .Encourages us to speak English all the time .Helps us a lot .Mr.0 Always reads New article After class Extra exercis e Knows a lot Mr.Has always a book in his hands .WRITING VER.Loves music… 10 . EASY-IELTS * Mr. Branson is my best teacher  He is knowledgeable  He is helpful  He is on time (draft) 11 . damages my relationships with others. Next.1.0 Firs. 12 .WRITING VER. Finally When I let my impatience get out of hand. Then. My main unpleasant trait. I often damage my relationships with others. Later. impatience. Curiosity killed the cat. the saying “Haste makes waste” doesn’t apply. When it comes to escaping a fire. is the most important object I own. “Haste makes waste” When I painted my house last year. nobody will. If you don’t help yourself. If I could save just one of my possessions. Don’t judge a book by its cover. it would be my … Nothing is more valuable to me than my … My …. I learned the truth of the saying “Haste makes waste”. The early bird catches the worm.EASY-IELTS I hope to quit smoking by the end of this year. Don’t count your chicken before they are hatched. 13 . 6 The picture fell suddenly to the floor. 1 That clock runs about five minutes fast. 8 Our loud uncle monopolized the conversation at the dinner table. 7 Chipmunks live in the woodpile behind my house. known as linking verbs. 3 Late-afternoon shoppers filled the aisles of the supermarket. 9 The tomatoes were soft to the touch.0 SENTENCE SKILLS They are the basic skills needed to write clear. Who or what the sentence speaks about is called the subject. what the sentence says about the subject is called the verb. do not show action.WRITING VER. Most verbs show actions while certain other verbs. 4 Garbage trucks rumbled down my street on their way to the dump. Subjects and Verbs Every sentence has a subject and a verb. 2 The new player on the team is much too sure of himself.1. Practice 1. error-free sentences. in each of the following sentences. 14 . 10 The insurance company cancelled my policy because of a speeding ticket. 5 The children drew pictures on the steamed window. They give information about the subject of the sentence. draw one line under the subject and two lines under the verb. 1 For that course. About above across among around at below beneath beside between by for from in inside into of off through to toward under with before behind during except on onto over Practice 2. 3 The checkout lines at the supermarket moved very slowly. Common prepositions.EASY-IELTS DISTINGUISH SUBJECTS FROM PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES The subject of a sentence never appears within a prepositional phrase. cross out prepositional phrases. Then draw a single line under subjects and a double line under verbs. 4 With his son. 2 The key to the front door slipped from my hand into a puddle. 10 At a single sitting. 7 Either of my brothers is a reliable worker. VERBS OF MORE THAN ONE WORD Many verbs in sentences consist of more than one word like will be helping. TIPS. 5 No quarrel between good friends lasts for a very long time. 9 During the movie. 6 In one weekend. several people walked out in protest. 15 . 8 The drawer of the bureau sticks on rainy days. my brother reads five or more comic books. you need three different books. Jamal walked to the playground. Martha planted a large vegetable garden in her backyard. always are not part of the verb. 1 He has been sleeping all day. [this is not a sentence. just. because the verb is not complete] Practice 3. only. 3 I have not washed my car for several months.0 1 Words like not. The boys should just not have stayed out so late. 7 They have just been married by a justice of the peace.1. 16 . 5 The bus will be leaving shortly. 9 Kim has decided to ask her boss for a raise. 2 No verb preceded by to is ever the verb of a sentence. 2 The wood foundations of the shed were attacked by termites. 8 He could make a living with his wood carvings.WRITING VER. 10 The employees should have warned us about the wet floor. Be sure to include all parts of the verb. Sue wants to go with us. 4 The instructor had not warned us about the quiz. 6 You should not try to pet that temperamental hamster. 3 No –ing word by itself is ever the verb of a sentence [to be a verb it must have a helping verb in front of it] We planning the trip for months. never. draw a single line under subjects and a double line under verbs. the Nissans. mites. stalled. and Hondas glittered in the sun. Practice 4. 5 The car sputtered.EASY-IELTS COMPOUND SUBJECTS AND VREBS A sentence may have more than one verb. draw a single line under subjects and a double line under verbs. A sentence may have more than one subject. 7 Ruth disconnected the computers and carried them to her car. 6 Whiteflies. 8 We walked over to the corner deli and bought extra cheese for the party. Tony and Lola looked in windows for two hours and then bought one pair of socks. A sentence may have several subjects and several verbs. divorced in their thirties. Be sure to mark all the subjects and verbs. James and I read the book and reported on it to the class. and then remarried in their forties. Toyotas. 10 My aunt and uncle married in their twenties. 3 On the shipping pier. Cats and dogs are sometimes the best of friends. The dancer stumbled and fell. 1 The hypnotist locked his assistant in a box and sawed her in half. 9 At the new shopping mall. and aphids infected my houseplants. 2 Trina began her paper at 7:30 and finished it at midnight. and then started again. 17 . 4 Tony added the column of figures three times and got three different totals. When waiting for the bus. Practice 1. Another way of correcting a dependent-word fragment is to eliminate the dependent word and make a new sentence. 1 After I finished work on Friday 2 Because the class was cancelled 3 When my car stalled on the highway 18 . Look at this example. etc) is not a complete sentence. We want to know more. A word group that lacks a subject or a verb and does not express a complete thought is a fragment. I saw a terrible accident. When waiting for the bus. 3. after. Dependent-word fragments –ing or to fragments Added-detail fragments Missing-subject fragments DEPENDENT-WORD FRAGMENTS A clause that begins with a dependent word (like when. What happened? Who was waiting for the bus? You can correct a dependent-word fragment by attaching it to the sentence that comes after it or to the sentence that comes before it. because. while. This word group cannot stand alone. turn each of the dependent-word groups into a sentence by adding a complete thought. Do not use the second method of correction too frequently because it may cut down on interest and variety in your writing style.0 Fragments Every sentence must have a subject and a verb and must express a complete thought.1. I saw a terrible accident when waiting for the bus. The most common types of fragments are. I was waiting for the bus. Put a comma after the dependent-word group if a dependent word starts the sentence. 4.WRITING VER. I saw a terrible accident. It doesn’t express a complete though. 1. 2. Jenny smelled like a cat food factory. a fragment may result. He had to leave the party early. I still felt warm in the room. I spent all day in different clothes shops. trying to find a pair of jeans. When two bullfrogs jumped out at him. 5 Because he had eaten and drunk too much. underline the fragments in each item. Put a comma after the dependentword group if it starts the sentence. --ING and TO FRAGMENTS When a word ending in –ing or the word to appears at or near the start of a word group. The seats and rug were soaked. She couldn’t wait to take a hot. 3 After cutting fish at the restaurant all day.EASY-IELTS 4 The supermarket that I went to 5 Before I left the house Practice 2. attach them to the sentence that comes before it or to the sentence that comes after it. That were at the bottom of the cement fishpond. 1 Although the air conditioner was working. Then correct each fragment by attaching it to the sentence that comes before or the sentence that comes after—whichever sounds more natural. I spent all day in different clothes shops. Another way of correction 19 . That was ready to erupt. Trying to find a pair of jeans. He dropped the rake and ran. 2 When Tony got into his car this morning. 4 Franco raked out the soggy leaves. whichever makes sense. Since it had rained overnight. I wondered if I had a fever. He discovered that he had left the car windows open. perfumed bath. To correct –ing fragments. His stomach was like a volcano. Wishing that he had $100. To correct to fragments. [Add the fragment to the preceding sentence] 2 Investigating the strange. 3 Noah picked through the box of chocolates. [Add the subject I and change being to the correct form of the verb was] Practice 4.000. George found a puppy tangled in its leash.1. Then make the fragment a sentence by rewriting it. I spent all day in different clothes shops. 20 . Removing the kinds he didn’t like. add them to the sentence before or after it. [Add the fragment to the sentence that comes after it] 3 I had to drive to the most remote parking lot to get a space.WRITING VER. Practice 3. using the method described in parentheses. He saved these for his wife and ate the rest. Then he would not have to go to work. being late for class. mournful cries in his neighbor’s yard. underline the –ing fragment in each of the following selections. Claiming that the little dog is his best friend. The spider waited patiently for a visitor. The gigantic web hung between the branches of the tree. Look at this example. 1 Glistening with dew. To get a good score in IELTS test. 2 Kevin loves his new puppy. I tried to find a pair of jeans.0 is to add a subject and change the –ing verb part to the correct form of the verb. I decided to study this book. Then rewrite them using one of the methods of correction. underline the –ing or t0 fragment in each item. To get a good score in IELTS test. As a result. 1 Eli lay in bed after the alarm rang. I decided to study this book. including. People often write added-detail fragments for the same reason they write –ing fragments. he would have had no money for the weekend. Having hiked into a marsh of some kind.EASY-IELTS 4 The grass I was walking on suddenly became squishy. Practice 5. For example. using the method described in the parentheses. I had many jobs while in school. [ add the fragment to the preceding sentence] 21 . About missing parts. To cash his paycheck. or to add a subject and a verb to the fragment to make it a complete sentence. For example. managing to cut his hand while crumbling a bar of shredded wheat. But the subject and verb must be in each word group. All day. Then make it a sentence by rewriting it. 1 Hakeem is very accident-prone. They often begin with one of the following words. and errors on bills. 5 Steve drove quickly to the bank. except. I had many jobs while in school. Otherwise. underline the fragment in each selection below. people complained. [correct the fragment by adding the subject HE and changing MANAGING to MANAGED] 2 Tina’s job in the customer service department depressed her. not hot water in the morning. They think the subject and verb in one sentence will serve for the next word group as well. especially. The best method to correct them is to attach the fragment to the complete thought that precedes it. such as. My apartment has its drawbacks. rude salespeople. not hot water in the morning. ADDED-DETAIL FRAGMENTS They lack a subject and a verb. for example. I worked as a busboy. Including busboy. My apartment has its drawbacks for example. painter. a painter and a security guard. also. and security guard. there were several explosions. looks the new words up. then with a good dictionary. 1 My little boy is constantly into mischief. Then rewrite that part of the selection needed to correct the fragment using one of the three methods of corrections. Then with a good dictionary. She reads different text from a variety of sources every day. chewing with his mouth open.1. The second word group does not have a subject. She wondered if he had grown fat and bald. Unfortunately. MISSING-SUBJECT FRAGMENTS People write missing-subject fragments because they think the subject in one sentence will apply to the next word group as well. For example.WRITING VER. But the subject. Look at this example. There are two ways to correct them. [She reads different text from a variety of sources every day. For instance. For example. Either attach the fragment to the preceding sentence. Including the football player she had had a wild crush on. must be in each word group to make it a sentence. as well as the verb. Such as tearing the labels off all the cans in the cupboard. 4 I put potatoes in the oven without first punching holes in them. A half hour later. [correct the fragment by adding the subject and verb SHE SUGGESTS] Practice 6. 2 The old house was filled with expensive woodwork. underline the added-detail fragment in each selection. 5 Janet looked forward to seeing former classmates at the high school reunion.0 3 My mother is always giving me household hints. 3 Andy used to have many bad eating habits. a handcarved mantel and a mahogany banister. I never remember them. With potatoes splattering all over the walls of the oven. using club soda on stains. 22 . Such run-ons are known as fused sentences. 4 Larry’s father could not accept his son’s lifestyle. was constantly criticizing Larry’s choice of friends. Also. Then rewrite that part of the selection needed to correct the fragment. the reader is confused. a comma is used to connect or ‘splice’ together the two complete thoughts. they are fused or joined together as if they were only one thought. We all wondered what the bride was like. Then noticed the ‘out of order’ sign taped over the coin slot. And discovered about one tablespoon of milk left in the carton. 3 Our neighbourhood’s most eligible bachelor got married this weekend. unsure of where one thought ends and the next one begins. I loaded the dryer with wet clothes. 23 . 1 Fred went to the refrigerator to get milk for his breakfast cereal. a comma alone is not enough to connect two complete thoughts. she looks the new words up. Run—Ons A run-on is two complete thoughts that are run together with no adequate sign given to mark the break between them. In other run-ons. 5 Wanda stared at the blank page in desperation. As a result of the run-on. underline the missing-subject fragment in each selection. known as comma splices. John decided to stop smoking he didn’t want to die of lung cancer.]. However.] or add a subject to it [Then with a good dictionary. And decided that the first sentence of a paper is always the hardest to write. Some connection stronger than a comma alone is needed. Two types of run-ons are fused sentence and comma splices. Practice 7. 2 At the Laundromat. Use one of the two methods of correction described above. Some run-ons have no punctuation at all to mark the break between thoughts. But did not invite us to the wedding.EASY-IELTS looks the new words up. Use subordination [put a dependent word at the beginning of one fragment]. he didn’t want to die of lung cancer.000. Practice 1. PERIOD AND A CAPITAL LETTER This method is especially useful if the thoughts are not closely related or if another method would make the sentence too long. Use a period [full stop] and a capital letter to separate the two complete thoughts. 2. 2 The subway train hurtled through the station a blur of spray paint and graffiti flashed in front of my eyes. 3. METHOD 1. Reading each sentence aloud will help you ‘hear’ where a major break or split in the thoughts occurs. Use a semicolon to connect the two complete thoughts. yet] to connect the two complete thoughts. Correct the run-ons by putting a period at the end of the first thought and a capital letter at the start of the second thought. for. 4.WRITING VER. 1. Each is a fused sentence—that is. There are four methods of correcting run-ons. or. 4 Half of the class flunked the exam the other half of the students were absent. In other words. Use a comma plus a joining word [and.0 John decided to stop smoking. each consists of two sentences fused or joined together with no punctuation at all between them. 24 . 1 Gerald’s motorized wheelchair broke down he was unable to go to class. 3 Jenny panicked the car had stalled on a treacherous traffic circle. make two separate sentences of the two complete thoughts. so. not.1. but. locate the split in each of the following run-ons. 5 One reason for the high cost of new furniture is the cost of good wood one walnut tree sold recently for $40. his snoring drowns out the lecture. so. Some of them are fused sentences. Practice 3. 1. 1 I wish Carl wouldn’t fall asleep in class. every eight seconds another home is burglarized. 5 Cats sleep in all sorts of unusual places. Here is what the four most common joining words mean. SHE 4 The toaster oven was acting strangely. Correct each run-on by putting a period at the end of the first thought and a capital letter at the start of the next thought. But. along with John was watching the football match. on the other hand. And.EASY-IELTS Practice 2. nor. except. locate the split in each of the following run-ons. THEY 2 The first thing Marcus ate for dessert was a peach. our new cat likes to curl up in the bathroom sink. and he was doing his homework as well. and some are comma splices—run-ons spliced or joined together only with a comma. just the opposite 25 . 2 The crime rate in this country is increasing. 3 Our car radio is not working properly we get whistling noises and static instead of music. Joining words are and. however. in addition. yet. Start the second sentence with the word given. 1 I could not find my car keys. but. 2. write a second sentence to go with each sentence below. for. COMMA AND JOINING WORD This method is called coordination. THEN 3 My daughter began screaming. THERE METHOD 2. or. 4 That shopping mall has the smell of death about it half the stores are empty. IT 5 Cars had to stop suddenly at the intersection. 2 Something was obviously wrong with the meat loaf it was glowing in the dark. for. so she failed the course. 1 The night was hot and humid [SO] 2 Fred wanted to get a pizza [BUT] 3 Lola went shopping in the morning [AND] 4 I’m going to sell my car [FOR] 5 I expected the exam to be easy [BUT] 26 . consequently She didn’t study at all this semester. For. add a complete. so] that logically connects the two thoughts in each sentence. the cause for something He is studying really hard. 4. 4 Brett moved from Boston to Los Angeles he wanted to get as far away as possible from his ex-wife. the reason why. for he has a hard examination. 3 Tia and Nina enjoyed the movie they wished the seats had been more comfortable. but. insert the comma and the joining word [and. 1 The telephone was ringing someone was at the front door as well. Practice 4. as a result.WRITING VER. 3. closely related thought to each of the following statements. When you write the second thought. use a comma plus the word given. but she didn’t answer.1. So. therefore. Practice 5. 5 I decided to go back to school I felt my brain was turning to slush.0 I sent her three text messages. because. SEMICOLON ALONE A semicolon is made up of a period (full stop) above a comma. Occasional use of semicolons can add variety to sentences. She didn’t study at all this semester. she failed the course. however. She didn’t study at all this semester. The semicolon signals more of a pause than a comma alone but not quite the full pause of a period. also. I sent her three text messages. he was doing his homework as well. he has a hard examination. He is studying really hard. METHOD 3B. she didn’t answer. SEMICOLON WITH A TRANSITION A semicolon is sometimes used with a transitional word and a comma to join two complete thoughts. she failed the course. 1 I just cancelled my cell phone service the bill was just too expensive. she didn’t answer. John was watching the football match. 3 Bonnie put a freshly baked batch of chocolate chip cookies on the counter to cool everyone gathered round for samples. I sent her three text messages. 27 . he was doing his homework as well.EASY-IELTS METHOD 3A. 2 Reggie wanted to watch a football game the rest of the family insisted on watching a movie. insert a semicolon where the break occurs between the two complete thoughts in each of the following sentences. 5 Nate never heard the third base coach screaming for him to stop he was out at home plate by ten feet. consequently. 4 About $ 25 million worth of pizza is eaten each year an average of 300 new pizza parlors open every week. Practice 6. John was watching the football match. .. Practice 7.. choose a logical transitional word from the list above and write it...... 1 The tree must be sprayed with insecticide..........1. therefore. 5 Juanita is taking five courses this semester.... I believe. Here is a list of common transitional words also called adverbial conjunctions. otherwise....... 3 The fluorescent lights in the library gave Jan a headache furthermore they distracted her by making a loud humming sound.the spider mites will kill it.. moreover. moreover.... that they’ll change their minds..........he hired a carpenter to complete the job......I bought a watchdog.. for each item..0 Sometimes transitional words do not join complete thoughts but are merely interrupters in a sentence.....WRITING VER...... in contrast. consequently. furthermore. also.......I agreed to let him saw me in half.... nevertheless. In addition........ However. 2 Foul language marred the live boxing match as a result next time the network will probably use a tape delay. in addition......... My parents.......... 2 I helped the magician set up his props..... plan to go on the trip.. on the other hand. instead........... 28 . punctuate each sentence by using a semicolon and a comma. put a semicolon before the transitional and a comma after it. Practice 8....... 3 Fred never finished panelling his basement.she is working forty hours a week. 1 I arrived early to get a good seat however there were already a hundred people outside the door............... however... 4 My house was robbed last week...... as a result...... .... choose a logical dependent word from the list above and write it in the gap... 29 .. although. METHOD 4. we sent out for a pizza.....the football game was being played.. 2 ...... when... 5 You should talk to a counsellor.. After.........because I was late for class three times.. until........ Practice 9........ because....EASY-IELTS 4 The broken shells on the beach were like tiny razors consequently we walked along with extreme caution. Subordination is a way of showing that one thought in a sentence is not as important as another thought.......you decide on your courses for next semester......... Following is a brief list of common dependent words............. even though. we went out for another pizza.. Because John didn’t want to die of lung cancer... unless.. 1 The instructor is lowering my grade in the course... Notice when we subordinate. my stomach rose a few feet.. when and although....the airplane dropped a few feet.......the football game was over... while.. 3 ...... he decided to stop smoking... 5 Ted carefully combed and recombed his hair nevertheless his bald spot still showed.. SUBORDINATION A fourth method of joining related thoughts is to use subordination.... as.......... since. 4 ... we use dependent words like because....... I sent her three text messages although she didn’t answer. if........... making them more interesting and expressive. My aunt gives me kisses and presents. or several subjects and verbs. The game ended early. FOUR TRADITIONAL SENTENCE PATTERNS Sentences in English are traditionally described as simple. and replaced the oil filter. complex. The two complete statements in a compound sentence are usually connected by a comma plus a joining word (and. or compound-complex.WRITING VER. The technique of showing that ideas have equal importance is called coordination. but. compound. but. A simple sentence may have more than one subject. THE COMPOUND SENTENCE A compound. Practice 1. 3 We played softball in the afternoon. yet). I decided to see a doctor. THE SIMPLE SENTENCE A simple sentence has a single subject-verb combination. or ‘double’ sentence is made up of two (or more) simple sentences.1. We went to a movie in the evening. 30 . or more than one verb. Lola and Tony drove home. for. 2 My uncle always ignores me. nor.0 Sentence Variety This part will show you how to write effective and varied sentences. for. The children smiled and waved at us. so] 1 My cold grew worse. You will learn more about two techniques—subordination and coordination—you can use to expand simple sentences. Jack and Joe lubricated my car. or. combine the following pairs of simple sentences into compound sentences using a comma and a logical joining word [and. A compound sentence is used when you want to give equal weight to two closely related ideas. so. wherever.EASY-IELTS 4 I invited Rico to sleep overnight. I called my boss to say thank you. whenever. when. use logical dependent [subordinating] words to combine the following pairs of sentences into complex sentences. The technique of giving one idea less emphasis that another is called subordination. Practice 2. that. whatever. how. until. 4 I received a raise at work. though. because.. who. The class groaned. The main idea is ‘I missed the final exam’ since it is expressed as a complete thought.. THE COMPLEX SENTENCE A complex sentence consists of a simple sentence (a complete statement) and a statement that begins with a dependent word. 31 . No one would rent us an apartment. They had gotten a tip about illegal drugs for sale. Because I forgot the time. Place a comma after a dependent statement when it starts the sentence. whose. Although I practiced for three months. While Mary was eating breakfast. Here is a list of them. 5 We owned four cats and a dog. I failed my driving test. You should take it to Otto’s Transmission. she began to feel sick. what. I missed the final exam. He wanted to go home. if. while. so that. in order that. where. A complex sentence is used when you want to emphasize one idea over another in a sentence. 5 Police raided the club. as. even if. 3 Your car is out of commission. In the following examples the less important ideas are underlined. which. although. After. since. whether. . I checked my money before I invited John for lunch. before. even though. 1 The instructor announced the quiz. The less important idea—Because I forgot the time—is subordinated to the complete thought. He decided to go to the checkout counter. unless. 2 Gene could not fit any more groceries into his cart. . Then insert a logical joining word [and. Omit repeated words.. Include a comma when a dependent statement starts a sentence.. when.. THE COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE A compound-complex sentence is made up of two (or more) simple sentences and one (or more) dependent statements. but the room remained hot. rewrite the following sentences.he swallowed allergy pills regularly.... 5 The fish tank broke.. 1 .. Practice 4.. using subordination rather than coordination... 2 The woodshed has collapsed. although]. 32 . 1 The magazine article was about abortion. 4 You should go to a doctor.. I built the woodshed myself. Pete bought an air conditioner.... or.. 3 The power drill is missing. 4 Rita Haber was indicted for bribery. combine the following simple sentences into complex sentences.... Practice 5. for your chest cold may get worse. I bought the power drill at half price.. We ate the chicken pies..he suffered so much during hay fever season.. read through each sentence to get a sense of its overall meaning.. the math teacher gave me makeup work.. 3 I washed the sheets and towels. Rita Haber is our mayor... and I scrubbed the bathroom floor.. for. so we can take showers again..... The article made me very angry.0 Practice 3..WRITING VER....... 1 Ruth turned on the large window fan.... but. 5 The chicken pies contained dangerous preservatives.1. but the history instructor made me drop her course.. and guppies were flopping all over the carpet. so] and a logical dependent word [because.. . since. which or that. Use the dependent words who.. After I returned to school following a long illness. 2 The plumber repaired the water heater. ....... but...........the computer was just repaired.......... so.. REVIEW OF SUBORDINATION AND COORDINATION Subordination and coordination are ways of showing the exact relationship of ideas within a sentence... When we subordinate... the screen keeps freezing... 4 .you should cover the masonry walls with waterproof paint. nor... and after... 33 ..... She decided to see a dermatologist. Jack sat at his desk with his head down.... or............... He wants to be a salesman...... .... Through subordination we show that one idea is less important than another.... 1 Louise used a dandruff shampoo... He had not read the assignment........... He did not ant the instructor to call on him....... She still had dandruff......water condensation continues in your basement.EASY-IELTS 2 ..... Practice 6. yet... use subordination or coordination to combine the following groups of simple sentences into one or more longer sentences. we use the words and. ..I put on my new flannel shirt............ Through coordination we show that ideas are of equal importance.............. 3 .. because. When we coordinate............. although.. Be sure to omit repeated words............ 5 .. 3 The instructor conducted a discussion period... we use dependent words like when.... while... 2 Omar’s parents want him to be a doctor.I angrily went looking for a replacement button in the sewing basket. I discovered that a button was missing.I have to restart the program... He impresses people with his charm.... Various combinations are possible. for... either you should buy a dehumidifier...................I have lived all my life on the East Coast.. I felt uncomfortable during a West Coast vacation...I kept thinking that the ocean as on the wrong side.. WRITING VER. She has written the letter. in case of a sudden shower. fill each blank with the standard form of be. She is writing a letter. 1 If it be not raining tomorrow. 4 it don’t hurt to bring a raincoat also. we use either present participle (--ing) or past participle of the verb. BE.0 4 Lola wanted to get a quick lunch at the cafeteria. And after do. Practice 2. Then write the standard form of be. After be. 2 You is invited to join us. 3 You has to bring your own sleeping bag and flashlight. I asked my son to water the back lawn. we’re going camping. 5 I was leaving to do some shopping in town. She didn’t write the letter. ` Three common irregular verbs. 8 The food tasted good even though if have some dead leaves in it.1. have or do. 34 . we use past participle of the verb. we was covered with mosquito bites. 10 When we got home. Practice 1. have or do. A letter was written. DO These verbs are auxiliary verbs. bare infinitive (infinitive without to) is used. 7 We done all the cooking ourselves. All the sandwiches were gone. 9 Then we discovered that we has no insect repellent. He seemed agreeable. 6 Last year we have a great time on a family camping trip. The lawn had not been watered. She had to settle for a cup of yogurt. I returned three hours later. 5 The stars is beautiful on a warm summer night. She doesn’t write letters. HAVE. cross out the nonstandard verb form in each sentence. After have. not have time to learn all the notes............ It takes an object........ laid) To lie means to rest or recline........to go to choir practice every Friday night and.... set) To sit means to take a seat or to rest.......... Troublesome Irregular Verbs LIE (lay....................... she says..expected to know all the music... 5 Frankenstein’s monster lay/laid on the table. I set out the dishes on the table. It doesn’t need an object....... I lay the mail on the table... It needs an object..... 4 I have lain/laid all the visitors’ coats in the master bedroom....houseguests and... To lay means to put something down... It doesn’t need an object..... The music.......... 35 ... sat) —SET (set. waiting for lightning to recharge his batteries...... 2 I am going to lie/lay another log on the fire...going to make fun of her.................... She. my mother.......... and she thought the other people.................. To set means to put or to place.. 3 Lying/Laying down for an hour after supper helps Fred regain his energy........ the other choir members.........likely to make nasty comments.very understanding when she told them that she.......... Last weekend. If she....laryngitis and couldn’t make a sound...very difficult......things like glare at her and... I sit down during work breaks...EASY-IELTS My mother sings alto in our church choir.... SIT (sat... Practice 1..not know her part....... Tony lies on the couch.... lain) —LAY (laid. But they.... choose the correct verb 1 Vicky is the sort of person who lies/lays her cards on the table............ I usually rise/raise early. 2 I walked three blocks before sitting/setting down the heavy suitcases. RISE (rose. 5 The cost of living rises/raises steadily from year to year. 4 That poor man has not sat/set down once today. 3 After five days of steady rain.1. raised) To rise means to get up or to move up. 1 Even though I can sleep late on Sunday if I want to. choose the correct verb. 1 During family arguments I try to sit/set on the fence instead of taking sides. Use a form of rise if you can substitute get up/ move up. The crowd rose to applaud the batter. It needs an object.0 Practice 2. risen) —RAISE (raised. Use a form of set if you can substitute place/put. Use a form of raise if you can substitute lift up/ increase.WRITING VER. To raise (which is a regular verb with simple –ed endings) means to lift up or to increase in amount. 36 . choose the correct verb. the water in the dam had risen/raised to a dangerous level. 2 Some dealers rise/raise rather than lower their prices before a sale. 4 The landlord rose/raised the rent in order to force the tenants out of the apartment. Practice 3. It doesn’t need an object. 3 Lorenzo sat/set the grapefruit on the teacher’s desk. Use a form of sit if you can substitute rest/take a seat. I raised the sheds to let in the sun. 5 You can sit/set the laundry basket on top of the washer. Common prepositions. About above across among around at below beneath beside between by for from in inside into of off through to toward under with before behind during except on onto over Practice 1. 5 The dust-covered photo albums in the attic belongs/belong to my grandmother. sells/sell for just 50 dollars. 5. was/were unable to come because of flooded roads. 2. When words come between the subjects and the verb When a verb comes before the subject With indefinite pronouns With compound subjects With who. Mistakes in subject-verb agreement are usually made in the following situations. 37 .EASY-IELTS Subject—Verb Agreement A verb must agree with its subject in number. along with the two pairs of pants. 2 The sport coat. 1. 4 Amir’s sister. 1 The blue stain on the sheets comes/come from the cheap dish towel that I put in the washer with them. Then choose the correct verb. which. A plural subject takes a plural verb. A singular subject takes a singular verb. 3 The roots of the apple tree is/are very shallow. draw one line under the subject. 3. who wanted to be at his surprise party. that WORDS BETWEEN THE SUBJECT AND THE VERB Prepositional phrases usually come between the subject and the verb. 4. 1 There is/are long lines at the checkout counter. 10 Chapter 4 of the psychology book.WRITING VER. 38 . which. Where are the instructions for the DVD player? Practice 2. 6 There is/are rats nesting under the backyard woodpile. here. who. 5 At the end of the line. 4 There is/are pretzels if you want something to go with the cheese. 7 swaggering down the street was/were several tough-looking boys. 8 On the very top of that mountain is/are a house for sale. 9 the electrical wiring in the apartment is/are dangerous and needs replacing. Inside the storage shed are the garden tools. 7 Two cups of coffee in the morning does/do not make up a hearty breakfast. 3 Filling the forest floor was/were dozens of pine cones. Then choose the correct verb.1. along with six weeks of class notes is/are to be the basis of the test. hoping to get seats for the movie. and where. in questions. draw one line under the subject. 2 Scampering to the door to greet Martha Grencher was/were her two little dogs. At the street corner were two panhandlers. and. what. Words that may precede the subject include there. 8 The moon as well as some stars is/are shining brightly tonight. VERB BEFORE THE SUBJECT A verb agrees with its subject even when the verb comes before the subject. There are times I’m ready to quit my job.0 6 The cost of personal calls made on office telephones is/are deducted from our pay. was/were Janet and Maureen. 10 Under a large plastic dome on the side of the counter lies/lie a single gooey pastry. everybody. Practice 3. everywhere. anything. 2 Nobody dance/dances the way he does. somebody. something. someone. are always singular. everything. anyone. 6 No one ever offer/offers to work on that committee. everyone. 7 One of my sisters own/owns a VW convertible.EASY-IELTS 9 At the soap opera convention. One. 1 Everyone in our neighbourhood hope/hopes the farm stays open. neither. each. 9 Everyone that I talked to think/thinks the curfew is a good idea. anywhere. Ambition and good luck are the keys to his success. known as indefinite pronouns. either. 10 Each of the candidates has/have talked about withdrawing form the race. somewhere. 5 Everyone who received an invitation appear/appears to be here. 3 Either of our football team’s guards deserve/deserves to be an all-state guard. 4 Both of the race drivers was/were injured. anybody. nothing. choose the correct form of the verb. nobody. nowhere. there was/were fans from all over the country. 8 Somebody has/have been taking shopping carts from the supermarket. BOTH always takes a plural verb. 39 . no one. COMPOUND SUBJECTS Subjects joined by and generally take a plural verb. INDEFINITE PRONOUNS The following words. 4 The Saturn is one of the small American cars that give/gives high gasoline mileage.WRITING VER. Gary is one of those people who are very private.1. neither. working on his van and playing video games is/are Pete’s main interests in life.. choose the correct the verb.. either. the verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb... but the shoes look terrible... 3 The radio that blare/blares all night belongs to my insomniac neighbour. 5 For better or worse... not only. 5 The strange smell that appear/appears in our neighbourhood on rainy days is being investigated.0 When subjects are joined by or. they take singular verbs if the word they stand for is singular and plural verbs if the word they stand for is plural... WHO.. 1 This tie and shirt match/matches the suit.. Practice 5. Practice 4.nor. which. 2 The kitchen and the bedroom has/have to be cleaned. choose the correct form of the verb. 2 This job isn’t for people who stumble/stumbles over tough decisions.... 1 I removed the sheets that was/were jamming my washer. and that are used as subjects. Either the manager or his assistants deserve to be fired.but also. Gary is a person who is very private. WHICH AND THAT When who.or. 4 Neither Ellen nor her brothers plan/plans to work at a temporary job during their holiday break from college. 40 . Either the assistants or the manager deserves to be fired. 3 A good starting salary and a bonus system is/are the most attractive features of my new job. Cross out the incorrect verb and write the correct form. Part of her hoped to get a letter in which someone declares he is madly in love with her and will cherish her forever. I discovered there was a tear in the cellophane bag. 2 The nursing program attracted Juanita. then jumped back as a steam billows out. don’t shift without reason to the present. The verbs must be consistently either in the present. Practice 1. Notice the inconsistent verb tenses in the following example: Smoke spilled from the front of the overheated car. If you begin in the past. but she weighed the pluses and minuses and then decides to enrol in the X-ray technician course instead. 4 Ruby waits eagerly for the mail carrier each day. 5 The first thing Jerry does every day is weigh himself. 3 I grabbed for the last bag of pretzels on the supermarket shelf. one verb must be changed so that it agrees in the tense with the other verbs. 41 . he discovers that the roof was rotted through. The scale informed him what he can eat that day.EASY-IELTS Consistent verb tense Do not shift tenses unnecessarily. The driver opens up the hood. don’t shift suddenly to the past. If you begin writing a paper in the present tense. 7 When Norm peeled back the old shingles. or in the past. But when I pick it up. 1 Mike peels and eats oranges at movies. In each item. 6 My sister sprinkles detergent flakes on my head and then ran around telling everyone that I had dandruff. the smell caused other people to move away from him. she will have worked Present perfect progressive. When he asks me if he could come in. I will be working. he had been working 12. 10. we are not working Past progressive. he pays the money and makes no comment. past. you had worked. he worked Future simple. 3. Past perfect progressive. I have worked. they had been working. I said.0 8 My father knocked on the bedroom door. Use the tense that seems to express the meaning of each sentence best.WRITING VER. he was working. 42 . 5.1. 1. For the sentences that follow. we have been working. The most common tenses are the simple present.’ 9 Omar is so unaggressive that when a clerk overcharged him for an item. 9. 4. you will have been working. there are nine other tenses that enable us to express more specific ideas about time than we could with the simple tenses alone. he had worked Future perfect. The time that a verb shows is usually called tense. 2. 8. Future perfect progressive. Additional Information about Verbs VERB TENSE Verbs tell us the time of an action. In addition. 6. you will work Present progressive. she is working. and future. she has been working 11. I swallow hard and my stomach churned. 10 When my doctor told me I needed an operation. fill in the present or past prefect or the present or past progressive of the verb shown. they were working Future progressive. ‘Not right now. 7. she has worked Past perfect. you will have worked. she will be working Present perfect. Present simple I work. she works Past simple. she will have been working Practice 1. ......to get a good job carrying groceries at the supermarket.... my little brother...... Verbals.... A participle is a verb form used as an adjective (a descriptive word). THROW VERBALS Verbals are words formed from verbs............to second...... and gerunds. The past participle ends in –ed or has an irregular 43 ............ I started to practice......................... LOOK 7 Miriam. SEE 9 Nilsa..... Infinitives are TO plus the base form of verbs. They can add variety to your sentences and vigor to your writing style......... TRY 5 This year..soap operas for four hours a day in the two months she was unemployed.................. the waiter.......... Aunt Agatha..EASY-IELTS 1 We.. unfortunately............only a basket of stale rolls on our table............................................. Don’t try to lift that table....every Bruce Lee movie in existence............ The present participle ends in –ing.....French for three years so she can talk to her poodle........ Three kinds of verbals are infinitives.............good about his job until the first dog bit him... the runner was on third......... like verbs.everywhere for the paper.for five miles before we realized we were lost.. GROW 6 I.......... STUDY 8 James loves karate...tomatoes—she must have about five hundred already...... PLACE 4 All last winter. often express action............ WALK 2 The new mail carrier...... WATCH 10 The pitcher.. FEEL 3 After an hour. I found it under the cat...... finally. he....... participles...... when the performer of the action is unknown or is less important that the receiver of the action. an infinitive [I]. 1 The sobbing child could not find his parents. 7 Glowing embers were all that remained of the fire.WRITING VER. identify the italicized word as a participle [P].1. 3 Painting the front porch is a chore Fred promises to get to every spring. the verb is in the passive voice. my mother asked. change the following sentences from the passive to the active voice. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VERBS When the subject of a sentence performs the action of the verb. however. 5 Lola always like to race through a pile of dead leaves. The laughing child held up her locked piggy bank. In general. When the subject of a sentence receives the action of a verb. 6 My boss’s graying hair gives him a look of authority. A gerund is the –ing form of a verb used as a noun. The passive form of a verb consists of a form of the verb be plus the past participle of the main verb. active verbs are more effective than passive verbs. Practice 3. the verb is in the active voice. 44 .0 ending. Practice 2. The passive form of verbs is appropriate. or a gerund [G]. Studying wears me out. 4 All my brother ever wants to do is play video games. Active verbs give your writing a simpler and more vigorous style. 2 Gossiping with neighbours is my favourite pastime. 9 Holding her nose. Note that you may have to add a subject in some cases. 8 It doesn’t matter if you win or lose—just try to break even. ‘What’s the awful smell?’ 10 Wearing glasses makes that man look intelligent. 2—a pronoun must agree in number with the word or words it replaces. PRONOUN REFERENCE A sentence may be confusing and unclear if a pronoun appears to refer to more than one word. 8 Umbrellas are always being lost by my forgetful Aunt Agatha. 5 The devil was driven out of Regan by the exorcist. 4 The horse chestnuts were knocked off the trees by the boys. We never buy fresh vegetables at that store because they charge too much. Agreement. 9 Babe Ruth’s home run record was finally broken by Barry Bonds. 10 A bomb was found in the suitcase by the airport security staff. 2 Many people were offended by the comedian.EASY-IELTS 1 The surprise party was organized by Eliza. What was stolen. and then it was stolen. and Point of View Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns. 3—pronouns should not shift unnecessarily in point of view. The rules are as follows. Pronoun Reference. 1—a pronoun must refer clearly to the word it replaces. 6 The huge moving van was loaded by four perspiring men. 7 A tray of glasses was dropped by the inexperienced waiter. 3 The old woman’s groceries are paid for by the neighbours. Who are they? Who charges too much? 45 . This part presents rules that will help you avoid three common mistakes people make with pronouns. your car or your suitcase? A sentence my also be confusing if the pronoun does not refer to any specific word. I locked my suitcase in my car. Pronouns are shortcuts that keep you from unnecessarily repeating words in writing. ....... 4 When Tony questioned the mechanic. which was unexpected. they take it off the air. 46 .. 9 Whenever I start enjoying a new television show. he became very upset...... rewrite each of the following sentences to make clear the vague pronoun reference. or omit words as necessary..... 7 My cousin is an astrologer. PRONOUN AGREEMENT A pronoun must agree in number with the word or words it replaces. it] in the blank space in each of the following sentences..1. the pronoun must be plural... their. 6 Paul told his younger brother that the dog had chewed his new running shoes..... Not that the word a pronoun refers to is known as the antecedent... but I don’t believe in it.... 10 When the centre fielder heard the crack of the bat. 1 After the hikers arrived at the camp. Practice 2. 2 I failed two of my courses last semester because they graded unfairly.. if the word is plural... 1 Mario insisted to Harry that it was his turn to drive..... them. the pronoun must be singular...removed.. change... 8 Liz told Elaine that she had been promoted... If the word a pronoun refers to is singular...... 2 That breakfast cereal is delicious..WRITING VER..has almost no nutrients.... but..0 Practice 1.. write the appropriate pronoun [they... he raced toward the fence but was unable to catch it. 5 I was very nervous about the biology exam. Add. which pleased his parents very much...heavy packs. 3 Don was offered an accounting job.. no one. anybody.. nobody.. their] own section. INDEFINITE PRONOUNS The following words.... their] own room... someone.. either. their] cell phone.. their] homework in today.... something. 4 Only one of the boys remembered to bring [his. nowhere. their] job about the same time each morning... 8 Before a discussion in our women’s club.. 1 Neither of the boys brought [his. they] wants to ask.. anything. everyone. 2 Each waitress is responsible for [her. 7 Almost every woman on our street leaves for [her... 5 Each of my sisters has [her.... 4 The heat was so oppressive during the race that. each.are getting along better now. 6 Any man who purchased one of those ill-made suits probably wasted [his. One of the girls lost her skateboard..EASY-IELTS 3 I never buy gifts in stores anymore. somewhere.. Either of the apartments has its drawbacks.. One. everywhere... everything.. each member must decide on one question that [she.. Practice 3. nothing. 3 It seems as though no one in my fraternity wants to pay [his.. Everyone in the class must hand in his paper tomorrow... anywhere....... neither. and.on the Internet. choose the correct pronoun... for I use my computer to purchase. 47 . everybody... 5 Anna’s parents went to a marriage counsellor..... known as indefinite pronouns........ somebody.... their] money... anyone. their] dues these days.caused several runners to pass out.. are always singular. 2 Students may not leave the exam room unless you have finished the exam. One reason that I like living in the city is that you always have a wide choice of sports events to attend. don’t shift unnecessarily to you. cross out inconsistent pronouns in the following sentences and write the correction above the error. its] plural [they. their] job. no matter how hard you work. us] 2. his. be consistent in your use of first-. 48 . her. Or if you are writing in the third-person they.0 9 Either of the travel routes has [their. As it is. Third-person pronouns. your] plural [you. 3 These days people never seem to get the recognition they deserve. my. their. singular [I. 1 What I don’t like about eating Chinese food is that you always feel hungry an hour later. you can never be sure what a pet means by a bark or a meow. second-. ours. if you start writing in the first-person I.1. For instance. Second-person pronouns. mine. 10 Any player on the men’s team who gains weight is in danger of losing [his. hers/ it. [Inconsistent ] One reason that i like living in the city is that I always have a wide choice of sports events to attend. don’t jump suddenly to the second-person you. or third-person pronouns. me] plural [we. When writing a paper. First-person pronouns. them] Practice 4. our. PRONOUN POINT OF VIEW Pronouns should not shift their point of view unnecessarily. singular [he. 4 If our pets could talk. your] 3. theirs. him/ she. we would find it easier to take care of them. singular [you. [consistent] 1.WRITING VER. its] share of places to see. Use a subject pronoun after than or as when a verb is understood after the pronoun. WE. SHE. 3. Our boss paid Monica more than me.EASY-IELTS 5 Whenever a woman feels she is being discriminated against. 7 I work at a shop where you do not get paid for all the holidays you should. THEY] are subjects of verbs. Tom is as intelligent as I (am). 10 In our office. we can have a long coffee break anytime you want it. IT. HE. Pronoun Types SUBJECT AND OBJECT PRONOUNS Subject pronouns [I. 6 If a person plans to make a complaint. It was me (I) who telephoned. Use a subject pronoun in a sentence with a compound (more than one) subject. 9 Once we were at the campsite. Use a subject pronoun after forms of the verb BE. The law applies to you as well as me. Use object pronouns after as or than when a verb is not understood after the pronoun. you had only a radio as contact with the outside world. In spoken English we prefer ‘It was me’ but in written English it is considered incorrect. Mary and me (and I) went shopping. YOU. 1. NOT than me. It may be them (they) at the door. 49 . you should register a complaint. you should check all the facts first. one should take action right away. You read faster than I (read). 8 If you think you’re coming down with cold symptoms. 2. . 4 Give more spaghetti to Hal and she/her. 2 Mr. 1 I left the decision to she/her.0 Object pronouns [ME. HER.to play on both offense and defence.WRITING VER. 1 Lola ran after Sue and...me.... IT....1.... 3 He arrived sooner than they/them........with a bronze trophy............ 8 We/Us fellows decided to get up a football game.. Practice 1......... US... 7 She/Her and Luisa are jealous of my success... The first one has been done for you as an example.......... 10 Her/She and I/me are not talking to each other..... 9 I don’t feel he is a better volleyball player than me/I..whispering during the exam.. THEM] are the objects of verbs or prepositions... 5 Sonia and she/her gave the car an oil change..... 3 Pull the map out of the glove compartment and give it to.. Spud....... choose the correct subject or object pronoun in each of the following sentences.. YOU...... 5 The instructor caught Ted and...to return the books she had borrowed.. HIM....... Try to use as many different pronouns as possible.... 2 My sister and I/me decided to combine funds to buy our parents’ Christmas present...... 6 The two people failed for cheating on the test were Mary and he/him. for each sentence write an appropriate subject or object pronoun... Practice 2.. 4 The bowling team presented... 50 .. asked Gary and... our football coach..... . they start a short word group that gives additional information about this someone or something.........and their polite artificial smiles... 10 My uncle entertained..... Second...... upsets my stomach.... First.... Who and whom are used differently... and whom all refer to people.. Whom is an object pronoun... Which refers to things. 4. Use who as the subject of a verb. Dr.kids with his scary ghost stories.. I guessed at half the questions that were on the test.. whose.... 8 I’m tired of..... RELATIVE PRONOUNS Relative pronouns do two things at once.. 1.. I haven’t decided for whom I will vote.and our neighbours.... Let’s see who will be teaching the course..decided to care for the stray puppy.. The only friend who really understands me is moving away. Who is a subject pronoun. 2. Practice 3..... whom.. Who... They are who... 2 The plant who/that Nita got for her birthday finally died. they refer to someone or something already mentioned in the sentence. who/which is seventy-nine.... Kelsey is the instructor whom I like best..... Chocolate... whose.... Use whom as the object of a verb or a preposition. When they are used in this way.was... which.. which means who is. whom and which can also be used to ask questions.. whose.. which is my favourite food.... they are called interrogative pronouns. Who. 51 ..... that.. choose the correct pronoun in each of the following sentences.... goes bowling every Friday..... That can refer to either people or things. The child whom they adopted is from Korea... 3. 9 The block party was organized by.... 1 My grandfather.EASY-IELTS 6 No one was dressed up as much as..... 7 My sister and. Whose means belonging to whom. Be careful not to confuse whose with who’s.. those. or those there to point out. that and those refer to things farther away. theirs.0 3 I wish I had a relative who/whom would give me a million dollars.WRITING VER. 3 The seat you are sitting on is mines. cross out the incorrect pronoun form in each of the sentences that follow. That coat is hers’. this here. They are this. that. you’re welcome to stay with us. 5 The coffeepot is ours’. 2 If you are a friend of him. He shut off the engine of his motorcycle. 4 The neighbours called they dogs to chase the cat off the lawn. my. The keys are mine. DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS Demonstrative pronouns point to a person or thing. Write the correct form. A possessive pronoun never uses an apostrophe. They are mine. ours. [possessive adjectives which are used before nouns are. these. these. 5 Nobody knew who/whom was responsible for the mistake.1. her. Use only this. your. 52 . these here. Generally speaking this and these refer to things close at hand. 4 I don’t know to who/whom I should send my complaint letter. 1 That car won’t be safe until you get its’ brakes fixed. that. cross out the incorrect form of the demonstrative pronoun and write the correct form. 1 That there dog will bite you if it gets a chance. our. that there. Practice 5. his. POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS Possessive pronouns show ownership or possession. those. Practice 4. his. yours. Do NOT use them. hers. its. theirs. yourselves. Adjectives can be used to compare. worst]. Do not use both –er ending and more. or both an –est ending and most. 1 Tony considers hisself the strongest wrestler in the class. seem. little [less. 4 Carry in those there shopping bags if you want to help. best]. herself. look. bad [worse. smell. themselves. Adjectives and Adverbs Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns. most]. 4 Many firefighters themself do not have smoke detectors in their homes. 3 You must carry your luggage yourselfs. 2 The striking players are only making theirselves look greedy. feel. add –er when comparing two things and – est when comparing three or more things. yourself. Some adjectives have irregular forms. They are myself. REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that refer to the subject of a sentence. good/well [better. add more when comparing two things and most when comparing three or more things. You will have to wash the dishes yourself. much/many [more. itself. and become. taste. ourselves. himself. 5 The place where I’d like to live is that there corner house. cross out the incorrect form of the reflexive pronoun and write the correct form. 53 . appear. sound. least]. For most short adjectives. 3 Them girls cannot be trusted.EASY-IELTS 2 This here fingernail is not growing straight. But they can also come after the verbs be. Sometimes they are used for emphasis. 5 We decided to finish the basement by ourself. For most longer adjectives (two or more syllables). Practice 6. They usually come before the word they describe [a kind woman]. I became a good swimmer. She learned quick quickly. it describes nouns. adjectives. Well (rather than good) is also used as an adjective when referring to a person’s health.1. Mary did well on that exam. I told him that I wasn’t feeling well. Good is an adjective. An adverb usually ends in –ly. Perhaps the most common mistake that people make with adjectives and adverbs is to use an adjective instead of an adverb after a verb. Examples. write the comparative and superlative forms for the following adjectives. 54 . She was good at cooking. Well is usually an adverb. or other adverbs.WRITING VER. Practice 1. I rest comfortable comfortably in that chair.0 Adverbs describe verbs. Two words often confused are well and good. it describes verbs. EASY-IELTS Fast timid kind ambitious generous fine likable 55 . ...... LITTLE 5 The..way to get a good grade in the class is to take effective notes..............days of my childhood were the ones I spent on trips with my grandfather............................... GOOD 6 The ticket lines for the rock concert were the.. 4 Sam peered with considerable/considerably effort through the grimy cellar window.......................................0 practice 2...pants I own........ choose the adjective or adverb needed. EXPERIENCED 9 This year’s drought is.............money in my job as a delivery boy than I made as a golf caddy.driver in the family.of my five exams........... GOOD Practice 3... write the correct form of adjectives................. LONG 7 The......... 1 My jeans are the... forecasters are saying that next year’s drought may be the.. 2 If I had not run quick/quickly... but my brother is the..pay I ever made was as a drill press operator in a machine shop...................................... BAD 10 The diner’s cheesecake is.....driver than my sister....than last year’s..... EASY 4 I made... 1 Her pink top clashed violent/violently with her orange skirt....... COMFORTABLE 2 My biology exam was the...1....... MEMORABLE 8 I am a....................I had ever seen..... 56 .of this century...WRITING VER............................... the dog would have caught me....... 3 The crowd pushed angry/angrily toward the box office window.......................... DIFFICULT 3 The..than its custard pie....... .. We had hamburger after the movie........ 4 Jim has not been feeling.. 2 We always have a.......... write well or good in the sentences that follow. Misplaced Modifiers Misplaced modifiers are words that.. [The phone didn’t ring in fact? Almost?] Our phone rang almost fifteen times last night..... [The film was greasy?] After the movie.......... 57 .... 3 The mayor and district attorney know each other very.enough to pass the course.. 1 He writes. 5 I did not do. because of wrong placement......lately. 7 I exercise regular/regularly......EASY-IELTS 5 The trees swayed gentle/gently in the wind. which was too greasy for my taste. Look at these examples.... do not describe the words the writer intended them to describe......... I improved my grades in school........ Practice 4...... To avoid them..... 9 I listened careful/carefully to the doctor’s exact... 10 Slow/Slowly but sure/surely..... listening to her parents quarrel angry/angrily in the kitchen............... place words as close as possible to what they describe. 8 Sarah sat very quiet/quietly on the stairs...... Misplaced modifiers often confuse the meaning of a sentence....when I took the typing test.. which was too greasy for my taste..... exactly instructions....... and my eating habits are also regular/regularly. we had a hamburger.. Our phone almost rang fifteen times last night...........time at the county fair.. 6 I was real/really tired......... hardly. 10 Mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator enclosed in a paper bag.0 Other single-word modifiers to watch out for include only. underline the misplaced word/words in each sentence. 9 I nearly earned two hundred dollars last week. adding the italicized words. 3 Evelyn was thinking about her lost chemistry book taking the elevator. often. 1 We agreed to go out to dinner tonight. 6 Tickets have gone on sale for next week’s championship game in the college bookstore. nearly. even.1. Make sure that the intended meaning is clear and that two different interpretations are not possible. 5 Howard almost worked twenty hours overtime to pay some overdue bills. 7 I returned the orange socks to the department store that my uncle gave me. 1 They finally found a Laundromat driving around in their car. 4 Lola selected a donut from the bakery filled with banana cream. Practice 1.WRITING VER. Then rewrite the sentence. placing related words together to make the meanings clear. Practice 2. Such words should be placed immediately before the word they modify. rewrite each sentence. [insert in our science class] 58 . 8 The camper saw the black bear looking through the binoculars. 2 I read that Chuck Yeager was a pilot who broke the sound barrier in the library. Practice 1. While sleeping in his backyard. Mark the one sentence that is correct. my survival depended on my parents. Place the subject right after the opening word group Having almost no money. 2. 1 Folded into a tiny square. while sleeping in his backyard. 2 Wading into the lake. a ball hit him on the head. [insert over the phone] Dangling Modifiers A modifier that opens a sentence must be followed immediately by the word it is meant to describe. I depended on my parents for survival. The writer should have placed Bill right after the modifier. Otherwise. For example. Decide on a logical subject and do one of the following. and the sentence takes on an unintended meaning. [insert weighed down with heavy packages] 4 I’ve looked everywhere for an instruction book on how to play the guitar. I could not read the message. [inset on a rainy day in June to show when the decision was made] 3 Suki decided to hail a taxi. tadpoles swirled around my ankles. Bill was hit on the head by a ball. There are two ways of correcting a dangling modifier. the modifier is said to be dangling. rewrite each sentence to correct the dangling modifier. [Having almost no money.] 1. The unintended meaning is that the ball was sleeping in the backyard. Place the subject within the opening word group Since I had almost no money. was that Bill was sleeping in his backyard.EASY-IELTS 2 Bob and I decided to get married. [insert without success] 5 Mother told me to wash the car. What the writer meant. 59 . I depended on my parents for survival. a ball hit Bill on the head. of course. Or ‘While Bill was sleeping in his backyard. look at this sentence. ....... ....... Myrna knew the time had come to replace the rug. you should try to put matching words and ideas into matching structures..... 7 Soaring high over the left-field fence.. I saw a photograph of my mother...........1.................... 8 Threadbare and dirty..............0 3 Soaked to the skin.. 2 Before learning how to dance. the sun rose and we went into the house.... 10 Hot and sizzling............. complete the following sentences................................................... In each case. Practice 2.........WRITING VER...... By balancing the items in a pair or a series so that they have the same kind of structure................... the television captured my attention for the next hour........ ..... ..... 5 Settling comfortably into the chair................. a logical subject should follow the opening words. But when you rewrite. Such 60 ...... we bit into the apple tarts................... 4 Hanging on the wall...... .................. Don’t worry about parallel [balanced] sentences in your first draft....... 9 After spending most of the night outdoors in a tent..... the batter hit his first home run..... Chris was miserable waiting in the unsheltered doorway... 5 Though very tired........ you will make the sentence clearer and easier to read................. 6 Driving home after a tiring day at work.................................... Faulty parallelism Words in a pair or a series should have parallel structure.......... 1 Since failing the first test..................... the white line became blurry....... 3 While flying the kite..... 4 After taking my coffee break........... and were attending opening nights in order to promote their latest movie. soups that are freshly made. Practice 1. she appeared ghostly in the moonlight. and she works in the garden. to live in a comfortable house. thin. 8 The stars appeared on talk shows. the unbalanced part of each sentence is italicized. and painting the garage are my chores for the weekend. 7 After calling the police. Rewrite this part so that it matches the rest of the sentence. throbbing legs. and working in the garden. and having plenty of money. Fred spends her free time reading. My hope for retirement is to be healthy. listening to music. 1 After the exercise class. Look at the examples of nonparallel and parallel sentences. and arms that ached. 5 with her pale skin and her eyes that were green. and wanted to eat. Fran spends her free time reading. irritable. 61 . to replace weather stripping. I love to watch her show and reading her magazine. listening to music. After the camping I was exhausted. we could only wait. After the camping trip I was exhausted. irritable. 6 As an Operah Winfery fan.EASY-IELTS parallelism will improve your writing style. and we prayed. to live in a comfortable house. and having a bad temper. 2 Our favourite restaurant specializes in delicious omelets. and hungry. 3 The man running the checkout counter was tall. signed autographs. and to have plenty of money. checking the area hospitals. 4 Caulking the windows. I woke up with stiff knees. My hope for retirement is to be healthy. and inexpensive desserts. ... deciding what to wear. showing up late for appointments..... 4 Cigarette smoking is expensive......... complaints about her restrict parents. Sentence variety This part will show you several ways to write effective and varied sentences..... giggling with her friends. investigated by the police.0 9 Our teenage daughter ties up the phone for hours... examined the X-rays. The first two parts of each statement are parallel in form: the part that you add should be parallel in form as well... --ing word groups Use an –ing word group at some point in a sentence. and bill collectors were chasing him...... 5 Lessons I had to learn after moving from my parents’ home included how to budget my money............. and... and....... hoping for the best.] 62 ..... The doctor. 3 The best features of my part-time job are good pay........ how to take care of my own laundry......1..... disgusting... 10 In Allan’s nightmare... he was audited by the IRS... and.. flexible hours..... and........ Jogging every day.... and... complete the following sentences.. You will increase your sense of the many ways available to you for expressing your ideas........ 2 Three bad habits I have resolved to change are losing my temper............. [For more information refer to ‘participle’ section. yearly rent increases....WRITING VER... Practice 2.... I soon raised my energy level... 1 Among the drawbacks of apartment living are noisy neighbours................ told it to a friend. They swayed to the music. shocked by the red ‘F’ on my paper. He wrapped a scarf around his neck. 3 The crowd of dancers moves as one. I was bothered by roaches. She was exhausted from working all day. He was baffled by what had happened. They were stunned by the last-minute touchdown. Use a comma or commas to set off the –ing word group from the rest of the sentence. 5 Cindy lay on the couch. I was amused but reluctant to show how I felt. amused by the joke. combine each pair of sentences below into one sentence by using an –ing word and omitting repeated words.EASY-IELTS Practice 1. She pulled the blue blanket over her head. 2 Dad is able to forget the troubles of the day. I opened my eyes wide. 63 . 5 The woman listened intently to the earnest young man. 1 Ginger refused to get out of bed. She caressed her hair. Mary. 1 I called an exterminator. 2 Sam grew silent. 3 The crowd began to file slowly out of the stadium. Practice 2. 4 George tried to protect himself from the dampness of the room. combine each pair of sentences below into one sentence by using an –ed word and omitting repeated words. I took a short break. 4 I tried to stifle my grin. Use a comma or commas to set off the –ed word group from the rest of the sentence. --ed word groups Use an –ed word group at some point in a sentence. He putters around in his basement workshop. Tired of studying. To openers Use a to word group to open a sentence. He was quick. She will have to use an abrasive soap. They were quiet. 2 Janelle squirmed in her seat as she waited for her turn to speak. To get good seats. the quarterback rifled a pass to his receiver. To succeed in that course. Practice 4. 4 I left the house early. Use a comma after the opening to word group. 4 He finished answering the last question on the test. he mixed the chemicals together. 3 She wants to get the stain off her hand. He wanted to prepare for the track season. 3 I reinforced all the coat buttons with strong thread.WRITING VER. 64 . I was excited. This will help you understand him better. Place a comma after the opening –ly word. the contestant looked at the game clock.0 --ly openers Use an –ly word to open a sentence. Skilfully. combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence by starting with an –ly word and omitting repeated words.1. I had to get to the church on time. Anxiously. Practice 3. 1 Doug ran five miles a day all summer. She was nervous. Gently. 1 The burglars carried the television out of the house. 5 I tore the wrapping off the present. you must attend every class. 2 You should meet Al’s parents. combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence by starting with a to word group and omitting repeated words. we went to the game early. I was patient. The intersection is in the heart of town. It did this during the race. The husky young man sanded the chipped. we went to a movie. From the beginning. It did this on a sharp curve. 4 The car skidded. I did this in the lunchroom corner. Generally. He did this without slowing down. We did this on many evenings. It did this on an oil slick. Practice 5. I did this with my head on my arm. I did this during my work break. We did this in the church gym. 5 The teenage driver raced his car to the busy intersection. I disliked my boss. He does this before going to bed. 1 I sat napping. Start each sentence with a suitable prepositional phrase and put the other prepositional phrases in places that sound right.EASY-IELTS 5 I punched in my code number. Prepositional phrase openers Use prepositional phrase openers. The section on parallelism gives you practice in some other kinds of items that can be used in a series. After the game. 65 . you should use a comma after the opening prepositional phrase. 2 We played basketball. weather-worn paint off the fence. Following are two of the many items that can be used in a series: adjectives and verbs. Series of items Use a series of items. 3 Fred Grencher studies his bald spot. she failed the course. combine each of the following groups of sentences into one sentence by omitting repeated words. He does this with grave concern. In spite of her work. I did this to make the automatic banking machine work. We did this during the winter. He does this in the bathroom mirror. The man was short. The boy was little. combine each of the following groups of sentences into one sentence by using adjectives in a series and omitting repeated words. oh!’ 2 Everywhere in the cafeteria students were pulling on their coats. The girl was grinning. The work clothes were wrinkled. 1 The boy stomped on the bug. His bandanna was blue. sliced meat and cheese. ‘Hi . 4 The boy looked at the girl.. 3 By 6 A.M. The man was bald. My sister is humorous. They were scooping up their books. Use a comma between adjectives only when and inserted between them sounds natural. The man was muscular.. I had drunk eight cups of coffee.0 [Adjectives] In my job as a cook’s helper.1. The boy was angry. 66 . The tavern was smoke-filled. His forehead was sweaty. I had studied the notes. the crowd applauded. and made all kinds of sandwiches. I had read the textbook chapter. The work clothes were green. I prepared salads. His bandanna was dirty. Practice 7. Use a comma between verbs in a series. The girl was curly-haired. My sister is good-natured. The bug was tiny. The crowd shouted. The man was thin. The boy was shy. The crowd stomped their feet. 3 My sister is intelligent. combine each group of sentences below into one sentence by using verbs in a series and omitting repeated words. 5 A man wearing work clothes strode into the tavern. The boy was timid. They were hurrying off to class.. 2 The man slowly wiped his forehead with a bandanna. The bug was red. 1 When the popular comedian walked from behind the curtain. The tavern was noisy. I had taken notes on it. [Verbs] Practice 6.WRITING VER. The man was tall. EASY-IELTS 4 I pressed the Rice Krispies into the bowl. I am afraid it will make me jump with pain. I poured milk on them. 5 I am afraid the dentist’s drill will slip off my tooth. 67 . I am afraid it will bite into my gum. I waited for the milk to soak the cereal. In 1994. 6. 10. 14.0 Language for graphs. 11. There was a steep fall in 1994 followed by a gradual improvement in the subsequent years. 4. In spite of the sharp fluctuations in the price. The price was erratic. the trend was obviously upwards. 3. 9. 13. 15. The price plunged dramatically in 1994. before experiencing a period of erratic behaviour. 1. The price was steady over the period. Having remained stable for several years apart from a plunge in 1994. The price did not change over the period. The price was fairly steady over the period. 7. 2. The price plummeted in 1994. 12. but then it regained its previous level. 68 . The price remained stable. The price fluctuated slightly over the period. but the trend was definitely upwards.1. 17. before soaring to a new peak. 5. the price leaped to a new peak at the end of 1997. The price remained static. The price remained the same for a brief period and then fluctuated wildly. 8. The price rose and fell over the period. The price collapsed in 1994. a book for IELTS page 98 exe 2 Sentences with similar subjects to be compared better. the price fell steeply.WRITING VER. The price plunged in 1994. 16. the price jumped to just under a hundred points short of its 1960 peak. lasted through to the beginning of 1993. Page 103 Page 103. Exe 4 . the trend. the share price experienced a sharp decline.000. The price dipped slightly several times before sinking to a new low at the end of 1997. the number of people coming to the museum fluctuated wildly. attendances saw a modest rise. both airports saw a rise of 69 . Page 100 exe 3 . Over the next two years and a half. but then it fell back again to end at just over four times its value at the beginning of the 60s. before plunging again in the following year losing more than half its previous gain. subjects The average number of people attending the museum yearly stood at just under 700. the attendance at the museum went into free fall. however. but. The share price then recovered. In the first half of 1993. line graph . in the subsequent three years. The next movement in the share price was markedly upwards. followed by a period of volatility. rising once again fairly steeply in the next twelve months. the share value remained stable.EASY-IELTS 18. increasing in speed at the end of the fall. by which time the number of people attending had climbed to a new peak of 750. Then. adding roughly a third to its value. Over the next year. for the space of a year. was obviously upwards. the number of flights from Cranby airport was exactly half that of those from Tinbury. the museum suffered a steep decline in the number of visitors as a result of the introduction of voluntary charges. bar chart In January. nose-diving to approximately 300. During 1989.000 visitors after charging was introduced.000 at the beginning of 1985. Over the subsequent years. page 102 The share price of FF International Ltd soared spectacularly to more than nine times its value in the first year of the period. The recovery. to below its value at the beginning of the period. fitful at first. In the following month. only to fall back by more than the same amount in the next year. but.1. both airports having just over 200.000 flights. overtaking coal towards the end of 1992 and finally outstripping petroleum in 1995 to become.000 respectively. 70 . those from Cranby remained at the same number as for the previous month. although the reduction was more dramatic in Tinbury than Cranby. Flights from Cranby stayed at the March level for the following two months.000. while from Tinbury the increase in the number of flights was more marked in November. A striking feature of the graph is the rise in the use of natural gas. Line graph exe 7 page 105 Page 105. From Cranby.000 and 20. The graph shows the energy consumption from fossil and non-fossil fuels in the UK in million tonnes of oil/ coal equivalent from 1992 to 1995. while the number of flights out of Tinbury continued to climb. to 250. to the June level. in September. a dramatic rise in November to 350. The number of flights from both airports decreased in June. reaching a common level of 175. but in March. the number of take-offs from both airports went up and then fell. This increase continued in August. However. in April. October saw an increase in the number of flights from Cranby. while flights from Cranby continued to increase. remaining at this level for the subsequent month.000 outbound flights.000.000.WRITING VER. for a period. but December then saw the number of flights tumble to 75. Both cities experienced a rise in the number of flights leaving their airports in July.0 about 50. but a steep drop in those from Tinbury. During the last two months of the year. the number leaving Tinbury climbed to 175. to 150.000. to 25. Second paragraph.000.000 was followed by a slight decline in the subsequent month.000.000 more than Februarry peak. by 50. climbing to a new peak of 375. the second most common energy source. those from Tinbury dropped back to the January level. Gas consumption was steadily upwards. at first. while. there was a brief. but at the Ritz attendance was very irregular. from then until the beginning of the third quarter in 1995. The number of seats filled at the Bartlett theatre was steady over the period. at the Bartlett they shot up initially before plunging steeply and then remaining stable for the rest of the year. while that for the Bartlett enjoyed a steady rise before stabilising at around the 120 mark. 5. nuclear and hydro-electricity. which corresponded with two dips in the use of nuclear and hydro-electricity. steady climb and. but nevertheless upwards. petroleum was the main source of energy throughout the period with little or no change in the amount consumed. whereas the Bartlett’s fluctuated wildly. In the first quarter of 1992. the trend was markedly down.e. Despite the variations. exe 8 language of comparison and contrast 1. The trend in attendance at the Ritz was erratic. attendance at the Ritz climbed at an even pace. consumption was steady with two minor peaks at the end of 1993 and 1994. The fall. At the beginning of 1992. Page 106. 71 . Attendances at the Ritz saw a steady rise. 3. coal consumption stood at approximately 65 million tonnes. Whereas the attendances at the Ritz dipped slightly at the end of March/ beginning of April and again in August/ September. 2. Then from the beginning of 1995 coal consumption resumed its decline. over the period increased gradually with no dramatic rises or falls. the overall amount of energy consumed during the period shown on the graph was little changed at the end of 1995. While attendances at the Ritz rose steadily throughout the year. As can be seen. on the contrary. 6. i. The use of nonfossil sources of energy. those at the Bartlett rose the corresponding periods. was quite steep. 4.EASY-IELTS This increase coincided with a drop in the use of coal during the period 1992 to 1995. From the end of 1993. The numbers attending Bartlett declined through the year. shot up dramatically. by contrast. The number of theatre-goers at the Ritz was fairly steady in the first half of the year. The Bartlett. the number of shoppers dropped slightly. During March.0 7. plunging in the middle of the year. however. on the other hand. The total number of theatre-goers attending the Bartlett fell off during the first part of the year before making a steady recovery. before falling again. Audiences at the Ritz. not very stable for the first part of the year. 72 . the number of actual shoppers went down. and also falling well below the numbers which were predicted for the period. 9. however. outperforming the figures predicted. through modest. but numbers. enjoying a period of stable. attendance. in the first two months after the opening of the new shopping complex. once again doing better than expected. which is twice as much as the estimated figures. The summer months were not only rather erratic with the shopper numbers at the end of August being no higher than they were at the end of February. the number of shoppers reached nearly 50. went through a rather volatile period in the first half of the year. By contrast. The Bartlett. December saw this spectacular rise continue with the number of people shopping at the centre for the year hitting a peak of nearly 160. before they went up during April and May. experienced a steep rise in attendance in the first half of the year. the Ritz attendance figures showed a rise followed by a steep drop. 10.1. before settling down to a more stable period.000. page 109 In the chart. 8. The attendance rate at the Bartlett went up and down considerably throughout the year with the Ritz.000 visitors per month. Compare these two versions. During September and October. but in November the number of shoppers increased again with the volume of shoppers rising dramatically. gradually petered out.WRITING VER. but November saw a noticeable turnaround with the volume of shoppers rising dramatically. Album sales. during which time they did better than the figures predicted. the number of shoppers dropped slightly. During September and October. the sales will then leap in two stages to reach a high of $3900 million in 2012. double the estimate for the period. before bottoming out to end the period considerably below the $1000 million mark.000. initially climbing until the end of 2006. are then set to drop steadily throughout the next five years. before rocketing to a new peak of $8000 million at the end of 2014. however. December saw this spectacular rise continue with the number of people shopping at the centre for the year hitting a peak of nearly 160. while at the same time clothes sales experienced a hefty fall. Toy sales soared from 5% to over 30%. Computers and Other items at the expense of Food and Clothes. Rising fitfully at first.000 visitors per month. The sales figures reveal a marked shift in spending patterns at the complex over the year with greater expenditure on Toys. During March. on the other hand. Toy sales soared from 5% to over 30%. Text 2 As can be seen from the chart.EASY-IELTS The sales figures show that there was a change in spending patterns at the complex over the year with greater expenditure on Toys. the number of shoppers reached nearly 50. For example. the number of actual shoppers declined further. and also falling well below the numbers forecast for the period. 73 . in the first two months after the opening of the new shopping complex. For example. Computers and Other items at the expense of Food and Clothes. before picking up during April and May. while at the same time clothes sales fell by a large amount. The summer months proved not only rather erratic with the shopper numbers at the end of August being no higher than those at the end of February. Comparing two texts page 111 It is predicted that European Internet music sales will increase dramatically over the period covered by the graph. once again outstripping projections by a wide margin. neither of which saw any rise. are then set to drop steadily throughout the next five years. on the other hand. whereas books taken out from the romance section rose by 50% between the two years. the former by 50% from 30% of borrowings to 15% and the latter again by 50% from ten per cent to five per cent. But the second forecast is different. romance and sci-fi all rose by varying degrees. went up threefold. The prediction is that European Internet sales will go up a lot over the period which the graph covers. The projection for the first three years of the period shows a rise. the second forecast paints a different picture. Exe 11 more comparison page 112 A comparison of the borrowings for 1996 and 1997 shows that they fall into three categories. borrowings of children’s books. there are two diverging forecasts. On the one hand.0 As regards attendances at European cinemas. They will rise erratically at firs and will then leap in two stages to reach a high of $3900 million in 2012. The projection for the first three years of the period shows a rise. before going up to a new peak of $8000 million at the end of 2014. 74 . but after that cinema attendances will fall to below 400 million people. The first estimate is for numbers to rise steadily between the year 2003 and 2008. With European cinema attendances.1. By contrast. increasing from just below 900 million people in 1200 million with the largest rise in numbers going to cinemas expected to be in the year 2008. however. In the third category come non-fiction and crime. Children’s increased by several percentage points. and increase from just below 900 million visitors to 1200 and the biggest jump in cinema people is projected to be in the year 2008. By contrast. but after that cinema attendances are forecast to fall to below 400 million people. Album sales.WRITING VER. The number of books borrowed by those reading sciencefiction. The first estimate is for numbers to rise steadily between the year 2003 and 2008. which will climb at first until the end of 2006. those for fiction and the other category fell. before they bottom out and end the period a lot below $1000 million. there are two diverging forecasts. For example. whereas 20 per cent of the books fall into this category. a number of differences between the two groups can be seen. Females also spend less time socialising and much less than men on sport. Lendings in both years stand at five per cent. Where fiction is concerned. only 25% of female students claim to do so. the same pattern is repeated. While over 60% of males read comics. The pattern is reversed for comics. roughly 78% for the former and 75% for the latter. vans and bicycles experienced a significant reduction in the rate of road death over the period under study. Exe 12 complex terms The bar chart shows how many first year make and female university students read a range of publications. both sexes are almost equal. As regards magazines. while in both years borrowings exceed this amount. When it comes to non-fiction. Whereas the female students appear to read more quality newspapers than their male counterparts by a margin of roughly 20%.EASY-IELTS The contents of the library are in no way reflected by the books that are taken out in either of the years. however. consisting cars.7. by three times as we have seen in 1997. death among the car and van users declined by more than half. [table exe 17 page 122] The data in the table relating to passenger death rates by mode of land transport in Great Britain between 1981 and 1993 can be divided into three categories. male first year students read more tabloids. male students are ahead of females by a narrow margin.0 and 3.8 to 1. allowing them more time for studying. Take non-fiction as another example. sci-fi books make up five per cent of the books in the library.1 per billion passenger kilometres to 3. only this time the difference is more pronounced with approximately 65% of female students reading non-fiction as opposed to 25% of the males. 75 . For example. From the pie charts. Although female students work more (20% of their time rather than 15% for males). falling from 6. The first group. they devote 15% more of their time to studying. Cycling. In the scrubland to the east of the lake. In the second category. with a bridge 10……………across the road. the area of agricultural land which 12………………in 1937 13………………to make way for the construction of a new hospital and a car park both also with road access to the main highway. comprising motorcycles and rail. 76 . In addition. a railway station 7………………in 1990. the rate dropped slightly between 1981 and 1993. Motorcycling was the most dangerous type of transport.3. A farmhouse 14………………on the remaining agricultural land.9 per billion to 41. In 1991. Nevertheless. the manor house 4……………into a health farm and part of the surrounding scrubland and adjacent woodland 5………………a golf course. the disused railway line 9……………. [map page 123 exe 18] gave way became changed was converted took place was straightened As can be seen from the maps. The area immediately adjacent to the road 6………………to housing along its entire length.0 respectively.1. 15…………………to a wildfowl sanctuary. the area of Barton Bingham 1…………significantly between 1937 and 1995. and more than twenty times as high as cars. however. averaging more than twice as many fatalities as cycling. the road death rate almost trebled over the period under review. buses and coaches. remained the second most dangerous type of land transport. buses and coaches were still the second safest types of vehicular transport. the marshes that were there in 1937. Regarding the third group. On the north side. which 8……………by a minor road to the main thoroughfare. a leisure complex 11…………………in1993. Next to the agricultural land. The road bisecting the area 2……………and on both sides various developments3 ……………. were turned over was constructed being built existed connected was halved was completed and opened was reopened was built was On the south side of the road. despite a significant decrease from 56.WRITING VER. the area of Barton Bingham changed significantly between 1937 and 1995. D The required funding was secured just over four weeks afterwards. filming on location. the area of agricultural land which existed in 1937 was halved to make way for the construction of a new hospital and a car park both also with road access to the main highway. E The documentary was then televised at the end September. which was connected by a minor road to the main thoroughfare. Next to the agricultural land. the disused railway line was reopened. a leisure complex was completed and opened in1993. In the scrubland to the east of the lake. were turned over to a wildfowl sanctuary. A farmhouse was built on the remaining agricultural land. the marshes that were there in 1937. F The next phase.EASY-IELTS ANSWER 1 changed 2 was straightened 3 took place 4 was converted 5 became 6 gave way 7 was constructed 8 was connected 9 was reopened 10 being built 11 was completed and opened 12 existed 13 was halved 14 was built 15 were turned over [map page 123 exe 18] ///// As can be seen from the maps. On the south side of the road. A The next stage was the fact finding which was begun on 7 March. began on 12 May and came to an end just over four weeks later. G Contact was then made with experts on Lenin. On the north side. Exe 19 page 125 Process language Put them into correct order. a railway station was constructed in 1990. The area immediately adjacent to the road gave way to housing along its entire length. The road bisecting the area was straightened and on both sides various developments took place. B Not long afterwards the programme was edited. H The experts were interviewed 77 . C and the interviews were finally recorded two weeks later. with a bridge being built across the road. In 1991. the manor house was converted into a health farm and part of the surrounding scrubland and adjacent woodland became a golf course. In addition. After that. Once the newspaper has been printed. the trend was obviously upwards. 15 There is a graph showing the number of visitors to a park each month last year. timber and recycled paper. WB page 14. After the reader has finished with the paper. the bark is removed and then the timber is chopped up into small pieces. Trees are cut down to provide timber. cleaned and screened.WRITING VER. before going into a large piece of machinery where it is made into rolls of paper. At the next stage. 4. 78 . During the first four months. the pulp is put into a blend chest where it is mixed with pulp from recycled paper. 3. it is distributed. WORKBOOK Language for graphs. 2. Exe 20 page 127 Process To create a daily newspaper the necessary material is taken from two sources. The recycling process first involves the paper being put into a hydrapulper to turn it into a pulp. This mixture is then refined. J The production crew were selected by the producer the following day. These chippings are put into a mechanical refiner. the increase in the number of visitors was at a much slower pace than in the previous three months. and then passed through a series of machines. the solution is put into the blend chest: and the whole process is repeated. June to September and October to December. it is recycled.0 I The producer applied for funding of the documentary at the beginning of 1998. We are going to have a look at a variety of sentences. A deinking cell then extracts the ink. Attendances at the theme park can be divided into three distinct periods: January to May. visitor numbers rose gradually.1. During last year. and subsequently a hydrapulper where they are mixed with water and made into a pulp. Between April and May. In the first machine. 1. In July. 12. The gradual rise in visitor numbers from 30. In the last three months of the year. attendances were off their September peak. There was a marked improvement in July with the number of visitors surging 500%. and subsequently falling back erratically again to 200 books. 14. 13. 6. It is clear that for most of the year. there was a dramatic increase in visitor numbers to just short of 140. Numbers picked up in June. 9. 8. monthly attendances were above trend.000 in the first four months was followed by a sharper increase in May. From May through to September. 2.000 people. falling back by 30. the number of visitors shot up dramatically. followed by a sudden decline in August.000. Graphs WB page 16 Now let’s have a look at some other sentences which present the basic language for graphs. The number of books sold was fairly steady over the first few weeks of the year with a slight rise to 200 per day. August saw a sharp turnaround in attendances with numbers leaping from just under 80.000 to 140. 79 . visitor numbers soared and then suddenly fell back again the following month. 1. 7. The period between May and September saw a steady growth in the number of visitors from 70.000 to approximately 45. first doubling to 400 units. the number of people visiting the theme park monthly rose by approximately 70%. rocketing by almost 400%. 15. In July. 3.000 people. After that sales went up and down wildly.000 to 140. In July. 11.EASY-IELTS 5. These fluctuations were followed by a period of stability as sales hovered around the 200 marks.000 visitors a month till the end of the year. 10. first doubling to 400 units. The recovery was short-lived. and subsequently falling back erratically again to 200 books. This was followed by a sharp drop of approximately 80% in the number of books purchased. The bar chart shows the number of houses built per decade in two villages. The number of books sold then plunged dramatically. WB page 19 1. however. 5. 80 . The recovery was short-lived. Book purchases. 7. however. as sales fell back again to 200 around which they remained for a short time before climbing again. only to bounce back to 500 books a day. Overall.0 4. in the last century. The number of books sold was fairly steady over the first few weeks of the year with a slight rise to 200 per day. Farkletown and Newtown. however. 6. proved very erratic again. hitting a low of 100. albeit fitfully to 400. This was followed by a sharp drop of approximately 80% in the number of books purchased. reaching the 400 per day level. Book sales then plummeted to a new low of 50 a day where they stabilized for a period before shooting up again to the 600 mark. but the trend was upward this time. Book purchases. 2. After that sales went up and down wildly.1. however. but the trend was upward this time. only to bounce back to 500 books a day. The number of books sold then plunged dramatically. A bar chart. Book sales then plummeted to a new low of 50 a day where they stabilized for a period before shooting up again to the 600 mark. albeit fitfully to 400. proved very erratic again. as sales fell back again to 200 around which they remained for a short time before climbing again. the number of houses that were erected in F exceeded the quantity constructed in N. reaching the 400 per day level. 8. These fluctuations were followed by a period of stability as sales hovered around the 200 marks.WRITING VER. hitting a low of 100. 4. house numbers rose steadily.EASY-IELTS 3.          The number of houses built The number of houses that were erected New house construction The number of houses that went up House building Construction House numbers Houses being built The number of new houses 81 . Notice how the passage avoids repetition by using a variety of phrases like. The trend for the former was decidedly upwards. House building in N. 6. by comparison. There was then a dramatic surge in the 70s with over 200 houses being built. In this writing sentence one is introduction. however. construction declined to only 20. Over the next three decades. only to drop practically to zero in the 60s. sentences 2 to 5 are the first paragraph and the others are for the last paragraph. This is in sharp contrast to the last two decades of the century when the number of houses that went up in F leapt. 10. with F experiencing a steady rise from 40 new houses in the first 10 years of the century. in the 90s the number of new houses rocketed to 270. While the 80s saw house building in N plummeting to only 10. 11. 5. new house construction in F remained constant at just under 120. more houses were erected in N than in F. 8. 9. 7. to just under 120 during the 30s. During the 1920s. In the first two decades of the century. Over the next forty years. a rise of more than 2600% on the previous decade. first to 280 and then to 350 houses. was much more erratic. 8. the attendance trend at the Modern Sculpture Exhibition was upward. In the last four months of the year attendances at the Ephemera Exhibition fell off substantially. visitor numbers surged at the Modern Sculpture Exhibition with a 500% leap corresponding with a 66% drop in attendances at the Ephemera Exhibition. although erratic. 6. During May. 4. In May.000 mark form February to April. whereas the number 82 2. the number of people visiting the Ephemera Exhibition fell back considerably before surging to a new peak of 150.000.000 people. At the Modern Sculpture Exhibition. Numbers at the Ephemera Exhibition. Whereas. with attendances at the Modern Sculpture Exhibition during the same period plunging 75% in February and then remaining at around the 25. on the other hand. meanwhile. despite impressive attendances. attendances.0 WB page 22 compare and contrast 1. 5. June attendances at the Modern Sculpture Exhibition fell back dramatically with a 40% fall. While the number of visitors to the Modern Sculpture Exhibition fell in February by 75%.000 mark till April. Despite some poor figure from February to April. 7. ended the year not much above the January level. attendances at the Ephemera Exhibition rose 50% to 60.WRITING VER. 9.000 in May. the number of visitors to the Modern Sculpture Exhibition hovered around the 20 to 25. at the Ephemera Exhibition visitor numbers continued to rise. the number of people visiting the Ephemera Exhibition monthly increased by 125%. 3. when visitor numbers hit a peak of 150.000 visitors in August. hit a new peak of 150. by contrast the Ephemera Exhibition witnessed a dramatic turnaround which lasted through to August. From January to April.1. . In Wales. but involvement in Reading was the lowest of the four countries at under 10% with Watching TV and Board Games equal at 30%. namely: Computer Games. While the visitor numbers at the Ephemera Exhibition plunged by two thirds. for example. In England. the number of visitors to the Modern Sculpture Exhibition rose erratically to more than 150.EASY-IELTS of people coming to visit the Modern Sculpture Exhibition. between August and December. As can be seen clearly. 10. from 150. Exe 6 page 25 The bar chart shows the results of a survey on the number of young people aged 11-16 in England. Board Games at 20% and Watching TV at 30%. the percentage involved Reading is greater at 25% as opposed to 20% and 10% respectively. Until August. climbed to their May peak in November and remained there in December.000. 25% in Board Games and 30% in Watching TV. Ireland and Wales who take part in four indoor activities. A similar pattern is repeated in Ireland.000. while erratic. unlike England and Ireland. more young people (50% of the sample) play Computer Games than any other activity with 20% of young people participating in Reading. Watching TV and Board Games. but. Computer Games come top in Scotland as well with a 40 per cent participation rate. the most striking feature of the chart is that in all four countries playing Computer Games has the highest participation rate. 11. but thereafter visitor numbers fell steeply. the trend for the 20th Century Ephemera Exhibition was upward. Reading. Computer Games come out first at 50%.000 to 50. Scotland. 83 . but here the percentage of those playing Computer Games is higher than in England at 60% with Reading the lowest at 10%. the income for the other three cafes went up by varying degrees. the income for both Internet Express and the Wi—Fi Café also ended the year up in December. followed by a sudden increase to $ 120. There are two basic general trends: downward and upward. By contrast. There was a rise in Café Cool’s sales over the first ten months. The former experienced a steady fall to June. falling significantly from almost $ 160.0 MODEL TEXT 1: Line Graph The graph provides information about the income trends of four cafes over the last year.000. the trend for Wi—Fi was upward.000. the earnings for The Tea Room.000.000 in December. Likewise. Between January to July.000 earnings a month to just under $ 50. As regards the first. Furthermore.1. earnings doubled from $ 50.000 to nearly $ 100. were down over the year.000 and then rocketed to around $ 190. It is noticeable that the income for The Tea Room is lower in the winter months than for the other three cafes. 84 .WRITING VER. but after that. income rose steadily ending the year approximately $ 130. Bar Chart The chart provides information about how age groups participate in several clubs at a centre for adults. We can see from the data that the archaeological.EASY-IELTS MODEL TEXT 2. For the arts and crafts society. In the historical society. In general. whereas the number of people in the 45 to 65 age group is far lower. By contrast. the historical and arts and crafts societies clearly appeal more to one of the age groups. although there are slightly fewer older people. 50 of the members are between 45 and 65. and social clubs are popular with both older and younger people. There are about 60 members aged between 20 and 30. the pattern is reversed. 85 . keep fit. The keep fit and social clubs are popular with both age groups. Membership of the archaeological society stands at 45 for both groups. the younger age group are noticeably more involved in the various societies than the 45—65 year—olds. while there are only 25 from the younger age group. mercury. The energy is clean because harmful products are removed and the coal is not transported to another site to produce electricity. After that. the coal is mined in deep pits underground and then carried to the surface. which again is used to generate electricity. where it is burned in a large furnace to which oxygen is added. raw syngas is produced. it is carried along a conveyor belt to a power plant. From this.1. The steam is subsequently used to power a steam turbine.WRITING VER. First of all. These are then piped to a heat recovery steam generator. At the next stage of the process. 86 . which converts the heat into steam. the purified gas is used to drive a gas turbine. Flow Chart/Process The diagram shows the various stages in the production of clean energy from coal.0 MODEL TEXT 3. and sulphur are removed. harmful substances like carbon dioxide. The gas turbine also produces hot exhaust gases. producing electricity. The turbine in turn powers a generator. Following that. Pie Charts The three pie charts illustrate how many articles from academic journals are read weekly by PhD students and junior lecturers compared to other students at an Australian university. 87 . but out of this total 24 per cent read twelve or more. the overwhelming majority of those studying doctorates read at least twelve articles per week in comparison with the average students. for junior lecturers the pattern appears to be slightly different. Furthermore. Most read six or more articles per week (99 per cent).EASY-IELTS MODEL TEXT 4. whereas the average for all students in this category is a hefty 67 per cent. For example. The figures were 80 per cent and twelve per cent respectively. only five per cent of PhD level students read between one and five articles. Meanwhile. which is almost a third of the corresponding figure for PhD level students. It is clear that those students who are researching for a PhD read more articles than either junior lecturers or other students. Overall. The woodland was cleared to make way for a park. a golf course. Moreover. and car parking facilities. A marina was also built at the mouth of the river. Only a few trees north of the river remained. 88 .WRITING VER. with all the houses along the railway line being knocked down and replaced by skyscrapers. but during the next 25 years the town experienced a number of dramatic changes. a comparison of the two maps reveals a change from a largely rural to a mainly urban landscape. In 1980. a new industrial estate with factories and warehouses sprang up around the airport. Maps The maps show the developments which took place in the coastal town of Youngsville between 1980 and 2005. Further developments were the construction of a stadium near the north-east corner of the lake and a new stretch of railway from the river running directly north.0 MODEL TEXT 5. the town was a much greener residential area with a large number of trees and individual houses.1. The most noticeable is that all of the trees south of the River Alanah were cut down. the majority (62 per cent) of those on backpacking holidays belong to the 18—30 age range. These people make up 57% of those on guided tours. By contrast. However. the profiles for both backpacking and guided tours include roughly equal proportions from the 31—40 age group: 23 and 22 per cent respectively. despite accounting for only ten per cent of backpackers. For example. As can be seen from the table. the age profile of people on the two different types of holiday varies considerably. with the pie chart indicating whether they enjoyed their holiday.EASY-IELTS MODEL TEXT 6. but the same age group accounts for a small proportion (seven per cent) of those on guided tours. Table & Pie Chart The table provides a breakdown by selected age group of those on backpacking and guided tours in New Zealand in 2005. It is clear from the pie chart that New Zealand is rated as a popular holiday destination among the majority of all holiday—makers. the pattern is the complete reverse when it comes to 41—50 year— olds. 89 . with a massive 83 per cent from both groups stating they enjoyed their holiday. Bar Chart & Table The chart shows information about the main sources of funding for scientific research and development (R&D) in the UK. It is also noticeable that in eighteen of 1999 overseas spending on R&D in the UK was comparable to the government’s.9 per cent) was spent by Japan.1.81 per cent. It is interesting to note that although the UK’s spending on R&D was above the EU average in 1999. the highest percentage (2. only 1. As regards the proportion of national income allocated to R&D.1 per cent. Italy contributed the smallest amount of national income to R&D. The proportion of national income spent on R&D by country is shown in the table. But for the last two years it overtook government spending in this area. Between 1999 and 2001.0 MODEL TEXT 7. at around seventeen per cent. it is considerably behind other close trading partners France and Germany. while the government consistently contributed around seventeen per cent.WRITING VER. By contrast. significantly below the EU average of 1. followed closely by the USA (2. 90 .5 per cent). the amount of funding allocated from each source rose very slightly. Approximately half of all investment throughout the period came from business. Meanwhile.1 per cent. can be seen that there is some obvious concern about the need for planting more trees (‘concerned’ 39 per cent.0 per cent and 1. 2 Bar Charts & Pie Chart The charts show forecasts for the annual reforestation rate in selected regions and worldwide together with the current attitude towards concern for tree loss. Hungary will be below the international rates. with the lowest projected rate throughout the period. will experience the greatest overall increase. while at the same time there is a sizeable proportion of people who are not concerned. Hungary. It is projected that Ireland will have the highest rate in 2025 at 1. though at varying rates. The forecast for both regions for 2015 is the same at 1.EASY-IELTS MODEL TEXT 8. It is also worth noting that the reforestation rate in Thailand is anticipated to be exactly in line with the worldwide average for both 2015 and 2025.7 per cent followed closely by Tasmania. From the pie chart. 1.5 per cent. and ‘very concerned’ 25 per cent). by contrast. It is anticipated that the figure will climb from 0. it is forecast that the reforestation rate in the four regions will grow until 2025. Generally. while both Ireland and Tasmania will exceed them.6 per cent and then rise more sharply to 1.5 per cent in 2006 to 0.3 per cent respectively. 91 . WRITING VER.0 TEXT 9. It is clear that the two groups were influenced by various factors to different degrees. 92 . the factors were the reverse for the 40—50 age group. with the most influential factors which contributed to career choice for the 20—25 age group being money (approximately 27 per cent) and then parents (23 per cent). The only similarity between the two age groups was that friends had less influence over career choice for the younger and older groups that any other factors. with parents affecting them most at 30 per cent. seven and ten per cent respectively. the relative importance of each was again the other way round: nine and fifteen per cent respectively for the younger group. Bar Charts The bar charts provide information from a Greek survey about the main reasons for choosing a career among two age groups.1. However. and fourteen and eleven per cent for the older. As regards teachers and role models. 20—35 and 40—50. Day-care surgery seems to have had an impact on bed use in all three hospitals. we see that after 2004 the rate of increase was significantly slower than in previous years. in 2003 bed occupancy had reached a peak of just under 70 beds. 93 . The Chinese hospital. 71 and 93 respectively. experienced a continual rise in bed use between 1997 and 2006. At the French hospital.EASY-IELTS MODEL TEXT 10: Line graph & Pie Charts The graph provides details about the average beds in use each year in three similar hospitals before and after the introduction of daycare surgery. It is clear that the fall in bed use coincides with the reduction in the average budget at the three hospitals for in-patient care (35 per cent compared to 27 per cent) between 2002 and 2006. before falling back. However. by comparison. except that the decline in bed use after 2003 was not so marked (76 beds in 2003 as against 71 in 2006). A similar pattern was repeated for the Ukrainian hospital. However. the figures show an upward trend over the period from 40 beds to 46. . every morning. Now read the writing task and answer the following questions. Begin your letter as follows.. Write a letter to the penfriend and  Introduce yourself... How well do you know the person you are writing to? What style of letter should you write? Formal or informal? How many points do you have to cover in this letter? What personal information would it be appropriate to include in this letter? According to the writing task. You need to know how much time you have (suggested time..WRITING VER. I adore. …) To show how often you do activities...0 GENERAL TRAINING TASK ONE—LETTER WRITING Lesson one..  Tell them what you like doing in your free time. You should try to use a variety of expressions in a letter like this. I hate. Your English teacher has found a new penfriend for you.  Ask your penfriend to tell you about their hobbies and interests. sometimes. 94 . …) and adverbial phrases (once a week.. what do you have to ask the person you are writing to? Language of likes and dislikes There are several ways you can express likes and dislikes.. I loathe. Dear. so read the task deeply. letter of introduction It is important to familiarize yourself with what you are expected to do in Writing Task 1. (I really like. seldom.. never. usually. I love. Before you begin writing. I dislike. …).1. I can’t bear. I can’t stand. try to use both frequency adverbs (always. you should make sure you have understood the task correctly and that you know exactly what is expected in your letter. 20 minutes) and how many words you have to write (at least 150 words). three times a month. I’m 24 years old and live in Hong Kong. enough about me! What about you? What do you like doing in your free time? I hope you’ll write soon and tell me all about yourself. Dear Pat. Read the writing task below and answer following questions. but I don’t like having to work on public holidays and at the weekend! As for my hobbies and interests. Anyway. I also like dancing and I often go clubbing with friends at the weekend. My English teacher has told me you’re looking for a penfriend so I’m writing to introduce myself to you. Looking forward to hearing from you.EASY-IELTS Read this sample answer and find words and phrases the writer uses to express her likes and dislikes. Apart from sport. I’m a bit of fitness fanatic! I go jogging every morning before I go to work and I always do some yoga before I go to bed. I enjoy hiking and try and get out to the country park at least once a month. I play badminton twice a week and squash about once a fortnight. find all the words the writer uses to talk about how often she does things. I live with my parents on an outlying island and I travel to work by ferry every day. Also. Kim When you write a letter it’s important to think carefully about who you are writing to. 95 . I work in the tourist industry as a tour guide. I love my job as I get to meet so many interesting people from all over the world. I’m really keen on disco music and I can dance for hours. but I prefer going swimming in the summer because I can’t stand the heat. Best wishes. and why you are writing to them in order to select appropriate ways of starting and closing the letter. And I absolutely detest gyms! I hate running on a treadmill that doesn’t go anywhere and staring aimlessly into space. 0 Your English teacher has found a new penfriend for you..  Tell them what you like doing in your free time. 3 which endings would be most suitable for this letter? A Lots of love B All the best C Best wishes D Kind regards E Yours sincerely F Yours faithfully 96 .. B I’ve been given your name by my teacher and I’m writing because I’d like to become your penfriend..  Ask your penfriend to tell you about their hobbies and interests.. F Thank you for taking the time to write to me. Dear.. Begin your letter as follows.1. D I am writing to enquire about becoming your penfriend. I would like to become your penfriend.WRITING VER. F My teacher suggested I write to you because I’m looking for a penfriend.. B I hope you’ll write soon and tell me all about yourself. Looking forward to hearing from you.. 1 which of the beginnings would be most suitable for this letter? A My English teacher has told me you’re looking for a penfriend so I’m writing to introduce myself to you. D I look forward to a favourable reply as soon as possible. C I have seen your advertisement and would like to apply to become your penfriend. Write a letter to the penfriend and  Introduce yourself.... C I very much hope that my application will be successful. E I hope you’ll write to me. E In reference to your advertisement. and I look forward to hearing all about you.. 2 which closing sentences would be most suitable for this letter? A I would appreciate a prompt reply. There are 10 mistakes in this sample answer. I’d like to know if you’d be interested in writing to me. We have a match one time a week. I also really enjoy films and watch almost anything but I don’t stand musicals.EASY-IELTS You must remember to leave enough time to check your answer carefully. I live just outside Lisbon in a house with two other students—Jose and Paco. I only get to the cinema about twice the month but I watch often videos at home in the evening. And don’t forget. I like reading computer magazines and books and I also enjoy books about foreign places. I prefer science fiction and action adventure. I hope you’ll write to me. I love basketball too and I play for the university team. Dear Pat. Well. I’m doing the second year of a computer science degree at Lisbon University. although I’m not very keen in fiction. Manuel 97 . I spend a lot of my free times on the beach as I love windsurfing. Try to find and correct them. My teacher suggested I write to you because I’m looking for a penfriend. I’m 21 years old and I live in Lisbon Portugal. They’re good fun and I absolutely enjoy to live with them. I go down there with a group of friends twice or three times a month and we have a great time. I read a bit too. This is just a sample letter. and I look forward to hear all about you and how you spend your free time. All the best. there’s no ‘correct’ answer for Writing Task 1. 1.  the number of students in a class  the number of hours a week. Read the writing task below and then answer the questions. it’s a good idea to brainstorm some ideas and just jot them down. One of your penfriends wants to improve their English at a language school. advice on number of hours a week Paragraph 5. They have never studied at a language school before and have asked for your advice on how to choose a good one. You can then organize them into paragraphs. Put the following brainstorm notes under the correct paragraph heading to make a plan for the letter Paragraph 1.  the teaching method. Letter—giving advice Before you begin writing. opening Paragraph 2. closing 1 Few points to consider 2 Ask about methodology 3 Hope this is useful 4 Ten to fifteen good number 5 No more than 20 in a class 6 Find out class size 7 Think about intensity 8 Drop me a line for more advice 9 Good idea to go to language school 10 Choose school with group work and speaking practice 11 Study over longer period 12 Sitting in rows/doing written exercises is boring. Write a letter to your penfriend. advice on number of students in class Paragraph 4.WRITING VER. advice on teaching methods Paragraph 3. Begin your letter as follows.0 Lesson two. Advise them about the following. Dear………………. no oral practice 98 . The first thing I’d do if I were you is ask about the methodology. I suggest (that) you (should) cut down on coffee. People shouldn’t eat a lot of fast food. big classes tend to 99 . Have you thought of playing a musical instrument? Read the sample answer and find all nine expressions used to give advice Dear Carl. What’s more. I think going to a language school is a great way to improve your English. You should check the school’s brochures and talk to the staff and students if you can. I recommend relaxing more. I suggest cutting down on coffee. Also. I recommend (that) you (should) relax a little more. I wouldn’t enroll in a class with more than 20 students because you won’t get enough attention from the teacher. When writing a letter like this. You should try to watch what you eat. Why don’t you try doing some reading? It is a good idea to do more exercise. I’d try to do more exercise. If I were you. If I were you. you ought to find out what the maximum class size is. Some schools have you sitting in rows doing lots of written exercises. you should try to use a variety of structures. I recommend you to relax. Thanks for your letter. I’d advise you to choose a school that encourages lots of group work and speaking practice. My advice to you is to go to the doctor’s. I’ve done a few English courses so you’ve come to the right person for advice! There are definitely a few points you should consider before you enroll on a course. I don’t think you should enroll at this type of school because the lessons can be very boring and you don’t get much oral practice. As you know. You ought to get some rest. It is helpful not to work hard. You’d better book a place in the gym.EASY-IELTS Giving Advice There are lots of different ways of giving advice. 2 Choose the school carefully.…………………about the school’s methodology. 5 Ask if the teachers are native speakers. If you need any more advice.mixed ability class. 6 Avoid mixed ability class. 1 Find out about the school’s methodology. I wouldn’t choose a school that uses old-fashioned teaching methods…………… 8 Don’t enroll in a class with fewer than six students. I think you should study over a longer period to allow yourself time to assimilate everything. And another thing you’d better think about is the intensity of the course. 4 Don’t choose a short. I’d……………………ask if the teachers are native speakers.0 be mixed ability so you may find the pace is too slow or too fast for you. Anyway. 7 Don’t choose a school that uses old-fashioned teaching methods. I think between 10 and 15 students is a good number. If I were you. 3 Don’t enroll in a class with over 20 students.………………… a short. You’d………………the school carefully.. If I were you. …………………. You can do an intensive 100-hour course in a month but I wouldn’t advise you to do this.you should enroll in a class with over 20 students. intensive course. 100 . All the best. If you’ve got the time. You’d…………………… a class with fewer than six students. just drop me a line. I think…………………. Ali Complete each sentence with a phrase for giving advice.1. intensive course. I hope this is useful.WRITING VER. You must be really excited about moving to Sydney. Well. Complete the letter by putting the correct word into each gap. 10 Find out what the maximum class size is. I’d. 1……………try and speak in English as much as possible. you ought. Read the writing task and then read the sample. intensive oral course before you go too if you have time. I think. think. And 2……………. I’ve given it some thought and here are a few ideas. One of your penfriends is going to emigrate to Australia in a few months.you should do a short. Dear………………. better. 101 . I don’t you should. They want to improve their English before they leave and have asked for your advice. Speaking is probably going to be the most useful skill so. advise you to. I wouldn’t 3……………buy one of those language courses on tape though because they’re expensive and you don’t get the opportunity to interact with other people. I were you.EASY-IELTS 9 Don’t do intensive courses. How are all the preparations going? In your letter you ask if I’ve got any advice about how to improve your English before you leave.. The first thing I’d do……………………is find out what the maximum class size is. Dear Maria. Write a letter to your penfriend and give them advice on how to improve their  speaking  listening  vocabulary Begin your letter as follows. I wouldn’t…………………do intensive courses. if I were you. don’t hesitate to get in touch. Complete the letter by putting the correct word into each gap.get a good English-English dictionary too. a advise better by come have hesitate hope it like should shouldn’t your the the them these think this wasn’t were weren’t wish would wouldn’t 102 . but only use it when you really have to! Well. Dear…………………. Browsing the Internet will also help extend your vocabulary. 8………………you should throw away your bilingual one. don’t forget that lots of Australian. If you need any more advice. Miranda A friend of yours would like to raise some money to send back to their country as it recently experienced terrible floods. British and American web sites have audio that you can listen to so I’d make the most of the Internet if 5………………. newspapers and magazines as well.WRITING VER. Read this sample answer to the writing task. You’d 7………………. They have asked for your advice. but 6…………………to read books. Also.  warn them of the problems involved  and offer to help.1. I have to get back to work now. Write a letter to your friend  advise them on ways of raising money. There are more words than gaps. Begin your letter as follows.0 As for your listening skills. 4………………tune into English language programmes on television and the radio whenever you can. Love. I 5………………advise you to ask for donations because people might be suspicious that the money won’t get to 6……………victims. I 14……………you should be aware that people can sometimes be unreliable and not turn up to events or not give you 15……………money they promised. You don’t 9……………to do too much for this. All you need to do is book a hall and get as many of 13……………friends involved as you can. However.EASY-IELTS Dear Maria. Thanks for your letter. Anyway. I’d 12……………you to hold a bring-and-buy sale. Melissa 103 . It’s also not very easy to ask people for money like this. so you’d 16……………not start working out how much you’ve raised until they’ve actually given 17……………to you. I’m sure you could get lots of students from your university involved. If you want to do something in addition to 11……………. In your letter you ask for advice about ways of raising money for the disaster and I’ve 4…………up with a few ideas. You 10……………just make sure people have enough time to get as many sponsors as possible before the event. I 1………………your family is okay and 2……………affected too badly 3……………the awful floods last week. I’d try to organize 8……………sponsored walk or run. If I 7…………you. I love walking! With love. I 18………………you the very best of luck and don’t 19………………to get in touch if you’d 20……………me to help in anyway. Put each idea under the appropriate heading.  Ask for information about the hotel’s exact location and facilities. Write a letter to the hotel. Brainstorming just means thinking of as many ideas as possible. most relevant ideas and decide how to organize them into paragraphs. you can then choose the best.WRITING VER. Hotel facilities Location Special requirements 104 .1. Dear Sir/Madam Brainstorming Before you start writing. You have been given the name and address of a hotel near the sea and would like some further information. Letters—asking for information You are planning a holiday in Scotland. Begin your letter as follows. it’s a good idea to spend one or two minutes brainstorming ideas for you letter.0 Lesson three. After brainstorming.  Explain any special requirements you have  Ask whether the hotel can accommodate them. EASY-IELTS Air conditioning in the rooms babysitting service bar car park children’s play area distance from airport distance from town centre gym Internet access laundry service proximity to areas of natural beauty proximity to beach proximity to tourist attractions restaurant room service single room on ground floor swimming pool tennis court vegetarian diet wheelchair acces 105 . and vice versa. Jenny Walsh Change the direct questions to indirect questions. I know the hotel is close to the sea. will we have to pay a supplement for the single room? I look forward to hearing from you. 1 Do the rooms have a view of the sea? [Please let me know] 106 . Also. but I would be grateful if you could give me details of its exact location. Can you tell me how close it is to the nearest beach? Also. I was wondering if the hotel has a lift. My family and I are planning a holiday to Scotland in August and I am writing for more information about your hotel. and then continue with direct questions. how far is it from the town centre? Would we need to hire a car during our stay? I would also like to know what facilities the hotel has. Using a mixture of direct and indirect questions will make your English sound more natural.0 Indirect Questions Indirect questions are more polite than direct questions so we tend to use them in more formal situations. We usually start off with one or two indirect questions to establish politeness. my elderly mother will be coming with us and she has problems walking up stairs. and do you provide a babysitting service? Could you also tell me whether the rooms have an Internet connection? Lastly.WRITING VER. Read the sample answer and find six phrases used to introduce questions and to make them less direct and more polite and formal.1. please let me know whether it would be possible to book a single room on the ground floor for her. Yours faithfully. for example. Is there an indoor swimming pool. If not. However. Dear Sir/ Madam. when we ask a series of questions it would be unnatural to make all of them indirect. 7 What time does the hotel restaurant close? [Can you tell me] 8 Could you let me know if there are any rooms available in August? 9 Can you send me a brochure? [ I would be grateful] 10 I would like to know what time you serve breakfast.EASY-IELTS 2 I would like to know if I can pay by credit card. 5 Does the hotel have 24-hour room service? [I would like to know] 6 Please let me know whether I have to pay a deposit. Which ending is the most appropriate? A Yours faithfully B Yours sincerely C All the best 3 when we know the recipient’s surname. In most cases. Which of ending is the most appropriate? A Yours faithfully B Yours sincerely C All the best 4 which of the following openings are suitable for a formal letter? A I am writing to enquire about… B I am writing to inform you… 107 . for example ‘Dear Miss Barnes’. there is more than one correct answer. 3 Which credit cards do you accept? [Could you let me know] 4 I was wondering if there is a car park. we use it in the salutation. 11 Is there air conditioning in the rooms? [I was wondering] 12 Can you tell me how long it takes to get to the hotel from the airport? Formal letters Answer the following questions. 1 which of the following people would you write a formal letter to? A a close friend B someone you have never met C someone you do not know very well D a close relative E the editor of a newspaper F a prospective employer 2 when we do not know the name of the person we are writing to we begin the letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. B Hope to hear from you very soon.0 C Just a quick note to… D This is just to let you know… E Thanks for your letter. E I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. J Take care and do keep in touch! 6 which of the following are found mainly in formal letters? A colloquial language B full forms (e.g. It was great to hear… F Thank you for your letter of… G I am writing to apply for… H I saw your advertisement in… I Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long but… J I am writing to apologise for… 5 which closing sentences are suitable for a formal letter? A I would appreciate a reply by return of post. F With thanks for your help in this matter. I am. D Drop me a line when you can.g. I’ve written) D impersonal style and tone E personal style and tone F phrasal verbs G short. I have written) C short forms (e.1. C I’m really looking forward to hearing all your news. G Thanks for everything H Thank you for your kind attention. I Please feel free to contact me for further information. I would like. I’m. I’d like. simple sentences H indirect questions I idioms 108 .WRITING VER. I look forward to hearing from you. 8………………trips to any of the historical sights or to the mountains. Alison Howat 1 it would be/ if it would be/ would it be/ if would it be 109 . Write a letter to the hotel. First of all. I would be grateful if 3………………. You are planning a holiday in Australia. 5……………a swimming pool and 6……………. Yours faithfully..possible to book a double room for 7 nights from Friday 16th to Thursday 22nd. Dear Sir/Madam Dear Sir/ Madam I am writing to enquire about staying at your hotel as I am planning a trip to Sydney next month. I was wondering 7……………day trips to places in and around Sydney. I would particularly like to know what outdoor sports facilities 4……………… For example. Complete the letter by choosing the phrase which best fits each gap. we would prefer to stay in a room with a view of Sydney Harbour so could you let me know whether 2……………. Also.EASY-IELTS Read this writing task and the sample answer.any available? Secondly. and how much 9……………… 10……………please send me any brochures you have so that I can plan in advance? Thank you for your kind attention.me details of the hotel facilities. I would like to know 1……………….any tennis courts in the hotel grounds? Lastly.  Ask about the availability of rooms and the hotel’s facilities  Find out if the hotel arranges day trips  Ask them to send you a brochure Begin your letter as follows. You have been given the name and address of a hotel in the centre of Sydney and would like further information. WRITING VER.1.0 2 there is/ is there/ there are/ are there 3 you could send/ could you send/ you can send/ you send 4 does the hotel have/ has got the hotel/ has the hotel/ the hotel has 5 there is/ is there/ there are/ are there 6 there is/ is there/ there are/ are there 7 you arrange/ if you arrange/ do you arrange/ if do you arrange 8 You have/ Have you/ Do you have/ You do have 9 do they cost/ they cost/ cost they/ they do cost 10 You can/ You could/ Could you/ You will 110 . Paragraph1. You live next to a large hotel. Dear Sir/Madam. Write a letter to the hotel.  Explain how you are being affected by this situation  And say what you would like them to do about it. a short paragraph stating the nature of the complaint.EASY-IELTS Lesson four. Read the writing task below and then answer the following questions. a longer paragraph giving details and another short paragraph saying what you think should be done. Brainstorm activity. Put each point under the correct heading to make a plan for the letter. request for action 1 Arrange for rubbish collection after 8 am 2 Bins spoil view from bedroom window 3 Build structure to house bins 4 Can’t open windows 5 Can’t sleep after 6 am 6 Hotel staff leave bin lids open 7 Live next door 8 Noise wakes me at 6 am 9 Open bins attract stray cats and dogs 10 Rubbish collection is noisy and smelly 11 Writing to complain Read the sample and identify thirteen linking words and phrases and other cohesive devices in it which help the ideas and sentences flow logically. 111 . details of complaints Paragraph 3. making a complaint Letters of complaint are often organized into three main paragraphs. reason for writing Paragraph 2. Begin your letter as follows. The hotel’s rubbish bins are kept directly below your bedroom window and this is causing you problems. Here are the notes that a student made for the writing task. some members of your staff leave the lids of these bins open. As if the ugly view were not enough. consequently. To make matters even worse.m.1. This attracts stray cats and dogs and. I live in the house next door to your hotel and I am writing to complain about your rubbish collection and disposal system. the ten large rubbish bins that you have lined up in the hotel courtyard completely spoil the view from my bedroom window. I would also appreciate it if you could arrange for the rubbish to be collected after 8 a. I cannot continue sleeping and I cannot open any of the windows in my house. Smith Read the writing task below and then complete the sample answer to the writing task by putting the best word or phrase in each gap.0 Dear Sir/Madam. preferably at the back of the hotel. Mrs W.WRITING VER. As you can see from the address above. To begin with. the rubbish ends up strewn all over the road in front of my house. in the morning. Write a letter to the restaurant. 112 . Begin your letter as follows. What is more. Dear Sir/Madam. Yours faithfully. the smell that is produced as the rubbish is being emptied is revolting and lingers in the air for hours afterwards. Recently the restaurant has started to put tables and chairs outside and this has resulted in an increase in noise.  Explain how you are being affected by this situation  And say what you would like them to do about it. the noise the rubbish disposal truck makes when it lifts and empties the bins is deafening and I am woken up at 6 o’clock every morning. As a result of this. I trust that you will give this matter your immediate attention. You live in a flat above a restaurant. I feel that something needs to be done about this situation and I suggest that you build some kind of structure to house these bins. I suggest that you either dispense with the tables outside altogether or restrict outside dining hours to no later than 9 p. your staff leave the doors wide open and turn the music up as loud as possible. I would be grateful for your prompt attention in 8………………. Yours faithfully. Clowes the noise from your customers this situation to 113 .EASY-IELTS As a result first of all this this matter also make matters even worse Dear Sir/ Madam. 1…………………. M. I live in the flat immediately above your restaurant and I am writing to complain about the open-air dining that you have started recently. I am disturbed almost every evening by the noise made by people sitting outside talking and laughing until the early hours of the morning. 4………………………. I am unable to fall asleep until after the restaurant has closed. I feel that something needs to be done about 6……………….m. and. 5…………………………. Mr. 3………………………makes it impossible for me to hear my own music or television. I would 7……………………appreciate it if you could tell your staff to keep the doors closed and play the music at a reasonable volume. As you can see from my address. the only decent night’s sleep I have had recently was when it rained. As if 2…………………were not enough. and plays When describing books. Write a letter to your friend  tell them about the book  explain why you enjoyed it  recommend that they read it. Here is a list of points that a student brainstormed for the writing task. Body of letter. films. Read the sample answer below and find all the verbs in the present simple.0 Lesson five. Put each point under the most appropriate heading to make a plan for the letter. Giving information and making recommendations Read the writing task below then answer the questions. Dear………………. relating stories of books.1.WRITING VER. Closing paragraph. Group them according to whether they are in active or passive voice. films or plays we tend to relate the story in the present tenses. Book’s genre Main characters Name of author Offer to lend friend book Plot Reason for writing Reasons I enjoyed the book Recommend friend to read book Setting Title of book Present simple. You have just finished reading a book you think your friend would enjoy. Begin your letter as follows. 114 . Opening paragraph. The characters are amazingly three-dimensional. The plot of each book is based around a young boy called Harry Potter and his best friends Ron and Hermione. In this book Harry learns lots of tricks like how to fly a broom and how to use a cloak to make himself invisible and has to go through a series of dangerous trials. You will have to use some of the verbs more than once. I know you’ll absolutely love them. Lots of love. Janine Read the sample answer to the writing task below.EASY-IELTS Dear Hilary. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. You’ve probably heard about these books but won’t have read them because they are meant for children—J. My description makes the book seem childish but Rowling is a wonderful storyteller and her books are compulsive reading. just give one of the books a go. the books are really quite special and I can’t recommend them enough. However. although I think in this particular book they start to behave a little out of character towards the end in order to serve the plot. which is where most of the story is set. Begin your letter as follows. last night I stayed up all night reading the first in the series—“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.. I have them all in a hardback and you are welcome to borrow them anytime. They all go to a school for wizards. I’ve just finished reading the most amazing book and I just had to write and tell you about it as I know you’d really enjoy it. 115 . Complete the letter by filling each gap with the present simple (either active or passive) of one of the verbs provided. Write a letter to your friend and  tell them about the film  explain why you enjoyed it  recommend that they see it. Anyway. You have just seen a film you think your friend would enjoy.K. Dear………………. If you don’t want to splash out on the books yourself.Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series! Well. WRITING VER.1.0 Be leave begin rescue bring go see tell grow think know unfold Dear Justin, You won’t believe this but I’ve just sat through “Titanic”. I 1…………you and I swore we would never watch it but I really 2…………you might be missing a great film if you 3…………it. It’s not just about the sinking of the ship—it’s a romance and a disaster film rolled into one! It 4…………in modern times and then the whole story 5…………in flashbacks by Rose, a survivor of the tragedy. The main story 6…………about how Rose, as a young woman, 7…………from a suicide attempt by Jack, a passenger from the lower decks of the ship, and how they gradually 8…………closer to each other. The plot 9…………full of suspense and 10…………you breathless in parts. You really can’t help but get caught up in the emotions of their impossible situation and the tragedy that11…………, though there are a few corny moments! The two main stars and the supporting cast 12…………excellent though. The costumes and the sets inside the ship are fabulous and really 13…………the period to life. So do try and find a spare three hours or so and 14…………and 15…………it. I really do think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Looking forward to catching up on all your news. All the best, Mary 116 EASY-IELTS Lesson six; Thank-you letters Articles and possessives One of the most common areas of mistakes is the use and omission of the articles; a, an, the. You need to decide whether or not one is necessary, and, if it is, which one. Similarly, you have to take care to make appropriate use of possessive adjectives; my, your, his, her, its, our, their. Read the writing task and the sample answer. Complete the letter by choosing the correct option for each gap. A series of radio programmes which you enjoyed finished recently. Write a letter to the radio station.  Thank them for the series and  tell them why enjoyed it.  Ask if they are going to broadcast similar programmes in the future. Begin your letter as follows; Dear Sir/Madam Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to thank you for 1………fabulous series ‘2………Hundred Years of Radio’. 3………whole family thoroughly enjoyed each of 4………excellent broadcasts in 5………series so much, so that on 6………Thursday evenings we would all rush 7………home expressly to listen to them. 8………youngest son, who is only twelve, is not usually interested in 9………radio programmes but even he enjoyed them. In fact, he found them invaluable as he has been doing 10………project on 11………history of radio at 12………school. I must say we particularly enjoyed 13………fascinating narration by 14………George Pickering and 15………insightful comments, as well as all 16………wonderful recordings from 17………early days of radio. 18………original and creative style of 19………series was also extremely impressive. 117 WRITING VER.1.0 We would very much like to know whether you are planning to air more stimulating programmes of this kind in 20………future. If so, we would appreciate if you could inform us in advance so that we do not miss them. Thank you once again. Yours faithfully, Mrs. M. Atri 118 EASY-IELTS 1 a—my—your—no article 2 A—An—The—no article 3 A—My—Your—no article 4 the—an—its—no article 5 the—a—its—no article 6 the—our—your—no article 7 the—a—our—no article 8 The—A—my—no article 9 the—a—our—no article 10 the—a—our—no article 11 the—a—an—no article 12 the—a—our—no article 13 the—a—your—no article 14 the—a—your—no article 15 the—an—his—no article 16 the—a—its—no article 17 the—an—its—no article 18 The—An—His—no article 19 the—a—his—no article 20 the—a—our—no article Using Adjectives to praise Your ability to use a range of vocabulary is very much important. It is important to use a variety of strong adjectives in letters like this. Read the example letter below again and find all ten strong adjectives the writer uses to praise the radio series. Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to thank you for your fabulous series ‘A Hundred Years of Radio’. My whole family thoroughly enjoyed each of excellent broadcasts in the series so much, so that on Thursday evenings we would all rush home expressly to listen to them. My youngest son, who is only twelve, is not usually interested in radio programmes but even he enjoyed them. In fact, he found them invaluable as he has been doing a project on the history of radio at school. 119 WRITING VER.1.0 I must say we particularly enjoyed the fascinating narration by George Pickering and his insightful comments, as well as all the wonderful recordings from the early days of radio. The original and creative style of the series was also extremely impressive. We would very much like to know whether you are planning to air more stimulating programmes of this kind in the future. If so, we would appreciate if you could inform us in advance so that we do not miss them. Thank you once again. Yours faithfully, Mrs. M. Atri Read the sample answer to the writing task below. Then complete the letter by filling each gap with a suitable word. Where a word is given after a gap, use it to form an adjective. Fill the other gaps with an appropriate article or possessive adjectives. Your local newspaper published series of articles recently which you thought were very good. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper.  Thank them for the articles and  praise the journalist who wrote them.  Ask if they will be publishing more of their articles in the future. Begin your letter as follows; Dear Sir/ Madam Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to thank you for 1…………2…………[inspire] series of articles by Paul Hodgson on 3…………pressures of modern life. I only wish I had had 4…………benefit of 5…………6…………[value] insights ten years ago before 7…………son was born as it might have saved me a few heartaches. 120 EASY-IELTS I believe Hodgson’s 8…………[fascinate] articles are among 9…………most 10…………I have ever read. This 11…………[impress] standard of journalism is sadly lacking in most newspapers today. Hodgson is not only 12…………eloquent and 13…………[power] writer, but it is also quite obvious that he undertakes painstaking research. I particularly enjoyed 14…………article ‘ Life with television’ in yesterday’s edition of 15…………newspaper. I found 16…………ideas on 17…………influence of television on family life both thought-provoking and extremely 18…………[insight]. I would very much like to see more of Hodgson’s articles in 19…………future, and sincerely hope that he will soon have 20…………regular column in the Post. Yours faithfully, Dora Ninian You have had your computer repaired by your local computer supplier. You were extremely impressed with the service. Write a letter to the manager of the shop. Describe what happened when you called the shop. Praise the staff who helped you and ask the manager to thank those concerned. Begin your letter as follows; Dear Sir/Madam Read the following sample to the writing task and find 25 spelling mistakes. Don’t forget to check your spelling when you finished writing. Dear Sir/Madam, I am writting to express my gratititude for the way your staff responded to a problem I encountered wiht my computer last week. I work from home and my computer is an extreemly important peice of equipement so when it failed to work properly on Friday morning I was very conserned that I would not be able to have it repaired untill after the weekend. However, I telephoned your shop and spoke to a young man 121 WRITING VER.1.0 called Jonathan, who, with great patiense, talked me through various solutions on the phone. Unfortunatly, we were unable to ressolve the problem. He promised to send a tecnician and I was absolutely delighted to find a very helpfull young woman called Patricia on my doorstep less then thirty minutes later. Patricia identifed the problem almost immedietely and spent the best part of the next two hours working on my computer. She not only repared it but aslo talked me throught what she was doing so that I would be able to deal with the problem myself in future. I would be greatful if you could convey my sincere thanks to both your employes. I have no hesitation in recomending your services to my freinds and colleauges. Yours faithfuly, Claire Moody 122 Although I only suffered minor bruising. I am free on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I would like to know if it would be possible to rearrange the appointment. relating real past events When we recount something that happened in the past. cut it very badly and was knocked unconscious. Begin your letter as follows. Apologizing Past tenses. And we often need to use passive as well as active voice. 12th November. Although I was not injured myself.  Apologise for missing the appointment  explain why you missed it  Ask if you can make a new appointment. I am writing to apologise for missing my 3 p. I made repeated attempts to contact your office but every time I rang. the line was engaged. active and passive. You missed an appointment at the immigration department because you were involved in an accident. Also. we mainly use past tenses. I am terribly sorry but on my way to your office the taxi I was in collided with a bus.m. and find the verbs in the past (in the second paragraph) then put them in two groups.EASY-IELTS Unit seven. Dear Sir/ Madam Dear Sir/Madam. Write a letter to the immigration officer. I was in a state of shock for a number of hours afterwards. The past simple form (for active voice) and the past participle form (for passive voice) of many common verbs are irregular so make sure you know them well! Read the sample letter to the writing task below. the taxi driver hit his head against the windscreen. several of the passengers on the bus were seriously injured and had to be taken to the hospital. however. if I have enough 123 . appointment with you on Thursday. He was running a fever and 20…………[COME] out in nasty skin rash so I 21…………[STAY] at home to look after him. Complete them by filling each gap with the past simple [active. 2…………[HIT] her head and 3…………[TAKE] to hospital. it would also be possible for me to rearrange my work schedule and meet at your convenience. The lift 9…………[BREAK DOWN] and I 10…………[TRAP] for over an hour. I 16…………[GIVE] a hepatitis vaccination for my holiday and I 17…………[DEVELOP] a high fever and 18…………[FEEL] extremely nauseous. I look forward to hearing from you. My daughter 1…………[FALL] off a chair at school. 124 . or passive] of the verb given in brackets.1. I 22…………[UNDERGO] a minor operation last week but there 23…………[BE] complications and I 24…………[NOT DISCHARGE] from hospital until yesterday. Thank you for your kind attention. 14…………[GO] flying over the handlebars and 15…………[KNOCK] unconscious. Yours faithfully. My dog 4…………[INVOLVE] in a fight with another dog and I 5…………[HAVE] to pull them apart. I 13…………[RUN] over a stone on my bicycle.WRITING VER. Nilu Kamali Here are some extracts from letters from people explaining why they were unable to attend a meeting.0 notice. I 11…………[NOT HAVE] my mobile phone with me so I 12…………[HAVE] to wait for the emergency services to rescue me. My five-year-old son 19…………[CATCH] chicken pox. The other dog then 6…………[ATTACK] me and 7…………[BIT] extremely badly and 8…………[HAD] to go to hospital. Please forgive me…………………………. the introductory phrase is followed by the preposition “for” and the “—ing” form of the verb. 8 You sent the wrong documents with your application. Please accept my apologies…………………. 4 You lost a book your tutor lent you. Please accept my apologies…………………. Formal I am writing to apologise for not informing you of my new address. Complete the apologies. 125 . 2 You didn’t attend a meeting last week. We 29…………[NOT INJURE] but our car 30…………[DAMAGE] in the collision. 6 You forgot your mother’s birthday. Here are three of the most common structures.your birthday. 3 You have taken a long time to reply to a letter.. Informal Please forgive me for not telling you my new address. Apologizing There are several ways of apologising in written English.your phone call.the deadline for my written assignment. My wife and I 28…………-INVOLVE] in a minor car accident. Notice in all three structures. Please forgive me…………………so long to reply to your letter. 1 You cancelled an appointment at very short notice. I am writing to apologise……………………the book you lent me. 7 You didn’t meet the deadline for a written assignment. 5 You didn’t return a phone call.EASY-IELTS I 25…………[TRIP] over one of my children’s toys and 26…………[SPRAIN] my ankle.our appointment at such short notice. Please accept my apologies for not informing you of my new address. I am writing to apologise…………………. I am writing to apologise…………………….the meeting last week. I 27…………[TELL] by doctor not to walk for three days. ....... I am terribly sorry but I 1.....well enough to travel into college..... I also 7.... I am feeling much better today and I was wondering if it would be possible for me to give the presentation later this week... 126 ......... I 3...... You may need to use some of the verbs more than once.....0 I am writing to apologise…………………...extremely weak. You were unable to give an assessed presentation at a tutorial at college because you were ill..........  Apologise for missing the tutorial  explain why you missed it  Ask if you can arrange to give the presentation another day.......... Complete the letter by filling each gap with the past simple of one of the verbs provided........unable to attend because I 2....... Write a letter to your tutor.....that I had completely lost my voice.... She also 11………………… me to stay at home and rest and 12……………… that my voice should be back in a few days......... However....through college last week and I had been trying to ignore it........ Read the writing task below and then answer the questions....... Be say catch discover spread tell feel go wake up have prescribe Dear Mr Robinson.. Dear.... I 9…………… to the doctor in the afternoon and she 10…………… throat lozenges and aspirin..the flu virus that 4.... I am writing to apologise for not being present at the tutorial on Friday.1...with an extremely sore throat and 6.. Begin your letter as follows.the wrong documents with my application..WRITING VER...... on Friday morning I 5.... As the presentation is assessed I am very worried about having missed it and hope it will not affect my final result.a high temperature and 8... EASY-IELTS Thank you for your kind attention. Yours sincerely. Mark Cross 127 . C Have a look at my CV and you’ll see that… D As you can see from my CV.  Write about your experience and qualifications  say why you would like the job  state when you would be available for an interview.1. 2. 128 . You have seen an advertisement in your local newspaper for a part-time shop assistant in a bookshop.WRITING VER. C I read with interest your advertisement in The Post on Monday. D I saw your job in the paper and I want to apply. Write a letter of application to the manager of the bookshop. F Anyway. B I’m writing about your ad for a shop assistant. E I’ve always wanted a job in a shop so when I saw your advert in the paper on Monday. it’s all in my CV so you can see for yourself. B You can check all this by looking at my CV. 12th December and I would like to apply for the position of part-time bookshop assistant. Begin your letter as follows. making an application Read the writing task below and answer the questions. Dear Sir/Madam 1-Which of the following openings are the most appropriate for this letter? [more than one answer] A I am writing to apply for the position of part-time bookshop assistant as advertised in The Post on Monday. … E Please find enclosed my CV.Which is the best way to refer to your CV? [more than one answer] A Read my CV for more details. I decided to apply.0 Unit eight. 12th December. F I would like to express my interest in the position of part-time bookshop assistant as advertised in The Post on Monday. 12th December. education and qualifications Paragraph 4. 4. C I have simply years of experience.Which is the best way to express your availability for interview? [one answer] A I’m fee all the time. Here are the notes that a student made for the writing task.part-time bookshop assistant 8 most recent post.book dept. availability for interview 1 good employer 2 good bookshop 3 available any time 4 love reading 5 Boutique [6 months] 6 advert-Post Monday 12th Dec 7 position advertised. in department store [6 months] 9 retail course. B I can come for an interview at a moment’s notice. D I’ve got lots of experience in this business already E you’ll be amazed at how experienced I am! F I have considerable experience in sales. F I can have an interview whenever you like. C I can make it to an interview any time.bookshop as case study 10 English literature degree 11 total in retail industry = 2 years 129 . reason for wanting job Paragraph 5. reason for writing Paragraph 2. Paragraph 1. E I am available for interview at your convenience. work experience Paragraph 3. B I have three years’ experience in the retail industry. D any time that suits you is fine by me.EASY-IELTS 3. Put each point under the correct paragraph heading to make a plan for the letter.Which is the best way to refer to your experience? [more than one answer] A I’ve worked in loads of bookshops before. In addition to this. about. by. by. for. about. about. at. at. for. Yours faithfully. from] the retail industry. with] my CV. for] parttime bookshop assistant as advertised 3 [at. to. with] interview 18 [by. Read the sample answer to the writing task and choose the correct prepositions. in] the position 2 [to. on. to] hearing 20 [about.WRITING VER. at. of. at. Try to learn prepositions which are used with verbs. from] the city. It is also has a reputation 16 [to. on. at. for. I am available 17 [at. of. at. I have always loved books and am an avid reader. with. by] a year in a supermarket and my most recent post was in a large department store. of. for] you. I am writing to apply 1 [to. in. This includes six months working as a sales assistant in a boutique. where I spent six months in charge 8 [with. at.0 12 Supermarket 1 year 13 Good working environment Prepositions Using correct prepositions is sometimes a problem for candidates. on] your convenience. while working 12 [for. and I am particularly interested 13 [to. at] City University. in] a degree 10 [of. in. followed 7 [on. 130 . by] your bookshop as it is considered to be the best 15 [in. I look forward 19 [in. 12th December. As you can see 5 [from. with. for. in. for] the book department. You will also wee that I am currently studying 9 [for. about] working 14 [in. at. on. Dear Sir/ Madam. about. by. I have two years’ experience 6 [at. nouns. to. in. about] English literature 11 [in. on] being an excellent employer and I believe it would offer a very pleasant working environment. by] my previous employer. I attended a short retail course and carried out a case-study on a bookshop. for. with. on] Monday. by] The Post 4 [in. of. in.1. from. of. in. and adjectives. Write a letter of application to the hotel manager.a mobile phone company since I left school. 10. 5. This was followed……………two years overseas..EASY-IELTS Melanie Scott Complete sentences with the correct prepositions. 12.  Write about your experience and qualifications  say why you would like the job  state when you would be available for an interview. 9. 2. I can attend an interview……………. 14. I am writing to apply to the position of receptionist at The Grand Hotel as advertising in The Post in Monday. I was responsible…………. I have a diploma……………hotel management.. You have seen an advertisement in your local newspaper for a hotel receptionist. I am particularly interested…………working at your city branch. I was in charge…………. I am fully-qualified nurse. I am writing in response to the advertisement you placed……………the Daily Record on Saturday. I look forward………. 131 . 23rd June. I am a student……………. 15th December.the position of security guard.the University of Manchester. As you can see……………my CV. Dear Sir/Madam There are 15 mistakes in this sample find and correct them. 8.. 11. 3. 4.the field of education. 13. I have been working………. I am available……………interview during morning hours.the sales department for three years.. I am currently studying…………. I have five years’ experience………….a master’s degree.the final product.your earliest convenience. I am writing to apply…………. 1. Begin your letter as follows.hearing from you.. 7. 6. I mainly deal……………our overseas clients. 16. Dear Sir. 15. I have always wanted to work at the tourist industry and I am particularly interesting in working at your hotel because I believe it to be one of the best of the city. I also think it would be an excellent starting place for a career at tourism. You will also see that I have recently completed a customer care course and that I am currently studying for a distance learning degree about tourism. Peter Evans 132 . I worked in a dentist for a year and this was followed for two years in law firm.0 As you could see from my CV.1. Yours sincerely.WRITING VER. I am available for interview at your convenience and I look forward to hear from you. I have three years’ experience as a receptionist. In both posts I was responsible of making appointments and dealing with waiting patients or clients. we are unable to attend… Unfortunately.EASY-IELTS SOME USEFUL PHRASES/EXPRESSIONS SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCE It was with deep sadness that I/we heard of the death of… I was/We were greatly saddened to learn of your wife’s death. CANCELLING A RESERVATION Unfortunately I must/have to cancel… I regret I must cancel… I understand that I am not entitled to the refund of my deposit of [amount] I would appreciate the refund of my deposit of [amount] 133 . we are unable to attend…but wish you every happiness for the day. I/We wish to extend our deepest sympathy on your sad loss. I was/We were terribly upset to hear of… I am writing to send you our warmest love and deepest sympathy. We were both delighted you could come… It was really nice to see you at… Give my thanks to… Say thank you to… INVITATION AND REPLIES …request the pleasure of your company …request the honour of your presence …would like you to join us in celebrating our engagement/anniversary/etc Your kind invitation was received with sincere thanks. THANK-YOU LETTER I am writing to say thank you for… I would like to thank you for… I/We can’t thank you enough for… Thank you for your hospitality. …for the hospitality you showed me and my wife/husband or to me. We would take great pleasure in attending… It is with great pleasure that we accept your kind invitation to… Unfortunately. 1. I have a good knowledge/thorough understanding of general office software packages/purchasing systems. I am writing in response to your advertisement in…for… I would like to be considered for the above post which your company advertised in… I enclose my CV for your consideration. COMPLAINTS AND REPLIES I wish to draw your attention to… I wish to complain about… I wish to express my dissatisfaction regarding… I am extremely concerned that… When the goods arrived I found the following defects/damage… I experienced the following problems… The service we were offered was unsatisfactory in the following ways… Under the terms of your guarantee… It was implied in the contract between us… I look forward to your receiving your written reply within the next seven days. EMPLOYMENT JOB APPLICATION I would like to apply for the position of… as advertised. I work well in a team/under pressure. I enjoy a challenge and relish learning new tasks. Thank you for considering my application. I have good computer/IT/written and verbal communication skills.0 Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I perform well under time constraints. I believe I am a suitable candidate because… I am confident that I can perform the job effectively because… I am computer literate/a good communicator/a good organizer. I look forward to discussing this application in more detail with you. I look forward to your suggestions as to how the situation can be put right… I would be interested in any comments you might wish to make… 134 .WRITING VER. I can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. My experience in…have taught me how to… I believe that my experience/qualification/skills would be of benefit to your company. EASY-IELTS If we are still not satisfied… I was concerned to learn that… I would like to apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. I appreciate that this must be frustrating… …put things right at the earliest available opportunity. we would like to… Please find enclosed…with our compliments. 135 . please contact… I am pleased to be able to inform you that… To compensate for the inconvenience caused to you/your company. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions.  Describe your suitcase Tell  them what was in it  Find out what they are going to do about it. (with some sample answers from You have had a bank account for a few years. Write a letter to the library. You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. (Dear Sir) 2. You borrowed some books from your school or college library.0 QUESTION BANK GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1. Write a letter to your new employer.) 5. You know that this information is incorrect. (Dear……….1. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. Write a letter to your local newspaper. (Dear Sir/Madam) 4.  Explain what has happened  And say what you would like them to do about it. Write a letter to the bank. You live near the airport. You have still heard nothing from the airline company. In your letter  Explain where you live  Describe the problem 136 . In your letter  Explain your situation  Describe your problems  Tell him/her when you think you can start. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. (Dear Sir or Madam) 3. Cambridge IELTS 1-8) 1.WRITING VER. You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was lost. Write a letter to the airline.  Explain what has happened  And tell them what you want to do about it. You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter  Describe the situation  Explain why you cannot continue at this time  Say what action you would like to take. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. 7. In your letter  Say who you are  Give details about the accident  Suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents. 9. (Dear………. and you wish to complain to the supermarket. In your letter  Explain the reasons for the noise  Apologise  Describe what action you will take.)  6. Write a letter to your neighbours.) You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket. (Dear……….) Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. (Dear………. (Dear Sir or Madam) You want to sell some of your furniture. (Dear……….EASY-IELTS Give reasons why you do not want this development. (Dear Sir/ Madam.) You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter  Introduce yourself  Explain what is wrong with the furniture  Say what action you would like the landlord to take. Write a letter to the landlord. 8.) You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter  Explain why you are selling  Describe the furniture  Suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture. You now find that you cannot continue the course. 137 . 10. You have recently started work in a new company.) 13. You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party.) 12. In your letter  Introduce yourself  Describe your plans for the party  Invite your neighbour to come. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend.) 14. You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. In your letter  Explain why you have moved  Describe the new house  Invite your friend to come and visit. You have recently moved to a different house. (Dear……………………) 15. In your letter  Thank them for the photos and for the holiday  Explain why you didn’t write earlier  Invite them to come and stay with you (Dear………………. In your letter  Explain why you changed your jobs  Describe your new job  Tell him/her your other news (Dear………. Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday. In your letter  Describe the problem with the equipment  Explain what happened when you phoned the shop  Say what you would like the manager to do. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. Write a letter to your friends. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. (Dear………. Write a letter to the shop manager. Write a letter to your neighbour.1.) 138 . (Dear Sir or Madam.0 11.WRITING VER... You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour. so give us a call and let us know when to expect you. and a very modern bathroom and kitchen.. Lots of love Francoise You have recently started work in a new company. We have three bedrooms now. Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. But Michel is happiest of all because he doesn’t need to do much decorating. Write a letter to an Englishspeaking friend. Our new address and phone number are below. In your letter  Explain why you have moved  Describe the new house  Invite your friend to come and visit.and one thing led to another and finally here we are in our new home. So we started looking .) 139 . (Dear……………………) Dear Dave I am writing to let you know that at last we have moved to a bigger house! We just couldn’t go on living in the two-bedroom bungalow now that the twins are growing up and the new baby has arrived. The kids are happy because there is much more space with the big living room and the garden outside.EASY-IELTS You have recently moved to a different house. I’m sure you’ll like it. Why don’t you come round this weekend and see what you think of our new place? We would all love to see you and if the weather is good we can have a barbecue in the garden. In your letter  Explain why you changed your jobs  Describe your new job  Tell him/her your other news (Dear………. I have lived here for 6 months now and I am writing to complain about some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. So basically I applied for a job at a new international company that was looking for admin staff for a new branch in the city centre. I hope. (Dear………. As you may remember. Soon. the working conditions are great and I don’t have to drive to work anymore. Tina You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an Englishspeaking country. the dining table is in very poor condition and has uneven legs. to be honest.WRITING VER. I just go so fed up with it—I was just working a really long hours and. I am so happy! The pay is better. Smith. I have to stop now because my sister is staying with me and has brought my baby nephew to meet me. I’m writing now to let you know about my new job. I am your tenant from Flat 3 on Riverside Street. We met each other when I signed the rental agreement in your office. I hope this finds you and your family well. It also does not match the dining 140 .) Dear Mr. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. You remember that I was working for that construction company a few miles outside the city? Well. She sends you lots of love and is asking when we can all meet up. Anyway.1. In your letter  Introduce yourself  Explain what is wrong with the furniture  Say what action you would like the landlord to take. but in the end I got a job as one of the senior administrators. and I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch recently.0 Dear Jenny. the pay wasn’t great. I was a bit nervous in the interview. With love. perhaps you could simply replace the table by finding one of a suitable height for the chairs. I promise. If is more convenient for you. 141 . In your letter  Explain the reasons for the noise  Apologise  Describe what action you will take.M. However. M. This would solve the problems without too much cost. Yours sincerely. I have decided to call in a professional builder who will finish the work in the next day or two. I am trying to refit my kitchen in the evenings when I get home from work. This has meant a lot of banging and hammering. He’ll work only during daytime hours. Looking forward to hearing from you. really sorry about that. I had no idea that you would be able to hear so much. Unfortunately it is all taking longer than expected and I have been having problems with getting things to fit properly.EASY-IELTS chairs as these are too low to be comfortable for a table of that height. When I first pointed this out to you. so I hope you agree to this proposed solution. As the kitchen is still not finished. I was very shocked to get your letter saying that the noise from my flat has been spoiling your evenings and causing you some distress. Write a letter to your neighbours. so I hope you will accept my apologies. As you may have guessed.Egil Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat. I am really. (Dear……….) Dear James. you have not done so and I would really like to resolve this matter as soon as possible. you agreed to provide a brand new dining set. so you won’t be disturbed in the evenings again. Write a letter to your friend. As you know. Write a letter to your new employer. Bill You want to sell some of your furniture. In particular I want to sell my big dining table.1. In your letter  Explain your situation  Describe your problems  Tell him/her when you think you can start. Shanda You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems. I’d rather sell it to you than to a stranger! Why don’t you come around and take another look at them on Saturday? We’ll be here all day. In your letter  Explain why you are selling  Describe the furniture  Suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture. Do you remember it—the one in the living room? It has wooden legs and a grey glass top and it’s big enough for six people. There are six matching chairs to go with it. we’ll be moving to a new house soon and there are a few things that I won’t be able to take with me.) Dear Jan. Love.0 Sorry to have caused these problems. (Dear………. so maybe we could have some lunch together? Give me a ring and let me know. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you. I know you’ve always liked this furniture so I could let you have it at a good price. (Dear……….) 142 . The new house is a bit smaller so I have to sell some furniture and I was wondering if you might be interested.WRITING VER. She has asked me. so I felt I 143 . I look forward to hearing from you. given the circumstances. Write a letter to the library. as this is a particularly busy time of year. I realize this will be inconvenient to you. you would be prepared to allow me to take up my position with you two weeks later than planned. Unfortunately. a problem has arisen. I had an urgent phone call from my elderly aunt’s neighbor to say that my aunt had had a fall and had been taken into hospital. and that I will be gaining further useful experience during this time. I would like to emphasise that I remain very keen to work with you. However. to stay on and help her with the running of the office.EASY-IELTS Dear Ms Barnes. After taking the books out on 16th March. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time.  Explain what has happened  And tell them what you want to do about it (Dear Sir or Madam) Dear Sir or Madam I am writing this letter to explain why I have been unable to return the three books I have out on three-day loan. and you will remember from my interview that I have gained valuable experience there. As you know. I am her only surviving relative in this country. he has had to go into hospital for an operation. Yours sincerely. but very much hope that. I am writing concerning the position of Assistant Office Manager that I am due to begin next Monday. John Forbes You borrowed some books from your school or college library. I currently work for my uncle’s food-packing business. leaving my aunt in charge of both the home and the business. which are now overdue. I am writing in reply to a letter I received from you a few days ago. If you look through your records you will see that I wrote several weeks ago explaining the situation.0 had to go and see her immediately. For the last twelve months. in which case I will be back at the beginning of next week. I would like to point out that the reason I am overdrawn is because of a mistake made by your bank. so I have had to stay here longer than expected.  Explain what has happened  And say what you would like them to do about it. Yours sincerely. You know that this information is incorrect.WRITING VER. but. Another $300 installment has been paid this month and this is the reason why I am overdrawn. However. Stevens You have had a bank account for a few years. two months ago I sold the car and I wrote to you instructing you to stop paying the monthly installments. my aunt’s condition has only improved very slowly. I trust you will kindly waive any fines that may have accumulated. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. I received a letter from you acknowledging my request. nothing was done about it. J. I travelled down to Surrey the following morning. 144 . Write a letter to the bank. (Dear Sir) Dear Sir. the hospital says that if all goes well. I have been paying $300 a month for a car I bought last summer.1. The monthly payments were taken directly from my bank account. However. she should be able to go home in two or three days’ time. thinking I would stay for only two or three days. for some reason. Bearing in mind the circumstances. Unfortunately. In your letter you state that I am $240 overdrawn and that you will be charging me $70. Yours faithfully. P Stoft 145 .EASY-IELTS I would like you to contact the garage where I bought the car explaining your error. I would also like you to ask them to return the money. TV stimulates children’s interests Children are less sociable TV-most popular form of entertainment for children Children learn more about the world Children read less Parents should check on children’s viewing TV makes children less imaginative/inventive TV helps educate children in a variety of ways TV is easier and safer than other forms of relaxation 146 . Advantages. conclusion) to make a plan for the composition. Television has brought great changes to the way many children spend their leisure time.1. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic. While some of these changes have been beneficial. You should use your own ideas. Disadvantages. Do not worry about the gaps. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should write at least 250 words. knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Brainstorming & Making a plan It is important for your composition to have a clear structure so that the reader does not become confused while reading. disadvantages. After that read the composition and check. Put them under four paragraph headings (introduction. others have had a harmful effect.0 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 1 Writing Task 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. When you have finished. A feature of good writing is well-organized paragraphs. Here are the notes that a group of students made for the writing task. check your answers by reading the completed composition. Conclusion. Introduction.WRITING VER. advantages. ..... thirdly. Check your ideas in brainstorming activity and complete the composition by choosing the linking words/ phrases which best fits each gap.2......... for this reason ... in addition... It is important to use linking words and phrases in compositions so that the reader can follow the logical steps of your arguments easily..... to sum up. for example. it is an easier and safer way for them to relax than.. however... even though. Listing points Giving examples Drawing conclusion Expressing result Expressing contrast first of all. 3.. in consequence...... on the other hand... consequently..... secondly.. 4..... in spite of. whereas.EASY-IELTS Children have fewer hobbies Adults often disapprove of children watching TV Children should do other activities as well Children are lonelier LINKING WORDS. music or sport.. television has several advantages for children.... in conclusion.. parents and teachers often disapprove of it...... although.. that they might not read about in 147 ...... including...... therefore.... what is more. television can be highly educational because children can learn about subjects....... for instance.... Put each one into the correct group according to how it is used.. moreover. despite. as a result of this in contrast.. 1.... 5.. In the past fifty years...... television has become more popular among children than any other form of home entertainment and many children spend several hours a day watching it........ finally. while. furthermore...... as a result . few would prevent their children from watching it altogether.. firstly Now read the sample answer to the writing task above.. playing in the street or in a park..... As a leisure activity.... like. Linking words and phrases can be used for a variety of purposes.. lastly. such as. 16. 2. even though] [In contrast..... Although.... Including] [To sum up... children in general are not as sociable as previous generations of children........ Despite this] [However............. In consequence..... 9...0 books........ their range of leisure activities may be more limited than previous generations.... in conclusion] [Finally...... 12. 10.. and encourage them to watch those which are either entertaining or education. 13........... Nowadays perhaps. any invention as pervasive as television is bound to have some harmful effects.... Although....1. in addition. children should also be encouraged to find time for other activities...... since they spend so much time in front of the television.. For example] [like.... television fosters children’s interest in subjects and gives them interests in common.. they may be less imaginative than children in the past because they do not have to invent their own games and because they spend less time reading books. Finally....... Lastly] [For example..... such as] [Secondly... 4... 12... like..... In conclusion. In addition] [However.WRITING VER. 1...... Furthermore. 3.. I believe that parents should monitor both how much time their children spend watching television and the type of programmes they watch............. they may have fewer hobbies... they are better-informed about the world than children were in the past and they form attitudes and opinions about things outside their direct experience.... Whereas] [However....... and.. 6. it is clear that television has had both positive and negative effects on the way children spend their leisure time.. 10.. 15.... As a result] [for instance. 15... therefore... who used to spend more time playing with friends...... Moreover... Although.. some children may feel lonelier and more isolated.... 5................. 14.. 6..... In consequence. 14..... 9............ Lastly] 148 . playing with friends or pursuing hobbies........ 7. 11...... [However............. 8.. To sum up] [However. Therefore............. Moreover. Consequently. 13.. 11....... Firstly] [for instance.. they acquire a wider vocabulary and improve their general knowledge.. Despite] [Furthermore...... 7... As a result] [In contrast...... 8.......... as a result. such as] COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVES In order to show how the way in which children spend their leisure time has changed as a result of television. Children today are not as imaginative as children in the past. At the same time. The comments have been rewritten in a more formal style. [moreover. it’s easier to come into contact with people from all over the world-something we couldn’t do in the past. Children today are less imaginative than children in the past. Creative easy fast healthy sociable wide well-informed important logical sedentary 1A By using chat and e-mail. it will give you ideas for the writing task in the next exercise. it is necessary to make comparisons between the present and the past. Adjective + er More + Adjective Irregular Bad easy exact far harmful healthy imaginative limited lonely popular safe informed wide fast few good important isolated sociable tiring well- This exercise practices the following comparative structures. Fill each gap with an appropriate comparative form using one of the adjectives below. Here are some comments made by people when they were asked about the advantages and disadvantages of having computer at home. Any invention as pervasive as television is bound to have some harmful effects. 149 . Complete each sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Television has become more popular than other leisure activities. Put the following adjectives into 3 comparative form groups. We often use comparative adjectives when we make comparisons.EASY-IELTS 16. . 3A I’ve noticed that since I bought my computer I spend far more time sitting down than I used to..........reactions..... 7A I know that some doctors worry that all this sitting in front of computers all day..to exchange information with people all over the world................ 8A One of the wonderful things about computers and the Internet is that I can exchange information with people all over the world who have the same hobby as me....... B Computers have resulted in many people leading a .as they were in the past......... B Some people become addicted to computers and... 6A I think some computer games are very educational............... 4A My reactions have definitely speeded up since I started playing computer games at home................ I’m sure they’ve improved my son’s ability to think logically..... B Computer games give people .. B People are .......I collect dolls.... I think I’ve really broadened my knowledge about all sorts of things since I’ve had Internet access from home...lifestyle........ 150 .....0 B Computers allow people to have a ..... is having a really bad effect on people’s health... B Having a home computer makes it...... they re distracted from doing other ... B People are ......... 5A People spend more time indoors as a result of computers so they don’t speak to their neighbours as much...as they were in the past as a result of using computers......... 9A These days you can find information about almost anything on the Web.....1.way. 2A Computer games can be addictive and people who get hooked often stop doing things that are really essential.............. B Computer games may help people to think in a ...... as a result.........social circle than in the past........... even in one’s free time......WRITING VER..............things.. .. 10A Before computer games arrived. 1...... To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? The growing popularity of home computers has brought about the biggest single change in the way we spend our free time since the invention of television.... for example.... We may speak to friends and neighbours 8........... there is evidence that we are not as 10............................ 7...................we would normally meet in our everyday lives: people from other parts of the world and people with similar interests to our own................ it gives us the possibility of sharing information and interests with others more easily than in the past through the use of e-mail and chat programs....... They just don’t do those things anymore........ This has brought benefits but has also created new problems......... 6............. like television. through the Internet we can make contact with many more people 2. Read the sample answer to the following writing task............................. watching television because they improve our reactions and our ability to think logically.....as we used to be due to the sedentary lifestyle that computers encourage us to lead....in their free time than they used to be......... surfing the Internet or playing computer games... 9..... 4........ Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap People increasingly spend their leisure time using computers................. Having a computer at home has undoubted advantages........... Internet access at home has helped them become .........................for our brains than........... This development is viewed by many people as a mixed blessing......because we are busy playing computer games indoors..EASY-IELTS B For some people......... some people believe that computer games are 5.... personal computers tend to isolate us from the world just outside our front door.. 3.... children used to spend more of their time building models or painting or inventing stories.......... some psychologists argue that 151 ............ B Children are .................... Lastly.............. . whereas. Firstly. 1. 12. 13.... as stimulating Such as. to communicate with friends or find information...... Therefore.. for instance.. 7. In addition..WRITING VER... As a result of this Health.. 14... 4. more stimulating...... 3... Consequently. as well as Finally. In consequence. As a result.. healthy.spending time on their studies or with their family. Therefore Consequently. 11. little What is more..... very stimulating.. In contrast.... Consequently..... Despite this. healthier.. However 152 . 12. I believe that computers are useful in the home... 8... On the other hand More... as. 2. less. that.1...... healthiest As..... which means that some people may be distracted from doing more important things. including.. Lastly. 5......0 computer games are addictive.. However Who.. than Moreover.. Finally.. To sum up Stimulating... as well as Although.. 10.... they may be harmful when they become our main source of entertainment.. In addition.... however What is more. such as.... therefore..... Moreover.... In conclusion For example.. 14. 6..... For instance...... as long as we use them as a tool.. 11. such as.. 9.. 13. fewer.. Lastly. Arguments Against. as you will find that you don’t have very much to say. Read the writing task and look at the list of ideas a group of IELTS students produced during a brainstorming session. It is not a good idea to include arguments that you don’t know anything about. There should be one international language which everyone agrees to learn and speak. or ideas which are irrelevant to the writing task. Group the ideas according to whether they are arguments for an international language. as you only have about 40 minutes to write and as your composition should be around 250 words in length. However. Many languages already have a large number of words in common would kill less widely-spoken languages many people enjoy learning new languages there are about 6000languages spoken in the world today 153 . you will not be able to use all your ideas. before you start writing. arguments against it. you can then choose the best and most relevant ideas and decide how to organise them into paragraphs. Irrelevant ideas. The aim of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as you can before you start writing.EASY-IELTS ARGUMENTS FOR & AGAINST 1 Brainstorming ideas Brainstorming just means thinking of as many ideas as you can to include in your composition without worrying too much about whether they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’. After brainstorming. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Arguments For. Writing Task 2 An international language would remove one of the main differences which separates people of different nationalities and this would lead to greater international understanding and co-operation. the ones that you will probably be able to write about best. as a result. The next stage is to select the best arguments to include in your composition. It is a very useful technique for Writing Task 2 and you should brainstorm for ideas at the planning stage. The ‘best’ arguments may be the strongest ones or they may be the ones that you know most about and. 1. Secondly. Read them and decide which of the ideas in brainstorming exercise the writer has included. Firstly. The arguments in favour of an international language are both ideological and practical. Furthermore.0 reduce the amount of translation work needed interpreters and translators would lose their jobs improve international co-operation and understanding cost of teaching every one the language might not be used diversification of language into dialects reduce nationalism help international trade world would lose cultural diversity make international travel easier simplify electronic communication Here are 2main paragraphs from a sample answer to the writing task. less widely-spoken languages. a great deal of time-consuming and expensive translation work would no longer be necessary. 154 . it is generally agreed that a common language would make international travel much easier for everyone. However. there are strong arguments against the introduction of an international language. as culture and language are closely associated. as a result. it is argued that if everyone learned the same language. it is widely believed that the threat to minority languages posed by an international one would also mean a threat to their related cultures. To start with. In other words. The result would be a dull world. co-operate more easily. all languages tend to divide into dialects. some of which cannot always be understood by all native speakers. it is often claimed that an international language would eventually come to dominate over. Finally. lacking in both linguistic and cultural diversity. it is sometimes said that linguistic diversity divides people and leads to conflict. and this would be of great benefit to international trade. we would find it easier to understand each other’s point of view and. Secondly.WRITING VER. and in some cases cause the disappearance of. if we removed language differences. it is often pointed out that while an international language might initially facilitate communication. and both artificial and natural languages. 155 . it is often claimed that an international language would eventually come to dominate over.’ just becomes ‘It is thought that. it is not necessary to include the agent.. ‘suggest’ and ‘believe’ and this formal style is more appropriate for Writing Task 2. Secondly.’ and not ‘It is thought by many people that. there are strong arguments against the introduction of an international language.’ It is better to write: ‘It is widely believed that..... as a result. and this would be of great benefit to international trade. if we removed language differences. some of which cannot always be understood by all native speakers. all languages tend to divide into dialects. have been put forward at various times in history as candidates to fill this role. Firstly. and English. It has often been suggested that we should all learn to speak an international language. Latin. Finally.’ Now read the complete sample essay and find all the passive constructions using reporting verbs. it is often pointed out that while an international language might initially facilitate communication. a great deal of time-consuming and expensive translation work would no longer be necessary. The arguments in favour of an international language are both ideological and practical.. However.. In other words.. Secondly.’ Remember that when you use this kind of passive construction. it is generally agreed that a common language would make international travel much easier for everyone. less widely-spoken languages. For example. it is sometimes said that linguistic diversity divides people and leads to conflict. ‘argue’. To start with. as it does not add any useful information to the sentence. it is argued that if everyone learned the same language.EASY-IELTS Passive voice Writers often introduce ideas and arguments using passive forms of reporting verbs such as ‘say’. we would find it easier to understand each other’s point of view and. For example ‘People think.. and in some cases cause the disappearance of.. co-operate more easily. including Esperanto. instead of writing: ‘Many people believe that. ....... The result would be a dull world.5 billion people speak some English nowadays.. It. 156 ..... It ....... There. 2 Experts believe that about 6000 languages are spoken in the world today........ that an international language would reduce nationalistic feelings.. 1 Some people think that an international language would reduce nationalistic feelings.... 3 People often suggest that an international language would lead to disappearance of minority languages.to be up to 1.....1...............5 billion people speak some English nowadays........ Complete each sentence so that it means the same as the sentence before it.to be spoken in the world today.. that an international language would facilitate international trade.............. It ...... Use the passive form of the highlighted verb in each case and do not include the agent.....WRITING VER................ About 6000 languages .............. and the disappearance of minority languages and cultures would be a sad loss.... I doubt that an international language would bring about international peace..... 5 Some experts estimate that up to 1. lacking in both linguistic and cultural diversity..that an international language would lead to disappearance of minority languages........ it is widely believed that the threat to minority languages posed by an international one would also mean a threat to their related cultures... On balance.........0 Furthermore.. 4 People argue that an international language would facilitate international trade. as culture and language are closely associated.. I believe that it would be undesirable to impose an international language on the world... it is sometimes necessary to discuss hypothetical situations.... the past tense of the verb is used (unreal past) to show that the situation is hypothetical (Not real.. to be which language to choose as an international language................................. that an international language would increase international co-operation and understanding.. The biggest problem... that if an international language was imposed on people. we would find it easier to understand each other’s point of view. Complete the sentences by one appropriate form of verbs provided.... For example: It is generally agreed that a common language would make international travel much easier for everyone...that artificial languages such as Esperanto are not the solution to the problem.. 10 Linguists have pointed out that all languages diversify into dialects.. 9 People generally agree that artificial languages such as Esperanto are not the solution to the problem. there would be a strong reaction against it....... It .. there would be a strong reaction against it........... 157 .... that all languages diversify into dialects.. Conditionals In compositions where we want to discuss the arguments for and against something... 7 Many people feel that if an international language was imposed on people.. It....... It.... for example. In ‘if’ clause.. However..... If we removed language differences........EASY-IELTS 6 Many people consider that biggest problem to be which language to choose as an international language...... It. just Imagination) and in main clause.. You will need to use one of the verbs more than once. To do this we use “conditionals”—sentences with an “if” clause.. we often use ‘would + verb’.. we can also use the conditional without an “if” clause.. 8 People say that an international language would increase international co-operation and understanding.. ..... 158 ........... not 5 Some minority languages have already disappeared and more would certainly die out altogether if governments.... such as using e-mail.............. like spelling and grammar...children to be more articulate speakers................. 6 If we.......... 10 We would probably all be better communicators schools.....................................fluent in at least one foreign language by the time they left school..to friends and family members at all if they did not have e-mail.a great pity if the thousands of languages still spoken in the world today died out...........1...................... 4 Even if an international language everyone.......... we would have more time to spend on other subjects...... 7 It would be ideal if all children....their working lives very difficult without modern means of communication such as e-mail and mobile phones......... if Read the writing task below and the sample answer.... rather than traditional ones....... conflicts in the world if 2 It. they.............WRITING VER... Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap........children better for the future.... was introduced............................efforts to protect them...................... 9 Many people......... 3 Many people today...... 8 If schools devoted more time to teaching modern communication skills.....to use it...............the same language........0 Agree teach be write find have to make prepare speak 1 Perhaps there would be fewer everyone.learn a foreign language at school......... ............... however.. a theatrical performance or even a quiet meal in a restaurant to be disrupted by an inconsiderate mobile phone user..... it is 10.... to affect brain activity and some scientists are worried about the effects this may have on the health of children who use such phones............................................... ownership to professional use only...... 8........ there are strong arguments against such measures....... and that everyone should have the right to the protection they offer.................... to see ownership restricted because of the possible risks these phones pose to our health and the negative impact they are already having on society....... more to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radio wave emissions......... that none of this would be the case if the government 9. Governments should introduce measures to restrict ownership of mobile phones to those who need them for their work............... the majority of considerate users.......... or when other difficult situations arise.............. Secondly. believed that mobile phones are indispensable in the case of accidents...................... 1.......... On the other hand................ the number of traffic accidents caused by people talking on their mobile phones...to these risks if restrictions 5.... it is 12........pointed out that there will always be a minority of inconsiderate people and that restrictions on ownership would unfairly 13......... But should such restrictions be imposed? There are some persuasive arguments in favour of restricting ownership..... Some people.... it is argued that if phone companies 11...... Finally.......... To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? In many countries mobile phones have become a normal part of daily life for almost everyone....... Furthermore..............agreed that such measures would 7........ radio wave emissions from mobile phones 2............ such as doctors and lawyers. to young children.......... from professionals............. It is now common for a concert..... 159 .......... people would only make short calls from their phones and these risks would then be reduced... it is 6.........EASY-IELTS Ownership of mobile phones has risen dramatically in recent years despite the potentially harmful effects they may have on our health and on society..... that fewer people would 4..... Firstly............... .............................. There is also the social impact to consider...... 3............................... Firstly............................... Introductory paragraphs It is very important to write a good introductory paragraph for your composition...... it makes the rest of the composition easier to write and it makes a good impression on the reader... adults should have the right to use mobile phones if they wish. If your introduction is good..0 To sum up.. 9... 13.... 15.... 8.. for both personal and professional purposes. 11. 6... 7.. private cars should be completely banned from city centres.......1. 5. Like/ would like/ liked Known/ are known/ have known I claim/ it is claimed/ it claims Be exposed/ exposed/ expose Have been introduced/ are introduced/ were introduced Sometimes/ often/ generally Reduce/ reduced/ be reduced We sometimes say/ they sometimes say/ it is sometimes said Will restrict/ restricts/ restricted Widely/ highly/ broadly Will do/ do/ did Always/ often/ never Penalise/ have penalised/penalised It is believed/ I believe/ I am believed Were probably/ would probably be/ would not be Giving an opinion 1 Excessive traffic has made cities unpleasant places to live and work in... 12... However... 14..... 2.. For this reason.... that some restrictions on ownership to protect young people’s health 15. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Brainstorming ideas When you are faced with a writing task like this. 4.... 14.. even arguments you don’t agree with......... 1.. 160 .. Some students are given a low band score for writing task 2 because they don’t include enough ideas in their compositions. 10... 3...a good thing.. you should try to think of as many ideas as possible.WRITING VER...... it is becoming increasingly difficult to move around town with the traffic congestion which exists at most times of day. However. At Christmas last year. and then read a teacher’s comments about them. 161 . having said that. and I believe. now they were problems of accidents and parking. and within about twenty years it replaced the horse as the main means of transport in most cities. that it would be a mistake to do so. if you decide not to write a balanced ‘for and against’ composition. The motor car was invented in the late nineteenth century. There are six introductory paragraphs for the writing task. Analyze them. This gave rise to a whole new range of problems. However. Excessive traffic has made towns and cities unpleasant places to live and work in. if any. Whereas before the problems had been staling and feeding horses.EASY-IELTS Remember. There are several reasons why I believe this should be done. For example. no town council has yet had the courage to completely prohibit private motor vehicles from entering the city centre. and with all the shopping traffic I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour and a half. For this reason. I had to get home from my job in the centre of Barcelona. and there are several reasons why I think cars should be banned from the centre. Traffic is an increasing problem in our cities. you should give your personal opinion in the first paragraph and repeat it in conclusion. private cars should be completely banned from city centres. have banned private cars from their centres. This problem would be avoided if the city authorities banned private cars from the city centre. in spite of improvements in the public transport system. and there are several reasons why I suppose this idea. Most cities now have pedestrian precincts and from time to time cities are in the news because cars have been temporarily banned from the centre to reduce pollution. few cities. for a number of reasons. Cars and other forms of transport have given rise to a variety of problems in our cities. Match the comments to the appropriate introduction. and. most cities are unpleasantly polluted both with exhaust fumes and noise. WRITING VER. And you haven’t said what your opinion is..0 Teacher’s Comments. A good introduction shows where the composition is going. It’s OK to briefly outline the issues involved in the introduction.. Don’t start with personal anecdote you had in the past. You’ve mentioned some general measures that have been taken to deal with cars. The former indicates that this is the first reason or argument you are going to give to support your opinion. In conclusion... The latter indicates that this is your final paragraph where you will summarize you opinion. summarising the problem and using more formal language. Start with a more general statement. You’ve just copied some sentences from the writing task..... It is too short.. but you should do it in your own words.. written in an academic formal style.... It is a good idea to include some of these ideas in the main body of your essay where you give reasons for your opinion. Try not to copy the question word for word. One way to expand is to give examples of kinds of problems heavy traffic in cities causes.. This is supposed to be a serious essay. and your major opinion is clear. This introduction is too long almost 100 words. It should prepare the reader for what is coming next.. . Examples of signposts are.. and the history of the problems it caused..1. 162 . You don’t have enough space in a 250-word essay to write about the history of the car. Signposts It will help you in your writing if you use linking words and phrases and also ‘signposts’ to show what the purpose of each paragraph is. This is a good introduction. The most important reason why cars should be banned is.. Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap.EASY-IELTS Put the linking phrases and signpost expressions into the correct group according to how each one is used. Most cities now have pedestrian precincts and from time to time cities are in the news because cars have been temporarily banned from the centre 163 . I feel that such as the main reason is the most important reason is the second reason is Read this sample answer to the writing task. Giving opinion introducing reasons for opinions giving examples A case in point is a final reason is a further reason is a good example of this is for example for instance I agree I am against I am convinced that I am in favour of I am of the opinion that I am opposed to I am sure I believe I disagree I strongly support the idea that I think in my opinion including on that grounds that personally. ........ 7 ... which has narrow streets and few facilities for parking.... B for instance... has happened to many old cathedrals in Europe.......... However.. therefore................. the historic centre of Valencia.. A I agree. 1.... pollution from car exhausts......... This in turn would bring about a general improvement in people’s health.... Finally........ that traffic should be banned from city centres....... As a result..... traffic moves very slowly and there are frequent traffic jams....... There are several reasons why 1 ............. 2 ...................... this should be done.... At the same time.............................. traffic fumes attack the stonework of historic monuments and buildings.......... no town council has yet had the courage to completely prohibit private motor vehicles from entering the city centre.........1........... that if cars were banned.. 9........ which damages people’s health causing respiratory disease such as asthma and bronchitis................. which forces people to keep their windows permanently closed and may cause psychological problems including stress and depression among people living in busy streets.. 3........0 to reduce pollution... 8 ....... A The most important reason is B I am opposed to good example of this is 3.............................. while the vibrations from passing vehicles damage their foundations.... A I support B I believe C I am in favour of 2.......... they would walk or use bicycles as these would once more become safe and enjoyable activities within the city.... 4 ...is that most cities were not designed for motor traffic.................................... people would find other more pleasant ways to move around cities................... why I am 5 .............................. 6 ...........WRITING VER.....................cars being banned is in order to reduce the noise pollution from traffic... as this would enable people to rediscover cities as pleasant and healthy places to live.. 10 ......... Beautiful buildings are sspoilt by always having cars parked in front of them and pretty streets become unpleasant due to permanent traffic congestion and exhaust fumes............. In conclusion..... This............................. C I am against 164 C A ....... for example. However. A The most important reason B The final reason C A further reason 7. Another reason is that tourism provides regular employment for many local people who might otherwise be unemployed. A A good example of this B For example C A case in point is 10. food suppliers or petrol stations. A I am in favour of B on the grounds C I strongly support the idea The tourist industry has grown enormously over the last fifty years. However. like any major industry. This. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read the sample answer to the writing task above. other businesses. They can find work in restaurants or hotels. I am in favour of. and earn regular wages. i strongly oppose that it rarely benefits countries. A in favour of B convinced that C of the opinion that 6. means that they may be able to save money and improve their standard of living. or with tourist agencies as guides or drivers. A I am sure B I strongly support C I am opposed to the idea 9. On the contrast. and find 15 mistakes The growth of tourism means that nowadays most countries have a tourist industry and for many countries it is an essential sector of their economy. tourism may have some drawbacks. on the other hand. bars and taxi companies to flourish. In turn. tourism rarely benefits the countries which tourists visit.EASY-IELTS 4. The main reason is that tourists spend money in the country and this allows local businesses as restaurants. and there are few places which are unaffected by it. may be established in order to provide services to support the companies 165 . for a number of reasons. I feel that B I am strongly of the opinion that C A good example of this is 8. including. A Personally. the vast majority of countries derive great benefit from it. A The most important reason B A second reason C A final reason 5. I firmly support that governments should encourage tourism because of the opportunities it offers for ordinary people to improve their quality of life.1. the whole economy of the region develops. In contrast. roads. airports and hotels have to be built and local people also benefit by being able to use these new facilities. In conclusion. Furthermore.WRITING VER. it becomes possible for other industries to move into the area. visitors learn about the local people and culture. A final reason is that in order for tourists to be able to visit remote areas. and return home with a deeper understanding of the host country. bringing with them more employment opportunities and increased prosperity. local people may learn from tourists.0 which cater for tourists. A second reason why I am against tourism is that visitors from outside bring fresh ideas and different ways of doing things to the local community. 166 . when communications improve. In other words. For example. The causes of the problem should be discussed in one paragraph and then possible solutions in another. Paragraph 3. Paragraph 1. Our cities are noisier than ever before. Here are the notes that a group of students made for the writing task. There are basically two ways of organising this kind of composition and in this unit we look at one possible structure. Put each point under the correct paragraph heading to make a plan for the composition. it is best to have at least one solution for each cause. causes of the problem Paragraph 3. and what can be done about it? Read the writing task and match the paragraph headings to the appropriate paragraph. In order for this composition structure to work. Paragraph 2. what the problem is and its effect Paragraph 2.g. Paragraph 1. The solutions should be presented in the same order as the causes. Possible solutions to the problem causes of the problem possible results of suggested solutions what the problem is and its effect It is important to brainstorm for ideas and organise them into paragraphs before you start writing your composition. Paragraph 4. possible results of suggested solutions Sleeplessness stress insulation in buildings noise pollution is a serious problem traffic use better sound mental problems e. saying what the causes are and suggesting possible solutions. possible solutions to the problem Paragraph 4. separate paragraph. Why is this so.EASY-IELTS PROBLEM AND SOLUTION 1 The writing task may ask you to discuss a problem. depression ban aircraft from 167 . We will look at an alternative structure later. .... Moreover..............this increase in noise.....measures should be taken to reduce the amount of noise in our daily lives. often 3......................... For example......lower productivity at work 4.. or using noisy power tools such as drills or lawn mowers......... There is no doubt that we have to live with far more noise than in the past.. Regarding traffic noise.... particularly in cities......... Finally.. and to make suggestions..... Read this sample answer to the writing task............. legislation 12. insomnia and mental problems.................for us all to behave more considerately by....prohibit aeroplanes from flying over built-up areas...... local authorities 10... or are just landing at local airports................. 11....... you will needs to describe “cause and effect” relationships............ 168 ... turning down the volume of our music or televisions and limiting our use of noisy power tools.... The second major source of noise in our cities is low-flying aircraft which have either just taken off........... Fill the gaps with appropriate words...........employees are too tired and stressed to work efficiently... 9............... 13..hearing loss and high blood pressure... These problems........stress.. In addition. for example... radios and music impose stricter speed limits in residential areas improved physical and mental health avoid the use of noisy tools noisy power tools better quality of life in cities Cause—Effect In order to analyse the reasons why a problem exists and suggest solutions........ including depression....... there is traffic noise............. and this may be the form of pollution which affects us most directly. it is necessary to understand what has 5............... noise is a serious problem. Clearly.....neighbours listening to music or watching television at full volume.........aircraft noise could be lessened is by building airports further away from urban areas. 6... In order to find effective solutions to the problem............. it has been found that prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can 1..0 flying over urban areas show more consideration for our neighbours loss of hearing high blood pressure lower productivity at work low-flying aircraft build airports further from cities loud televisions....WRITING VER.......... There are certain phrases to show ‘cause and effect’. 8...imposing strict speed limits in residential areas...... It may also 2.. As far as noisy neighbours are concerned.....1.......... Firstly..improved soundproofing for buildings near busy roads..the ever-increasing number of vehicles on our roads... there is noise 7...... There are three main causes....... in turn... . leading to.. been caused by] global warning. 1.EASY-IELTS In conclusion. we would all enjoy a better quality of life.... There is more than one correct answer. as a result of....... due. stemmed from. 14. 4 Marine life in the world’s seas is being devastated [due to.. owing. giving rise. if the measures i have suggested were introduced..living and working in a quieter environment.. brought about. 7. 2 Sea levels have begun to rise [leading. resulted in. giving rise to.. 3 The destruction of forest habitats has [led. 5.... led to.... However.. 1 Many experts believe that CO2 emissions from industry and vehicles have [caused. 2. 9. 169 .... 14. 15. because of] overfishing. 3... 4.. 11. 8.. there is no simple solution to the problem. 12. 6.. 10.... given rise to] many animal species to die out... 13. thanks] to global warming.. caused..exposure to high levels of noise.... people would feel more relaxed and they would be less prone to the physiological and psychological problems that are known to 15.. Lead to/ be caused by/ be due to Be due to/ be caused by/ give rise to Result in/ result from/ stem from Due to/ because/ on account of Resulted from/ brought about/ stemmed from Because/ resulting in/ due to Leading to/ giving rise to/ caused by It is therefore essential that/ the most obvious answer for/ one way in which It is essential that/ the most obvious answer is/ one way in which Must/ should/ ought to consider One way in which/ one solution for/ the most obvious answer for Should/ might/ may One way in which/ it is essential that/ the only effective solution is As a result of/ because/ consequently Lead to/ stem from/ bring about Now let’s practice more on cause-effect relationships.. brought about... Complete sentences by choosing the correct words... given rise to. results from. 6 Accidents at sea involving large oil tankers have often [been due to. is due to. What are the causes of this problem. One way to make suggestions is to use modal verbs such as ‘should’. Remember.0 5 In many parts of the world. resulted in. thanks to. led to. resulting in. stemmed from] environmental damage on a huge scale. Causes 1 Some species are unable to adapt to the changing climate brought about by global warming. given rise to.WRITING VER. once fertile land is turning into semi-desert [owing to. brings about] the complexity of global weather systems. 8 Public awareness of environmental issues is far greater than it used to be [on account of. resulting in. leading to.1. stems from. 170 . brought about. Read the writing task and look at the list of possible causes of the problem. you should suggest at least one corresponding solution in paragraph three. on account of. been caused by. because. due to. since. 9 Zoos can sometimes help prevent certain species from becoming extinct [owing to. but there are also some other useful phrases you can use. 7 The difficulty meteorologists have in making predictions about climate change [results in. resulted from] an increase in breathing disorders such as asthma. Many species of animals and plants are in danger of becoming extinct. since] they can breed the animals in captivity. because] energetic campaigning by environmentalists. ‘ought to’. then match each solution to the appropriate cause. for every cause you mention in paragraph two. as a consequence of. on account of] intensive farming methods. and what can be done to prevent it from happening? This exercise will give you some ideas for the writing task. 10 Poor air quality in urban areas is known to have [stemmed from. ... skins and other animal products.. Another significant cause is pollution. ... A third cause is the hunting of rare species for food. F CO2 emissions from vehicles and industry should be reduced and more use made of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. B Companies that pollute must be heavily fined. ..... particularly the destruction of forests where so many species live. Large number of animals and plants are threatened with extinction mainly as a result of human activity... 1. 5 Industry continues to pollute rivers. we need to examine some of the human activities that are causing the extinction of so many species. The most important cause is almost certainly the destruction of animal and plant habitats. Possible solutions A There ought to be an international agency to stop the trade in products made from endangered species. Obviously this constitutes a major environmental disaster in itself since it reduces the biodiversity of our planet.... C Woodlands should be harvested for natural resources rather than cleared in order to grow cash crops.. rivers and lakes. ivory..... 4 Some species under threat of extinction are still hunted due to the demand for traditional medicines..EASY-IELTS 2 Overfishing upsets the natural balance of marine life.... Read the sample answer to the task and complete it with the missing sentences.. which poisons land. it could also give rise to agricultural problems since the disappearance of many insects would affect pollination and pest control...... D Governments should impose strict limits on fishing...... many of the plants used for making medicines would also disappear forever. 171 ........ E Industry ought to only use timber from renewable forests.. 3 Logging to provide timber for industry destroys forests. traditional medicines and various animal products which can be sold at high prices to collectors. 6 Forests are cleared to provide agricultural land. However.. Before suggesting solutions to the problem.... Furthermore.... 2.......... lakes and coastal areas..... ..... Firstly.. it is essential that timber for industry should be taken only from renewable forests....... and an international agency ought to be set up to prevent the trade in products made from rare species.... this is a problem which cannot be solved until we humans learn to live in harmony with our natural surroundings and to respect them....1. 172 .....WRITING VER....... The hunting of rare species must be banned................... To sum up. 5... This should discourage them from polluting again.........0 A number of urgent measures need to be taken in order to solve the problem..... In addition........ Finally.. instead of burning them down in order to grow cash crops such as coffee................ 3............. 4... The only effective way to prevent the contamination of natural habitats is to impose heavy fines on those companies that ignore regulations......... preventing pollution and stopping illegal hunting an environmental disaster could be averted.......... local populations should be encouraged to make a living by harvesting the natural products which grow in forests. By preserving natural habitats such as forests. As regards pollution........... This is partly due to the fact that industry needs the wood and because growing populations need the land for agriculture this leads to the extinction of the species which live there.......... To reduce or stop further deforestation........... ‘while’...... Notice how these words and phrases are used in the composition........... 3. Finally... whereas charging an entry fee means that a nation’s heritage is only available to those who can afford it.. A further advantage is that free museums attract far more visitors because. 173 . 4......... although many people make a special trip to visit them............. However. This exercise focuses on the use of linking words and phrases to express contrast and concession.......................... ‘in spite of’ and ‘however’.......... there are also certain drawbacks............................ As a result...........2.. such as ‘although’.................... Free museums.... which is based on the principle of equal opportunity for all........ Using linking words and phrases to join your ideas together is one way to make your language more complex........ Before you do this exercise..... The tradition which countries have of free admission to state-owned museums is coming under increasing threat due to rising costs and limited funding... while private museums may be influenced by commercial pressures.......... Contrast—Concession It is important in IELTS Writing Task 2 to demonstrate your ability to use complex sentence structures............. are treated as an extension of the state education system.... like public libraries. museums. which is the same as asking about its advantages and disadvantages.... While free admission to museums has obvious benefits.. ‘whereas’............... therefore.... There are several advantages to allowing the public free access to museums..................... many museums in these countries 1... reach a much wider public....... spend a few minutes noting down what you think the advantages and disadvantages of free admission to museums are......... To what extent do you agree or disagree? This writing task asks about the ‘benefits’ and ‘drawbacks’ of a situation........ Firstly......... ‘despite’.... in some countries admission to public museums is free.. Despite these pressures............EASY-IELTS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 2 Many state-owned museums charge visitors an entrance fee.. ..... First and foremost............. Consequently................... museums that do not charge admission may not always be able to afford ambitious projects......... museums whose income comes entirely from public funds may be more subject to government policy....... and.......................WRITING VER.. while adults should 7.. Lastly... Moreover............ regardless of income C but not everyone can afford it 3 A the number of people who visit them on impulse is also high B some people visit the same museum two or three times C some visitors are tourists and school children 4 A they also need to put on exhibitions which make money B free museums do not suffer from the same constraints........... which may mean they present their exhibitions in a more serious way C free museums need to appeal to a wider public. a policy of free admission to museums also has a number of disadvantages.... 1 A are reluctant to introduce entrance fees B have begun to charge entrance fees C want to charge entrance fees 2 A charging no fee would mean the same B free admission makes it accessible to everyone. or to buy new items to add to their collections... in spite of their popularity.. In this way..6.....0 However...........1.......... fulfil a valuable role in educating the general public. which means they only put on popular exhibitions 5 A many museums have millions of visitors every year B hospitals and schools receive priority when it comes to government funding 174 ..............5.. In conclusion........ though museum directors want to attract large numbers of visitors.................. at the same time. museums would be able to raise sufficient money to maintain the quality of their collections and add to them... which sometimes means that exhibitions are expected to reflect the government’s views.......... I believe that children and students should have free admission to museums. ........ though although in spite of whereas 5 .. they do not always receive sufficient funds....... which can discourage more serious visitors B museums are always looking for ways to make their exhibits appeal to a larger audience C free admission would encourage more visitors to come 7 A not have to pay for them B be given free entrance C pay a moderate entrance fee Choosing the correct linking word or phrase depends partly on the meaning of the sentence and partly on the grammar of the sentence.. You should pay careful attention to both. Whereas However Although In spite of 2 . many are reluctant to introduce admission charges.this leads to overcrowding at times.. free entrance makes it accessible to everyone..... .......admission fees mean that a country’s national heritage is only available to those who can afford to pay for it.free admission and state funding allow a museum to be more serious... especially during holiday periods.. a lot of people visit them on impulse....................... Although However Despite Nevertheless 6 Museums try to maximize the number of visitors. While However Despite Although 4 Entrance fees mean that museums are under pressure to entertain the public......................EASY-IELTS C museums have to compete for funding with the health service and the education system.the fact that many people make a special trip to visit free museums..... 1 State-owned museums generally suffer from rising costs.. Here are some of the ideas from the composition and a few extra ones... whereas even though in spite of despite 175 ..... Many of the ideas in the composition that you read can be expressed in different ways...... Complete the sentences by choosing the best linking word for each gap. While However In spite of Despite 3 .......museums are popular attractions......... both of which tend to receive higher priority 6 A free museums often become unpleasantly overcrowded...... ... .. taxpayers are generally unwilling to have their money spent on them.. 176 .. so it is a defining relative clause.. However Even though Despite Whereas 8 Some governments regard museums as part of the education system....WRITING VER..others are very specialist...... Nevertheless Although In spite of While 10 Some museums reflect mainstream culture..... . adults should pay an admission fee... For example: Museums which do not have an admission fee attract a lot of visitors. The relative clause gives essential information about ‘museums’... Read the composition again and put the examples of defining and nondefining relative clauses into the correct group.... There are two basic types of relative clause....... even though while in spite of despite Relative Clauses Another way to make your language more complex is to join ideas together using relative clauses.... Despite Nevertheless Although Whereas 9 .. defining and non-defining... The tradition which countries have of free admission to state-owned museums is coming under increasing threat due to rising costs and limited funding..0 7 Museums should be free for children and students. which do not have an admission fee...1.... . Despite these pressures..... attract a lot of visitors...... Only non-defining relative clauses need to be enclosed in commas... ..the increasing popularity of museums... many museums in these countries are reluctant to introduce entrance fees.... Free museums.... for many visitors visiting them is first and foremost a leisure activity. Non-defining relative clauses... so it is a non-defining relative clause.... Defining relative clauses.......... The relative clause gives additional information about ‘free museums’.. a policy of free admission to museums also has a number of disadvantages. which may mean they present their exhibitions in a more serious way. fulfil a valuable role in educating the general public. both of which tend to receive higher priority. like public libraries. museums that do not charge admission may not always be able to afford ambitious projects. in spite of their popularity. museums. are treated as an extension of the state education system. although many people make a special trip to visit them. Free museums. First and foremost. free museums do not suffer from the same constraints. Firstly. Complete the sentences by choosing the correct options. regardless of income. Finally. In conclusion. at the same time. However. especially during holiday periods. museums whose income comes entirely from public funds may be more subject to government policy. whereas charging an entry fee means that a nation’s heritage is only available to those who can afford it. while adults should pay a moderate entrance fee. I believe that children and students should have free admission to museums. free museums often become unpleasantly overcrowded. which can discourage more serious visitors. reach a much wider public. Consequently. free admission makes it accessible to everyone. and. There may be more than one correct option. 177 . As a result.EASY-IELTS There are several advantages to allowing the public free access to museums. museums would be able to raise sufficient money to maintain the quality of their collections and add to them. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of cultural tourism. therefore. Moreover. or to buy new items to add to their collections. though museum directors want to attract large numbers of visitors. museums have to compete for funding with the health service and the education system. while private museums may be influenced by commercial pressures. the number of people who visit them on impulse is also high. which is the topic of the next writing task. which sometimes means that exhibitions are expected to reflect the government’s views. In this way. which is based on the principle of equal opportunity for all. A further advantage is that free museums attract far more visitors because. Lastly. .......... who which that Ø 6 National monuments and other important sites are often looked upon with great pride by the inhabitants of a country..are fragile..... who which that Ø 3 Local people benefit from the income...........WRITING VER..........large modern hotels are built may lose their unique local character forever. who whose which that 5 People..................welcome the chance to show them off to visitors....................... who which that Ø 7 Some countries......monuments have great religious or cultural significance do not want to attract large numbers of tourists.country they are visiting............ they require extra protection.................... such as ancient temples or cave paintings.... who which that Ø 9 At the height of the tourist season. ................is generated by cultural tourism pays for monuments to be restored and new museums and exhibitions to be opened.... ..... which that whose Ø 8 Monuments....... can be damaged by large numbers of tourists... who which that Ø 2 the money..involves people travelling to a country in order to visit its museums and monuments.live in the host country also learn from tourists...... visitors learn about the way of life and traditions of the people............ .. is generally considered to benefit the country........0 1 Cultural tourism........cultural tourism generates.. who which that Ø 4 Through cultural tourism........................ when which where Ø 10 Small towns and seaside resorts..monuments receive large numbers of visitors.1........ 178 . This may mean that an important part of a country’s national heritage is lost. and also as a source of income and jobs. monuments and historic buildings are restored and protected. the site may be spoilt by being surrounded by ugly hotels and other tourist 179 . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Nowadays. Cultural tourism. they are also available for local people to enjoy. for example. they flourish. in despite of these benefits. but it can also cause problems. is a growing industry. the sheer number of visitors can cause serious damage to monuments such as ancient temples or cave paintings. However. in a region whose the monuments are expected to generate income for the local economy. monuments and archaeological sites among other things. Finally. which it is seen both as an opportunity to display national treasures and achievements to visitors. where people travel in order to visit museums. There are various advantages of cultural tourism for the sites themselves. Find the mistakes. it can also pose severe problems for the specific sites which are visited. cultural tourism is welcomed and encouraged in most countries. Furthermore. Having so many visitors may sometimes benefit a nation’s cultural heritage. visitors learn about the country. they may benefit from greatly increased income. In particular. cultural tourism has a number of drawbacks. A further advantage is that local authorities recognise the value of their sites. On the other hand. As a result.EASY-IELTS when which where whose Read the writing task and the sample answer to it. Despite these may be designed primarily to attract tourists. on improving museums and galleries and on more frequent and more ambitious exhibitions. its culture and customs are consequently understood and appreciated better by both tourists and local people. that they then invest money in. The main one in that. There are 12. part of this may be spent. although protective measures being taken. As a result. when cultural tourism is generally beneficial. Finally. On the whole. In addition.0 facilities. the number of tourists visiting certain sites should be restricted and tourists should be educated to respect them. however cultural tourism in general should not be discouraged.1. if too many tourists visit a site. 180 . the problems what it causes can only be avoided with proper planning and sufficient investment in the protection and preservation of the sites which tourists visit. it may lose its cultural significance within the local community. This is particularly the case for monuments their religious or social importance makes them a central part of community life.WRITING VER. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read the writing task and then put the following ideas (from a students’ brainstorming activity) into two groups: arguments for and arguments against showing upsetting events. Viewers are not always given enough warning before disturbing images are shown. Important news events must not be “censored” for the public. not distressed.EASY-IELTS ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST 2 ARGUMENTS FOR & AGAINST 2 Many television news programmes show pictures of events in the news which people find upsetting. If you are going 181 . even if the images are unpleasant. that is. you can turn the television off. Arguments for. Young people should not be sheltered from the unpleasant realities of the world. Too much exposure to disturbing images may accustom us to them. Pictures have more impact than words. Television news reports often trivialise tragic events by turning them into entertainment. Victims of violence may not want to be shown on television. Another way is to form paragraphs by pairing arguments and counter-arguments. Arguments against. so we no longer react. If you find the images upsetting. Some political systems work better when people know exactly what is happening in the world. it should not bring disturbing images into people’s homes. one paragraph including arguments for and another paragraph including arguments against the idea. Viewers want to be entertained. when they watch television. While television has a duty to report important news. people may take action. The plan you saw is just one way to organise a ‘for and against’ composition. If unpleasant images are shown on television. Children may be traumatised by disturbing images. ...................... But remember........ Not all counterarguments will be used. Paragraph 1—introduction Paragraph 2—argument 1 + counter-argument If unpleasant images are shown on television........................... When you have finished.. ..... Complete the plan by matching a suitable counter-argument from the list to each argument............ even if the images are unpleasant.. Paragraph 4—argument 3 + counter-argument If you find the images upsetting........ people may take action.... the easiest way to do this is to state the argument you don’t agree with first........ In order to be able to write at least 250 words... and by using this composition structure.............. you will find it easier to decide which arguments to keep and which to reject...................................... 3.... Some political systems work better when people know exactly what is happening in the world.......................... You will not have the time or space to include them all... Paragraph 5—conclusion Children may be traumatised by disturbing images... Here is a different way arguments for and against an idea can be organised into a plan for the writing task....... you can turn the television off.... you will need three or four arguments and the same number of counterarguments. 182 ....... This is a good structure to use if you find you have thought of a lot of arguments for and against... Television news reports often trivialise tragic events by turning them into entertainment..... this structure only works when you have counter-argument to match each argument........................ Pictures have more impact than words.... 2.......WRITING VER.......1.0 to use the composition shown in this exercise........... 1................... Important news events must not be “censored” for the public................................... Paragraph 3—argument 2 + counter-argument Young people should not be sheltered from the unpleasant realities of the world................. which refutes it.... check your answers by reading the completed composition.. and then state a counterargument.................. Unless the public see these images. however. they grow accustomed to them and no longer react as if these events were something unusual. they are unlikely to act. it is often pointed out that if viewers find images upsetting. it is argued. viewers are not always forewarned that a report may include distressing pictures. but there are some who think there are very good reasons why such images should be included in television news reports. most people would probably find flicking from one channel to another during a news programme rather frustrating. there is usually a television or video camera on hand which will film and broadcast images of it around the world almost instantly. Viewers are not always given enough warning before disturbing images are shown. when they watch television. no matter how disturbing they might be. is that violent images on television can be particularly disturbing for children. The counter-argument to this. there is the issue of whether or not children should be exposed to such images. they may begin to think that what they are seeing is normal or even acceptable. not distressed. people become motivated to do something to remedy the situation or to help victims. On the other hand. Nowadays. As a result.EASY-IELTS Too much exposure to disturbing images may accustom us to them. it is also said that if people see too many disturbing or violent scenes on the news. It is often suggested that these are not the kind of pictures we should have to see in our homes. Finally. so we no longer react. 183 . Now read this sample essay and check your answers. and that some of them may be severely traumatised by seeing such things. Besides this. However. Viewers want to be entertained. Firstly. whenever a catastrophic event such as a war or an earthquake takes place. It is sometimes argued that television news reports should show the world as it really is and that it is best for children to be aware of this reality. Secondly. they can simply switch off the television or change channel. it is sometimes claimed that when disturbing images of war or some other disastrous event are broadcast. Victims of violence may not want to be shown on television. Then read the teacher’s comments about each one and match the comments to the appropriate conclusion. On the other hand. and others 184 .1. However. However. and others who do not wish to be upset. 4 To conclude. there are those who feel that such images are excessively upsetting. news crews must edit disturbing images out of their reports before they are broadcast so that sensitive people. especially for children. 5 On balance. broadcasters must take care to protect children. 3 In conclusion. broadcasters must take care to protect children. However.0 On balance. I would say that viewers should not have to see such disturbing images in their own homes. and should not be broadcast at all. with brief reasons for it. The conclusion should be relevant to the arguments you have included in the main body of the composition and it should also give your opinion. I think the argument that this kind of television reporting can sometimes help bring an end to a tragic situation is a very powerful one. It is very important to create a good impression with your final paragraph. they too have a right to their privacy.WRITING VER. Conclusion. I believe that such events should be reported in a way which shows sensitivity towards victims and their families. 1 To sum up. by showing potentially disturbing images only after a certain time in the evening. some people feel that powerful images in news reports can motivate people to do something about situations such as famine or war. particularly children. Read the five conclusions and think how appropriate they would be for the composition. I think the argument that this kind of television reporting can sometimes help bring an end to a tragic situation is a very powerful one. I believe that television channels have a duty to show us events in as much detail as possible. are not upset. 2 In summary. Although we have a right to be informed of these events. It is often suggested that these are not the kind of pictures we should have to see in our homes. B You stated your opinion but you haven’t explained how you reached it. by showing potentially disturbing images only after a certain time in the evening. who. You should give reasons in the conclusion that explain why you hold this view. there is usually a television or video camera on hand (1) which will film and broadcast images of it around the world almost instantly.g. You really ought to think more carefully about what your opinion is and the reasons for it Cohesive devices. It states your opinion and gives reasons for it. What do the highlighted cohesive devices refer to? Nowadays. D This is a good final paragraph. They are words and phrases (e. no matter how disturbing they might be. such. which can be used to refer back or forward to other words and ideas in a text. Now read the sample essay again. Part of the purpose of the concluding paragraph is to express your own personal feelings about the issue. The idea of the conclusion is to express your opinion but based on the arguments which you have already discussed not on new ones. whenever a catastrophic event such as a war or an earthquake takes place. C You’ve summarised the couple of main arguments for and against. It seems that you agree with both sides. Teacher’s comments. Using them will help avoid repetition and they will also make your ideas clearer and easier for the reader to follow. one). A You have raised points in your conclusion that you haven’t mentioned anywhere else in the essay. but there are 185 .EASY-IELTS who do not wish to be upset. That’s confusing. it. but you haven’t given your own opinion at all. E You seem to contradict yourself here. this. (3) they are unlikely to act. 2. there is the issue of whether or not children should be exposed to such images. it is also said that if people see too many disturbing or violent scenes on the news. The counter-argument to (6) this. 1. A catastrophic event/ a war or an earthquake/ a camera Disturbing/ television/ news Disturbing images/ the public/ the victims A disturbing or violent scenes/ the public/ the news The news/ the world/ what’s best for children The argument that news reports should show events as they really happen/ the argument that children should not see disturbing images on television/ the argument that children ought to be aware of the real world 186 . It is sometimes argued that television news reports should show the world as (5) it really is and that it is best for children to be aware of this reality. they grow accustomed to (4) them and no longer react as if these events were something unusual. However. However. 4. I think the argument that this kind of television reporting can sometimes help bring an end to a tragic situation is a very powerful (10) one.0 some who think there are very good reasons why (2) such images should be included in television news reports. it is sometimes claimed that when disturbing images of war or some other disastrous event are broadcast. it is often pointed out that if viewers find images upsetting. however. On the other hand. and that some of (7) them may be severely traumatised by seeing such things. Secondly. As a result. it is argued. broadcasters must take care to protect children. by showing potentially disturbing images only after a certain time in the evening. 5. is that violent images on television can be particularly disturbing for children. viewers are not always forewarned that a report may include distressing pictures. they may begin to think that what they are seeing is normal or even acceptable. 3. and others who do not wish to be upset. Finally. Besides (9) this.1. Firstly. On balance. people become motivated to do something to remedy the situation or to help victims. 6.WRITING VER. Unless the public see these images. most people would probably find flicking from one channel to another during a news programme rather frustrating. (8) they can simply switch off the television or change channel. .distress.lead discreet lives should be free from press harassment..... it’s its themselves ones such theirs they those which who them whose them 1 Stories in the media about famous people often cause................................ News reports/ violent images/ children 8....families are the objects of unwanted media attention have every right to complain.... 2 Governments should avoid taking measures........role properly if the government imposed too many restrictions on journalists............. 6 The fact that there are a large number of gossip magazines reporting on the private lives of the rich and famous is proof that there is a market for........the object of media attention.......... whether in public or in private.. 9 The press could not perform.. The fact that viewers find images disturbing/ The fact that viewers have to change channel/ The fact that viewers are not always forewarned 10.. Situation/ argument/ television reporting Complete the sentences by putting the correct cohesive device into each gap. 187 ......stories....... should not be surprised if they find... 8 Writing about famous people’s private lives does not serve the public interest........ 5 Public figures....... Not all are used.................just a way to increase sales.. Viewers/ children/ upsetting images 9....limit the freedom of the press................ 3 Politicians who behave badly..........EASY-IELTS 7........ 7 Trivial stories about the rich and famous often attract more media attention than more important..... 4 Politicians................ magazines and television programmes make money by reporting on the private lives of public figures such as politicians..1.........is generally considered private........... 188 ........ the media should not intrude into people’s private affairs... it is argued that politicians should not be the objects of media scrutiny outside 3..... In other words.................... However............ However... Stories of scandals involving well-known people increase newspaper circulation and attract larger television audiences.....who disagree with 13.....work and that the media should not report information about 4.0 10 Some public figures encourage the media to report on their private lives when it suits................ 11.......... for example.....invent stories about members of royal families...........influence.. sports personalities and entertainers................................. the counterargument is that there are some politicians 6.. it is often suggested that there should be limits to the media’s right to report on the private lives of public figures............ Read the sample answer to the writing task below.........should accept the inconveniences as well as the benefits 15.use privacy laws to cover up embarrassing information..........are a number of arguments both in favour of and against 2........WRITING VER. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The media’s freedom of expression is an essential safeguard in a free society........... Many newspapers.............brings..private lives are often treated like public property.. An example of 9............view.......... A further argument is that the media is more interested in making money than in telling the truth.....view point out that most well-known public figures make their living from being in the public eye.....is gossip magazines 10... such as details of their relationships...... However.... 1.......corruption....................... While the media’s right to freedom of expression should be defended.... so 14...... when they have accepted gifts in return for using 7.... 5........... 12............... Firstly......... Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap.... it is sometimes in the public interest for the media to investigate politicians’ private lives to uncover and deter 8.................. . whose. In the case of politicians. 14.... who This.. 20.. 13.... They..... these It. 2.. this.. 5.. which.is part of being famous and earning large amounts of money. it 189 . this That. whose Them. themselves.. whose. 19.... it is the media’s duty to examine and report on the behaviour of people in positions of power.. In conclusion... I believe that public figures have to expect some media scrutiny of their private lives.... In the case of entertainment or sports celebrities. their. these Their....EASY-IELTS A final argument is that when the media reports on famous people’s private relationships.. 12. 1. which. it This.argument say that many celebrities promote 18..... there This... such Such.. those. their Them.. which. 9. themselves Which. opponents of 17. this. it often puts 16..... 16. 6. them That....... such.... those Which.... such These.relationships under so much pressure that they fail.... this. 19... 7. 4.. 10.. which They..... 3... 17... that.. 11. 18..... such.. those... 20... it They...by publishing their private affairs in the media. these..... their. such Its.. they.reflects a market for stories about them. whose This.. their. these. and only complain about an invasion of privacy when problems arise... 8. 15. this They.... On the other hand...... these That.. Biotechnology companies all over the world are developing different types of genetically modified (GM) crops.1. Read the writing task below and then put the students’ ideas into two groups of ‘arguments for’ and ‘arguments against’ GM crops.0 GIVING AN OPINION 2 If you find it difficult to think of ideas for Writing Task 2. Interfering with nature in this way should be prohibited. remember that the topics you are asked to write about are often current issues and that these may be discussed in the press and on radio and television.WRITING VER. kill harmful insects Farmers of GM crops are less dependent on environmentally harmful insecticides Taste and appearance of GM foods is unnatural Improved flavour and appearance of GM foods GM foods may be bad for our health Improved nutritional value of GM foods 190 . Increased agricultural productivity GM crops interfere with nature Greater profits for the agriculture industry Farming in previously uncultivated areas such as semi-desert may damage natural balance of nature GM crops could be grown in difficult environments such as semi-desert Non-GM farmers will go out of business Tampering with nature is nothing new in agriculture Traditional farming methods will disappear GM crops last longer in storage GM crops may cause ecological damage e. not enough is known about the effects of these crops on our health and on the environment. However. therefore. to spend time reading newspaper and magazine articles. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Arguments for.g. listening to radio programmes and watching television programmes that deal with these kinds of topics as this will help you develop ideas on a wide variety of subjects. Arguments against. It is good preparation. ... There are more counter-arguments than arguments. Paragraph 1—introduction Paragraph 2—Argument 1 + Counter-argument GM crops interfere with nature 1..........EASY-IELTS In previous unit...................g........... A similar outline can be used for a ‘one-sided’ composition.................................. Complete the plan by matching a suitable counter-argument from the list to each argument...... Paragraph 3—Argument 2 + Counter-argument GM foods may be bad for our health 2....... kill harmful insects 3.......... linking phrases are used to ‘refute’ each argument with a counter-argument....... however.... Paragraph 5—Conclusion Increased agricultural productivity Improved nutritional value of GM foods Tampering with nature is nothing new in agriculture Greater profits for the agriculture industry Improved flavour and appearance of GM foods GM crops could be grown in difficult environments such as semi-desert GM crops last longer in storage Farmers of GM crops are less dependent on environmentally harmful insecticides 191 ........ Here is a different way arguments for and against GM crops can be organised into a plan for the writing task............................... we saw how a balanced ‘for and against’ composition can be written by matching arguments and counter-arguments to form paragraphs........................ Paragraph 4—Argument 3 + Counter-argument GM crops may cause ecological damage e........... In this case............. so you will not use them all........................... .. since all modern crops have been manipulated by selective breeding to be more productive than their natural ancestors and are therefore equally unnatural. Despite these benefits. though....................................... make crops resistant to pests and herbicides.... 1.0 For this kind of composition to be effective...... have a solid basis in fact..... and produce foods with higher nutritional values.......WRITING VER.. A more worrying argument raised by objectors to GM foods is that they could constitute a health risk........... 4.......... The final objection is strictly environmental.. as well as linking words and phrases... 5..GM crops pose a risk to the environment or our health. it is claimed.. This.... Complete the composition by choosing the best phrase for each gap. 6......... GM crops offer increased agricultural productivity and foods of higher nutritional value..... 2... In conclusion... will have a disastrous effect on the wider environment beyond the crops themselves.......... environmentalists argue that GM crops are unnatural and that by creating them we are altering the natural world... since GM crops do not require spraying with toxic insecticides............. they are more likely to be of benefit to the health of population than a risk.... both of which are essential if the growing world population of the twenty-first century is to be fed. 7............ for example by causing allergies or even by being toxic..... since there have been no recorded cases....... Few of these objections......1.... Genetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to increase agricultural productivity.. environmentalists have raised a number of objections to the introduction of GM crops and foods.... What genetic modification seeks to do is modify crops in a more planned way than is possible by merely selecting healthier seeds or by producing hybrids of successful plants... Yet 3...... these crops have the potential to improve the health 192 ......... It is argued that crops which are genetically modified to kill the pests which attack them may also kill harmless insects.......... environmental damage such as the indiscriminate killing of insects and the contamination of local soils and rivers are avoided....... Firstly.. you also need to use phrases and expressions for refuting arguments so that the reader is clear which side of the argument you support.. because GM foods can have improved nutritional value. EASY-IELTS of millions throughout the world while causing less environmental damage than standard farming methods used today. 193 . I think it is essential that. 1 A nevertheless B despite this C however 2 A In fact. GM foods should be encouraged. Read the composition and put modal verbs and other expressions the writer has used to express probability into the correct groups. quite the opposite is true B This argument is not convincing C There is little evidence to support this 3 A there is little evidence to support this idea B all the evidence shows the opposite to be true C none of the evidence supports this idea 4 A In contrast B However C In fact 5 A In contrast B On the contrary C Indeed 6 A I am unconvinced that B It is impossible that C Who could believe that 7 A Nevertheless B However C Indeed Probability Here is another sample answer to the writing task. the writer is not entirely convinced that GM foods are good thing. This time. however. There are four examples of each. far from being prohibited. WRITING VER.1.0 Modal verbs for expressing probability Other ways of expressing probability The benefits that genetically modified (GM) crops are likely to bring have been well publicised by the biotechnology industry. However, recently environmentalists have raised important objections to the introduction of GM crops and foods which make it essential to proceed in this area with extreme caution. The first objection to GM crops is that they are unnatural. Biotechnologists argue that farming methods have always been unnatural since they involve selective breeding and methods of cross-population. However, this argument is unacceptable because genetic modification involves a totally new approach where genes from different species are introduced into a plant’s composition. These permanent genetic alterations could well have disastrous consequences which are impossible to predict. Another issue which provokes disagreement is the extent to which GM foods pose a health risk. Supporters of GM foods point out that so far no major health problems have arisen as a result of them. On the other hand, many people remain unconvinced as this technology is in its infancy, and there are real fears that GM foods may cause allergies and that some might just prove to be poisonous or toxic in some way. A final area of disagreement concerns the environment. Some crops have been genetically modified to kill the pests which attack them. Advocates of these modifications point out that this avoids the need for indiscriminate spraying of crops. However, this point of view is unjustifiable as it is quite possible that GM crops will also kill harmless or beneficial insects indiscriminately. What is more, due to cross-population, it is highly unlikely that modified genes will remain confined to the new crops. In all probability, the genes which kill insects will eventually escape into the wild plant population, thereby causing an environmental disaster. In conclusion, while GM crops may well help raise food production in a hungry world, they do so at great risk to human and environmental health. I believe that GM foods should not be prohibited, but that much tighter controls should be put in place for their development, testing and marketing to ensure that they are completely safe. 194 EASY-IELTS Complete each sentence so that it means the same as the sentence before it. Use the word given in brackets at the end of each sentence and any other words necessary. 1 It is unlikely that genetically modified crops will have such a disastrous effect on the environment. Genetically modified crops.................................such a disastrous effect on the environment. [likely] 2 Research into gene therapy will probably provide a cure for certain forms of cancer. ........................., research into gene therapy will probably provide a cure for certain forms of cancer. [probability] 3 People who eat a fatty diet could very well suffer from heart disease in later life. People who eat a fatty diet.....................................from heart disease in later life. [likely] 4 It is possible that a cure for AIDS will be available within the next decade. A cure for AIDS.........................available within the next decade. [just] 5 Viruses buried deep in the Arctic could well be released by a change in the Earth’s climate. .......................viruses buried deep in the Arctic will be released by a change in the Earth’s climate. [possible] 6 In the future most of the world’s population will probably live considerably longer. .................................., most of the world’s population will live considerably longer in the future. [likelihood] 7 People are likely to stop smoking simply because of the health warnings on cigarette packets. ................................people will stop smoking simply because of the health warnings on cigarette packets. [likely] 195 WRITING VER.1.0 8 There is every likelihood that gene therapy will make some hereditary diseases a thing of the past. Gene therapy.................................some hereditary diseases a thing of the past. [well] Topic sentences Good writers start each paragraph with a topic sentence to act as a ‘signpost’ for the reader. Topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph so they make it easier for the reader to follow the arguments in a discussion. The paragraphs in your writing task 2 composition should include topic sentences of this kind. Here are some paragraphs from compositions about xenotransplantation (the use of animal organs for human transplant patients) and vivisection (the use of live animals in scientific research). The topic sentences for the paragraphs have been removed. Match each topic sentence to the correct paragraph. 1..................................... It is often claimed that drugs and cosmetics must be tested on animals to make sure that they are safe for human use. This, however, is no justification for the continuing use of vivisection as a standard research method. Many of these drugs are non-essential treatments such as vitamin tablets or eye drops. Similarly, lipsticks and deodorants are simply luxury items we could all live without. Should animals be made to suffer for these products? 2.................................... Opponents of xenotransplantation argue that it is unethical to treat animals as though they were simply ‘machines’ or ‘plants’ for organ production. It is argued that animals feel pain and fear, and that it is not right for one species to exploit another in this way. This is easily refuted, however, since nature is full of examples where one species exploits another for survival. The most obvious example is the natural food chain, of which humans are also a part. 3..................................... Some religious groups, for example, consider lifesaving blood transfusion to be unethical. Similarly, when heart transplants first became possible in 1967, many people thought them unnatural. Few people today hold such views. In fifty years’ time, our society will probably 196 EASY-IELTS regard transplants of animal organs into human patients as perfectly normal. 4..................................... Those who oppose this kind of research often argue that other methods do exist, such as using tissue slices, cell cultures and computer models. In fact, these techniques are used by researchers, but as yet they are not reliable enough to replace animal experiments altogether. It would be irresponsible to release medicines on to the market which have not been tested with the most reliable methods available. List of Topic Sentences; A Another issue is whether or not the public want animal experimentation to continue. B But are the aims of animal research always defensible? C Much of the debate centres on whether it is morally correct to use animals as a source of transplant organs. D But are there other ways to meet the demand for organs for transplant patients? E There is also the question of how reliable it is to use animals in place of humans when testing drugs. F If there were reasonable alternatives to using live animals in experiments, no doubt scientists would use them. G Views of what is ethically ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are affected by our culture and society. Read the sample answer to the writing task below, and find the mistakes. There are fourteen. Rapid progress in the fields of genetics and gene therapy are likely to have profound effects on people’s lives in the foreseeable future. By altering people’s genetic make-up, it may be possible for doctors to cure hereditary diseases, and for parents to choose important characteristics for their children such as their sex or level of intelligence. Such a development would be a major breakthrough for humanity and would solve many present-day problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 197 WRITING VER.1.0 The main aim of gene therapy until now has been to cure or prevent diseases which may in part have a genetic origin. In contrast, outside its medical applications, this area of science has a range of other possibilities, some of which are controversial. One opposition to gene therapy concerns the long-term consequences genetic manipulation is possible to have. Some of the techniques used in gene therapy involve artificially altered human genes being passed down from one generation to another. It is argued that these genes must well mutate in unexpected ways, and might even cause new and possibly worse diseases in the future. This belief, however, is unconvincing, since all new medical techniques involve some degree of uncertainty. While it is well possible that there will be some undesirable side effects, the potential benefits, particularly the eradication of crippling hereditary diseases, make the risk worthwhile. Another reason why some people oppose gene therapy has to do with individual consent. There is very likelihood that some parents will want to take advantage of gene therapy in order to enhance their children’s characteristics, such as hair colour or even intelligence. Opponents of gene therapy argue that parents would be doing this without the consent of either their children or the future generations who would be affected. consequently, it is absolutely unlikely that parents would choose to alter their children in ways which the children themselves would not want. A final objection is that some governments just could try to use gene therapy to create a kind of ‘super-race’ of people who are physically and intellectually superior, but lacking in individual character. This argument, indeed, is unjustifiable for two reasons. Firstly, in every probability, it would be impossible to practise genetic manipulation on such a massive scale. Secondly, there is small evidence to suggest that a person’s personality is determined by genetics alone. However, people will always acquire their individuality from their upbringing and education rather than solely from their genetic make-up. In conclusion, I believe that gene therapy has a number of interesting possibilities, not just in curing diseases, but also in allowing parents to ensure that their children enjoy the advantages of growing up to be healthy and intelligent. 198 EASY-IELTS Problem—Solution 2 ORGANISATIONS IN PROBLEM—SOLUTION COMPOSITIONS One way to organise your ideas for a ‘problem—solution’ composition is to discuss all the causes of the problem in one paragraph and then to suggest solutions in another, separate paragraph. Another possible plan is to write about one cause and the solution related to that in one paragraph, cause two and solution two in another paragraph, etc. Plan 1 Paragraph 1: introduction Paragraph 2: cause 1, 2, 3 Paragraph 3: solution 1, 2, 3 Paragraph 4: conclusion Plan 2 Paragraph 1: introduction Paragraph 2: cause 1, solution 1 Paragraph 3: cause 2, solution 2 Paragraph 4: cause 3, solution 3 Paragraph 5: conclusion Increasing numbers of workers are suffering from stress-related illnesses. Why is the modern workplace so stressful, and what can be done to reduce this problem? Here are some notes from a brainstorming class. Match each suggested solution to the problem of work-related stress to the appropriate cause. Causes; Increased workloads and tighter deadlines Rapid pace of technological change in the workplace Lack of job security Solutions; Avoidance of unnecessary change More legal protection to ensure job security Greater commitment from employers Realistic workloads and deadlines agreed on by management and employees 199 WRITING VER.1.0 Legislation to limit working hours Provision of training and support for new technology Read the sample answer. The topic sentences for body paragraphs have been removed. Match each topic sentence to the correct paragraph. Despite generally better working conditions and higher pay, workers today seem to suffer more than ever before from stress and stress-related illnesses, including headaches, depression and heart-disease. Since stress at work has a number of causes, there is no single ‘cure’. Each cause needs to be dealt with in a particular way. Firstly,1................................................................................................................ .......................... Companies today demand that employees cope with heavier workloads while working to tighter and tighter deadlines. This not only puts workers under great pressure but also means that they work far longer hours than they used to. For the sake of employees’ well-being, legislation limiting the number of hours worked should be strictly enforced. Furthermore, systems agreed on by both management and employees ought to be implemented to avoid excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines. Secondly,2........................................................................................................... .......................... In order to keep ahead in business, companies need to invest in new technology. This often means, however, that employees are constantly having to get used to using new equipment, software or techniques, and this can be a frustrating and stressful process. It is essential, therefore, that whenever such innovations are introduced, employees should be given adequate training and support so that the changeover to new technologies is relatively stress-free. Also, perhaps managers should take a more judicious approach to the introduction of new technology so as to avoid unnecessary change, and not just make change for change’s sake. Finally,3............................................................................................................... ........................ Few employers these days offer long-term contracts. As a result, workplaces are becoming increasingly competitive as employees try to reach targets set by their managers in order to secure their future with the company. Clearly, the only way to address this is for employers to 200 Complete each sentence so that it means the same as the sentence before it. Legislation limiting the number of hours worked should be strictly enforced. Legislation that limits the number of hours worked should be strictly enforced. Systems agreed on by both management and employees ought to be implemented. You learned before how to make your language more complex by using adjective (relative) clauses. However. In conclusion. Sometimes you can use participle clause instead of a relative clause to express the same idea. 201 . Use a relative clause if the first sentence is written with a participle clause. a major source of stress in today’s workplace is the rapid pace of technological change today’s lack of job security and the consequent worry about the future contribute significantly to stress in the workplace work-related stress stems partly from ever-increasing workloads PARTICIPLE CLAUSE. Legislation ought to be brought into force with the aim of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a greater level of job security for employees. Systems which are agreed on by both management and employees ought to be implemented. and vice versa.EASY-IELTS show more commitment towards their employees. Demonstrate your ability to use complex sentence structures. Using both relative clause and participle clauses in your compositions will make your language more varied and will also show that you can use a range of grammatical structures. since the consequences are harmful to both the company and to society as a whole. a certain amount of stress is a fact of life in all workplaces. employers must take measures such as those suggested above to ensure that stress does not reach levels which threaten the mental and physical health of their employees. .school nowadays are finding it increasingly difficult to find jobs.short-term contracts are likely to suffer from more stress than those with permanent jobs............. Nowadays most people.... 3 Only those new businesses filling a real gap in the market can hope to survive...from home as teleworkers enjoy more freedom to organise their time...1................. 8 Employees who work from home as teleworkers enjoy more freedom to organise their time...in big cities have more chance of finding work than those in provincial towns....... 7 Organisations which consist of fewer layers of management tend to be more efficient............. 4 Nowadays most people who are looking for work can only expect to be given short-term contracts.......... Workers...... 6 Unemployed people living in big cities have more chance of finding work than those in provincial towns..................WRITING VER........................ Unemployed people.. Young people..........in decision making are more likely to remain loyal to the company........................of fewer layers of management tend to be more efficient. Employees... 5 Employees who are offered short-term contracts are likely to suffer from more stress than those with permanent jobs......... Organisations..............0 1 Workers involved in decision making are more likely to remain loyal to the company....a real gap in the market can hope to survive......for work can only expect to be given short-term contracts..... Only those new businesses...... Employees.......................................... 202 .......................... 2 Young people who leave school nowadays are finding it increasingly difficult to find jobs.. work-related stress stems partly from ever-increasing workloads. perhaps managers should take a more judicious approach to the introduction of new technology so as to avoid unnecessary change. therefore. As a result. Few employers these days offer long-term contracts. and this can be a frustrating and stressful process. that employees are constantly having to get used to using new equipment. Finally. For the sake of employees’ well-being. companies need to invest in new technology. the only way to address this is for employers to show more commitment towards their employees. Furthermore. workplaces are becoming increasingly competitive as employees try to reach targets set by their managers in order to secure their future with the company. This not only puts workers under great pressure but also means that they work far longer hours than they used to. employees should be given adequate training and support so that the changeover to new technologies is relatively stress-free. systems agreed on by both management and employees ought to be implemented to avoid excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines. It is essential.EASY-IELTS PURPOSE. software or techniques. today’s lack of job security and the consequent worry about the future contribute significantly to stress in the workplace. This often means. Companies today demand that employees cope with heavier workloads while working to tighter and tighter deadlines. Firstly. When suggesting solutions to a problem. Secondly. a major source of stress in today’s workplace is the rapid pace of technological change. legislation limiting the number of hours worked should be strictly enforced. Now look at the three main paragraphs from the sample answer again and try to find expressions used to express purpose. Legislation ought to be brought into force with the aim of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a greater level of job security for employees. 203 . that whenever such innovations are introduced. In order to keep ahead in business. Clearly. however. Also. you need to explain what measures should be taken and also say what the purpose of each measure is. and not just make change for change’s sake. .................... In order to 4....... Secondary school education needs to be more practical so as to 2....WRITING VER. Complete the sentences by putting the correct phrase or clause into each gap........................... In order to 10............................... There need to be more youth training schemes for 5.... Young people should be given grants to 6............ List of phrases/ clauses............................................ The government should give subsidies to companies which employ school leavers with the aim of 3..................................... young people should stay in education longer...................................................................0 Here are some sentences suggesting ways of dealing with the problem of youth unemployment...1. governments should make subsidised housing available for young people from other towns...................... schools need properly trained careers advisers......................... Parents should not give so much money to their children so that 7......... So as to 8................................................................................................... encourage job mobility among the young encouraging them to take on more young people providing young people with practical work experience help young people find the right course of higher education and a job which suits them they can choose courses and careers that they are suited for help them start up their own businesses prepare themselves better for jobs in the new economy make school leavers more attractive to potential employers they have more of an incentive to leave home and look for a job young people can continue learning instead of being unemployed when they leave school 204 ........... which is the topic of the writing task in the next exercise. Schools should provide students with more individual careers advice and guidance so that 1..... More places should be created in higher and further education so that 9. ... whereas in the past a young person 4........... long-term unemployment in early adult life can cause feelings of alienation among those affected... drug abuse and social unrest.school at the age of sixteen could join a company and carry out basic duties while being trained for more skilled work..................... Why is this the case....... Firstly.......work experience...... Secondly. 2......... What is more... This means that......... school leavers are often not equipped with the skills and qualifications 8.. it is necessary first to identify the root causes of the problem.. There are more words than gaps........... each of which requires an appropriate response from governments and society as a whole........... As a result..... which would make them more employable in the future. There are three main causes...solutions....... In most countries....................to higher levels of crime...... 3........ information technology and automation have brought about a reduction in the number of unskilled jobs available. young people form a large proportion of those who are unemployed............. education systems have not managed to keep pace with the technological changes mentioned above..................young people. These young employees could shadow experienced members of staff 7...... many governments.....employers to provide more job opportunities for school leavers.....EASY-IELTS Read this sample answer to the writing task......... nowadays this is rarely an option............ The obvious solution is for schools to include more vocational courses in the curriculum 205 .. 5...................... the government should pay subsidies to those 6........ and what can be done to solve the problem? demanded demanding faced facing in order to suggest leading leaving led left perceived perceiving so as to prepare so that to encourage who are often unwilling who take on with the aim of gaining Large-scale unemployment among young people is one of the most serious problems 1..by employers nowadays... Complete the composition by putting the correct word in each gap........... .... governments and educators should use all the means at their disposal to tackle the problem and reduce the social evils which accompany it.... 1 In most countries the majority of crimes are committed by young men under the age of 30...students are prepared for specific jobs and given the necessary skills... School leavers need to appreciate that certain jobs............. although often 11..... Finally.......... you should choose the one that you feel you can write better.... In cases where more than one type of composition is possible.them better for the realities of the job market..... In addition. In some cases there are more than one correct answer... and what can be done to reduce the problem? A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 206 ............... there is no blanket solution for the problem of youth unemployment..... However... Why is this so..1...... modern society and the media in particular create unrealistic expectations among unqualified young people........ Read the following tasks and choose the type of composition which would be most appropriate for each one......... you should analyse the question carefully and decide what type of composition would be the most suitable for the writing task.............to be low status.WRITING VER. careers advisers should do more to help widen children’s perspectives on the higher and further education and career opportunities available to them... Parents need to talk to their children about such issues 12..... have an important part to play in society......... 10.. Revision Before you start writing....0 9. In conclusion...to do the sort of work that is open to them. or painting a local school. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 6 Every year thousands of workers from poor countries enter richer. A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 3 Prison serves no useful purpose for young first-time offenders. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 4 Prison should be a last resort for young first-time offenders. It is preferable to sentence young people who have broken the law to do community service. rather than send them to prison. or painting a local school. collecting litter. such as working in an old people’s home. No young person committing a crime for the first time should receive a prison sentence. What can be done to deal with this situation? 207 . collecting litter. and this gives rise to a variety of social problems in those countries. such as working in an old people’s home. those countries increasingly need workers from abroad.EASY-IELTS 2 Many judges prefer to sentence young offenders to do community service. more developed countries illegally to live and work. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 5 As population in developed countries age. Developed countries should reduce restrictions on the immigration of workers and their families from poorer countries. This form of punishments has a number of benefits and also some drawbacks. as a result. these countries increasingly need workers from poorer countries to help their economies grow. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 10 In many workplaces women still do not enjoy the same opportunities as their male counterparts. it should provide facilities such as crèches and nurseries for babies and very young children so that working women can continue in their jobs when they become mothers. and to live and work in the country of their choice without restrictions. This movement of workers brings many benefits but also creates social problems for the countries involved. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 9 Just as the state provides schools for the education of older children.1. and what can be done to make opportunities for women more equal? A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 208 . Why is this so.0 A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 7 The birth rate in many developed countries is falling and. People should be allowed to move freely.WRITING VER. A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 8 We are all citizens of the world. A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 13 More and more people throughout the world are now living to a very old age and it is unreasonable to expect their families to look after them. while some would like to continue working longer. Many people would prefer to retire younger. Although the increasing number of working women causes some social problems.EASY-IELTS 11 Many of the problems in modern society arise because children do not receive enough attention from their mothers when they are very young. The state should take responsibility for caring for old people when they are no longer capable of looking after themselves. Laws should be flexible in allowing people to choose when they want to retire. for example until they are 70. Mothers of young children should be obliged to stay at home and look after them rather go out to work. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 14 In many countries people are expected by law to work until they reach the age of 65. and then retire. it also brings a number of benefits to society. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 12 Some people argue that many of the problems in modern society arise from mothers going out to work and therefore spending less time with their children. A for and against B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions 209 . or because they are following the example of older 210 ..... A advantages and disadvantages B giving an opinion (one side of the argument only) C problem and solutions Formal Style. Why do they feel like this.. many people feel that they are no longer useful members of society.1.. idioms. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Most young criminals commit their first crime while they are teenagers and generally do so because 1... seeking excitement.. and what can be done to make them feel they still have a contribution to make to society? A advantages and disadvantages B for and against C problem and solutions 16 Advances in medicine and health care mean that increasing numbers of people are living to a very old age. but at the same time has some positive effects on society. phrase or structure for each gap.... In Writing Task 2 you are expected to write in a fairly formal style. This creates a number of social problems..... colloquialisms and intensifiers  Use full forms rather than contractions [ ‘it is’ NOT ‘it’s’]  Use passive voice more extensively (but not continually) Read the writing task and complete the sample answer by choosing the most formal word. No young person committing a crime for the first time should receive a prison sentence......0 15 On reaching retirement age....WRITING VER. In practice this means that you should:  Avoid the use of phrasal verbs  Avoid the use of idioms and colloquial words and phrases  Avoid the use of informal intensifiers such as ‘really’  Use more formal equivalent of phrasal verbs. Prison serves no useful purpose for young first-time offenders.. ... I am convinced that sending these 2. Moreover.................... 16... and there are 4...........their problems............................. to prison is a 3.................served their sentence....... they 12... A final reason is that 19.......................................................................................................... with the result that.... of reasons why I believe 5.............. way of combating crime.............. For example...............................skills from experienced criminals............ except in cases where they constitute a danger to society........................................... at an age when they should either be 20............................EASY-IELTS friends...... they serve as ‘universities of crime’.. who can guide them away from a life of crime.......... On the contrary...... The main reason is that the majority of young people who break the law do so because of their upbringing or social circumstances....... they may come from deprived families...................by such means as youth centres and a system of probation or community service rather than by imprisonment..a waste of young people’s time..................... What these first-time offenders need is to be supervised by qualified and skilled professionals.. are more likely to re-offend than those who18.....their education or training for a job................ This best 8............................ where young delinquents 15.prepare young offenders to live as lawabiding citizens on their release.......... A further reason is that imprisoned is 9..... prisons 14................unpleasant experience and one which is 10................. or live in run-down areas that already have a 6.. 21...with a grudge against society and a desire13.................................................... when 11........ the two activities which are most likely to steer them away from criminality.... Prison is highly unlikely to 7....to alienate young people even further........................ I strongly believe that young first-time offenders 211 ....................................................... young criminals who have 17..... .... haven’t / have not 19......WRITING VER........ 1. they’re / they are kids / young people useless / counter-productive a number / loads young first-time offenders should not be imprisoned / we should not imprison young first-time offenders 6... In conclusion / At the end of the day 22... acquire / pick up 16. 5. prison’s / prison is 20.1. done time / served a prison sentence 18... they should be rehabilitated and encouraged to lead constructive lives rather than punished.. Not surprisingly / So of course 17... don’t / do not 15.. If you ask me / In my opinion 212 . to get their own back / for revenge 14.... pulled off / achieved 9. solve / get to the bottom of 8.0 should not receive prison sentences since imprisonment only increases the likelihood of their embarking on a career in crime. 22..... an extremely / a really 10.. they’ve / they have 12. sure / likely 11.. lot of crime / high crime rate 7.. 3. 2.... leave / go off 13........... continuing / getting on with 21. 4. EASY-IELTS Transition Words. Cohesive Devices Put the words and phrases into the correct group according to how each one is used. Listing Points Expressing Cause and Result Giving Examples Drawing Conclusions Expressing Contrast Expressing Purpose Giving Opinions Personally I feel that As a consequence of I am convinced that I strongly support the idea that I am of the opinion that Such as A case in point is Although Thirdly With the aim of As a result Bring about Consequently Despite In my opinion Firstly For example For instance Furthermore Give rise to However I agree I am against In conclusion Though I am in favour of In contrast 213 . ......even the hope of a job.not be able to manage financially...police access to private phone lines and email correspondence would pose a threat to civil liberties.. the family. if both parents did not work. 1 In many cases.. eventually fall into bad company and may even resort to crime.... A will B would C should 2 The introduction of laws..................... A allowed B allowing C allows 3 Many school leavers..WRITING VER....1.0 In addition Due to I am opposed to I am sure I believe I disagree Result in So as to So that I think Stem from To sum up What is more Finally Secondly In order to In spite of Including Lastly Lead to Like Moreover On account of On the other hand Owing to Whereas Complete the sentences by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap...................... 214 ........ .......others are deterred from dealing in drugs..... A likelihood B certainty C possibility 6 Increasing crime rates..............that the long-term unemployed who live off social security benefits should earn their keep by doing work for the community.............. people will be even less involved in their communities in twenty years’ time than they are now.......EASY-IELTS A denied B denying C deny 4 In my view..... A favour B agreement C opinion 11 If more parents....................social security benefits are available to all............... our cities would not suffer so much from vandalism and graffiti...... A brought B bring C have brought 12 Homelessness is still a problem even in countries........feelings of insecurity and a tendency for people to stay indoors more than they used to. 215 ..... A they B these C those 8 Courts need to impose harsher sentences on convicted drug traffickers. A who BØ C which 5 In all....taking place in their own neighbourhood............ the technological development............ A consequently B whereas C furthermore 10 I am of the...nowadays a significant proportion consists of mothers who have never married..... anybody with a television or a personal computer and an Internet connection knows more about events on the other side of the world than..................................... A are due to B stem from C have given rise to 7 Nowadays..has truly destroyed community spirit in today’s society in television.. A so that B because of C in order to 9 A few decades ago most single-parent households consisted of divorced mothers and their children.............their children up to respect other people’s property...................... . A impossible B unlikely C unrealistic 20 Traditionally.......... characteristics.be a rarity in the future..in general elections clearly demonstrates the general apathy present in today’s society................. ......that governments will be able to continue providing pensions for the growing population of over 65s................ A bring about B lead to C are due to 14 Professionals such as teachers..poor parenting. A example B like C such 19 It is highly.......... A Although B Whereas C However 216 ... A voted B voting C vote 18 Unfortunately... no government has yet found a satisfactory solution to the problem of unemployment............... A In spite of B Despite C Although 16 Current social trends including rising divorce rates... no longer enjoy the same respect in our society.... A just could B well could C could well 17 The declining number of people.... .WRITING VER......0 A that B which C where 13 I am convinced that increasing levels of delinquency and anti-social behaviour among children today.......of their efforts....... in many societies today this is no longer the case.. falling birth rates and growing numbers of single people living alone mean that the typical family household...... doctors and lawyers........................1............ the old and infirm were looked after by younger members of their own family.......in the past exercised unquestioned authority and influence........... A that B who CØ 15 ... aggression and self-centredness are becoming increasingly common among young people today...................as discourtesy........ ...... should never replace traditional classroom teaching altogether....... Despite 11... they would be able to concentrate and work more easily in the comfort of 7......................... Secondly......... for example..... Schools............ both pedagogical and practical benefits.. potential benefits.EASY-IELTS Arguments for and against Distance learning via the Internet has developed to such an extent in recent years that teachers and classrooms seem outdated and unnecessary..... The burgeoning number of distance-learning courses available on the Internet has led some people to speculate that the future of education is ‘online’... could run online courses at a fraction of the cost of employing classroom teachers and operating premises.............. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read this sample answer to the writing task above............ a requirement of online learning is familiarity with computers and computer 217 .... it is 8..... Firstly.. students work face-to-face in groups... it is generally 13.................. colleges and universities should abandon traditional teaching methods and deliver all their courses online........ Complete the composition by choosing the word or phrase which best fits each gap......... and many people feel that the limitations of online education mean that 2.................................... own homes.......... enthusiasm for 1... would not be possible over the Internet....... suggested that education providers 9. Finally.................... This kind of interaction.. skeptics give equally convincing reasons 12. mode of learning is not universal..... that 5...... courses would allow students to organise their study programme and set the pace of their learning to suit 6. It 4..... benefit because 10............ It is also argued that online tutors would be able to provide students with far more individual attention than is possible in conventional classroom situations.. this new educational trend should not be allowed to replace classrooms and teachers entirely. Advocates of online learning argue that the replacement of conventional classroom-based learning with wholly online courses 3. In addition............ However................... it is said................ that learning best takes place in environments 14. sharing ideas and knowledge and solving learning problems together.................... ... students would benefit from the more personalised learning that Internet courses offer without losing opportunities for face-to-face interaction with fellow students and valuable practical work. 19...... 4. 6. include both online and traditional face-to-face elements in the courses they provide.... 18......WRITING VER.... only available online. 7.. 9.......... but not everyone feels comfortable using this technology... believed that 18. If courses 15. A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A 20. 1...... 8. Finally.... I would say that educational establishments 20.. In this way. are not so at ease using computers would be severely disadvantaged... On balance.1................. A This B their C such They B these C it Would bring B brought C would have brought claims B is claimed C has claimed their B this C such them B those C themselves their B whose C your always B often C seldom must B should C would they B these C those these B their C those which B why C that argued B pointed out C agreed which B where C whose are B were C had been who B which C they greatly B highly C widely a B this C such which B that C ..... 17..................... 5........... 3.. 13.0 software....... 11.. will B would C should 218 .... 2... students 16.... 10........ 15. 14.. 19... kind of practical experience. many courses involve hands-on practical work and it is 17.. 12.. is an essential part of many subjects from natural sciences to vocational training...... 16.... could not be provided over the Internet.. Furthermore. a downturn in the economies of the West would bring almost probable disaster for these countries. It is often argued that the best way forward for these nations is a radical change of their economy and farming systems in order to grow cash crops example as coffee and animal feed for export. subsistence farming methods. In turn. I think it is far more probably that they would become even more dependent on the economies of the affluent West. The West. those who formerly lived off subsistence farming would become labourers and. in most cases. 219 . mechanised farming for export would give life to less developed economies. the argument goes. However.EASY-IELTS Giving an opinion Read the sample answer to the writing task below and find the mistakes. leaving only degraded or unsuitable land for the cultivation of food. the best land would be devoted to growing cash crops. for example. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Many developing countries continue to struggle against poverty and the constant threat of famine. These countries should change over to modern. would be paid poverty wages. there is little evidence to believe this. One of the reasons why hunger and poverty still exist in many parts of the developing world is the continuing use of outdated. There are fifteen. these cash-crop economies would have to depend on imports of food to feed their populations. these earnings would help them become less dependent on loans and aid. there are several reasons why I support this idea is really unlikely to bring a solution. It is often said that the money earned through exports of crops as tobacco or cocoa would end poverty and hunger in the developing world. In contrast. Consequently. large scale farming of cash crops for the export market. would set the price for goods imported from developing nations. Consequently. In addition. Firstly. It is widely believed that foreign currency earned through large-scale. and in all possibility such a system would only serve to worsen the situation. In summary. I am believed that a move to large-scale farming of cash crops would only replace one set of problems with another. 220 . wasteful exploitation of water resources and excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Despite. it is argued. In some cases.0 Another reason is that the modernised farming of cash crops is less damaging to the environment. intensive farming of cash crops can be equally damaging to the environment by. as instance. Subsistence farmers.WRITING VER. This leads to deforestation and soil erosion.1. it must well exacerbate the most serious problems of all: hunger and poverty. farm their land to exhaustion and then search for new fertile areas. .. As a result because consequently effective essential in order to leads to looking for not wanting to provided providing result in should since so that stems from which gather who apply for who are rejected with the aim of Information on private citizens has been collected and stored in electronic form by governments and organisations for many years.pay out expensive medical claims............ criminal record or political allegiances...EASY-IELTS Problem and solutions Information technology is making it increasingly easy to collect and access computerised data on individuals............ More seriously........ This 3. 221 ... unscrupulous individuals and organisations can misuse this information and our privacy is threatened.solution is to make unsolicited promotional post and e-mail illegal..... catalogues and e-mails......... may access the health records of individuals 5............... relationships and taste as consumers can now be easily accessed and disseminated without our knowledge or consent. The most common is probably the trading of consumers’ personal details between commercial organisations 2........ 1....... There are a number of ways in which personal data can be misused. 7...life insurance policies before deciding whether or not to insure them...... Similarly...... employers can run checks on prospective employees to glean details about their health..... However... In what ways can the information gathered be misused and what can be done to minimise these misuses and protect the privacy of the individual? Read this sample answer to the writing task.........people being inundated with unsolicited promotional leaflets........... How can such abuses be prevented? Regarding the exchange of customer information between companies....... with the advent of the Internet.................. this..... information about our finances.......... 4.... Complete the composition by putting the correct word or phrase in each gap....... insurance companies... which poses a threat to our privacy..targeting potential customers.. health... the only 6............... .........by applicants themselves on the application form or during the interview 11.................. and the data must be held securely.. and candidates 12..... as a general measure to prevent misuse by insurance companies.guaranteed individual privacy...... they must be allowed to choose how and to what extent it is used............be legitimate grounds for rejection. Individuals must be able to access the data themselves 15.....WRITING VER........................ It is not likely that the above measures will 16. I am convinced that they will go some way to help limit the misuse of personal information while at the same time giving individuals more control over the information that is held on them......should have the right to ask for the reasons why.........that organisations 14.............they can find out exactly what kind of information it is and check for inaccuracies..work.............................................protect people 9. only information 10. it is 13.......1......0 organisations would have no incentive to trade in people’s personal details............. 8... Finally........................ However........ 222 ............................data should inform individuals of the information that is collected........ any invention as pervasive as television is bound to have some harmful effects. some children may feel lonelier and more isolated. However. Firstly. Lastly. As a leisure activity. like music or sport. Secondly. To what extent do you agree or disagree? In the past fifty years. children in general are not as sociable as previous generations of children. it is an easier and safer way for them to relax than. As a result. others have had a harmful effect. they are better-informed about the world than children were in the past and they form attitudes and opinions about things outside their direct experience.EASY-IELTS Television has brought great changes to the way many children spend their leisure time. In consequence. television has become more popular among children than any other form of home entertainment and many children spend several hours a day watching it. In addition. television can be highly educational because children can learn about subjects. television has several advantages for children. While some of these changes have been beneficial. who used to spend more time playing with friends. they acquire a wider vocabulary and improve their general knowledge. they may be less imaginative than children in the past because they do not have to invent their own games and because they spend less time reading 223 . Moreover. television fosters children’s interest in subjects and gives them interests in common. that they might not read about in books. Nowadays perhaps. Although parents and teachers often disapprove of it. few would prevent their children from watching it altogether. for instance playing in the street or in a park. some people believe that computer games are more stimulating for our brains than. Moreover. People increasingly spend their leisure time using computers. This development is viewed by many people as a mixed blessing.0 books. their range of leisure activities may be more limited than previous generations. Finally. Finally. such as playing with friends or pursuing hobbies. However. for example. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? The growing popularity of home computers has brought about the biggest single change in the way we spend our free time since the invention of television. Having a computer at home has undoubted advantages. they may have fewer hobbies. therefore.WRITING VER. it is clear that television has had both positive and negative effects on the way children spend their leisure time. through the Internet we can make contact with many more people than we would normally meet in our everyday lives: people from other parts of the world and people with similar interests to our own. it gives us the possibility of sharing information and interests with others more easily than in the past through the use of e-mail and chat programs.1. children should also be encouraged to find time for other activities. and. Firstly. and encourage them to watch those which are either entertaining or education. To sum up. since they spend so much time in front of the television. for 224 . surfing the Internet or playing computer games. I believe that parents should monitor both how much time their children spend watching television and the type of programmes they watch. This has brought benefits but has also created new problems. which means that some people may be distracted from doing more important things. to communicate with friends or find information. What is more. there is evidence that we are not as healthy as we used to be due to the sedentary lifestyle that computers encourage us to lead. personal computers tend to isolate us from the world just outside our front door. We may speak to friends and neighbours less because we are busy playing computer games indoors. they may be harmful when they become our main source of entertainment. such as spending time on their studies or with their family. I believe that computers are useful in the home. 225 . some psychologists argue that computer games are addictive. In conclusion. as long as we use them as a tool. However. Lastly. watching television because they improve our reactions and our ability to think logically. On the other hand. like television.EASY-IELTS instance. for example. museums. Finally. Free museums. reach a much wider public. whereas charging an entry fee means that a nation’s heritage is only available to those who can afford it. both of which tend to receive higher priority. Consequently. museums whose income comes entirely from public funds may be more subject to government policy. free museums do not suffer from the same constraints. However. there are also certain drawbacks. While free admission to museums has obvious benefits. which may mean they present their exhibitions in a more serious way. ADV & DISADV 2 The tradition which countries have of free admission to state-owned museums is coming under increasing threat due to rising costs and limited funding.0 Many state-owned museums charge visitors an entrance fee. many museums in these countries are reluctant to introduce entrance fees.1. museums that do not charge 226 . which sometimes means that exhibitions are expected to reflect the government’s views. Firstly. free admission makes it accessible to everyone.WRITING VER. As a result. Moreover. There are several advantages to allowing the public free access to museums. like public libraries. while private museums may be influenced by commercial pressures. Despite these pressures. in some countries admission to public museums is free. are treated as an extension of the state education system. regardless of income. therefore. although many people make a special trip to visit them. the number of people who visit them on impulse is also high. A further advantage is that free museums attract far more visitors because. First and foremost. a policy of free admission to museums also has a number of disadvantages. in spite of their popularity. museums have to compete for funding with the health service and the education system. However. which is based on the principle of equal opportunity for all. To what extent do you agree or disagree? ARTS AN CULTURE. free museums often become unpleasantly overcrowded. on improving museums and galleries and on more frequent and more ambitious exhibitions. in spite of these benefits. Cultural tourism. Having so many visitors may sometimes benefit a nation’s cultural heritage. they may benefit from greatly increased income. I believe that children and students should have free admission to museums. where people travel in order to visit museums. though museum directors want to attract large numbers of visitors. In this way. As a result. and also as a source of income and jobs. while adults should pay a moderate entrance fee. part of which may be spent. Lastly. especially during holiday periods. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Nowadays. A further advantage is that local authorities recognise the value of their sites. where it is seen both as an opportunity to display national treasures and achievements to visitors. museums would be able to raise sufficient money to maintain the quality of their collections and add to them. or to buy new items to add to their collections. In conclusion. monuments and archaeological sites among other things. they are also available for local people to enjoy. which can discourage more serious visitors. However. which they then invest money in. for example. and. fulfil a valuable role in educating the general public. In particular. Although these may be designed primarily to attract tourists. but it can also cause problems. it can also pose severe problems for the specific sites which are visited. is a growing industry. at the same time. There are various advantages of cultural tourism for the sites themselves. monuments and 227 .EASY-IELTS admission may not always be able to afford ambitious projects. cultural tourism is welcomed and encouraged in most countries. although cultural tourism in general should not be discouraged. whose culture and customs are consequently understood and appreciated better by both tourists and local people. This may mean that an important part of a country’s national heritage is lost. Finally. the sheer number of visitors can cause serious damage to monuments such as ancient temples or cave paintings.1. 228 . the site may be spoilt by being surrounded by ugly hotels and other tourist facilities.WRITING VER. cultural tourism has a number of drawbacks. On the other hand. As a result. the number of tourists visiting certain sites should be restricted and tourists should be educated to respect them. in a region where the monuments are expected to generate income for the local economy. This is particularly the case for monuments whose religious or social importance makes them a central part of community life. visitors learn about the country. despite protective measures being taken. while cultural tourism is generally beneficial. The main one in that.0 historic buildings are restored and protected. Furthermore. the problems which it causes can only be avoided with proper planning and sufficient investment in the protection and preservation of the sites which tourists visit. if too many tourists visit a site. it may lose its cultural significance within the local community. In addition. they flourish. Finally. On the whole. in many countries the juvenile crime rate has continued to rise and governments have had to look for other ways to tackle the problem. Lastly. such as working in an old people’s home. they gain a sense of pride from the work they do and they also acquire useful skills. reduces the likelihood of their re-offending. such as sentencing young offenders to community service. it may be difficult to implement community service 229 .EASY-IELTS Many judges prefer to sentence young offenders to do community service. and can begin to build relationships based on respect. Some are too dangerous to be allowed to move around freely in the community and need to be imprisoned both for their own safety and for that of others. Secondly. First of all. as a result. they make amends in the most positive way possible by helping those most affected. To what extent do you agree or disagree?[society and social issues 2nd] The traditional method of dealing with young people who break the law has been to send them to prison. in turn. rather than sent them to prison. collecting litter. but also develop feelings of responsibility towards their fellow citizens. by working for and in the local community. However. it may be regarded as a ‘soft’ option by some offenders and. This form of punishment has a number of benefits but also some drawbacks. Consequently. or painting a local school. Community service has a number of benefits. Finally. Firstly. This. In common with all forms of punishment. they not only become more involved in it. However. Furthermore. which raises their self-esteem. it is not suitable for all of them. offenders devote their time and energy to giving something back to the community that has suffered as a result of their criminal acts. community service also has some drawbacks. this has both advantages and disadvantages. it will not act as an effective deterrent to crime. although community service is appropriate for many young offenders. The arguments in favour of an international language are both ideological and practical. Whereas in prison convicts are concentrated in a small area where they can be supervised by a small staff. including Esperanto. I believe that community service is an effective form of punishment for young offenders who have committed only minor. In conclusion. An international language would remove one of the main differences which separates people of different nationalities and this would lead to greater international understanding and co-operation. it is argued that if everyone learned the same language. Latin. Firstly. it is sometimes said that linguistic diversity divides people and leads to conflict. if we removed language differences. To what extent do you agree or disagree? [for and against] It has often been suggested that we should all learn to speak an international language. and this would be of great 230 . have been put forward at various times in history as candidates to fill this role. and English. There should be one international language which everyone agrees to learn and speak. we would find it easier to understand each other’s point of view and. as a result. Secondly.0 satisfactorily.1. offenders sentenced to community service are dispersed over a wide area and providing adequate supervision may prove both costly and impractical. co-operate more easily. a great deal of time-consuming and expensive translation work would no longer be necessary. In other words.WRITING VER. and both artificial and natural languages. However. The result would be a dull world. To start with. to young children. it is generally agreed that a common language would make international travel much easier for everyone. less widely-spoken languages. all languages tend to divide into dialects. and in some cases cause the disappearance of. Finally. however. On balance. some of which cannot always be understood by all native speakers. it is widely believed that the threat to minority languages posed by an international one would also mean a threat to their related cultures. Furthermore. such as doctors and lawyers. I believe that it would be undesirable to impose an international language on the world. Governments should introduce measures to restrict ownership of mobile phones to those who need them for their work. it is often claimed that an international language would eventually come to dominate over. would like to see ownership restricted because of the possible risks these 231 . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? In many countries mobile phones have become a normal part of daily life for almost everyone. there are strong arguments against the introduction of an international language. Ownership of mobile phones has risen dramatically in recent years despite the potentially harmful effects they may have on our health and on society. it is often pointed out that while an international language might initially facilitate communication. as culture and language are closely associated.EASY-IELTS benefit to international trade. Some people. Secondly. I doubt that an international language would bring about international peace. and the disappearance of minority languages and cultures would be a sad loss. lacking in both linguistic and cultural diversity. from professionals. for both personal and professional purposes. radio wave emissions from mobile phones are known to affect brain activity and some scientists are worried about the effects this may have on the health of children who use such phones. Finally. it is often pointed out that there will always be a minority of inconsiderate people and that restrictions on ownership would unfairly penalise the majority of considerate users. Secondly.1.0 phones pose to our health and the negative impact they are already having on society. It is claimed that fewer people would be exposed to these risks if restrictions were introduced. It is now common for a concert. It is sometimes said that none of this would be the case if the government restricted ownership to professional use only. Furthermore. adults should have the right to use mobile phones if they wish. and that everyone should have the right to the protection they offer. or when other difficult situations arise. it is generally agreed that such measures would reduce the number of traffic accidents caused by people talking on their mobile phones. it is argued that if phone companies did more to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radio wave emissions.WRITING VER. people would only make short calls from their phones and these risks would then be reduced. Firstly. To sum up. However. a theatrical performance or even a quiet meal in a restaurant to be disrupted by an inconsiderate mobile phone user. On the other hand. it is widely believed that mobile phones are indispensable in the case of accidents. there are strong arguments against such measures. 232 . There is also the social impact to consider. Firstly. I believe that some restrictions on ownership to protect young people’s health would probably be a good thing. But should such restrictions be imposed? There are some persuasive arguments in favour of restricting ownership. arguments for & against 2 Nowadays. they are unlikely to act. and that some of them may be severely traumatised by seeing such things. It is sometimes argued that television news reports should show the world as it really is and that it is best for children to be aware of this reality. however. The counter-argument to this. they grow accustomed to them and no longer react as if these events were something unusual. there is the issue of whether or not children should be exposed to such images. Unless the public see these images. As a result. but there are some who think there are very good reasons why such images should be included in television news reports. Firstly. is that violent images on television can be particularly disturbing for children. On the other hand.EASY-IELTS Many television news programmes show pictures of events in the news which people find upsetting. it is also said that if people see too many disturbing or violent scenes on the news. it should not bring disturbing images into people’s homes. To what extent do you agree or disagree? mass media. they may begin to think that what they are seeing is normal or even acceptable. It is often suggested that these are not the kind of pictures we should have to see in our homes. people become motivated to do something to remedy the situation or to help victims. While television has a duty to report important news. it is argued. whenever a catastrophic event such as a war or an earthquake takes place. it is sometimes claimed that when disturbing images of war or some other disastrous event are broadcast. no matter how disturbing they might be. Secondly. there is usually a television or video camera on hand which will film and broadcast images of it around the world almost instantly. 233 . There are a number of arguments both in favour of and against this view. it is 234 . it is argued that politicians should not be the objects of media scrutiny outside their work and that the media should not report information about them. by showing potentially disturbing images only after a certain time in the evening. magazines and television programmes make money by reporting on the private lives of public figures such as politicians. it is often suggested that there should be limits to the media’s right to report on the private lives of public figures. In other words. I think the argument that this kind of television reporting can sometimes help bring an end to a tragic situation is a very powerful one. the counterargument is that there are some politicians who use privacy laws to cover up embarrassing information.WRITING VER. most people would probably find flicking from one channel to another during a news programme rather frustrating.1. However. viewers are not always forewarned that a report may include distressing pictures. when they have accepted gifts in return for using their influence. Firstly. they can simply switch off the television or change channel. for example. which is generally considered private. However. it is often pointed out that if viewers find images upsetting. Besides this. While the media’s right to freedom of expression should be defended. However. However.0 Finally. and others who do not wish to be upset. broadcasters must take care to protect children. Many newspapers. sports personalities and entertainers. such as details of their relationships. the media should not intrude into people’s private affairs. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The media’s freedom of expression is an essential safeguard in a free society. On balance. whose private lives are often treated like public property. In conclusion. I believe that public figures have to expect some media scrutiny of their private lives. A further argument is that the media is more interested in making money than in telling the truth. Stories of scandals involving wellknown people increase newspaper circulation and attract larger television audiences. An example of this is gossip magazines that invent stories about members of royal families. In the case of politicians. On the other hand. which is part of being famous and earning large amounts of money. 235 . In the case of entertainment or sports celebrities.EASY-IELTS sometimes in the public interest for the media to investigate politicians’ private lives to uncover and deter such corruption. However. this reflects a market for stories about them. it often puts these relationships under so much pressure that they fail. opponents of this argument say that many celebrities promote themselves by publishing their private affairs in the media. so they should accept the inconveniences as well as the benefits this brings. and only complain about an invasion of privacy when problems arise. A final argument is that when the media reports on famous people’s private relationships. it is the media’s duty to examine and report on the behaviour of people in positions of power. those who disagree with this view point out that most well-known public figures make their living from being in the public eye. Finally. Despite these potential benefits. Advocates of online learning argue that the replacement of conventional classroom-based learning with wholly online courses would bring both pedagogical and practical benefits.1. and many people feel that the limitations of online education mean that it should never replace traditional classroom teaching altogether. enthusiasm for this mode of learning is not universal. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The burgeoning number of distance-learning courses available on the Internet has led some people to speculate that the future of education is ‘online’.WRITING VER. it is often suggested that education providers would benefit because they could run online courses at a fraction of the cost of employing classroom teachers and operating premises. It is claimed. it is generally agreed that learning best takes place in environments where students work face-to-face in groups. sharing ideas and knowledge and solving learning problems together. for example. sceptics give equally convincing reasons why this new educational trend should not be allowed to replace classrooms and teachers entirely. it is 236 . However. In addition. This kind of interaction. Schools. It is also argued that online tutors would be able to provide students with far more individual attention than is possible in conventional classroom situations.0 EDUCATION. Firstly. that such courses would allow students to organise their study programme and set the pace of their learning to suit themselves. colleges and universities should abandon traditional teaching methods and deliver all their courses online. they would be able to concentrate and work more easily in the comfort of their own homes. ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST Distance learning via the Internet has developed to such an extent in recent years that teachers and classrooms seem outdated and unnecessary. could not be provided over the Internet. In this way. Secondly. but not everyone feels comfortable using this technology. many courses involve hands-on practical work and it is widely believed that this kind of practical experience. I would say that educational establishments should include both online and traditional face-to-face elements in the courses they provide.EASY-IELTS said. 237 . On balance. students who are not so at ease using computers would be severely disadvantaged. students would benefit from the more personalised learning that Internet courses offer without losing opportunities for face-to-face interaction with fellow students and valuable practical work. would not be possible over the Internet. If courses were only available online. Finally. which is an essential part of many subjects from natural sciences to vocational training. a requirement of online learning is familiarity with computers and computer software. for instance. which forces people to keep their windows permanently closed and may cause psychological problems including stress and depression among people living in busy streets. which damages people’s health causing respiratory disease such as asthma and bronchitis. A good example of this is the historic centre of Valencia. while the vibrations from passing vehicles damage their foundations. A second reason why I am in favour of cars being banned is in order to reduce the noise pollution from traffic. Beautiful buildings are spoilt by always having cars parked in front of them and pretty streets become unpleasant due to permanent traffic congestion and exhaust fumes. I am sure that if cars were banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Giving an opinion Most cities now have pedestrian precincts and from time to time cities are in the news because cars have been temporarily banned from the centre to reduce pollution. This. For example. Finally.0 Excessive traffic has made cities unpleasant places to live and work in. For this reason.WRITING VER. private cars should be completely banned from city centres. traffic moves very slowly and there are frequent traffic jams. A further reason is that most cities were not designed for motor traffic. The most important reason is pollution from car exhausts. which has narrow streets and few facilities for parking. no town council has yet had the courage to completely prohibit private motor vehicles from entering the city centre.1. traffic fumes attack the stonework of historic monuments and buildings. At the same time. they would 238 . people would find other more pleasant ways to move around cities. There are several reasons why I believe this should be done. As a result. has happened to many old cathedrals in Europe. However. This in turn would bring about a general improvement in people’s health. as this would enable people to rediscover cities as pleasant and healthy places to live. I strongly support the idea that traffic should be banned from city centres. therefore.EASY-IELTS walk or use bicycles as these would once more become safe and enjoyable activities within the city. In conclusion. 239 . However. bars and taxi companies to flourish. means that they may be able to save money and improve their standard of living. tourism rarely benefits the countries which tourists visit. other businesses.1. They can find work in restaurants or hotels. A further reason is that in order for tourists to be able to visit remote areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The growth of tourism means that nowadays most countries have a tourist industry and for many countries it is an essential sector of their economy. food suppliers or petrol stations. I strongly disagree that it rarely benefits countries. Furthermore. On the contrary. The second reason is that tourists spend money in the country and this allows local businesses such as restaurants. for a number of reasons. Although. when communications improve. the vast majority of countries derive great benefit from it. tourism may have some drawbacks. I am convinced that. In other words. like any major industry. or with tourist agencies as guides or drivers. This. roads. it becomes possible for other industries to move into the area. the whole economy of the region develops. and there are few places which are unaffected by it. for instance.WRITING VER. bringing with them more employment opportunities and increased prosperity.0 The tourist industry has grown enormously over the last fifty years. and earn regular wages. The most important reason is that tourism provides regular employment for many local people who might otherwise be unemployed. airports and hotels have to be built and local people also benefit by being able to use these new facilities. may be established in order to provide services to support the companies which cater for tourists. for example. in turn. In turn. 240 . make crops resistant to pests and herbicides. visitors learn about the local people and culture. Consequently. local people may learn from tourists. Biotechnology companies all over the world are developing different types of genetically modified (GM) crops. In conclusion. for example by causing allergies or even by being toxic. and produce foods with higher nutritional values.EASY-IELTS A final reason why I am in favour of tourism is that visitors from outside bring fresh ideas and different ways of doing things to the local community. Interfering with nature in this way should be prohibited. Firstly. This argument is not convincing though. environmentalists argue that GM crops are unnatural and that by creating them we are altering the natural world. since all modern crops have been manipulated by selective breeding to be more productive than their natural ancestors and are therefore equally unnatural. Yet there is little evidence to support this 241 . To what extent do you agree or disagree? HEALTH AND FITNESS. environmentalists have raised a number of objections to the introduction of GM crops and foods. have a solid basis in fact. A more worrying argument raised by objectors to GM foods is that they could constitute a health risk. However. however. Likewise. and return home with a deeper understanding of the host country. Few of these objections. Despite these benefits. GIVING AN OPINION 2 Genetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to increase agricultural productivity. not enough is known about the effects of these crops on our health and on the environment. What genetic modification seeks to do is modify crops in a more planned way than is possible by merely selecting healthier seeds or by producing hybrids of successful plants. I firmly believe that governments should encourage tourism because of the opportunities it offers for ordinary people to improve their quality of life. they are more likely to be of benefit to the health of population than a risk. environmental damage such as the indiscriminate killing of insects and the contamination of local soils and rivers are avoided. since GM crops do not require spraying with toxic insecticides. Indeed.1.WRITING VER. I think it is essential that. I am unconvinced that GM crops pose a risk to the environment or our health. GM crops offer increased agricultural productivity and foods of higher nutritional value. On the contrary. In conclusion. these crops have the potential to improve the health of millions throughout the world while causing less environmental damage than standard farming methods used today. far from being prohibited. because GM foods can have improved nutritional value. both of which are essential if the growing world population of the twenty-first century is to be fed. will have a disastrous effect on the wider environment beyond the crops themselves. The final objection is strictly environmental.0 idea. it is claimed. This. It is argued that crops which are genetically modified to kill the pests which attack them may also kill harmless insects. since there have been no recorded cases. In fact. 242 . GM foods should be encouraged. EASY-IELTS Biotechnology companies all over the world are developing different types of genetically modified (GM) crops. not enough is known about the effects of these crops on our health and on the environment. many people remain unconvinced as this technology is in its infancy. The first objection to GM crops is that they are unnatural. Advocates of these modifications point out that this avoids the need for indiscriminate spraying of crops. and there are real fears that GM foods may cause allergies and that some might just prove to be poisonous or toxic in some way. These permanent genetic alterations could well have disastrous consequences which are impossible to predict. recently environmentalists have raised important objections to the introduction of GM crops and foods which make it essential to proceed in this area with extreme caution. Another issue which provokes disagreement is the extent to which GM foods pose a health risk. GIVING AN OPINION 2 ANOTHER SAMPLE ANSWER The benefits that genetically modified (GM) crops are likely to bring have been well publicised by the biotechnology industry. However. However. However. However. Supporters of GM foods point out that so far no major health problems have arisen as a result of them. Interfering with nature in this way should be prohibited. this point of view is 243 . this argument is unacceptable because genetic modification involves a totally new approach where genes from different species are introduced into a plant’s composition. Biotechnologists argue that farming methods have always been unnatural since they involve selective breeding and methods of cross-population. On the other hand. A final area of disagreement concerns the environment. Some crops have been genetically modified to kill the pests which attack them. To what extent do you agree or disagree? HEALTH AND FITNESS. while GM crops may well help raise food production in a hungry world. it is highly unlikely that modified genes will remain confined to the new crops. due to cross-population.1. testing and marketing to ensure that they are completely safe. but that much tighter controls should be put in place for their development. What is more. the genes which kill insects will eventually escape into the wild plant population. 244 .0 unjustifiable as it is quite possible that GM crops will also kill harmless or beneficial insects indiscriminately. thereby causing an environmental disaster. In conclusion. they do so at great risk to human and environmental health. I believe that GM foods should not be prohibited. In all probability.WRITING VER. Some of the techniques used in gene therapy involve artificially altered human genes being passed down from one generation to another. Opponents of gene therapy argue that parents would be doing this without the consent of either their children or the future generations who would be affected. Another reason why some people oppose gene therapy has to do with individual consent. it is highly unlikely that parents would choose to alter their children in ways which the children themselves would not want. There is every likelihood that some parents will want to take advantage of gene therapy in order to enhance their children’s characteristics. It is argued that these genes could well mutate in unexpected ways. it may be possible for doctors to cure hereditary diseases. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The main aim of gene therapy until now has been to cure or prevent diseases which may in part have a genetic origin. the potential benefits. Such a development would be a major breakthrough for humanity and would solve many present-day problems. particularly the eradication of crippling hereditary diseases. some of which are controversial. make the risk worthwhile. One objection to gene therapy concerns the long-term consequences genetic manipulation is likely to have. however. By altering people’s genetic make-up. and for parents to choose important characteristics for their children such as their sex or level of intelligence. This argument.EASY-IELTS Rapid progress in the fields of genetics and gene therapy are likely to have profound effects on people’s lives in the foreseeable future. However. such as hair colour or even intelligence. 245 . and might even cause new and possibly worse diseases in the future. is unconvincing. outside its medical applications. While it is quite possible that there will be some undesirable side effects. since all new medical techniques involve some degree of uncertainty. However. this area of science has a range of other possibilities. is unjustifiable for two reasons.WRITING VER. however. there is little evidence to suggest that a person’s personality is determined by genetics alone. Secondly.1. In conclusion. I believe that gene therapy has a number of interesting possibilities. but also in allowing parents to ensure that their children enjoy the advantages of growing up to be healthy and intelligent. but lacking in individual character. 246 . This argument. Firstly. it would be impossible to practise genetic manipulation on such a massive scale. people will always acquire their individuality from their upbringing and education rather than solely from their genetic make-up. in all probability. not just in curing diseases.0 A final objection is that some governments just might try to use gene therapy to create a kind of ‘super-race’ of people who are physically and intellectually superior. In fact. for example. In fact. To what extent do you agree or disagree? DEVELOPING WORLD. would be paid poverty wages. I think it is far more likely that they would become even more dependent on the economies of the affluent West. leaving only degraded or unsuitable land for the cultivation of food. In addition. 247 . subsistence farming methods. Furthermore. and in all probability such a system would only serve to worsen the situation. Consequently. It is widely believed that foreign currency earned through largescale. would set the price for goods imported from developing nations. In turn. GIVING AN OPINION Many developing countries continue to struggle against poverty and the constant threat of famine. those who formerly lived off subsistence farming would become labourers and. However. large scale farming of cash crops for the export market. there are several reasons why I believe this idea is highly unlikely to bring a solution. mechanised farming for export would give life to less developed economies. The West. the best land would be devoted to growing cash crops. However. a downturn in the economies of the West would bring almost certain disaster for these countries. there is little evidence to support this. in most cases. these cash-crop economies would have to depend on imports of food to feed their populations. It is often said that the money earned through exports of crops like tobacco or cocoa would end poverty and hunger in the developing world. these earnings would help them become less dependent on loans and aid.EASY-IELTS One of the reasons why hunger and poverty still exist in many parts of the developing world is the continuing use of outdated. the argument goes. It is often argued that the best way forward for these nations is a radical change of their economy and farming systems in order to grow cash crops such as coffee and animal feed for export. These countries should change over to modern. Firstly. Nevertheless.WRITING VER. This leads to deforestation and soil erosion. In summary.1. farm their land to exhaustion and then search for new fertile areas. I am convinced that a move to large-scale farming of cash crops would only replace one set of problems with another. wasteful exploitation of water resources and excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. for instance.0 Another claim is that the modernised farming of cash crops is less damaging to the environment. In some cases. it could well exacerbate the most serious problems of all: hunger and poverty. Subsistence farmers. it is argued. intensive farming of cash crops can be equally damaging to the environment by. 248 . Prison is highly unlikely to solve their problems. Moreover. What these first-time offenders need is to be supervised by qualified and skilled professionals. and there are a number of reasons why I believe young first-time offenders should not be imprisoned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Most young criminals commit their first crime while they are teenagers and generally do so because they are seeking excitement. No young person committing a crime for the first time should receive a prison sentence. Not surprisingly. For example. This best achieved by such means as youth centres and a system of probation or community service rather than by imprisonment. prisons do not prepare young offenders to live as lawabiding citizens on their release. they leave with a grudge against society and a desire for revenge. A further reason is that imprisoned is an extremely unpleasant experience and one which is likely to alienate young people even further. On the contrary.EASY-IELTS Prison serves no useful purpose for young first-time offenders. or live in run-down areas that already have a high crime rate. The main reason is that the majority of young people who break the law do so because of their upbringing or social circumstances. 249 . they may come from deprived families. with the result that. I am convinced that sending these young people to prison is a counterproductive way of combating crime. where young delinquents acquire skills from experienced criminals. when they have served their sentence. or because they are following the example of older friends. young criminals who have served a prison sentence are more likely to re-offend than those who have not. they serve as ‘universities of crime’. who can guide them away from a life of crime. 250 . I strongly believe that young first-time offenders should not receive prison sentences since imprisonment only increases the likelihood of their embarking on a career in crime. In my opinion. In conclusion.0 A final reason is that prison is a waste of young people’s time.1. they should be rehabilitated and encouraged to lead constructive lives rather than punished. at an age when they should either be continuing their education or training for a job. the two activities which are most likely to steer them away from criminality. except in cases where they constitute a danger to society.WRITING VER. Why is this so. or are just landing at local airports. 251 . or using noisy power tools such as drills or lawn mowers. Regarding traffic noise. legislation should prohibit aeroplanes from flying over built-up areas. due to the everincreasing number of vehicles on our roads. It is therefore essential that measures should be taken to reduce the amount of noise in our daily lives. Clearly. particularly in cities. and this may be the form of pollution which affects us most directly. There are three main causes. there is noise caused by neighbours listening to music or watching television at full volume. local authorities ought to consider imposing strict speed limits in residential areas. As far as noisy neighbours are concerned. The second major source of noise in our cities is low-flying aircraft which have either just taken off. for example.EASY-IELTS Our cities are noisier than ever before. It may also give rise to stress. often result in lower productivity at work because employees are too tired and stressed to work efficiently. noise is a serious problem. there is traffic noise. For example. it is necessary to understand what has brought about this increase in noise. it has been found that prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing loss and high blood pressure. Moreover. These problems. insomnia and mental problems. and what can be done about it? PROBLEM/SOLUTION There is no doubt that we have to live with far more noise than in the past. One way in which aircraft noise could be lessened is by building airports further away from urban areas. including depression. the most obvious answer is improved soundproofing for buildings near busy roads. the only effective solution is for us all to behave more considerately by. In addition. Finally. in turn. In order to find effective solutions to the problem. Firstly. people would feel more relaxed and they would be less prone to the physiological and psychological problems that are known to stem from exposure to high levels of noise.0 turning down the volume of our music or televisions and limiting our use of noisy power tools. if the measures i have suggested were introduced. we would all enjoy a better quality of life. 252 .WRITING VER. there is no simple solution to the problem. However. In conclusion. As a result of living and working in a quieter environment.1. Furthermore. local populations should be encouraged to make a living by harvesting the natural products which grow in forests. it is essential that timber for industry should be taken only from renewable forests. it could also give rise to agricultural problems since the disappearance of many insects would affect pollination and pest control. and what can be done to prevent it from happening? Large number of animals and plants are threatened with extinction mainly as a result of human activity. Firstly.EASY-IELTS Many species of animals and plants are in danger of becoming extinct. This is partly due to the fact that industry needs the wood and because growing populations need the land for agriculture. many of the plants used for making medicines would also disappear forever. instead of burning them down in order to grow cash crops such as coffee. This 253 . A third cause is the hunting of rare species for food. rivers and lakes. A number of urgent measures need to be taken in order to solve the problem. As regards pollution. Before suggesting solutions to the problem. However. Another significant cause is pollution. the only effective way to prevent the contamination of natural habitats is to impose heavy fines on those companies that ignore regulations. to reduce or stop further deforestation. particularly the destruction of forests where so many species live. What are the causes of this problem. The most important cause is almost certainly the destruction of animal and plant habitats. which poisons land. traditional medicines and various animal products which can be sold at high prices to collectors. we need to examine some of the human activities that are causing the extinction of so many species. Obviously this constitutes a major environmental disaster in itself since it reduces the biodiversity of our planet. This leads to the extinction of the species which live there. In addition. 0 should discourage them from polluting again. By preserving natural habitats such as forests. 254 . the hunting of rare species must be banned. this is a problem which cannot be solved until we humans learn to live in harmony with our natural surroundings and to respect them. preventing pollution and stopping illegal hunting an environmental disaster could be averted. and an international agency ought to be set up to prevent the trade in products made from rare species.1. To sum up. Finally.WRITING VER. therefore. that whenever such innovations are introduced. Furthermore. depression and heart-disease. software or techniques. 255 . Each cause needs to be dealt with in a particular way. This not only puts workers under great pressure but also means that they work far longer hours than they used to. work-related stress stems partly from ever-increasing workloads. companies need to invest in new technology. a major source of stress in today’s workplace is the rapid pace of technological change. Also. Firstly. there is no single ‘cure’. In order to keep ahead in business. that employees are constantly having to get used to using new equipment. and what can be done to reduce this problem? WORK AND BUSINESS PROBLEM SOLUTION 2 Despite generally better working conditions and higher pay. This often means. employees should be given adequate training and support so that the changeover to new technologies is relatively stress-free. Secondly. perhaps managers should take a more judicious approach to the introduction of new technology so as to avoid unnecessary change. systems agreed on by both management and employees ought to be implemented to avoid excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines. It is essential. and this can be a frustrating and stressful process. Since stress at work has a number of causes. legislation limiting the number of hours worked should be strictly enforced. For the sake of employees’ well-being. Why is the modern workplace so stressful. including headaches. however. workers today seem to suffer more than ever before from stress and stressrelated illnesses.EASY-IELTS Increasing numbers of workers are suffering from stress-related illnesses. and not just make change for change’s sake. Companies today demand that employees cope with heavier workloads while working to tighter and tighter deadlines. since the consequences are harmful to both the company and to society as a whole. employers must take measures such as those suggested above to ensure that stress does not reach levels which threaten the mental and physical health of their employees. today’s lack of job security and the consequent worry about the future contribute significantly to stress in the workplace. 256 . In conclusion. Few employers these days offer long-term contracts. Clearly.WRITING VER. As a result. workplaces are becoming increasingly competitive as employees try to reach targets set by their managers in order to secure their future with the company. However. Legislation ought to be brought into force with the aim of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a greater level of job security for employees.1. a certain amount of stress is a fact of life in all workplaces.0 Finally. the only way to address this is for employers to show more commitment towards their employees. Why is this the case. young people form a large proportion of those who are unemployed. nowadays this is rarely an option. modern society and the media in particular create unrealistic expectations among unqualified young people. Secondly.EASY-IELTS In most countries. There are three main causes. These young employees could shadow experienced members of staff with the aim of gaining work experience. Finally. longterm unemployment in early adult life can cause feelings of alienation among those affected. information technology and automation have brought about a reduction in the number of unskilled jobs available. leading to higher levels of crime. This means that. who are often 257 . Firstly. which would make them more employable in the future. The obvious solution is for schools to include more vocational courses in the curriculum so that students are prepared for specific jobs and given the necessary skills. school leavers are often not equipped with the skills and qualifications demanded by employers nowadays. Large-scale unemployment among young people is one of the most serious problems facing many governments. each of which requires an appropriate response from governments and society as a whole. To encourage employers to provide more job opportunities for school leavers. education systems have not managed to keep pace with the technological changes mentioned above. drug abuse and social unrest. What is more. the government should pay subsidies to those who take on young people. whereas in the past a young person leaving school at the age of sixteen could join a company and carry out basic duties while being trained for more skilled work. In order to suggest solutions. it is necessary first to identify the root causes of the problem. As a result. and what can be done to solve the problem?. School leavers need to appreciate that certain jobs. have an important part to play in society. careers advisers should do more to help widen children’s perspectives on the higher and further education and career opportunities available to them. there is no blanket solution for the problem of youth unemployment.WRITING VER. In conclusion.1. 258 . although often perceived to be low status. In addition. governments and educators should use all the means at their disposal to tackle the problem and reduce the social evils which accompany it.0 unwilling to do the sort of work that is open to them. Parents need to talk to their children about such issues so as to prepare them better for the realities of the job market. However. unscrupulous individuals and organisations can misuse this information and our privacy is threatened. Consequently. There are a number of ways in which personal data can be misused. As a result of this. insurance companies. This leads to people being inundated with unsolicited promotional leaflets. only information provided by applicants themselves on the application form or during the interview should be legitimate 259 . Similarly. which poses a threat to our privacy. criminal record or political allegiances. the only effective solution is to make unsolicited promotional post and e-mail illegal. The most common is probably the trading of consumers’ personal details between commercial organisations with the aim of targeting potential customers.EASY-IELTS Information technology is making it increasingly easy to collect and access computerised data on individuals. catalogues and e-mails. More seriously. In order to protect people looking for work. How can such abuses be prevented? Regarding the exchange of customer information between companies. not wanting to pay out expensive medical claims. However. employers can run checks on prospective employees to glean details about their health. may access the health records of individuals who apply for life insurance policies before deciding whether or not to insure them. with the advent of the Internet. organisations would have no incentive to trade in people’s personal details. relationships and taste as consumers can now be easily accessed and disseminated without our knowledge or consent. In what ways can the information gathered be misused and what can be done to minimise these misuses and protect the privacy of the individual? Information on private citizens has been collected and stored in electronic form by governments and organisations for many years. health. information about our finances. It is not likely that the above measures will result in guaranteed individual privacy. as a general measure to prevent misuse by insurance companies. and the data must be held securely. they must be allowed to choose how and to what extent it is used. Finally.WRITING VER. However. I am convinced that they will go some way to help limit the misuse of personal information while at the same time giving individuals more control over the information that is held on them.0 grounds for rejection. it is essential that organisations which gather data should inform individuals of the information that is collected. 260 . Individuals must be able to access the data themselves so that they can find out exactly what kind of information it is and check for inaccuracies. and candidates who are rejected should have the right to ask for the reasons why.1. suitable for and easily understood by candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. opinions and implications • evaluate and challenge ideas. Candidates are assessed on their ability to: • present the solution to a problem • present and justify an opinion • compare and contrast evidence. • Make sure your argument is clear to the reader. decide exactly what your own opinion is. try to provide supporting examples. evidence or an argument The issues raised are of general interest to. • For each opinion you express. COMPARING AND CONTRASTING OPINIONS.EASY-IELTS In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Candidates are assessed on their ability to: • provide general factual information • outline a problem and present a solution • present and possibly justify an opinion. EVIDENCE AND IMPLICATIONS • In an essay. assessment or hypothesis • present and possibly evaluate and challenge ideas. you often have to discuss the similarities or differences between two different opinions or ideas. Use key phrases and separate your ideas into paragraphs. PRESENTING AND JUSTIFYING AN OPINION • Before writing your essay in Task 2. 261 . evidence and argument The topics are of general interest and it makes no difference what subjects candidates study. PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO A PROBLEM • When you are providing solutions to problems. to introduce differences and contrast. use phrases such as On the other hand. Express your own opinion. use phrases such as Because of this. • Provide as much detailed explanation of your ideas and the effect they would have as you can. 2. whatever it is. explain the consequences of your suggestions. to introduce similarities and comparisons. 3.1. EVALUATING AND CHALLENGING • When you have to discuss two different views. evaluate the strength of the arguments on both sides. • Remember that you don't have to totally agree with one of the views.WRITING VER. use phrases such as In the same way. you have to: 1. to introduce effects and results. present both views.0 • Make sure the logic of your argument is clear: 1. 262 . 3. challenge the ideas you disagree with and support the ideas you agree with by providing examples and evidence. 2. ................. there was little evidence...................... he refused to accept that he was guilty.... 3 Despite the fact (that)...........B..... 4 Crime is still increasing ..................................... despite ............................. Start with the words given.. 2 He was sent to prison .......... A Write one word in each gap.. 1 Some people commit crimes in spite.................... 3 Despite the .... A the evidence B being evidence C there was evidence 4 Although .......... he was still found guilty............. 2 Although................. 1 In spite of................. she was found not guilty... 1 We were robbed......................... his claims that he was innocent................ SOCIETIES WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS PRESENTING AND JUSTIFYING AN OPINION GRAMMAR....EASY-IELTS UNIT 2...................................................... 263 ....of........... 5 ............... witnesses....... 4 Even though.......that a witness identified her........ the door. someone managed to break in.................... a really good alarm system.....having spent time in prison...................... Conceding and Contrasting Rewrite this sentence without changing the meaning... though there are more and more police. A we have B having C of having 2 Nobody was arrested............. A being B there were C there being 3 In spite of ....................... Some young people get involved in crime despite coming from good families........ B Choose the correct answer................................................................. even though .................... .......... It's still a major problem.............. In..... They still sent him to prison..............(DESPITE). They were still arrested.......................... The police still caught him........... 1 The gang made very careful plans...... sent to prison...................... I have taken / formed the impression that crime is on the increase......(ALTHOUGH)............... 3 It is impossible not to come / reach to the conclusion that poverty is linked to crime.... Wordbank Choose the correct word.......................... even though .......... A of being B being C that he was C Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence using the word given.. despite making very plans...................... careful 2 Karl was under eighteen............ 4 Most people seem to take / come the view that criminals should be punished.......... 264 .................................. (FACT). They......... 4 Jane had lots of money..............................(EVEN). Jane ....................... (THOUGH)...................... 2 From my own experiences. 3 He wore a disguise..... 1 Many people hold / reach the belief that prison is an effective deterrent... (SPITE)...0 A locking B having locked C I locked 5 He decided to steal the car................ The car..................... 6 Crime is dropping in this area.......... It was still stolen..1....... The gang................... She still stole a mobile phone... Crime.............. 5 I locked the car. he didn't learn his lesson.......WRITING VER..................... Use the words in italics to help you.. it was illegal.. A he knew B knowing C of knowing 6 In spite of the fact ............................................were still arrested................ .... Which phrase........... The reason for this is that.... I am convinced that.. with crime........... which may help the offender understand the effect of their act on the local community.. The basis for this view is..... Consider.......In the UK...... 265 ...... 2 introduces a justification for that opinion?.... Take... A Read this paragraph from an IELTS candidate's answer and decide which task (A or B) they were responding to...... people seem reluctant to explore other ways dealings........... people convicted of minor crimes often do community service. C Put each phrase below into the correct category. for instance........ 3 presents an example to support that opinion?. What causes can you suggest for this? B Prison is the most effective way of dealing with people who break the law..........EASY-IELTS 5 Over the years I have held / reached the conclusion that the law should be changed.. From my perspective... My own personal view is that a more creative approach to sentencing is necessary.... This belief is based on my understanding sentencing options that aim to tackle the causes of crime ............... A Crime seems to be on the increase in many urban areas around the world.... . 1 introduces the writer's own opinion?..... One instance of this is.................... Despite the fact that prison produces only limited results............ To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? B Read the paragraph again and answer these questions.... say........... I am of the view that... to take one instance. ......... Another reason why prison is ineffective is that it does nothing to alter people’s circumstances outside prison............... I disagree  One advantage of prison: .................. I convinced that this leads people into crime because of the difficulty of finding a decent job............WRITING VER...... This opinion is based from research which shows that people in prison often have...... Then.......................... a low level of education.........0 Introducing an opinion Justifying an opinion Presenting an example D Read this paragraph from another IELTS candidate's essay... Do you agree or disagree with this view? I agree  One problem with prison: . One way of preventing crime that is better than prison: .... In spite this............. for instance.. . There are many ways of preventing crime that are much better than prison...... E Read this question and decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement............... I am for [of] the view that there is a strong link between criminality and a person’s background....... . One problem with other ways of preventing crime: .........   266 ...... Find and underline four more mistakes and rewrite them correctly above the line...... many prisons do very little to help inmates improve their education.................1..... complete the appropriate notes..... ................ ..... .. 4 He was sentenced to 100 hours of community.......... 7 The government hasn't done enough to. we try to help the.... 2 Many in the local........... 6 The prison is home to approximately 500..... 5 You can't blame the. try to provide supporting examples.. 1 From what he said..... decide exactly what your own opinion is.......... • Make sure your argument is clear to the reader..... (IASNTEM).. (ACKETL) crime..... 267 ................................... 5 I've gradually...... (FEFSNODRE) understand how victims feel........... 2 Crime seems to be falling........ Provide one example to support your view. the view that the law needs to be changed......the impression that he was guilty........................ I.EASY-IELTS F Write one paragraph (80-100 words) summarising and justifying your opinion............ Use key phrases and separate your ideas into paragraphs... • Before writing your essay in Task 2...... • For each opinion you express.............the conclusion that the crime was committed by an employee. but most people... (CMIRCASESTCNU) you grew up in for your behaviour................... 3 The police...... (MCNOYITMU) are angry at the failure to prevent crime... (VSEERIC).................formed..... the belief that it's on the increase.... E Rearrange the letters to make a word that fits in the gap... MORE ACTIVITIES Vocabulary D Write one word in each gap.... 3 At this prison.. 1What this problem needs is a new approach (CAPAPROH) based on scientific research. 4 The government.to the conclusion that prison doesn't work.... .... not bad 3 limited C not willing to do something 4 minor D not very serious.............1.. 1B 1 decent A not very large 2 ineffective B fairly good.. 268 .forgery...............meal ................ (NVDCTEICO) after a trial that lasted for three months..job .........clothes – education 3.... .results ... 1 limited ... they create a fake version of something......0 8The woman was.solution .......................... ...............WRITING VER. Example.... . unimportant 5 reluctant E not producing the desired results G Choose the word from Exercise F which goes with each group of words.......wage . F Match each word to the correct definition.................. they get money by tricking people...resources ... 2 ..injury ........... 1 ....vocabulary – power 2..protection – attempt Vocabulary: crimes and criminals H Write a word from below in each gap. Arson Murder blackmail burglary forgery robbery theft vandalism fraud kidnapping If someone is guilty of.crime – illness 4.. such as a passport..... ................. 5 fraud.....arsonist. 269 .................. 9 ........... 5 ............. 10 theft.......... 7 .....EASY-IELTS 3 ......................................... they deliberately start a fire.............. 6 kidnapping............... I Write the word for the person who commits each of these crimes....... such as someone's home.... 8 vandalism................................... they take someone and keep them until they receive some money......... they threaten to reveal a secret unless someone pays them money....................................... 7 murder. they damage someone else's property........... they take money from someone........... 9 robbery............. they take something from a building........... they steal something............. 4 ....... 8 ........ often with violence......... 6..... 3 burglary.... 4 forgery................... Word patterns J Write one word in each gap.......................... 10 .......... 1 arson .................................... 2 blackmail.... they kill someone...... ... a crime 3 accuse someone.......... time in prison 270 .............................. a crime 4 arrest someone...WRITING VER........... a crime 7 find someone guilty/innocent........ a crime 2 suspect someone....1. a crime 8 sentence someone........ a crime 6 try someone.............of. a crime 5 charge someone.......0 1 find evidence. TRUE / FALSE 3 She was found guilty of the crime.4 Listen to this woman talking about a crime and decide whether the statements are TRUE or FALSE.EASY-IELTS K CD. TRUE / FALSE 271 . TRUE /FALSE 2 She was arrested for the crime. 1 The crime took place in her street. WRITING VER.1.0 UNIT 4; ENVIRONMENTS WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: COMPARING AND CONTRASTING OPINIONS, EVIDENCE AND IMPLICATIONS GRAMMAR; MODALS Write a word from the list below in each gap to complete the sentences. If more than one word fits, write all the options. can could has may should will 1 Most scientists believe climate change is happening but they................... be wrong. 2 We.................remember that the Earth's climate was very different 10,000 years ago. 3 Global climate change............. to be the most serious problem mankind has ever faced. 4 The last ice age, for example, ..................not have been caused by human activity. 5 There are many things, such as recycling, that each of us..................do to help. 6 To my mind, it is unlikely that we...................be able to prevent climate change completely. Wordbank; Choose the correct word or phrase. Use the words in italics to help you. 1 On / In the other hand, it is unlikely we will be willing to give up air travel. 2 On / In contrast, some oil companies are now investing in alternative energies. 3 Having said / told that, industry could do much more to prevent pollution. 4 In spite / Despite of this, the plan does have some disadvantages. 5 Even although / though it may be too late, we should all try to lead a greener lifestyle. 6 Even if / though the scientists are proved to be wrong, it will still be worth doing. 272 EASY-IELTS A Read this paragraph from an IELTS candidate's essay. Tick the opinions which are mentioned in the paragraph. Global climate change.......... 1 is happening...................... 2 is getting worse every year.......................... 3 is caused by human activity.......................... 4 is not happening........................................... 5 has always happened................................... 6 is happening but might not be caused by human activity.......................... Most scientists now agree that global climate change is taking place. Likewise, the majority believe that it is being caused by human activity. However, there is a minority of scientists who disagree with this, either denying that it is a real phenomenon at all, or accepting it is happening but arguing that that humans may not be responsible for it. B Look at the paragraph in Exercise A again. For each of these words or phrases from the paragraph, choose a word or phrase which could replace it. More than one word or phrase may be correct. 1 agree (sentence 1) 2 Likewise (sentence 2) 3 believe (sentence 2) 4 However (sentence 3) Despite 5 disagree with (sentence 3) 6 accepting (sentence 3) acknowledging / approving accept / permit / believe / confess In the same way / Similar / Similarly / Same tell / trust / accept / agree Although / Nevertheless / Nonetheless / dispute with / dispute / question / challenge recognising / comprehending / C Read this paragraph from a different essay. Decide if the points below are definitely true (D) or possibly true (P), according to the writer. While there is no doubt that global temperatures have risen over the past 100 years, there is little firm evidence that it is human activity that has led to this. The most Widely-held view is that the man-made emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases is responsible. We should, however, take into account the fact that natural phenomena such as volcanoes and changes in solar radiation have altered the altered climate throughout its history, and continue to have an effect. 273 WRITING VER.1.0 1 Global temperatures have increased in the last 100 years............................... 2 Human activity has caused these temperature increases............................... 3 CO2 and greenhouse gases have caused these increases................................ 4 Volcanoes and solar radiation affect the Earth's climate................................ D Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. 1 Cars are an essential part of our lives so / so that banning them is not a realistic option. 2 Cars are so essential to our lives that / so that banning them is not a realistic option. 3 Because / Because of this, I do not believe that banning cars is a realistic option. 4 As a / the result, I do not believe that banning cars is a realistic option. 5 For this / the reason, I do not believe that banning cars is a realistic option. E Write a paragraph about climate change (80-100 words) using these notes. • topic: prevent climate change. Possible? • many people believe lifestyle change necessary • some things easy (e.g. recycling, reducing waste, saving energy) • other things more difficult (e.g. business, air travel) • so probably won 't be completely successful • but should still try • In an essay, you often have to discuss the similarities or differences between two different opinions or ideas. • Make sure the logic of your argument is clear: 1. use phrases such as On the other hand, to introduce differences and contrast. 2. use phrases such as In the same way, to introduce similarities and comparisons. 3. use phrases such as Because of this, to introduce effects and results. 274 EASY-IELTS MORE ACTIVITIES A Choose the correct word or phrase. 1 In my opinion, the government ought /should ban factories from polluting the atmosphere. 2 Working in a coal mine must / should be an extremely demanding and dangerous job. 3 The oil tanker mustn't / can't have spilled its oil on purpose; it must / can have been an accident. 4 Everyone has / must to make an effort to be more environmentally responsible. 5 We do not know for certain, but the ancient city can / could have been destroyed by a tsunami. 6 Do you need / Need you to take the bottles to be recycled, or are they collected? 7 Antarctica shouldn't / couldn't always have been covered in ice; tropical plants used to grow there. B Write the correct form of the verb in each gap. Be careful! Some verbs might not change form. 1 We ought ........to get................. (GET) a guide book before we go on holiday. 2 We should..................... (BUY) a guide book before we went on holiday. 3 There must...................... (BE) at least 500 people at last night's meeting. 4 The hotel was nice, but it shouldn't..................... (BUILD) so far from the sea. 5 Who knows what might .......................(HAPPEN) if they discover a large meteor heading towards Earth? 6 Who knows what might ..................... (HAPPEN) if dinosaurs hadn't become extinct? 7 Did you ............ (HAVE) a tour guide, or could you............... (LOOK) round on your own? 8 You could ................ (ARREST) if they'd caught you there without permission. C Rewrite each sentence using the word in bold. 1 That almost certainly wasn't the right turning. HAVE ...That can't have been the right turning.... 275 WRITING VER.1.0 2 I'm almost certain we made a mistake. HAVE ............................................................................................................................. ............. 3 It would be a good idea for the council to renovate the old mill. OUGHT ............................................................................................................................. ............ 4 You were wrong to buy a car that uses so much petrol. SHOULDN'T ............................................................................................................................. ............ 5 If you have a solar-powered water heater, you aren't forced to use electricity to heat the water. NEED ............................................................................................................................. ............. Vocabulary D Write one word in each gap. 1 In...spite...of the cost, it would certainly be sensible for governments to invest in nuclear power. 2 ............. said ............... , we should not forget that there have been accidents at nuclear power stations in the past. 3 ........................contrast, wind-generated power is extremely safe and clean. 4 On............. other.................. , an enormous number of wind turbines are required to produce only a small amount of power. 5 ............. though electric cars have been developed, very few have been sold. 6 Even.............. we all stopped polluting the atmosphere tomorrow, the hole in the ozone layer would still exist. 7 .......................having gas installed, we still use a lot of electricity. 8.................... I agree we should all try to be carbon neutral, I recognise it is very difficult in practice. E Match to make phrases. If more than one phrase is possible, write all of the possibilities. Example; 1H,F 1 firm A phenomena ................. 276 EASY-IELTS 2 widely-held 3 natural 4 human 5 solar 6 air 7 alternative 8 realistic B activity C option D energy E travel F view G radiations H evidence ................. ................ ................. ................. ................ ................ ................. F Write one word in each gap so the sentences have the same meaning. 1 The locations of the 5 new eco-towns have not been finalised yet. a When choosing the best location for a new eco-town, a large number of factors have to be ...considered... . b When choosing the best location for a new eco-town, a large number of factors have to be ....................into account. 2 An annual ceremony is held to remember the victims of the fire. a It usually................ on the first of January. b It usually takes ...............on the first of January. 3 Coal from other parts of the world is cheaper than home-produced coal. a As a............... , most British coal mines have closed in the past 30 years. b For this................. , most British coal mines have closed in the past 30 years. 4 One alternative energy source which should be developed is wind power. a In the.............. way, further research should be done into wave power. b .............. , further research should be done into wave power. 5 I agree we should all try to be carbon neutral. a.................., I recognise it is very difficult in practice. b................., I recognise it is very difficult in practice. G Choose the correct word. 1 Some scientists disagree /dispute the findings. 277 WRITING VER.1.0 2 I don't really approve / agree of governments saying / telling people how to behave. 3 Parking is not accepted / permitted in this area between 9 am and 5 pm. 4 Do you deny / challenge that the polar ice caps are melting? 5 The scientist told / confessed that he had manipulated his results. 6 We all have to comprehend / recognise the fact that we share this planet with other species. 7 Reading that environmental report has made me dispute / question my own behaviour. 8 I challenge / question you to provide evidence to support your views. 9 It's difficult to comprehend / argue how big a problem this really is. 10 Not being experts ourselves, we often have to agree / trust and accept / approve the opinions of experts. Vocabulary: word formation H Complete the table. Verb accept acknowledge agree approve challenge comprehend confess deny dispute permit recognise trust Noun ...acceptance... .......................... Positive: negative:................... Positive:..................... negative:................... .......................... Positive:..................... negative:................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... Positive:..................... negative:................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ..................... 278 . A have the rules explained B have explained the rules explained the rules C be 2 Parents should... to them clearly.. Write about the following topic: In many countries parents worry about the amount of time their children spend watching TV and using the internet.. T/F 279 . THE MEDIA WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: SOLUTIONS TO A PROBLEM PROVIDING GRAMMAR... 1 Children should .... about more useful ways to spend their time.... Match each verb to the correct definition. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest? 1 You should explain whether you agree or disagree with the statement. CAUSATIVES Choose the correct phrase...EASY-IELTS UNIT 6... 1 alleviate problem or situation 2 analyse 3 compound 4 confront serious 5 resolve a deal with or face up to a difficult b find a solution to a problem or situation c investigate a problem or situation d make a problem or situation less e make a problem or situation worse A Read this exam question and choose T (true) or F (false).. A have children to think B make children to think C have children think Wordbank....... .....to the actions of the media............. T/F 5 Your solutions should clearly deal with the causes you mention.1..... As a 4 . about by the demands of modern life which mean that parents are often too busy to supervise their children properly.. children spend a large amount of their free time on their computer or in front of their TV......... T/F 3 You should explain in detail why doing these things is bad for children....0 2 You should say why parents are wrong to worry about the situation. T/F 4 You should focus on a few main causes.....WRITING VER. not everyone you can think of. This situation is 2..... 1  short introduction to the problem  description of how it affects my life  explanation of who is to blame for the problem  proposed solutions  short conclusion and summary 2      short introduction to the problem description of main causes with details proposed solutions with explanation further suggestions with explanation short conclusion and summary C Read this paragraph from an essay written by an IELTS candidate in response to the exam question in Exercise A.... The problem is also 3 ... Complete the paragraph using the words below....... which encourage children to watch TV and use the internet as much as possible.. Explain why the other structure would be less appropriate... brought cause consequently due result A major 1 ...... and 5 280 .... of this pressure... T/F B Choose the essay structure which would be more appropriate to answer the question in Exercise A....of the problem is that parents do not set reasonable limits for their children.... ...................................................................... 3 Children should have the right to spend their time as they wish.................................... For each solution..................................................................................................... 281 ......... ............................ ................................ 1 TV channels should show more cartoons................................ ............................................................. another possible idea: ......... Results: .... Solution ............................................ 4 Websites should be designed with children in mind........................................ Results: ........ 5 Parents should remove TVs and computers from their child's bedroom..... E Make a short list of other possible solutions to the problem....... Solution 1: .................................................................................    .................................................................................................... D Tick the ideas which may help with the problem mentioned in Exercise A. Add one more idea of your own.................................................... ........................................EASY-IELTS .................................................................. F Choose three solutions from Exercises D and E to write about............... ............. 2 Parents and children should agree to a limit on 'screen time'.............................................................. 2: Solution 3: ..............................their parents become concerned about the effects on their education and their health.................................... make notes explaining what the results of that solution will be......................................................................................................................... for them too much.............. G Write a paragraph to follow on from the paragraph in Exercise C which suggests solutions to the problem.. 282 ............................... explain the consequences of your suggestions.............. A have their lives organised B have organised their lives 2 Parents should consider.................... stricter controls on the media.. • When you are providing solutions to problems........................ MORE ACTIVITIES Grammar A Choose the correct answer................... 1 My view is that children these days .my computer for me....... A have someone check B have checked by someone 5 I need to ........ A get someone repair B get someone to repair 6 It's time we...........1. A had the government impose B got the government impose B Write a causative form in each gap using the verb and noun given... • Provide as much detailed explanation of your ideas and the effect they would have as you can..0 Results: ... A having installed satellite TV B having satellite TV installed 4 You should...........WRITING VER............................. on their internet connection A having put a parental lock B having a parental lock put 3 We are...... your car for you if it keeps breaking down... at the start of next week and I can't wait..A......... have/get our car serviced.................. 6 All editors should.have their work edited........................... 2 An advertising agency makes all our commercials for us........... (do / children) more exercise... We..EASY-IELTS 1 Reporters usually.... by an advertising agency............. 4 A newspaper is delivered to our door every morning... to our morning............................................. 283 .... door every 5 Does someone check every story that appears in the paper each day? Do you............................... We.............................. parents should..... 3 In my opinion............. (influence / their opinions) by what they read................................ 3 Outside companies make most of the BBC's programmes these days................(edit / their work) before it is published....... (check / the facts) before publishing a damaging story......... each day? 6 Someone took candid photographs of the celebrity for the magazine.................. The BBC ....................... 5 In most countries the media.... 4 My view is that we need to....................... candid photographs of the celebrity........ Vocabulary D Write a word from below in the correct form in each gap........by outside companies these days........once a year. (impose / certain rules) on them...... 1 Someone usually services our car for us once a year................... We. (realise / parents) the harm TV can do....... The magazine................................................................................ C Rewrite each sentence using a causative form...... 2 Many people........................... .. the problem of media harassment of celebrities is to introduce a new law....the problem temporarily.. the problem of media bias and something should be done about it.1... 6 The need to provide for their families places great commands / demands on people....WRITING VER............. and consequently / subsequently the media are careful about the claims they make. 2 The media's inability to regulate themselves is the real cause / effect of a large number of complaints. 284 .......... but it doesn't solve the underlying problem... 5 The only way we can finally.. That. the situation objectively that the media have done a good job in exposing corruption.. 1 It doesn't seem thoughtful /reasonable to expect the media not to report stories that they know the public are interested in..........0 alleviate resolve analyse compound confront 1 The government has given money to the people who lost their jobs.. 2 The government needs to . 4 It should be clear to anyone who......................... 3 There are various laws that exist to protect the rights of the individual. 4 The mistakes in the report were caused / due to poor journalism........ 5 The number of TV channels has increased recently as a result / reason of the changes to the regulations. the media over its handling of the case and not just ignore the problem...alleviates...... 3 The fact that so much of the media is owned by very few people just . E Choose the correct word.... . entertainment and does not affect children badly at all.........E There is no limit on the number of radio stations a media company can own... my application to work at the company was turned down.........to a change in the law.. 2 I'm concerned at the... effects on children? 2 In my view........EASY-IELTS F CD...................... HARM 1 Do you think television has any.. 1 1941……F…… A No major media company can buy another major media company. Word formation G Write the correct form of the word in bold in each gap. ..... the current government is taking....... 285 ....................... accident.... TV is...... 2 1946………… B Stations are allowed to broadcast as many advertisements as they like............D Stations are no longer required to present a balanced view........ 2... DIRECT 1 The... 3 The reporter said that the explosion was the result of an ............. 12 Listen and match each year to the correct statement....... 3 The news report said that all the people involved in the crash escaped...... 3 1970………… C No media company can own a radio and television station in the same market.....F No broadcaster is allowed to reach more than 35% of the population...... FORTUNE 1 The media have been very......director. to avoid further rules being imposed on them.............. 6 1996………….............spends a long time discussing the script with the writer.... 5 1987………….... but the scandal led .. 3 The connection isn't obvious........ 4 1985………….... .... fastchanging world..... to what it says on page 117....... 6 The scandal ................ 1 I....sense of something 4. you need to .............point....................give........ voters returned his party to power for another term....... a very confusing......... the effect the internet has had................. 286 ...........................your opinion 2........ 7 When you are talking about the media... the media.................. 5 One role of the media is to help us..... .............. 3 I'd like to... Phrases H Write a verb from below in each gap..... You need to use some verbs more than once............ I could see a number of points against it....0 PERSUADE 1 TV advertisers use all their powers of ..... bear draw give make raise take 1.................. but I'm afraid I still don't agree with you......................................someone's attention to something 3.. of the politician's speech... 4 Everyone had the opportunity to ......take....... before the decision was made.................something in mind 5................. 2 Although the argument seemed.....someone's point 7..........control of something 6.. to get you to part with your money........1....your......a question I Write the correct form of a phrase from Exercise G in each gap.... 2 We shouldn't allow a few large businesses to........ about the President's ability to show strong leadership...... 3 Due to the .WRITING VER........... ............ 3 To / By comparing life-expectancy statistics over the years. COMPLEX SENTENCES Choose the correct word or phrase. and not large urban societies............. (argue) less able to deal with the modern world than our ancestors were able to deal with their world..... contrary to popular 2 .... (accord) to evolutionary biologists...... as humans evolved to exist in small hunter-gatherer societies.......(believe) there is no 3 . 5. at least.... 1 Were / If we to suddenly find ourselves back in the Stone Age.......EASY-IELTS UNIT 8... we can clearly see that the standard of living for the majority of humans is / are higher now than it ever / always has been.... and even / ever destroy it. 4 Anyone which / who argues that humans have learnt little in the past 10....000 years... HISTORIES WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: EVALUATING AND CHALLENGING GRAMMAR... (doubt) true that humans have achieved much in the past 10.... but / that it also / and presumes that our modern societies are more successful than the societies of previous generations.....(evident) at all that our brains have evolved. Word bank Put each word into the correct form.....000 years ignores the simple fact that we have developed technology to such extent / an extent that we ca n leave our planet. While it is 1 .... 287 ........................ (knowledge) than we were in the past...... how well will / would we be able to find food. keep warm and stay healthy and safe? 2 Not only this ignores / does this ignore the incredible achievements of ancient cultures..... we are not more intelligent... We may be more 4..... we are 6..... Indeed.. but.... .WRITING VER...... 1 There is not any ..1.. C Write ONE WORD in each gap to replace the words in italics....... Circle the words and phrases which are used to show that something is an example... although the theory has not been ruled out..... that ancient cultures could not have imagined. 3 One argument that is sometimes put forward / ahead is that much ancient technology and wisdom has been lost.. for example.. it is undoubtedly true that we have technologies... 288 .. ....... the ancient Greeks and Romans did not believe that the world was flat..... B Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentences.. 2 There is not much. proof that the Nazcans flew in balloons......... 3 Not many people........ would argue that the builders of the Sphinx were typical primitive cavemen.... to popular belief.......... even with all we know today.............. 1 For instance.... little real evidence to suggest that humans today are more content spiritually and emotionally... we do not have the technology to build the Pyramids of Egypt..... Contrary however while 1.... such as the internet... D Look at the sentences in Exercises A and B... 2 There is.....0 A Write a word from the list below in each gap to complete these sentences. it / this has been told / said that.. 2 According to me / In my view........... there is no comparison between what we can achieve today and what people even 200 years ago could achieve......... doubt that the Chinese had been using gunpowder for hundreds of years before it reached the West. 3 For example. it is a mistake to view these ancient cultures as ignorant.... . etc...........  ..  ..................................................  ........ etc...... Express your own opinion................... present both views......... 2..  ........ • Remember that you don't have to totally agree with one of the views....... B and C........ 3....... 289 .................................... whatever it is......EASY-IELTS E Look at the sentences in Exercises A................... construction techniques.......  .............. the s in universe............... G Write your answer to the question in Exercise F... argument s against: • ancient cultures invented writing....... • When you have to discuss two different views.. farming..... Some people think that human history has been a journey from ignorance to knowledge................ Make notes to complete the table...... Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. you have to: 1...... Others argue that this underestimates the achievements of ancient cultures.................................................................. Underline all the ideas the writer disagrees with or challenges...................... evaluate the strength of the arguments on both sides................................. 'human history has been a journey from ignorance to knowledge' argument • we know so much more about medicine... challenge the ideas you disagree with and support the ideas you agree with by providing examples and evidence. F Look at this example essay question........ the world.............................. and overvalues our own achievements..... Use your notes to help you................................... Write at least 250 words. favour:  ........................................................ . Had.......... 1 If the diary was proved to be genuine.............. 1 Not only............. Had................... (he / become) Prime Minister when he had to resign due to ill health.............................................................................0 MORE ACTIVITIES A Rewrite each sentence starting with the word given. 4 If the Romans hadn't invaded Britain............ B Write the words in bold in the correct form.............................. it would change history forever............ 5 Hardly........ 290 ................ nor. (children / allow) out alone in those days........ ...........(the fire / damage) the building but it also destroyed all the books inside........................WRITING VER........... 2 Under no circumstances........... Hadrian's Wall would never have been built............. (they / have) the vote back then. ....... which cities would you like to visit? Were............ 3 No sooner............... Were the diary proved to be genuine........... it would change history forever................................................1......... 4 Neither..................................... (they / be) able to enter public life.................did the fire damage.................................... our civilization might well not have developed............................................ (the war / end) than a violent earthquake hit the country................. 3 If the last Ice Age had not ended when it did.............. 2 If you went to Russia...... . (6)..... an extent that.. of how to measure the volume and density of an irregular-shaped object................. 8 Never... the Siege of Syracuse....................complicated than we had anticipated it would be......... (a human / walk) on the Moon for the first time... 7 Rarely........ 5The plan was .......... all time.. is Greek for 'I've found it! '........ he then ran naked down the street........... C Write one word in each gap..... Archimedes invented numerous mechanical machines.......who............... half the country had heard it........................... is considered to be one of the greatest scientists and mathematicians (2)........... the church on the top of the hill was in danger.................there ....than................. including the screw pump..... Archimedes is believed to have shouted 'Eureka!............. (4)................ to put on his clothes because of his excitement.................. in the bath....... within an hour........... he was killed by one of the Roman soldiers who had just invaded the town and to (10)....... One of the most famous stories about Archimedes concerns his discovery................. (7).. 4 The flood-waters were so high that ................................................ 1 There are more people on Earth today.............. is named after him as the Archimedes Screw........ (there / be) a more peaceful civilization since the Minoans. (they / see) Europeans before...EASY-IELTS 6 Not until 1969... Archimedes. 3 The news spread to. his discovery....... Archimedes died in approximately 212 BC (8).... D Write one word in each gap..... Archimedes had been disrespectful.............. 291 .....................they were unable to find the exit...... (9)......... (3)............ On (5)......was born in Syracuse in about 287 BC...... have been before.............. smoke .......... (1)........ 2 There was so ................... .................. slaves were not used to build the Pyramids of Egypt.. there is no evidence at all that she actually said it....................... 4 This is...... etc.. F Choose the correct words or phrases... ................ Thomas - . .. ........... .WRITING VER.. the most likely explanation............. Be careful! More than one option might be correct.......... Include negative forms............ Phrases look/stare......... 292 ... in my opinion / in my view / according to me... doubt .......believe. contrary to popular....... evidence Verb Adjective Adverb .In..... 2 There is some evidence to suggest this.... ..0 Vocabulary from the Wordbank E Complete the table.. Although / However / Nevertheless...... .......... .. 5 In scientists' view / In the opinion of scientists / According to scientists..................1... ........... 6 One view that has been put ahead / forward / up by some academics is that the king actually escaped in disguise........ Noun ............belief...... .. . 1 Contrary /Contrary to/ Against popular belief............ this is the most likely explanation......... self-.. 3 While / Although / However the quote 'Let them eat cake' is often attributed to Marie Antoinette........... none of it is conclusive.. ..... EASY-IELTS Vocabulary: irregular verbs G Complete the table. Bare Past Past infinitive simple participle be was/were Been become begin break bring build buy catch choose come cost deal do drive eat fight find forget get give go have hear hold Keep Bare Past Past infinitive simple participle Know Lead Leave Lose Make Put Read Say See Sell Send Set Show Speak Spend Spread Stand Steal Take Teach Tell Think Understand Win Write 293 . ...0 UNIT 1...............1......... Tick the correct sentence and underline the incorrect phrases in the others... THE ARTS WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING DATA GRAMMAR.... 4 Plays are seeing by approximately a quarter of the people surveyed............ Put each word or phrase listed below into the correct category.. 1 It can see that there has been a significant increase in cinema visits...be seen.. In IELTS Writing Task 1.WRITING VER.... PASSIVE One of the following sentences is correct... Wordbank............ Rewrite the phrases correctly..... 3 Arts events attended by more men ten years ago than now..... Considerable decline increase Insignificant large steady sudden go up go down slow decrease rise drop sharp fall significant gradual slight Quick small big 294 .......... you often have to describe how data changes over time. 2 The ballet is visited by less than ten per cent of the population........ choose the phrase that best describes the data. Look at the data and decide if the statements are true or false. For each one. Find them. a b c d a steady increase followed by a gradual decline a sharp drop followed by a steady decrease a gradual decrease followed by a sudden fall a gradual rise followed by a sharp increase B This bar chart shows art gallery attendance. and look at how the nouns are formed from them.EASY-IELTS Some of these words are verbs. 295 . what do you notice? A Each of these graphs shows something changing over time. WRITING VER. True / false 3 There has been a slight fall recently in the number of women attending. the number of children attending has remained constant. True/ false 2 The number of children attending has increased gradually until today. The first one has been done as an example. True/ false 5 Overall. True/ false C Write two sentences of your own to describe how the number of men attending art galleries has changed over time according to the bar chart in Exercise B. Find three factual mistakes and underline them. the number of men attending has shown a significant increase.1. 296 .0 1 The number of men attending fell between 1995 and 2000. D This table shows the results of a ten-year study about people who attend cultural events in the UK. Look at the table and read the paragraph from an IELTS candidate's description of the data. True/ false 4 Since 2005. 297 . it can see that the cinema is becoming less popular with young people aged 14-18. 70% of 19.to 18-year-olds ten years ago. In the next age group (24 to 37-year-olds). today the figure is only 59%. • With graphs. • With bar and pie charts.EASY-IELTS Attendance at cultural Percentages attending type of event events (UK) First year Fifth year Tenth year Cinemas 33 47 49 Theatres 20 24 26 Art galleries 11 13 6 Classical music concerts 10 7 5 Ballet 6 2 8 Opera 5 7 76 It can be seen that the number of people attending the cinema dropped sharply (from 33% to47%) before rising slightly. there is often a key which tells you what each different bar or area represents. the cinema was been chosen by 65% of those asked. make sure you understand what each axis is measuring. Cinemas were attended by approximately half the population in the fifth and tenth years of the study. E Write a similar paragraph describing the remaining data in the table. Although the cinema was mention as a leisure activity by 68% of 14. The number of people going to the theatre showed a significant increase over ten years. • With tables.to 23-yearolds who questioned said that they go to the cinema at least twice a month. In contrast. while attendance at art galleries rose slightly to 13% before gradually dropping to 6% over the last five years of the study. Rewrite each verb form correctly in the space below. read the data across the rows and down the columns to identify the key features /// using the passive MORE ACTIVITIES A Underline five mistakes in the passive voice in this text. from 20% to 26 %. From the data which has presented in this table. .............................................. B Rewrite each sentence using an appropriate passive form.... (ASK) to take part in the survey said that they (4)...............is presented................................................................................................... 5 They can solve this problem by encouraging more art education........... 2....... 3................................................................ The data which (1)........ only 38% 298 ............ (PREFER) by those over 50... ......................1... C Complete the text by putting the verbs provided into their passive forms............... 3 Someone designed the study to discover attitudes towards forms of entertainment.......................... (DESCRIBE) as 'important' by over half of the people surveyed (53%)........................... ................................... Over 75% of the people who (3)... (CONSIDER) by many people to be shocking... .... The percentage of over-505 who believed that young people would (8)............. ................................... However............................ ..................................... 2 They asked over a 1........ ............. (ATTRACT) to such exhibitions was high at 79%...Traditional art (6)......................... At the same time................. by local museums...is provided/has been provided............ 5..... (SHOCK) by a piece of modern art in the past.. 4.. (INTERVIEW) as part of the survey..0 1 .............................. ......... ................ ..... modern art (5)..........................................................(PROVIDE) in the table shows that modern art (2)..A large increase can be seen over ten years. with 85% saying that more exhibitions should (7) (ORGANISE).......WRITING VER................ 4 Almost half of the people surveyed described concerts as “very enjoyable”.......................... 1 You can see a large increase over ten years......................................................................................000 people for their opinions... when young people themselves (9)...................... .EASY-IELTS thought that youngsters could (10). (INTEREST) in traditional art by such means..... A fallen slightly B remained stable E Write a short phrase to describe these graphs.............. A steady B stable 2 The percentage attending concerts has declined from 46% to 41 %. A slight B significant 4 The figures show a drop over three years of around 5%. as in the example..... D Choose the word or phrase which means the same as the word or phrase in italics.. A sudden B steady 6 The number of people choosing this option has stayed constant over ten years. A fallen B risen 3 This represents a considerable increase on the data from ten years before.. 299 . A decrease B rise 5 The sharp increase in the first two years was followed by a gradual fall in numbers....... 1 There has been a gradual increase in the number of people attending the ballet. .. 6............................................................WRITING VER..... 4................................................................ Visits to the cinema Less than once per month Once per month Once to three times per month Ten years ago (%) 40 25 20 Today (%) 27 22 23 28 More than three times per 15 month 1 The number of people visiting the cinema less than once per month has dropped significantly / slightly.......... 300 ................................ 2.........................1............0 1 .a steady decline (followed by a sharp increase).......................................... F Look at this table and choose the correct word or phrase..................................................................................... 3.... 5........................................ 3 The number of people who go to the cinema from one to three times per month has risen considerably / slightly.EASY-IELTS 2 There has been a considerable / a slight fall in the number visiting the cinema once per month. 4 The data show a slight / considerable increase over ten years in the number visiting the cinema more than three times per month. Vocabulary: topic vocabulary G Match each type of picture to the correct description. 301 . .......... 3 illustration............................... 2 diagram............................................ 6 symbol...1..... 302 ...0 1 cartoon .............. 4 portrait...c............. 5 sketch.WRITING VER...................... clearly and simply. 4 I've never heard that piece of music played on / by the guitar before. You might see one of these in a children's storybook. You might see one of these in a guidebook. 1 Let me take a photo of/ from you standing over here. 2 I think the statue is made with / of gold. B This is a painting or a photograph of a person. usually with a pencil. D This is a quick drawing.EASY-IELTS A This is a small picture that presents information. You might see this in a biography of that person. Vocabulary: prepositions H Choose the correct word. C This is a drawing which is funny or which makes a political point. F This is a picture which shows you how a device or a process works. such as a warning. the Mona Lisa. 6 The artist has put a lot of emotion into / onto the painting 303 . isn't it? 3 The artist has used a special kind of paint which is made of / from plants. hangs at / in the Louvre. You might see one of these in an instruction manual. You might see one of these in a newspaper. E This is a picture which goes with text and shows you what something being described looks like. You might see this in somebody's notebook. 5 Da Vinci 's famous painting. ... I began to understand the point she was making...... shape............. 3 The object is completely round................. 6 It is slightly bigger..0 UNIT 3....Iightweight plastic.WRITING VER.. 304 .......... 7 It is approximately the same size...1..... (finish) the test flight...... the pilot writes a report.. Write one word in each gap......... 2 The building is shaped...... 1 The equipment consists ......... 1..... (have) foldable wings............... 5 The area on the ground is divided. (give) the diagram... 2................. Use the words in italics to help you..................... the car plane can be easily stored in a garage...... several different pieces.. Using participles Put each verb into the correct form to complete the sentences.. a tall cylinder. four different sections....a pencil. FUTURES WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: DESCRIBING A PROCESS OR OBJECT GRAMMAR......a mobile phone. 4 The car is made ........... 3 After................. a washing machine....... 8 It is roughly the size and shape.. Wordbank............ .. and how it can serve as both a car and a light aircraft. the Sky Drive 6000 is not dissimilar to cars we have today The only main difference is the presence 0f folded wings on the side of the car. . B Note down all the different stages the car plane goes through............. ......EASY-IELTS A Look at this diagram and the paragraph below it and decide if the statements are TRUE or FALSE. . ..... 2 This paragraph provides a basic introduction to the object in the diagram... ........... 3 It mentions the purpose of the object... 1 This is probably the first paragraph of an IELTS candidate's description... In driving mode.. 305 ....... the Sky Drive 6000. .... 5 It describes the process of going to the airport and taking off. The diagram shows a potential future means 0f transport.Driving in normal driving mode.... 4 It describes the basic appearance of the object.... ................. 3 The writer uses one / more than one verb in the passive.. the driver prepares the car plane for the flight...... the Sky Drive 6000 appears not to have been designed to take off and land on normal roads.the driver prepares it for the flight............... 4 The writer uses / doesn't use a present participle clause..... Follow the instructions in the box to help you.arrived at the airport. E Complete the middle paragraph of the description in your notebooks.. 2 The main verb tense is / isn't present simple.... a final check is performed by a mechanic..it has arrived at the airport....... 5 The paragraph covers one stage / several stages of the process.............. Once everything is ready............. where its wheels automatically retract for the flight and it is controlled by the automatic pilot.. the car plane is prepared for the flight.. Approved for take-off the car plane then speeds down the runway......... D Write a word from the list below in each gap to complete the sentences......... For a flight. 4 The car plane then arrives at the airport. Then choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentences..... • Use at least one verb in the passive..... the car plane is then prepared for the flight... Unlike some car plane designs. 1 This is probably the second / final paragraph of the description.............0 C Read this extract which describes the same diagram... it is prepared for the flight. 306 .. 3.... Shortly after taking off the car plane enters full flight mode........ Having once shortly stage where 1.1. At this......... 6 It is / isn't important to use time words and phrases to introduce each stage..WRITING VER..after arriving at the airport....... 2...... 5 The car plane then arrives at the airport........... ... 3 After examined / having examined the wreckage... (TAKE) to a laboratory. focus on its appearance.. B Write each verb in the correct form..... MORE ACTIVITIES A Choose the correct word or phrase.... 2 The electricity producing / produced is stored in a battery...... the liquid is poured into a large storage tank. 4 Having / Had large handles...... • When describing a process. Don't focus on minor details.containing. 9 Having been transferred / Having transferred to a larger container. the investigator writes a report. I didn't really want to see it again. I would prefer the first option. (CONTAIN) bars of gold. 8 After stirred / being stirred. 2. the material is analysed.... 307 ... 7 Having seen / Seeing the film once already.. you should always wear gloves... the machine is easy to carry.... • Make comparisons with other things if that helps the description.....EASY-IELTS • Use at least one present/past participle clause such as 'having been checked'... • It's often appropriate to use the passive. the boxes are extremely heavy.. 3.. • When describing an object. the mixture is left to cool... and present and past participle clauses........ its main parts and how it works. the technician uses a special keypad... (ENTER) the code. • Use time words/phrases such as 'at this stage' and 'shortly after' to introduce each stage. 1 While landing/ handled the material..... study the diagram carefully so you understand what each stage involves.. 1.... 5 Giving / Given the choice... • Use time words and phrases to introduce each stage. 6 He was the person driving / was driving the car at the time. .......... C Each of these sentences is incorrect because the participle clause has a different subject to the main clause...................... 9.. the research team starts the experiment...... (CHECK) the brakes......... 4 The instrument is shaped like / as a long sharp pencil......... ......... (MAKE) this dish before.... 2 After connecting the cables........... (REGULATE) the temperature is a thermostat............ 5 Having been assembled............... ............................ .... Vocabulary D Choose the correct word................ .............................. 4 Looking at the map...................................................................................... 1The second device is slightly smaller from /than first one.0 4..................... the walls are ready to be painted... 7............... 1 Having prepared the equipment..................... (PLACE) on a flat surface.............. 5....... .......... .. 6... the mechanic checks the tyres........................................... Rewrite them so the two clauses agree...................... 8 The tunnel is cylindrical in / by shape..................... . the equipment is turned on by an operator. 308 ..... 3 Wearing a mask...... (GIVE OFF) is used to power a motor....... the experiment is started by the research team........................ ........ 2 It is approximately the same size of / as a mobile phone....WRITING VER................... S The structure of the building is made from / of steel.............................. ................. the package is carefully opened.......................................................... (WASH).............. 8.................................... 3 It is approximately the size of / as a mobile phone...................................... the wood is spray-painted by a skilled technician.................................................... the town was six kilometres away............ I was confident it would turn out well...Having prepared the equipment................ they put the furniture into position...............1.......... 6 The experiment is divided into / by three different stages................ 7 The plans consist of / from several sets of drawings....... .............. 309 .................................................................triangular – shape .................. 10 interior . 2 process .............................. 6 area ................................. 7 wings ........................enormous cigar ...............................divide ................ 4 machine -large .................................... 3 box .........make – wood ....... 1 car ............................................................................................................................small laptop ......................car engine ................. 5 skyscraper .............................. The first letter is given to help you..............................................................................................EASY-IELTS E Write full sentences........................................... 8 all the furniture .....................................four sections .........................aluminium .consist ..............................colourful – exterior ........same height – human ..... 1D 1 washing A pilot 2 mobile B transport 3 automatic C plastic 4 light D machine 5 means of E aircraft 6 final F phone 7 lightweight G check G Write one word on each line to replace the word or phrase in italics.................................The car is made of aluminium........................................................ F Match to make phrases...size ........................................... Example........................................ 9 control panel .............number of stages ........shape .....make .................................. ........................... ...sizeable.......... Verb ..... the plane taxis slowly to the gate....... ..........................elongate/............................0 1 When the batteries have been installed... the equipment is ready to be used........... Be careful! Some of the words have irregular forms.. Word formation H Complete the table.......... in which it is left to cool. .WRITING VER... ....... Meaning of adjective Large Having a lot of space inside Extremely clean Large in size or amount Covering a large/wide area Large............. ................................ ........... 2 When the batteries have been installed......... ............. ......... 5 The liquid is pumped into a tank.... A.............. Adjective 1 Long 2 Short 3 High 4 Low 5 Deep 6 Wide 7 Narrow 8 Large I Noun ........Once....................... ... .................... ...1.. Adjective ............................. 3 A little time after landing. ....... ................... CD6 Listen and complete the table.. .. .... ............ s................ . .................................. S................. 4 At this point.............. important Large in size or amount Noun 1 Size 2 Space 3 Spot 4 Substance 5 Extend 6 Signify 7 Consider 310 ...... w........... ............... the equipment is ready to be used.............. ............... ................. the ingredients are mixed together in a large bowl...lenght............... took place in the school laboratory... What adverbs can be formed from these adjectives? A Look at this graph showing how admissions to university courses have changed over time. SCIENCES WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: ORGANISING AND SELECTING DATA GRAMMAR.............. Use these words to form adjectives which can all be used to describe the most important aspects of a set of data..... .. 311 ...... a The science lessons..... ... 2 In which sentence did the speaker enjoy only some of the lessons?.... 1 centre 2 essence 3 notice 4 prominence 5 signify 6 strike . 1 In which sentence did all the science lessons take place in the laboratory?. Tick the three statements that correctly describe some of the important aspects of the data....... ........................... b The science lessons which I really enjoyed took place in the school laboratory..................................EASY-IELTS UNIT 5..... RELATIVE (ADJECTIVE) CLAUSES Read these two sentences and answer the questions. ... which I really enjoyed.... Wordbank......... ......... .. All figures % I enjoy science lessons...... Write sentences......... I find science lessons difficult........... 3 Physics admissions were once higher than other sciences and are now lower...... to describe the differences between the two age groups..............WRITING VER.......... B Look at this table......... All students should study science....... 2 Admissions to chemistry and medicine started at the same level..1.. 5There are now more admissions to medicine than the other sciences.. 4 Admissions to medicine equalled biology about five years ago...........0 1 Admissions to all sciences except medicine are down..... one for each statement pupils responded to........... which shows attitudes to science amongst pupils of different ages... I plan to study science in the future........................................... 11-13 years 55 20 9 35 16-18 years 25 65 6 34 312 . ... C (sentence.....) A further prominent feature of the data is that relatively low numbers (less than 10%) of pupils in both age groups plan to study science.........) Another striking trend in the data is that the number of pupils finding science difficult increases sharply across the age groups .... If you cannot find a match for one of the paragraphs.. A (sentence . where the. C Read this extract from a description of the data in the table.......................................... D (sentence.. B (sentence .................... The table gives information about the attitude towards science of pupils ranging in age from 11 to 18.... Slightly more pupils in the younger age group have this ambition than in the older age group (9% compared to 6%)........... .......... think about the main points of the data again...... ....... 35% of pupils aged 1113 believe this is important......................................................) Finally........... 313 ........................ the number of children who believe that science should be studied by all pupils is approximately the same in both age group............EASY-IELTS The percentage of pupils who enjoy science lessons is significantly lower in the 16-18 age group at 25% than it is in the 11-13 age group.................. While 55% of children aged 11-13 state that they enjoy science lessons..................... while the number in the older age group is a mere 1% less................. Match each paragraph (A-D) with one of your sentences in Exercise B.....................................) The first noticeable aspect of the data is that the number of pupils who enjoy science lessons is significantly lower in the 16-18 age group than in the 11-13 age group........ figures is 55%... only 25% of those aged 16-18 share that attitude........ ....... MORE ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR A Write a word from below in each gap....... That why when where which who whose 1The person... and include any relevant secondary points.....1..... 5 One question... write all the possible answers.................scientists have yet to solve is how life started. science is important is that it helps us understand the world.ideas revolutionised science.. 6 Albert Einstein.......was an idea developed by Charles Darwin.... ................... 2 The reason....... Thomas Edison.who/that............... • Focus on the most important aspects of any data you are given.... is still controversial.0 D Complete paragraph C in your own words... You need to use some words more than once...... 7 The day.......WRITING VER....................... 314 .... was born in 1879. we landed on the moon was a day I shall never forget........ 4 Yale.. 3 Natural selection.. 8 This is the very room.......nitrogen was first discovered.. When there is more than one correct answer.... • Organise your description of the data around these key points....I admire the most is the inventor..... • Think about the most significant changes over time or the key points of comparison between different categories... Link your ideas together naturally while referring to specific data........ has world class research facilities.I studied.. Remember to refer to the data you are given. Do not quote the data mechanically...... who (that) is talking is my physics teacher.................................................. is now a big part of my working life......... put a tick...... which it was very annoying...... 6 I found an article....... 4 Tony.... 5 The reason that I chose to study here was the fees.. failed all his exams................ It used to be used in airships........................... I found........ 1One of the men is talking..... If there are different ways of answering.......... Cross the extra word out........ I saw .. Dr Carlisle....... 3 I saw a documentary..... Vocabulary D Write the correct form of the word in bold in each gap.. lasts four years...... 2 Iron conducts electricity.... C Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence using a relative clause..................... is one of the most popular courses................. He has died........... which they are quite low..................... 5 Hydrogen explodes easily....................... 6 There's a woman on my course who she is brilliant at maths............. Its chemical symbol is Fe............ If a sentence is correct. It explained how magnets work............................................... which I did badly in at school................. Hydrogen................it...................EASY-IELTS B In some sentences there is an extra word......... Iron ...... It was all about working in science.. who he was planning to be an engineer............................ 3 Maths................ write them too.. 4 Dr Carlisle was an expert in genetics........ He is my physics teacher............ 2 The course which I applied for was cancelled......................................................... 315 ...... 1 Medical science... which.. The man...... ........ E Match each word to the correct definition. A attitude B mood C emotion 2 The most obvious ... (NOTICE) that the figure has more than doubled in two years..................... etc........... a preference. (SIGNIFY) feature of the data is the sharp drop over the last five years..significant.....1.0 1The most ......... 5 One ............ 1The study looked into the.......A.. Example............ A fashion B motion C trend 3 A ................. 4 The most . A covered B included C ranged 5 Ten percent of the people asked preferred not to.... 6 The most .... A just B mere C minor 4 The ages of the participants ...... from 16 to 29........... 5 medicine E a place where experiments are carried out F Choose the correct answer......... 2 It's very.......... 316 .... (ESSENCE) feature is the sudden rise in numbers since 2005... 3 A.... (STRIKE) feature is that the number has dropped to almost zero recently..... (PROMINENCE) aspect of the chart is the increase in recent years..... 1E 1 laboratory A the science which studies living things 2 biology B the science which studies elements and how they react 3 physics C the science which studies illnesses and disease 4 chemistry D the science which studies energy.. in the data is a gradual increase over time..... light....(CENTRE) feature of the graph is that it has remained steady for a decade...of young people towards science.WRITING VER.. 2% of people were able to name a scientist working today..... ........EASY-IELTS A tell B state C utter 6 Science subjects were most popular with people in the 18-24 age.. SCIENCE 1 To believe in UFOs without any real evidence is completely ..... 2 Silver and tin may look a little similar.............proof that climate change is caused by humans? 3 Is it ... impossible to travel faster than the speed of light............................................... think that life may have originated on another planet..... reason why the animals are dying....... BIOLOGY 1 There seems to be no ........ 2 It's ..... CHEMISTRY 1Although I studied chemistry at university.......... PHYSICS 1 Most .. 2 Do you accept the ..... I never wanted to become a.......laws behind nature.. 3 It's amazing to think that we can work out the .. Example..... 3 Mice and rats are....... agree that the universe started with a Big Bang........ very similar.... 2 A number of..physicists. they're quite different.....................possible to travel backwards in time? Vocabulary: sciences H Match each science to the correct definition.................... 3 Be careful when you are handling such dangerous.. A group B circle C set Word formation G Write the correct form of the word in bold in each gap..................................... but.... 1E 1 anatomy A the study of ancient societies through old objects 2 anthropology B the study of rocks 3 archaeology C the study of the weather 317 .. ..........WRITING VER............... ............ .......0 4 geology 5 linguistics 6 meteorology 7 psychology 8 zoology D the study of animals E the study of the human body F the study of languages G the study of the mind H the study of human cultures I CD......... 1 Speaker 1: 2 Speaker 2: 3 Speaker 3: 4 Speaker 4: 5 Speaker 5: 6 Speaker 6: .. .............geology............ . 318 .................1....................... 10 Listen to these extracts from lectures.. ... Write the subject of the lecture.......... .. 4 The number of speakers of English as a first language........ (strike) low compared to the 75 million who speak English as an additional language........ is ....... how many languages ............ (win) an Oscar at the Academy Awards...Using perfect tenses Put the verbs into the correct tense....(use) language for at least 100..... 5 People who speak English are ...... 1 Written language ..... the UN's Universal Dec/oration of Human Rights.. LANGUAGES WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS: COMPARING DATA GRAMMAR: Tense revision 2 .............. 36 million.. 3 Since it was written in 1948......... (translate) into more than 320 languages...000 years........000) is ........... (particular) low... four million....000 years.... (become) extinct? Wordbank........ (consider) higher than in the UK (only 1.... is................. Put the words into the correct form............ (main) speakers of English as an additional language (75 million out of 79 million)....... 2 The number of speakers of English as an additional language........ 3 Here......5 million). 4 Until Burnt By The Sun in 1994...... (exist) for more than 5...... 6 With fewer than 60 million English speakers in total.... no film in Russian ....... 1 The number of speakers of English as a first language (200.......EASY-IELTS UNIT 7....(notice) fewer speakers of English as an additional language than in the other three countries .... there are ....... 2 Humans ..(large) speaking it as a first language (215 million first language speakers out of a total of 251 million)............ they are............ 5 By 2050..... 319 ... .... 1 ................. Tick the words and phrases below which can be used to replace 'Whereas' at the beginning.000) of the 90... 320 ...............1................ Sentence 1 ................................. However ...... Sentence 5 .... speak English as a first language............................ country The State India 200000 Nigeria 4000000 The United 58100000 Kingdom Number of Number speakers of speakers English as a first English as language additional language United 215000000 36000000 90000000 75000000 1500000 of Total number of of English speakers an 251000000 90200000 79000000 59600000 B Read this sentence written by an IELTS candidate........ Sentence 3 ................0 A Match each sentence in the Word bank with a country in the table below..... Sentence 2 ....... Although ................................................ How are they used to introduce contrast? Rewrite the sentence above using each of the words or phrases.............. in India only a tiny minority (200..... Whereas the vast majority of English speakers in the UK....................... ......... While ............................. Sentence 6 .............. In contrast ......... Sentence 4 .... more than 58 million out of a total of just over 515 million..............India..........2 million English speakers speak English as a first language.... C Look at the three words and phrases which you didn't tick in Exercise B...............WRITING VER...................... on the other hand ....... ........................ As well..... English speakers in Nigeria........................ speak English as a first language...... most English speakers in the UK.....................................600.. Similarly............... more speakers of English in Nigeria than there are in the UK................................................................................................................................................................................. F Use the information in the table in Exercise A to write a short paragraph comparing India and Nigeria... ........ ......... E Write a word or number in each gap to complete this paragraph.............................. 3 ........................................................ _speak English as an additional language................................................ D Read the paragraph written by an IELTS candidate......... the vast majority 4.....6 million..................................... ... 2 ................... of the 3................... Tick the words and phrases below which can be used to replace 'Similarly’.... 321 ........................................... .......................................................................EASY-IELTS . .. ..................................... .out of 59.... The vast majority of English speakers in the United States speak English as a first language (215 million out of a total 251 million)......................................................................... 2........................ ........... In the same way... There are approximately 1.. Make sure all numbers actual are correct according to the table in Exercise A.......................................................................................... .. Equally..... just over 58 million out of a total of 59...... 000.......... Likewise... in the UK it is only a small minority that speaks English as an additional language: 6........................ In 5.. . 1 How many times have we been (we / go) to see that musical so far? 322 ............................. • Use adverbs such as considerably plus a comparative adjective (e.................. 6 How long you wait before the book came out? .... 3 The Nobel Prize for Literature had never won by an Australian before.......) in your comparison but make sure it is relevant to the point you are making.... 5 By the end of the year......WRITING VER................... 2 I'm translating this article all morning and I'm not even halfway through. • Always mention the data (numbers. percentages.... Use contractions where possible.......... Rewrite them correctly.......................................... • Focus on the data that shows the main similarities/ differences........................... ....... ................................. more than 50....... dates........................... .................... ................. MORE ACTIVITIES GRAMMAR A Each of the words or phrases in bold contains a mistake.........g................ 7 Do you think you will finished the article by then? ....... ....... 4 The novel has been existing as a concept for several hundred years.......................................I’d ever attempted....... • Use words and phrases such as Whereas and In contrast to introduce the differences............1......................... 1 It was the first time I ever attempt to write a poem so it wasn't very successful................................. • Use words and phrases such as In the same way and Similarly to introduce the similarities..0 • Comparing data involves recognising similarities and differences....... higher or lower) to emphasise difference................................. B Write each verb in the correct form..... etc.000 Euros will give out to first-time playwrights...... 3 Have you before / ever wondered what the language of the first humans was like? 4 At that point I hadn't still / yet decided which language to choose.... 1 I've been learning Mandarin Chinese from/since I was five years old......... 3The textbook . 10 Have you really ever / never had English lessons? That's amazing! Your English is so good! Vocabulary D Choose the correct word or words.... 7 Have you finished writing the essay already / yet? That was very quick! 8 By / To the end of next week............. . 1The cost of English language textbooks is particularly / largely / strikingly high in Greece.EASY-IELTS 2. 4 The number of dictionaries actually sold is particularly / strikingly / noticeably low compared to the expected sales figures.... 5 I've never met a Scottish person already / before.......... (fully / revise) to take changes in the exam into account... (you / ever / have to) give a speech in public? C Choose the correct word..........000 words... 5.... 3 Lessons in these three countries are mainly / largely / strikingly in afterschool hours. Be careful! More than one word may be correct... 5 People learning English are largely / strikingly / considerably doing so between the ages of eight and eighteen... (I / sit) here for the past half an hour and I haven't written a single word. (I / write) more than 5.............(there / have) ever been a more ridiculous plot for a story? 6 Is it the first time. 4By the end of today...... 2 The number of students on science courses is mainly / particularly / considerably lower than the number on language courses....... 323 . 2 I've been finding out about the ancient Sumerian language for / since the past month or so........... we'll have been living here for a year................ 9 I've done three IELTS practice exams so far / long. Will I understand her accent? 6 I don't feel that I've done enough listening practice already / yet...... .......................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... 324 . .......................................................................................8% speak Maori..... although only 4................................ .............................................................................1............................................................8% speak Maori........... 5 (while) .....................................................................................................................0 6 There are noticeably / largely / considerably fewer students doing online courses than classroom-based learning...... 2 (however) .................................................../ 98% of the population speak English........................................ ...................... 6 (whereas) .............. 4 (hand) ..................................................................................... E Write a sentence or short paragraph using the word in bold so that it means the same as the first sentence................................................................................................ only 4............................................. ...................... ............................................ 98% of the population speak English but only 4................. 1 (although) Although 98% of the population speak English............... 3 (contrast) ......................8% speak Maori........................................... ............................................................WRITING VER. ........................................................ .......................................................... ........ ................................................. ........ .. ..................................................... ................ There's an old.barked......................... 2 Your........................... ................................................................................... 325 ......................................................................................................................................... .................... ...................... where I come from: 'the sky is always bluer than the sea'...... .................................................................................................................. 'Attention!' ..........barked............................................................... ..... Topic vocabulary F The gaps in each pair of sentences can be filled with the same word...................................................................... 8 (equally) .................................................................................................EASY-IELTS A minority of the population knows Maori and a minority knows New Zealand Sign Language..... sorry now doesn't change what you've done..................................... 3 My stereo's not working properly .................................................................................................................loudly as we approached.......................................................................................... 1 The dog.................................................. 10 (likewise) .......the sergeant aggressively.................... ....................................................... .................................... ........ ..... Write the word in each gap......... .....there's no sound coming out of the left...................... 9 (way) ................................................................ 7 (similarly) .... ...... not carrying on with German when I had the chance........................ to me! I know when you're not telling the truth! G Write a verb from below in the correct form in each gap................ down for a while? Don't ......... Do you know what the ......WRITING VER......... 4 Don't...... accept deny refuse persuade 1 I initially thought going on a cruise was a bad idea..... but it was only a white lie............................. why don't you.. 7 If you're tired.. regret suspect doubt admit apologise confess 326 .... 4 I'm not totally sure who did that graffiti................ but it's a/an ......................... 2 I asked my neighbour to move his car because it was blocking mine but he... to the crime after his fingerprints were found on the stolen property. but I.. 9 I do .......... to tell the truth.... that you were in the town centre this afternoon I saw you! 7 I'll .... but frankly I had every right to be annoyed........ .. but Shareen's ........ the whole truth and nothing but the truth? 5 From the ..on her face...0 He's not a native.............. ........1...persuaded...... 8 I just don't .. me it's a good way to visit a number of different places.. isn't it? He was given a ten-year prison ........................... to them for losing my temper................ in front of your mother! Do you....................... but he's practically fluent.................. it's illogical......... your argument............................. 5 Adrian Charleston finally ............ that I lied...... 6 You can't ................. I think she was teasing you.! 3 I really.............'make do' means? 6 'Shut up!' doesn't have a subject or an object...... it was one of the Hadley twins.. ..... but it was still wrong.........EASY-IELTS 10 I don't ...you had good reasons for doing what you did... 327 . • temporary situations I'm staying with friends until I find a flat to rent. We use present continuous for: • actions/situations happening now The cast are rehearsing for the play.0 GRAMMAR REFERENCE SECTION 1: Talking about the present We use present simple for: • regular or current habits I get up at seven thirty.1. we can use emphatic present simple. We use present perfect continuous for: 328 . This uses do or does in statements. I don't play any musical instruments but I do like singing. • actions in the past (where the present result is still important) She's registered for the lELTS exam. • states Does he have any brothers or sisters? Note: For emphasis.WRITING VER. • developing situations lELTS is becoming more and more popular. • permanent situations Do you share a room with your sister? • general truths or facts More than a million students take lELTS every year. • a series of actions continuing up to now How many listening tasks have you done this morning so far? • actions in the past (where the specific time is not mentioned) I’ve never been to Singapore. • annoying habits (usually with always) Why is she always criticising me? We use present perfect simple for: • situations that started in the past and are still true I've known Sun Li for over 20 years. appear. the verb be should be in the infinitive. (Compare: The Chinese were responsible for many innovations. We use the passive for: • actions where we don't know who or what caused the action My bicycle has been stolen! • actions where who or what caused the action isn't important or relevant Has the TV been repaired yet? • actions where who or what caused the action is obvious The man was arrested outside the bank. need) aren't usually used with continuous tenses because they describe states not actions. In the IELTS exam. Which tense is appropriate depends on the same rules that apply to tenses in the active voice. know.EASY-IELTS • actions continuing up to now I've been writing this essay for an hour and I still haven't finished. understand. Following modal verbs.) 329 . We form the passive using the verb be in an appropriate tense together with the past participle of the main verb: The exam is taken at test centres all over the country. exist. without to: The exam can be taken at test centres all over the country. SECTION 2: Using the passive The passive is often more formal than the active voice and is more common in written than in spoken English. you will use the passive in the Writing module. Note: Some verbs (such as believe. although it may also at times be appropriate to use it in the Speaking module. think. for example. They invented gunpowder. It was invented by the Chinese. • emphasising what is the topic and what is new information Gunpowder has been around for hundreds of years. love. • actions stopping just before now She's been cleaning the house all day and she's only just finished. we can use emphatic past simple. I was watching TV o temporary situations in the past He was working as a waiter at the time. Note: When we want to describe an action in the past that interrupted another action. Note: For emphasis. but I did like one or two teachers. This uses did in statements: I didn't really enjoy my time at school. we use by: The exam is marked by trained examiners.0 When we want to mention the agent (the person or thing which causes an action). • states in the past His family didn't have much money when he was a child. we use the simple past with the past continuous: I was doing my homework when the phone rang. SECTION 3: Talking about the past We use past simple for: • finished actions in the past We moved here four years ago. 330 . o background information in stories It was raining and the wind was blowing. We use past continuous for: • actions happening at a particular moment in the past At six yesterday evening. we usually don't say or write 'by someone/something'.WRITING VER. • regular habits in the past I played tennis a lot when I was younger. o developing situations in the past In the 1990s.1. more and more people were beginning to worry about climate change. I decided to go out anyway. When we don't know what or who the agent is. we usually use with: It looks like the window was opened with a screwdriver. When we want to mention the instrument (the thing we use to do an action). When we want to refer to these facts together. although plus clause: Although she did well on the Reading module. even though she did well on the Reading module. SECTION 4: Conceding and contrasting Some facts may seem surprising or unexpected in contrast with other facts about the same subject. despite facing problems. I'm sure we'll succeed. I'm afraid she didn't do so well in Writing.EASY-IELTS We use past perfect simple for: o actions happening before the main time in the past we are talking about Before I passed my driving test. plus -ing: I'm sure we'll succeed. We use past perfect continuous for: o actions continuing up to or stopping just before the main time in the past we are talking about I had been working all day and so I decided to take a break. even though plus clause: I'm afraid she didn't do so well in Writing. plus -ing: In spite of being over eighty. in spite of his age. SECTION 5: Talking about the future will / be going to / present continuous / present simple 331 . we often use the following phrases: in spite of plus noun: He was very fit. plus the fact that: He was very fit. in spite of the fact that he was over eighty. he was very fit. despite plus noun: Despite the problems. I had already failed it twice. I'm sure we'll succeed. plus the fact that: Despite the fact that there are problems. Note: You can't use present continuous for intentions. I'll.1. I'll call you as soon as I finish the exam. There'll. e.g. when. we can use present simple: Term starts on October 1st so I leave for Australia on September 28th. be going to is less formal. you can use be going to or present continuous: I'm going to stay on the university campus for the first year. as soon as. you'll probably be talking about your plans and intentions.. contractions are appropriate. present continuous.g. Use be going to for this: I'm going to study in the UK in September. I'll call you as soon as I'll finish the exam. When writing in the Writing module. When talking in the Speaking module. Time clauses Words and phrases used in time clauses. Plans and intentions In the IELTS Speaking module. I won't.0 Often there is not much difference in meaning between will and be going to. are followed by a present tense (present simple. However. until. till. such as after. I will. I'm going to.WRITING VER. e. use the full forms. before. dreams and ambitions that have not been arranged yet: I'm going to be a successful businesswoman one day! I'm being a successful businesswoman one day! Timetables For timetables and fixed events which the speaker can't change. / I'm staying on the university campus for the first year. while. . present perfect) and NOT will or be going to . Arrangements If you're talking about arrangements that you've already made. There will be . and so sounds more natural when we're speaking. once. future continuous / future perfect simple / future perfect continuous We use future continuous for: 332 . • repeated actions at a point in the future In a thousand years. Sean was allowed to drive the car. I'll have been living in Japan for three years. (= who was asking) We can use past participles: • to replace some relative clauses The option chosen was the least expensive. • to replace some relative clauses She was the person asking the questions. I understood what she meant. I started to think about Task 2. I'll have written two essays. I studied it carefully.EASY-IELTS • situations happening at a point in the future This time next week. (= which was chosen) • to replace some passive forms Given the document. Note: The subject of a participle clause must be the same subject as the rest of the sentence. • to describe past actions happening in sequence Having done Task 1. We use future perfect simple for: • situations which finish between now and a point in the future By the end of today. Amy was awarded a place at university. I understood what she meant. we'll all be flying to other planets on a regular basis. SECTION 6: Using participles We can use present participles: • after prepositions and conjunctions After looking at the diagram. (= When I was given) We can use perfect participles: • after prepositions and conjunctions After having looked at the diagram. • to explain the reason for something Having a driver's licence. • to explain the reason for something Having passed the exam. We use future perfect continuous for: • situations still happening at a point in the future In a month. 333 . I'll be taking the IELTS exam. Task 2 was easy.WRITING VER. little. few. 334 . and a few: Not many people took the exam.1. • can be used with much. and a little: There's a little milk left in the fridge. • are sometimes used with a pair of: I'm going to buy a pair of jeans/ glasses/ trousers. Note: • a lot of / lots of can be used with countable and uncountable nouns • a few / a little = some • few / only a few = not many • little / only a little = not much A / An • Use a before singular countable nouns when not being specific or when talking about something for the first time: Have you got a cat? • Use an before singular countable nouns which start with a vowel sound when not being specific or when talking about something for the first time: Have you got an umbrella? The Use the with: • singular and plural countable nouns when being specific: [ hope I pass the exam.0 Having done Task 1. two books • can be used with many. I found Task 2 easy. Having done Task 1. Singular uncountable nouns: • can only be used in the singular: The information is important. • can only be used with a piece of: Would you like a piece of cake? Plural uncountable nouns: • can only be used in the plural: These clothes are too small. SECTION 7: Using countable and uncountable nouns / articles Countable nouns: • can be used in the singular and the plural: one book. No article Don't use an article with: • plural countable nouns when talking generally: DVDs hold more information than CDs. would. 335 . We shall only focus on these uses here. see a film.000. SECTION 8: Using modals Modals (will.000 years ago. should.g. go to school. permission. • uncountable nouns when talking generally: Knowledge is power. • Expressing opinion (i. However. need to) can be used to express ability. and to express your opinion. can. the or no article often depends on the particular phrase or expression being used. criticising behaviour) about the past ought to / should + perfect infinitive Governments ought to have done more years ago to tackle climate change. necessity and degrees of certainty. consult a good grammar book. Note: Whether we use a/an.e. • Expressing certainty or near certainty about the past must / can't / couldn't + perfect infinitive Humans can't have been around 10. you will probably use them most to describe degrees of certainty. must) and semimodals (ought to.e. in the IELTS Writing module. shall. (= cars) • uncountable nouns when being specific: I got the money out of the bank. criticism.EASY-IELTS • singular countable nouns when talking generally: The introduction of the car changed the world. advice. For other uses of modals. obligation. may. go to the cinema. • Expressing certainty or near certainty about now or generally must / can't / couldn't + bare infinitive There must be a solution to the problem. could. might. giving advice) about now. the future or generally must / have to / ought to / need to / should + bare infinitive Governments should do more to tackle climate change. have to. • Expressing opinion (i. e. with to. the human race could have become extinct. • Expressing possibility about now. These include: admit avoid deny enjoy mind miss suggest She avoided answering the question. Verbs + full infinitive Some verbs are followed by the full infinitive. You need to learn the structures that follow different verbs. These include: 336 .1. SECTION 9: Using verbs + -ing/infinitives When we use two verbs together. the future or generally ought to / should + bare infinitive This technology should develop further in the next few years. Verbs + -ing Some verbs are followed by -ing. • Expressing probability about a hypothetical past ought to / should + perfect infinitive The meteor ought to have destroyed all life on Earth.WRITING VER. but it didn't.0 • Expressing probability about now. the future or generally could / may / might + bare infinitive Humans might live on other planets in the future. • Expressing possibility about a hypothetical past could / might + perfect infinitive If the Tee Age had lasted much longer. the form of the second verb depends on what the first verb is. • Expressing possibility about the real past could / may / might + perfect infinitive The first humans might have left Africa a million years ago. fail to do something you should have done REGRET with –ing. with a change in meaning.. These verbs include: begin continue like love start I was nine years old when I started learning / to learn English.EASY-IELTS afford agree plan pretend arrange decide fail promise refuse hope seem learn tend manage want I hope to study in the United States. Note: • I'd like and I'd love are not followed by -ing: I'd love to visit China.. • Make in the passive is followed by the full infinitive: I was made to take the test again. These include: let make My parents don't let me stay out late at night. ) with full infinitive. no longer recall a past event (often I’ll never forget doing . without to. Verbs + full infinitive and -ing Some verbs can take either the full infinitive or -ing. Some verbs can take either the full in finitive or -ing. Some verbs take an object before the full infinitive. Use allow: I'm allowed to stay up late. Note: • Let is not used in the passive. with little or no change in meaning. wish you hadn't done something in the past 337 invite . These verbs include: FORGET with –ing. These include: Allow order ask force persuade help remind teach Could you remind Richard to call me? Some verbs take an object and the bare infinitive. 338 .WRITING VER. has over a thousand students. Non-defining relative clauses cannot be introduced by that . attempt a difficult task SECTION 10: Using relative clauses Relative clauses give us extra information about the subject. Note: Non-defining relative clauses are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. were really expensive. which are black. this extra information is necessary to identify what we are referring to. In some cases. has over a thousand students. give someone bad news (regret to tell/inform) REMEMBER with –ing. Our school. be able to recall a past event with full infinitive. We use non-defining relative clauses: • to provide extra. In other cases. no longer do an activity with full infinitive. We use defining relative clauses: • to identify which person/thing we are referring to The shoes that I bought were black. Our school. do something as an experiment with full infinitive.1.0 with full infinitive. that was founded in 2005. not forget something you have to do STOP with –ing. interrupt an activity to do something else TRY with –ing. non-essential information My new shoes. it is just extra information which is not necessary to identify what we are referring to. which was founded in 2005. would have + past participle We use third conditionals to talk about: • hypothetical past situations If I had known the exam was so hard. Note: We can use other modals (may. could) in third conditionals. second conditional: if + past tense. you will pass the exam. could) in second conditionals. third conditional: if + past perfect tense. could) in mixed conditionals. first conditional: if + present tense. I would have studied more. mixed conditional: if + past perfect tense. I would stop working. present tense We use the zero conditional to talk about: • general truths If you divide 324 by 6. Note: We can use other modals (might. would + bare infinitive We use second conditionals to talk about: • hypothetical or unlikely situations If I won the lottery. would + bare infinitive We use this type of mixed conditional to talk about: • hypothetical past situations and their present results If I had passed the exam. you get 54. I would be at university now.EASY-IELTS SECTION 11: Using conditionals zero conditional: if + present tense. can) in first conditionals. Note: We can use other modals (might. 339 . might. Note: We can use other modals (might. will + bare infinitive We use the first conditional to talk about: • real possibilities If you work hard. • Comparative adjective + than: This approach would be more successful than merely looking at the technology available today. it's fine to use causatives with either have or get. Note: In general.0 SECTION 12: Using causatives We use causatives to refer to actions that we ask other people to do for us. you should use causatives with have. get somebody + full infinitive We use this causative to talk about: • the process of asking somebody to do something for us I'm going to get someone to have a look at my computer. In the IELTS Writing module. • Adverb or adverbial phrase . have/get + object + past participle We use this causative to talk about: • things that other people do for us We are having our house decorated. 340 . • Prepositional phrase: The way of life for these tribes has not changed for thousands of years. have somebody + bare infinitive. SECTION 13: Making complex sentences In the IELTS Writing module.WRITING VER. causatives with have are more formal than causatives with get. I'm going to have someone look at my computer. Try to use some of these structures to make your writing more impressive.1.always / ever / even / so much / to such an extent: It has been researched to such an extent that we can now be certain that the ancient Mayans knew and could use the number pi. you have to show that you can write sentences which are more than just subject + verb + object. In the Speaking module. but we should also consider the fact that their construction techniques were of a very high standard. • Other inversions – Under no circumstances / No sooner . they would not have been able to create accurate calendars.Not only . 341 .. but also: Not only do we have to remember that ancient cultures were able to move enormous stones thousands of miles. when / Not until / Rarely / Never / At no time/point / Little . which most Egyptologists say is only a couple of thousand years old... • Participle clause: After examining the remains. nor / Hardly/ Barely .. than / Neither . scientists concluded that it must have been a temple.... they would not have been able to create accurate calendars.. • Conditional: If people in ancient cultures had not been expert astronomers. could be more than ten thousand years old. • Inverted conditional + rhetorical question: Were aliens to visit Earth. • Inverted conditional: Had people in ancient cultures not been expert astronomers... / Little did they realise how important their discovery was.EASY-IELTS • Relative clause: Some geologists believe that the Sphinx. would they think that we were a peaceful race? • Inversion . .. ..... .. ......... a place on a Law course............ .. .................. ..... breakfast...................0 IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 1 Word families 1 Form nouns from the following verbs. 2 Complete the following sentences using words from the exercise above.. Pronunciation: Syllables 342 .............. bed until midnight. 3 It can be difficult to get a taxi late ... . telephone. ....... ......... .. . ....... .. ......... . ....... . ..... 6 cancel ........ to the museum includes a helpful guidebook.... 1 I don't spend much time ... about an upturn in the economy have not come true... .. 11 resist ... ............ from trade unions.. S Some students were interviewed ......1.................... night.... ... . ... the British one... 5 assist . ....... laws have met .... 12 solve ................ .............. . the future.... 8 employ ......... ... 5 The proposed new ... 10 I hope to build a successful business .. .... Use a dictionary to check your answers......... a rule......... 7 People carry umbrellas to protect them . 4 He's applied .. .... ....... ....... admission… 2 announce .. 2 He worked .... 9 I don't usually go ................ 2 I heard a station ... Prepositions 3 Add suitable prepositions to complete the following sentences... to the problem..... .... 1 admit .. . about the delayed Glasgow train.... 1 The experts' ......... . 9 encourage ..... ..... ................ ..... ......... 7 develop .... .... ..... 10 predict . . housework . ....... 3 We are currently looking at a number of possible ........ .... 6 Our education system is different .. ........... 3 appear . ....... .....WRITING VER. .... 4 The price of ... ........... 8 Most people eat rice . 4 apply . ..................... the sun. a waiter last summer...... . .. ............. breakfast encourage telephone detail cheap develop law future solve time train country interview difficult taxi 1-syllable words e. decision IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 2 TV programmes 1 Choose types of programmes from the box to match the definitions below. 2 A television or radio story about a group of people and their lives. Neighbours. 3 A programme which features ordinary people (not actors). e. There should be five words in each group. careful 3-syllable words e.g. e. etc. opinions. Big Brother. study.EASY-IELTS 4 Words consist of one or more syllables. Friends.g.g.g. Chat show Quiz show Soap opera programme News Drama Sitcom Reality TV Documentary Wildlife 1 An amusing programme in which there is a different story each week about the same group of people. 5 A programme in which people or teams compete to answer questions. have.g. 4 A programme in which famous people talk about themselves and answer questions about their lives. which is broadcast regularly for many years. e. remember. find 2-syllable words e.g. You do not need to use all the words in the box. 343 . each containing a vowel sound. who are usually in competition with each other to win money and become famous. Study the examples and put the words below into the correct group. .............................. an 14 ..you clear... such as history................................................WRITING VER.for each part........ the IELTS .......... instructions 9 .. a mistake 5 ...... a plan call 8 ............................................. an explanation 10 . you'll need to study hard.............. . 6 In the listening test the recording will ........... 2 This book will ........ 3 If you don't ............some extra language.... 344 .... 2 Add the correct verb do....................... some practice announcement 7 ....... an exercise examination/test 4 ........... you could easily leave something important out.. a note of/notes 2 ................ outside class..... before writing an essay......... ....... homework 6 ............ 5 If you want to progress quickly..................................... Word partners: do.................. 4 You can still pass the writing test even if you ............. an answer 3 .................... give and make There isn't always a logical reason for the choice of verb in a phrase.... you plenty of helpful . on exam techniques................ an 11 .....1... 1 ..... give or make to complete the following expressions........... 1 If you hope to ......... a ... science or social problems... a lecture 12 ............ advice 13 .......0 6 A programme that gives you facts and information about a serious subject...........a few minor grammatical.. a telephone 3 Complete the sentences with the correct expression from exercise 2. it's a good idea to................................ The only way to use many common phrases correctly is to make a point of learning them.......................... .. ..... . 1 Bank employees and other........ ....... ..... 4 I worked on a/ an ...in a car factory one summer but the heat and noise made the .....tough but fair....... . .......... .. ..... 3 He's a good person to . person........... .EASY-IELTS IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 3 Word partners 1 Match words from columns A and B to make common work expressions.. me the sack......... ........ but you can't afford to get ill because you won't receive any ...... business with ...... my notice before he could ........... .... 3 It's great being your own boss as a .............. a living as an office temp......... 345 ........... . ........ . 2 I had to ......... 2 Although she's well -qualified she has no relevant.... ......... .... ........... ....... A 1 self2 job 3 work 4 white-collar 5 sick 6 working 7 assembly 8 pay B a) pay b) rise c) conditions d) line e) employed f) experience g) satisfaction h) worker 2 Complete the following sentences with expressions from exercise 1....... Do take give go hand in make meet 1 For years I managed to .... .................. ... on strike unless their pay demands are........................... 4 I knew the boss wasn't happy with my work so I decided to.... ..... ... .. ....................have less job security now.... 5 The fire fighters have threatened to . a day off work to attend a hospital appointment. .. Make any necessary changes.. terrible...... . 3 Choose verbs from the box to complete the following sentences......... ...g... .... .. . recent 0O e..................................... ..... ..................... worker.................0 Pronunciation: Word stress 4 Practise saying the following two-syllable words according to the stress pattern.. ........ ...... ........... collar..1........ .......................... .......... afford although answer career employ involve office person receive sentence stressful workforce O0 ...................WRITING VER...............g... comPLETE. MANage.......... .. correct 5 Match the following words to the correct stress pattern....... decide. O0 e....... . .. ........ .. try to use the following words Grandmother mother mother-in-law aunt wife sister niece daughter grandfather father father-in-law uncle husband brother nephew son 346 ........ IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 4 Family tree 1 Draw your family tree... .. suggest............ 0O ............... EASY-IELTS Right word/wrong word 2 Complete the sentences by choosing one word from each pair in the box. 1 In Greece. 4 He's stayed good friends with his (widow/ex-wife) since the divorce. 6 kind……………………… 7 loyal……………………… 8 reliable…………………… 9 responsible………………. 5 Everyone was invited to bring their (partner/fiancé) to the office party. 1 brave………………… 2 engaged………………… 3 generous………………… 4 high……………………… 5 warm……………………. Use a dictionary to check your answers. 10 warm…………………… IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 5 Sports and games 1 Use words from the box to complete the sentences below. 3 When their marriage ran into trouble. they decided to (divorce/separate) for a while. amateur coach compete course event goals pool professional record spectators supporters teams train court stadium 347 . 2 After their wedding. Check the meanings of any words you don't know in a dictionary.. they left for a ten-day (reception/honeymoon) in the Caribbean. Word families 3 Make nouns from the following adjectives. it's traditional for wedding guests to pin paper money to the (bride's/groom's) dress. . an 18hole golf .......... .........WRITING VER............. condition.............. ploy.... .............. ... fantastic 00O e....g. equipment. but he went ...g....... Athletics referee umpire disappear supporter football understand contest athlete entertain spectator gymnastics O0……………………………………………………………………………… …… 348 ... 3 He holds the .....scored in a single football season........ 2 He won his first ever golf tournament while he was still a/an....sport 5……………………karate 6……………………climbing Pronunciation: Word stress 3 Practise saying the following words according to the stress pattern: O0 e....1...... disagree.......... are expected to attend the match........... HELmet....... overcharge 4 Match the following words to the correct stress pattern....... improved her technique and helped her to win a silver medal in the women's 200m ............... in the last Olympics................ JapanESE................for at least six months beforehand..... fitness..... kaRAte.... and a squash ... Word partners: do........ ....... shortly after that...........of the two ..... you'll need to ............000 ...... courage............ 6 Working with a new ......... .. will occupy separate areas of the………………… 5 The sports centre has an Olympic-sized swimming ........g... ........... ..........0 1 If you want to .. .............. cyclist 0O0 e................................ ....in a marathon. ....... and ............ 4 Over 20. underneath.... go 2 Which verb is needed to complete the following expressions? 1……………………exercise 2……………………baseball 3……………………running 4…………………..... for the highest number of ... 00O…………………………………………………………………………… …….EASY-IELTS 0O0…………………………………………………………………………… ……. 349 . ..WRITING VER.......a walk every day helps you keep fit.. the relationship ....a result of hunting.....................education and conservation..... 7 It's important to look ........... 8 The bald eagle is endangered .. Ø Adjective B. J... You can check your answers in a dictionary................1..both sides of the argument...the finances if you look ... Verb Capture Behave Ø Conserve Ø Migrate Enclose Survive Noun A..... C.. Ø D.... I........ 4 In most cases..... 1 Zoos need to concentrate ..........advertising.... K. H....? 3 There are plenty of courses to choose……………... Word families 2 Fill in the missing words to complete the table... Ø 350 ........... 6 I'll take care . Zoology G.............. humans and animals is based…………a misunderstanding. 5 Taking a dog . F............. Extinction E. 2 What do the letters TVE stand ............0 IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 6 Prepositions 1 Add suitable prepositions to complete the following sentences.. What are the corresponding adjectives? * These adjectives are completely different from the nouns. 4 Few people think that politicians always (say/tell) the truth. 3 Cats can (see/look) better in the dark than humans.EASY-IELTS Right word/wrong word 3 Choose the correct word from each pair to complete the sentences. 5 A knee injury (avoided/prevented) the horse from racing. 2 The only radio programme I (hear/listen to) is the morning news. 1 He didn't (speak/talk) very good English when he arrived. Check the meanings of any words you don't know in a dictionary.C. IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 7 Environment 1 Put the following words or phrases into the right category A. There are six words in each. bay coastline cyclone flooding forest humidity mineral deposits oil reserves plain timber valley water drought monsoon rubber estuary natural gas showers A Climate/Weather B Geography C Natural resources Word families 2 The nouns below can be used in describing areas of a country. 1 agriculture 2 town/city* 3 coast 4 countryside* 5 forest 351 . Your partner must say which column the word was from. Which TWO words in the following list do not have this sound? brown sound crowd tough drought grow house loud plough 4 /o:/ is the sound in law or door. 352 .WRITING VER. A torn fall bought B town foul bout A all nor core B owl now cow A floor lord short B flower loud shout IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 8 Computer terms Answer the clues below to complete this crossword. Which TWO words in the following list do not have this sound? bought shore cough though caught fought four ought raw 5 Practise these sounds.0 6 hill 7 industry 8 marsh 9 mountain Pronunciation: Sounds 3 /au/ is the sound in how or shout.1. If you can work with a partner. take it in turns to say one of the words below. ...EASY-IELTS Across 2 When your computer is 0n . ........ (8) 4 When you are on......... (4) 5 You use a mouse wheel to .......... (7) 5 You use a ..it..... (3) 12 The term cyber............... (5) Down 1 This is an electronic document stored on your computer. (4) 11 When you ................................. ......... (5) 6 This is a place you can go to 'talk' to Internet users fro111 around the world............... (4) 3 To transfer information from the Internet to your computer. ....... looking for something to interest you.................... (2 words) (6........ (2 words) (4...6) 7 Junk email that arrives in your mail box without your permission.................you are connected to the Internet.......... up or down a page on your computer.. (4) 9 Someone who can get into another person's computer system to use or change the information there. describes the world that exists only on computers.... on you connect your computer to a computer system so you can start work............. 4) 353 .................. like Yahoo or Google to find the site or information you want.. (6) 10 To wander from site to site on the Internet. it is saving energy.. you need to .. Word families 3 Make adjectives from the following words. (7) IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 9 Word partners 1 The words in column A are the first half of common expressions connected with environmental problems.WRITING VER. Choose words from column B to complete each expression. Check the meanings of any expressions you're not sure about in a dictionary. A 1 global 2 renewable 3 air 4 greenhouse 5 environmentally6 ozone 7 power 8 acid 9 exhaust 10 fossil B a) station b) fuels c) pollution d) ram e) fumes f) warming g) gases h) energy i) layer j) friendly 2 Make a note of THREE expressions you could easily make a spelling mistake with and THREE expressions that would be useful in an essay on world traffic problems.1. Example industry ~ industrial 1 atmosphere 3 commerce 5 culture 7 economy 9 resist 11 suburbs Nouns with general meaning 2 benefit 4 comparison 6 democracy 8 effect 10 science 12 technology 354 .0 8 A set of pages of information on the Internet about a particular subject. thesaurus: 8 park. hammer. steel: 355 . plastic. pneumonia. newspapers. glider. cancer: 3 car. museum. freezer: 5 TV. grammar book. tanker: 4 oven. helicopter. washing machine. academy: 7 dictionary. asthma. drill. magazines: 6 school. lorry. college. radio. cauliflower. van. jet fighter: 10 leather. wood. swimming pool: 9 Boeing 747.EASY-IELTS 4 Which general terms can be used to include the following words in groups? Example cabbage. lexicon. screwdriver: 2 bronchitis. potato:…vegetables… 1 saw. university. refrigerator. library. depending ... 4 You need a doctor's p .. means of the heart.......... Use a dictionary to check your answers......... 1 The human skeletal system is made ... 6 The thickness of the skin varies .. the body's systems. 206 individual bones.... 2 The ear canal is about 2........... for further tests... 5 Her doctor arranged for her to see a skin s... 3 As yet there is no c ..... 5 and 6 millimetres...................... 3 Hormones in the blood can have powerful effects .. Cardiology Psychiatry Branch of medicine 1 2 3 4 Neurology Physiotherapy What it deals with Brain and nerves Heart and arteries Exercise and massage of the body Mental illness Prepositions 3 Fill in the missing prepositions......... 2 Fortunately the passengers suffered only minor i.... a rate of 386 kph... ... ...... .... The first letters have been given to help you... for AIDS............ the area of the body........ 2 Complete the table by writing the correct branch of medicine in each space.. 356 .........WRITING VER................. 4 The spinal column consists ...for a broken ankle in the C.. in the accident.5 cm .. 26 separate bones called vertebrae... 5 Your brain sends messages .... 7 The circulation pumps blood around the body .0 IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 10 Healthcare and medicine 1 Complete the following sentences with suitable words. length....to obtain these painkillers.... 1 He received t………….......1.Department of the local hospital.... Match them to the non-specialist expressions on the right. very severe headaches..EASY-IELTS 8 She suffers . 1 undergo surgery 2 fracture 3 cardiac arrest 4 injection a) heart attack b) jab c) have an operation d) break 357 ...... Register 4 The expressions on the left below are formal or technical. happy 8 .................WRITING VER.. Dis— in— mis— un— 1 .... appropriate 12 . equality 3 ......... agreement 6 . ... interesting 10 ........ 1 adaptable 2 exist 3 healthy 4 expect 5 stable 6 different 7 achieve 8 able 9 co· operate 10 friendly 11 observe 12 grow Expressions with self3 Complete the sentences by choosing a suitable noun or adjective to combine with self—.... satisfaction 2 .... security 5 . understand 7 .0 IELTSVOCABULARY BUILDER 11 Opposites 1 Choose the correct prefix to form the opposite of the following words....... employment 4 ..... courage Word families 2 Make nouns from the following adjectives and verbs... confident esteem expression contained discipline employed 358 ....... ..... interpret 11 .1.... f1exible 9 ... ... 4 It's easy to suffer from low self—…………………when you've been unemployed for a long time............ all my life and I couldn't imagine working for anyone now..... 6 After staying with an English family for three months..EASY-IELTS 1 I've been self—. 1 moved to a self— …………………flat.. 2 People who work from home need the self—……………………to get up at a set time.. 5 We need a leader who is self—…………………enough to make speeches and appear on TV..... 359 .. 3 Children do various writing and artistic activities which are designed to encourage their self—……... .... a bridge) . .... ..0 IELTS VOCABULARY BUILDER 12 Materials and structures 1 Underline the four words in the following list that describe building materials. ...... strong metal containing mainly iron and used for making things like tools and parts of buildings………………………… 2 a hard rectangular block of baked clay used for building…………………… 3 natural rock often used in building………………………… 4 wood or trees used for building………………………… 2 Circle the four words in the list that describe architectural shape........ ..... 3 a solid base deep in the earth on which something is built .... . Then match them to the definitions below.....g... Can you draw them? I ... There should be five words in each column......... 4 all the pipes that water flows through in a building .......... ... 4 .... .... Pronunciation: Sounds 4 Put the following words in the correct column according to how they are pronounced..... ..WRITING VER.................. 360 ... .. Arch Column Foundations Span stone timber brick dome plumbing steel storey tower 1 a hard.. .. . 3 Match the remaining words to the following definitions.. ............ 1 the distance from one side of something to the other (e.... 3 .................... ... .......... 2 ......1.... 2 a floor or level in a building ......... . a list of the most common words in academic texts. All the words come from the Academic Word List (AWL). The problem requires careful thought.g. They did not respond to my letter. three ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 1 In these sections you will meet important vocabulary that you need to understand and learn. buy choose get help need 361 . wide /I:/ e. The bridge took 4 years to construct. Understanding academic words 1 Academic vocabulary is generally fairly formal.g. Tickets may be purchased in advance.g. Match these common academic verbs to a less formal verb with the same meaning from the box below. check the answers and correct any mistakes so you can use this page as a reference point for revision. The graph indicates a rise in sales. Increasing your academic vocabulary is a key way of improving your reading and writing in the IELTS test. You can obtain a visa at the embassy. When you've completed the exercises. date /ai/ e. You must select an answer A-D. 1 assist 2 construct 3 indicate 4 obtain 5 purchase 6 require 7 respond 8 select answer show build He was assisted by a colleague.EASY-IELTS chief height laid weight deep key light design metre frame shape great site heat type /ei/ e. ....................from the www....... Make any changes necessary....... 1 Saccharin is a chemical substance which tastes sweet and is often used as a .0 2 The examples below come from Reading academic texts.... 1 academic fields like computer sciences…adjective… 2 to see if a book is relevant or not.. 5 your short term memory does not retain information...WRITING VER. retain only about six items.............. Meanings a) relating to education.for sugar..ielts...... ......... h) containing information which is useful…………… Using academic vocabulary 4 Complete the following using academic words from exercises 1 and 2..... 7 One popular technique is to look for signals......... 3 Study the meanings below and match each one to an academic word 1-8 from exercise 2.... Each one contains an academic word in bold. 6 short term memory can .g. 4 50% of the patients in this hospital ..........org website....... especially at college or university level…1… b) a special way of doing something………… c) to keep or store…………… d) to remove or take…………… e) a single thing (e....... 362 .... ....... in the right-hand column..... 8 the structure of a passage of text..... 4 there’s no substitute for careful reading...... 2 A cut in income tax was the most popular………………………on the government's agenda...... 3 to extract deeper meaning........... f) something which can be used instead of another thing…………… g) the way in which the parts of something are connected together………….......1.. noun (N).... Study the way the academic word is used and write the correct part of speech...... 3 Exam information can be .long-term care........ verb(Vb) or adjective (Adj)..... on a list)………….. . . ............ 8 I found several articles on the Internet which are..... .......... . 4 . ........... ....500......... ........ 1………………………………………………………………… 2………………………………………………………………….. ......000 new homes in the south east.EASY-IELTS 5 Scientists are now able to……………………………DNA from a single hair...... 363 ..... .. ........................ ......... 5 Choose four academic words from this page and write personal examples to help you remember them..... ...... ...... . ........................... ........ ...... .................. 3 .... 6 New medical.mean that people spend less time in hospital after an operation.. .. 7 The government is planning to ............. ...................... to my essay topic.......... ...... which word partner to choose. 6 You have to (do/meet/satisfy) the entry requirements of the university. 2 It is (fairly/clearly/perfectly) obvious that we need to make changes. WORD PARTNERS 2 In each sentence ONE of the words in brackets cannot be used.0 ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 2 Understanding academic vocabulary NOUN SUFFIXES 1 You probably know more common academic words than you realise. Cross out the incorrect word in each group. 4 The graph (covers/lasts/represents) a period of five years. about a crime) 6 the act of making laws 7 place or position 8 taking part in an activity or Using academic vocabulary It's not enough to understand academic vocabulary—you also need to know how to use some of the most common expressions: for example.g.g.WRITING VER. 1 A (big/high/large) proportion of people voted in the election. or which grammatical pattern should follow. 3 The (great/vast/big) majority of people know little about science. Example Exchanging ideas or information by writing speaking…communication… 1 showing how something works 2 a statement that two amounts are equal (e.1. Write a noun ending in -ation to match each definition below. 5 It needs a brave person to (perform/undertake/make) such a dangerous task. E = mc2) 3 picture in a book or magazine 4 entering another country to make your home there 5 an official attempt to find out the truth (e. GRAMMATICAL PATTERNS 364 . (options) …………………………………………………………………… 5 The data is not correct..... (trend) ………………………………………………………………… 7 You should start by saying what you mean by 'success'.. (consist) ……………………………………………………………………............... 1 There are only two or three people in most families... (established) …………………………………………………………………………… 4 There are various things the government could do........ 1…………………………………………………… 2 ..... Example People have a choice of three methods of payment.. ... (definition) …………………………………………………………………………… 8 It's difficult to find accommodation. 4 Choose four academic words from this page and write personal examples to help you remember them. (select) People can select from three methods of payment.... 365 ..... .. so that the meaning is the same... (error) …………………………………....... 2 The company introduced pay cuts even though there were angry protests................ Do not change the form of the word in brackets............ 6 In recent years people have begun to marry later..... (available) …………………………………………………….. ......... ......................EASY-IELTS 3 Rewrite the following sentences....................... (despite) ………………………………………………………………………………… …………… 3 The police still don't know who carried out the crime.... 3…………………………………………………….... using the academic word in brackets... . 4 ...... . 3 decade.... . then match to the correct definition from the list a..1......WRITING VER.......h. ... .... .......... . 6 monitor.............. 1 components…Noun.... plural 2 affect................. .......... . ... ...... and your tutor will 2……………… your progress throughout the year. Decide what part of speech each word is....... ....0 ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 3 Understanding academic vocabulary 1 The following words come from the reading texts..... verb (Vb)... .............. You may need to make small grammatical changes........ . .... The course has two main 1..... ........................... 7 consequence……………………………. It's important that you complete all the assignments because your marks 3 366 ......... .... adjective (Adj) or adverb (Adv).............. ...........: literature and language... noun (N)................ 8 achieve………………………………… Definitions A Nouns a) result b) period of ten years c) parts (that make up a whole system) B Verbs d) succeed in doing something e) make a change in something f) check regularly C Adjectives g) very important D Adverbs h ) very regularly Using academic vocabulary 2 Complete the following extracts with the correct academic word from exercise 1. 4 crucial…………………………………… 5 constantly.... . ....................... 5 He's ....research into the subject............. ..................... .. WORD PARTNERS 3 Choose the correct verb from the box to combine with academic words in the sentences below... .... 367 .... . If you miss an assignment........ a role in preventing some diseases..... ..... ..... ........ ....... .......... an indication of his intention to resign......................... a challenge to his leadership........... ....... 4 An increase in the price of fuel will .......... 4 Choose a suitable adjective from the box to go before each academic word in exercise 3..... could be that you fail the course.............. ................. Do reach face give have play 1 The president is . Make sure the verb fits grammatically.. it's 6 .EASY-IELTS ..... ... That's what the Gorilla Trust has been working to 7 . ......... over the last 8 ... threatened by timber companies and others.............. 4 ................................. ..... Clear important significant crucial in -depth fascinating major final serious 5 Choose four academic expressions from exercises 3 and 4 and write personal examples to help you remember them...... the 4 ... .. ....... .... ............. 6 Diet can ......................................... 1…………………………………………………………….. .. ........ 3……………………………………………………………....consequences on the economy...... your final grade....................... .......... 2 .................. a conclusion yet. that we preserve their habitat...... ......... The forests where the gorillas live are 5 . but if we want to save these fascinating animals........ 3 He .............. 2 The committee has not ... ...... ...g. .. e... NB These words are sometimes spelled -ize... . to………………………the company's profits.. e. 3 give special importance to something or stress. e. ... .. .... to . .. GRAMMATICAL PATTERNS 2 Rewrite the following sentences... e. using the academic word in brackets. so that the meaning is the same..... e. an argument. Do not change the form of the word in brackets.0 ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 4 Understanding and using academic vocabulary VERBS ENDING IN –ise/-ize 1 Study the following definitions and then complete each example with a verb ending in -ise. . e.. 5 The sports facilities will be useful for the whole community. (access) ………………………………………………………………………….... e...g. the evidence. (contributed) ………………………………………………………………………………… …...1.. Australia. (varies) ………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 2 You're not allowed to use a calculator in the exam.. 4 make as small as possible.g.g. Kangaroos . 2 give a short account including only the main points..... 5 make as large as possible. to . 1 examine carefully..g.. (prohibited) ………………………………………………………………………. to . 6 be a sign or symbol of something. the risk. complete an arrangement.. ....WRITING VER.. We can't finalise the booking.the financial benefit...... to……………….g.g.. especially in American English.. .. 4 Low-cost flights have played a part in the growth of tourism. .... 3 I can't connect to the Internet on my present computer... 1 The maximum temperature is about 40°C and the minimum is about 10°C. (benefit) ……………………………………………………………………………… 368 ......... Example... Answer achieved 1 The report is based on very detailed scientific facts and figures . 2 It's very. 6 Your tutor will keep an eye 0n your progress during the course. 4 Your password should be made up of four letters and a number. When you've finished. il— 1 accurate 2 aware 3 consistent 4 flexible 5 legal 6 predictable 7 relevant 8 reliable 9 secure 10 significant in— ir— un— 4 Replace the parts in italics in the following sentences with academic words from earlier Academic Word Study sections. 3 Researchers who tested the drug over a three-month length of time say that the results they have got so far are positive. Example She finally got to her goal of becoming a professor. (majority) OPPOSITES 3 Choose the correct prefix to form the opposite of the following adjectives.EASY-IELTS 6 Most people live by the coast. choose 5 opposites and use them in sentences of your own. 5 Make personal examples to illustrate four of the opposites in exercise 3 above. 1…………………………………………………………… 2…………………………………………………………… 3…………………………………………………………… 4…………………………………………………………… 369 . and discuss the various things you could choose for your case study. very important that everyone follows safety procedures. 5 The Student Services department can lend you a hand with finding accommodation. S The problem is how to dispose ....... way to travel 2 seeming reasonable and sensible: a(n) ..... support 7 connected with machines: a(n) ..... twins RIGHT WORD/WRONG WORD 2 Circle the correct word in brackets in each sentence below.. 7 On a clear night the moon's craters are (visual/visible) from Earth.. loss of earnings. .. ........ .WRITING VER.1. . 1 The country is facing an (economic/economical) crisis. ..... 6 The company has (transformed/transferred) its head office to Rome.. solution 3 relating to the treatment of disease: The .... Example related to a subject of present interest: a topical joke 1 not costing a lot of money: a(n) .. failure 8 exactly the same: ........ ... thriller 6 connected with knowledge of how machines work: free ............ 7 The substance was identified ... 4 The college has (acquired/required) an excellent reputation............ 6 Some important data was excluded ............. ................................ .. 2 Water is the country's most valuable natural (source/resource)... 2 The minister refused to comment .... toxic waste......... ........ the situation......... . 370 . 4 We need to concentrate .... ...... Faculty 4 relating to the body: a(n) ..... ........ examination 5 relating to the way the mind works: a(n) ....... ..... poison.... . the study....... 3 It is (estimated/predicted) that one in ten people are colour blind. PREPOSITIONS 3 Complete the following sentences by adding the correct preposition 1 There's no alternative ...... . . 5 Public protests were a major (factor/sector) in the government's decision to cancel plans for a new power station........ ....... 3 The firm compensated workers ..... .......... the key issues... the present system.. ...0 ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 5 Understanding and using academic vocabulary ADJECTIVES ENDING IN -ical 1 Write an adjective ending in -ical to match each definition below.......... 8 The most important (aspect/prospect) of my job is dealing with people..... ... .... ........ 3 erode…………………………………….. 6 react…………………………………….... ....... WORD BUILDING 4 Complete the table by writing the nouns formed from the verbs 1-8....... 3 ........... 1 random 2 data 3 precise 4 attitude 5 distinct 6 pursue 7 significant 8 status at random times interpreting the data no precise equivalent a fatalistic attitude a distinct sense of self to pursue .................. Verb Noun 1 contribute………………………………....... 5 identify…………………………………..................... ACADEMIC WORD STUDY 6 Understanding academic vocabulary 1 The following academic words come from a text....... the election............ Match each one with an expression which means approximately the same from the box below.............................................. ... 5 Choose four academic words from this page and write personal examples to help you remember them..............................EASY-IELTS 8 Every student can participate ... 7 remove………………………………….... 8 substitute………………………………............ 2 dispose…………………………………... 4 ...................................... happiness one of the most significant observations the pursuit of status 371 ....................... ..... 1…………………………………………………………… 2 ...... 4 exclude…………………………………....... . a comment a task a trend an error a function instructions 1 perform:……………………………………………………… 2 make:………………………………………………………… 3 follow:………………………………………………………... 4 Conjunctions are defined .. 2 Good comunication is vital in a large organisation. the library.... Find and correct the errors.1...... a school.. 8 The study looks at different attitudes .... SPELLING 4 The underlined words in these sentences come from earlier Academic Word Study sections but SIX of them have been wrongly spelt. 372 .. 2 The symbols on the map correspond .... 6 My views on the matter are similar ..information in the Key.3 with two academic words from the list below......... electricity.happiness. 3 She needs to focus more ........0 a) exact b) without any pattern c) follow/try to achieve d) social position e) important f) facts/information g) clearly different h) way of thinking Using academic vocabulary WORD PARTNERS 2 Match each verb 1..... yours.. 5 This book must not be removed .WRITING VER..... 7 The building was designed . connecting words... 1 It takes years for a surgeon to acquire the necessary skills. 1 Water power can be converted ....... grammatical accuracy...... PREPOSITIONS 3 Complete the following sentences by adding the correct prepositions..... 10 I have a useful tecnique for learning vocabulary. 4 Police need to estimate the time of death.EASY-IELTS 3 It's a simple equasion: time equals money. 8 I wasn't expecting a major problem to ocur. 5 Choose four academic words from this page and write personal examples to help you remember them. 7 It's obvious that we need to seek expert advice. 6 Let me give you an ilustration of what I mean. 5 It's difficult to etablish how long it will take. 9 You should only include relevant information. 2…………………………………………………………… 3…………………………………………………………… 4…………………………………………………………… What is the Academic Word List? 373 . 1……………………………………………………………. 4 Outside the 2000 most frequent words on Michael West’s General Service List (GSL). The GSL includes everyday words such as I. This list was selected by examining a large corpus (or collection) of written academic texts and selecting the words that occurred: 1 In texts from all four academic faculty sections: Arts. These words are closely related and the meaning is likely to be the same or similar. the US spelling. Commerce. Finally. 3 At least 10 times in each academic faculty section. Its family members include inflections of the verb such as maximised. How is the AWL organized? The AWL is organized into Word Families. These principles ensured that only words that occurred reasonably frequently in a variety of study areas were selected. Why is the AWL important? 374 .1. you need to make sure you read academic textbooks so that you encounter these words in context. Examples include nonetheless. These words also occur in newspapers but not as often as they do in textbooks. you will be able to recognise other family members such as maximised when you encounter them in your reading. Word families are made up of the ‘parent word’ and ‘family members’. These words occur on their own and do not have any inflections. If your focus is learning academic vocabulary. maximises and maximising as well as the noun maximum. 2 Over 100 times in the corpus overall. there are some academic words that do not have a word family. When you are looking for words in this dictionary. Massey University. The AWL words appear even less in fiction. Take for example the word maximise.WRITING VER. The AWL targets vocabulary that occurs most often in written academic texts. so-called and behalf. New Zealand The Academic Word List (AWL) is a list of 570 word families that are commonly found in academic texts. Law and Science. think about other word family members too. The word family also includes the British spelling of the noun maximisation. as well as maximization. If you learn the verb maximise.0 Academic Word List Averil Coxhead. house and do. EASY-IELTS The AWL is intended as a reference for students who are studying or preparing to study at a tertiary level in English. As a university lecturer, I was aware of the difficulties that students had in mastering the vocabulary necessary for written assignments. The AWL does not include ‘content’ vocabulary for particular subjects which students obviously need to learn as well. The AWL focuses instead on the non-subject-specific vocabulary that students of any discipline will need to master in order to produce coherently-structured written assignments. 375 WRITING VER.1.0 Academic Word List LETTER A abandon 1 v abandoned adj abnormal adj abstract 1 adj abstract 2 n abstract 3 v abstraction n academic1 adj academic 2 n academy n access 1 n access 2 v accessible adj accommodate v accommodation n accompaniment n accompany v accumulate v accuracy n accurate adj achieve v achievement n acknowledge v acknowledgement n acquire v acquisition n adapt v adaptable adj adaptation n adequate adj adjacent adj adjust v adjustment n administration n administrative adj adult 1 n adult 2 adj advocacy n advocate 1 v advocate 2 n affect v aggregate 1 n aggregate 2 adj aggregate 3 v aid 1 n aid 2 v albeit conj allocate v allocation n alter v alteration n alternate 1 adj alternate 2 v alternative 1 adj alternative 2 n ambiguity n ambiguous adj amend v amendment n analogous adj analogy n analyse v analysis n analyst n analytical adj analyze v annual 1 adj anticipate v anticipation n apparent adj append v appendix n appreciable adj appreciate v appreciation n approach 1 v approach 2 n appropriate 1 adj approximate 1 adj approximate 2 v approximation n arbitrary adj area n aspect n assemble v assembly n assess v assessment n assign v assignment n assist 1 v assistance n assume v assuming conj assumption n assurance n assure v attach v attachment n attain v attainment n attitude n attributable adj attribute 1 v attribute 2 n author 1 n author 2 v authoritative adj authority n authorship n automate v automated adj automatic 1 adj automatically adv automation n available adj aware adj awareness LETTER B behalf n beneficial adj beneficiary n benefit 1 n benefit 2 v bias 1 n bias 2 v biased adj bond 1 n bond 2 v brevity n brief 1 adj brief 2 n brief 3 v briefing n briefly adv bulk 1 n bulky adj LETTER C 376 EASY-IELTS capability n capable adj capacity n category n cease 1 v challenge 1 n challenge 2 v challenging adj channel 1 n channel 2 v chapter n chart 1 n chart 2 v chemical 1 n chemical 2 adj circumstance n citation n cite v civil adj clarification n clarify v clarity n classic 1 adj classic 2 n classical adj clause n code 1 n code 2 v coded adj coding n coherence n coherent adj coincide v coincidence n coincident adj coincidental adj collapse 1 v collapse 2 n colleague n commence v commencement n comment 1 n comment 2 v commentary n commentator n commission 1 n commission 2 v commit v commitment n committed adj commodity n communicable adj communicate v communication n communicative adj community n compatibility n compatible 1 adj compensate v compensation n compensatory adj compilation n compile v complement 1 n complement 2 v complementary adj complex 1 adj complex 2 n complexity n component 1 n component 2 adj compound 1 n compound 2 v compound 3 adj comprehensive adj comprise v computation n compute v computer n computing n conceivable adj conceive v concentrate 1 v concentration n concept n conception n conceptual adj conclude v concluding adj conclusion n conclusive adj concurrent adj conduct 1 v conduct 2 n confer v conference n confine v confined adj confirm v confirmation n conflict 1 n conflict 2 v conform v conformation n conformist adj conformity n consensus n consent 1 n consent 2 v consequence n consequent adj consequently adv considerable adj considerably adv consist v consistency n consistent adj constancy n constant 1 adj constant 2 n constantly adv constituency n constituent 1 n constituent 2 adj constitute v constitution n constitutional 1 adj constrain v constrained adj constraint n construct 1 v construct 2 n construction n constructive adj consult v consultancy n consultant n consultation n consultative adj consume v consumer n consumption n contact 1 n contact 2 v contact 3 adj contemporary 1 adj contemporary 2 n context n contextual adj contextualize v contract 1 n contract 2 v contractor n contradict v contradiction n contradictory adj contrary 1 n contrary 2 adj contrast 1 n contrast 2 v contrasting adj contribute v contribution n contributor n controversial adj controversy n convene v convention n conventional adj converse 3 adj conversely adv conversion n convert 1 v convertible 1 adj convince v convinced adj convincing adj cooperate v 377 WRITING VER.1.0 cooperation n cooperative 1 adj coordinate 1 v coordinate 2 n coordinate 3 adj coordination n coordinator n core 1 n core 2 adj core 3 v corporate adj corporation n correspond v correspondence n corresponding adj couple 1 n couple 2 v create v creation n creative 1 adj creativity n creator n credit 1 n credit 2 v creditor n criterion n crucial adj cultural adj culturally adv culture 1 n currency n cycle 1 n cycle 2 v cyclic adj LETTER D data n debatable adj debate 1 n debate 2 v decade n decline 1 n decline 2 v deduce v deduction n define v definite adj definitely adv definition n definitive adj demonstrable adj demonstrate v demonstration n demonstrative adj demonstrator n denial n denote v deny v depress v depression n derivation n derivative 1 n derivative 2 adj derive v design 1 n design 2 v designer 1 n despite prep detect v detection n detective n detector n deviate 1 v deviation n device n devote v devoted adj devotion n differentiate v dimension n diminish v diminution n discrete adj discretion n discretionary adj discriminate v discrimination n disestablish v displace v displacement n display 1 n display 2 v disposable adj disposal n dispose v disproportion n disproportionate adj dissimilar adj distinct adj distinction n distinctive adj distinctly adv distort v distribute v distribution n distributive adj diverse adj diversify v diversity n document 1 n document 2 v documentation n domain n domestic 1 adj domesticate v domesticated adj dominance n dominant 1 adj dominate v draft 1 n draft 2 v draft 3 adj drama n dramatic adj dramatist n dramatize v duration n dynamic 1 adj dynamic 2 n 378 EASY-IELTS LETTER E economic adj economical adj economically adv economics n economist n economy 1 n edit v edition n editor n editorial 1 adj editorial 2 n element n eliminate v elimination n emerge v emergence n emergent adj emerging adj emphasis n emphasize v emphatic adj empirical adj empiricism n enable v enabling adj encounter 1 v encounter 2 n energetic adj energy n enforce v enforced adj enforcement n enhance v enhanced adj enormity n enormous adj enormously adv ensure v entity n environment n environmental adj environmentalist n equate v equation n equip v equipment n equivalent 1 adj equivalent 2 n erode v erosion n erroneous adj error n establish v established adj establishment n estate n estimate 1 n estimate 2 v estimation n ethic n ethical adj ethnic 1 adj ethnic 2 n evaluate v evaluation n eventual adj eventuality n eventually adv evidence 1 n evident adj evidential adj evidently adv evolution n evolutionary adj evolve v exceed v exclude v excluding prep exclusion n exclusive 1 adj exclusively adv exhibit 1 v exhibit 2 n exhibition n expand v expansion n expansionism n expansive adj expert 1 n expert 2 adj expertise n explicit adj exploit 1 v exploitation n export 1 n export 2 v exporter n expose v exposed adj exposure n external adj externalize v extract 1 v extract 2 n extraction n LETTER F facilitate v facilitator n facility n factor 1 n factor 2 v feature 1 n feature 2 v federal adj federation n fee n file 1 n file 2 v filing n final 1 adj final 2 n finality n finalize v finally adv finance 1 n finance 2 v financial adj financier n finite adj flexibility n flexible adj fluctuate v fluctuation n focus 1 v focus 2 n focussed adj format 1 n format 2 v formula n formulate v forthcoming adj found 2 v foundation n founder 1 n founding n framework n function 1 n function 2 v functional adj fund 1 n fund 2 v fundamental adj fundamentally adv funding n 379 WRITING VER.1.0 furthermore adv LETTER G gender n generate v generation n globalization n globe n goal n grade 1 n grade 2 v graded adj grant 1 v grant 2 n guarantee 1 v guarantee 2 n guideline n LETTER H hence adv hierarchical adj hierarchy n highlight 1 v hypothesis n hypothesize v hypothetical adj LETTER I identical adj identifiable adj identification n identify v identity n ideological adj ideology n ignorance n ignorant adj ignore v illegal 1 adj illogical adj illustrate v illustration n illustrative adj image n imagery n immature adj immigrant n immigrate v immigration n impact 1 n impact 2 v implement 1 v implement 2 n implicate v implication n implicit adj imply v impose v imposition n imprecise adj inaccessible adj inaccuracy n inaccurate adj inadequacy n inadequate adj inappropriate adj incapable adj incapacitate v incentive n incidence n incident n incidentally adv inclination n incline 1 v incline 2 n incoherent adj income n incompatible adj inconceivable adj inconclusive adj inconsistency n inconsistent adj incorporate v incorporated adj indefinite adj indefinitely adv index 1 n index 2 v indicate v indication n indicative 1 n indicative 2 adj indicator n indiscretion n indistinct adj individual 1 adj individual 2 n individualism n individualist n individuality n individually adv induce v induction n inevitability n inevitable adj inevitably adv infer v inference n infinite adj infinitely adv inflexible adj infrastructure n inherent adj inhibit v inhibition n initial 1 adj initially adv initiate 1 v initiation n initiative n initiator n injure v injured adj injury n innovate v innovation n innovative adj innovator n input 1 n input 2 v insecure adj insert 1 v insertion n 380 EASY-IELTS insight n insightful adj insignificant adj inspect v inspection n inspector n instability n instance 1 n instance 2 v institute 1 n institute 2 v institution n institutional adj institutionalized adj instruct v instruction n instructive adj instructor n insufficient adj integral adj integrate v integrated adj integration n integrity n intelligence n intelligent adj intense adj intensify v intensity n intensive adj interact v interaction n interactive adj intermediate 1 adj internal adj internalize v interpret v interpretation n interpretative adj interpretive adj interval n intervene v intervening adj intervention n intrinsic adj invalidate v invalidity n invariable adj invariably adv invest v investigate v investigation n investigative adj investigator n investment n investor n invisible adj invoke v involve v involvement n irrational adj irrelevance n irrelevant adj irreversible adj isolate v isolated adj isolation n isolationism n issue 1 n issue 2 v item n LETTER J job n journal n justifiable adj justification n justified adj justify v LETTER L label 1 n label 2 v labor n labored adj labour 1 n labour 2 v laboured adj layer 1 n layer 2 v lecture 1 n lecture 2 v lecturer n legal adj legality n legally adv legislate v legislation n legislative adj legislator n legislature n levy 1 v levy 2 n liberal 1 adj liberal 2 n liberalism n liberalize v liberally adv liberate v liberated adj licence n license v licensed adj likewise adv link 1 v link 2 n linkage n locate v location n logic n logical adj logician n LETTER M maintain v maintenance n major 1 adj majority n manipulate v manipulative adj manual 1 adj manual 2 n margin n marginal adj marginally adv maturation n mature 1 adj mature 2 v maturity n maximize v maximum 1 adj maximum 2 n mechanism n media n 381 0 mediate v medical 1 adj medium 1 adj medium 2 n mental adj mentality n method n methodical adj methodology n migrant n migrate v migration n migratory adj military 1 adj military 2 n minimal adj minimize v minimum 1 adj minimum 2 n ministerial adj ministry n minor 1 adj minority n misinterpret v mode n modification n modify v monitor 1 v motivated adj motivation n motive 1 n motive 2 adj mutual adj mutually adv LETTER N negate v negative 1 adj negative 2 n network 1 n network 2 v networking n neutral 1 adj neutrality n neutralize v nevertheless adv nonconformist n nonetheless adv norm n normal 1 adj normal 2 n normality n normalize v normally adv notion n notwithstandin g prep nuclear adj LETTER O objective 1 n objective 2 adj objectively adv obtain v obtainable adj obvious adj obviously adv occupancy n occupant n occupation n occupational adj occupier n occupy v occur v occurrence n odd adj odds n offset 1 v ongoing adj option n optional adj orient 1 v orientate v orientated adj orientation n oriented adj outcome n output 1 n output 2 v overall 1 adj overall 2 adv overestimate 1 v overestimate 2 n overlap 1 v overlap 2 n overseas 1 adv overseas 2 adj LETTER P panel n paradigm n paragraph n parallel 1 n parallel 2 adj parallel 3 v parameter n participant n participate v participation n participatory adj partner 1 n partnership n passive 1 adj passive 2 n perceive v percent 1 adj percent 2 n percentage n perception n period 1 n periodic adj periodical n persist v persistence n persistent adj perspective n phase 1 n phase 2 v phenomenal adj phenomenon n philosopher n philosophical adj philosophize v philosophy n physical 1 adj physically adv plus 1 prep plus 2 n 382 .1.WRITING VER. EASY-IELTS plus 3 adj policy n portion 1 n pose 1 v pose 2 n positive 1 adj positively adv potential 1 adj potential 2 n potentially adv practitioner n precede v precedence n precedent n preceding adj precise adj precisely adv precision 1 n precision 2 adj predict v predictable adj prediction n predominance n predominant adj predominantly adv predominate v preliminary 1 adj preliminary 2 n presumably adv presume v presumption n previous adj previously adv primacy n primarily adv primary 1 adj prime 1 adj principal 1 adj principally adv principle n principled adj prior 1 adj prioritize v priority 1 n procedural adj procedure n proceed v proceeding n proceeds n process 1 n process 2 v processed adj professional 1 adj professional 2 n professionalism n professionally adv prohibit v prohibition n prohibitive adj project 1 n project 2 v projection n promote v promoter n promotion n proportion 1 n proportional adj proportionate adj prospect 1 n prospective adj protocol n psychological adj psychologist n psychology n publication n publish v publisher n publishing n purchase 1 v purchase 2 n pursue v pursuit n 383 . 0 LETTER Q qualitative adj quotation n quote 1 v quote 2 n LETTER R radical 1 adj radical 2 n random adj range 1 n range 2 v ratio n rational adj rationalism n rationalize v react v reaction n reactionary 1 adj reactionary 2 n reactivate v reactive adj reactor n readjust v reassess v reconstruct v reconstruction n recover v recovery n recreate v redistribute v redistribution n refine v refined adj refinement n regime n region n regional adj register 1 n register 2 v registration n regulate v regulation 1 n regulator n regulatory adj reinforce v reinforcement n reinvest v reject 1 v rejection n relax v relaxation n release 1 v release 2 n relevant adj reliable adj reliance n reliant adj relocate v reluctance n reluctant adj rely v removable adj removal n remove 1 v remove 2 n require v requirement n reschedule v research 1 n research 2 v reside v residence n resident 1 n resident 2 adj residential adj resolution n resolve 1 v resolve 2 n resource 1 n resource 2 v resourceful adj respond v respondent n response n responsive adj restoration n restore v restored adj restrain v restraint n restrict v restricted adj restriction n restrictive adj restructure v retain v retainer n retention n retentive adj reveal v revealing adj revelation n revenue n reversal n reverse 1 v reverse 2 n reverse 3 adj reversible adj revise v revision n revolution n revolutionary 1 adj revolutionary 2 n revolutionize v rigid adj role n route 1 n route 2 v LETTER S scenario n schedule 1 n schedule 2 v schematic adj scheme 1 n scheme 2 v scope 1 n section 1 n section 2 v sector n secure 1 adj secure 2 v securely adv security n seek v select 1 v select 2 adj selection n selective adj selector n sequence n sequencing n sequential adj series n 384 .1.WRITING VER. EASY-IELTS sex 1 n sexism n sexual adj sexuality n shift 1 v shift 2 n significant adj significantly adv signify v similar adj similarity n similarly adv simulate v simulated adj simulation n site 1 n sole 1 adj solely adv somewhat adv source 1 n source 2 v specific 1 adj specific 2 n specifically adv specification n specify v sphere n spherical adj stability n stabilize v stable 1 adj statistic n statistician n status n straightforward adj strategic adj strategist n strategy n stress 1 n stress 2 v stressed adj stressful adj structural adj structure 1 n structure 2 v structured adj style 1 n style 2 v styling n stylish adj stylized adj submission n submit v subordinate 1 adj subordinate 2 n subordinate 3 v subsequent adj subsequently adv subsidiary 2 adj subsidize v subsidy n substitute 1 n substitute 2 v substitution n succession n successive adj successor n sufficiency n sufficient adj sum 1 n sum 2 v summarize v summary 1 n summary 2 adj summation n supplement 1 n supplement 2 v supplementary adj survey 1 n survey 2 v survival n survive v survivor n suspend v suspension n sustain v sustainable adj sustained adj sustenance n symbol n symbolic adj symbolism n symbolize v LETTER T tape 1 n tape 2 v target 1 n target 2 v task 1 n task 2 v team 1 n team 2 v technical adj technically adv technique n technological adj technology n temporary adj tense 1 adj tension n terminal 1 adj terminal 2 n terminate v termination n text 1 n textual adj thematic adj theme n theoretical adj theoretically adv theorist n theory n thereby adv thesis n topic n topical adj trace 1 v trace 2 n tracing n tradition n traditional adj traditionalist n transfer 1 v transfer 2 n transference n transform v transformation n transit n transition n transitional adj transitory adj transmission n transmit v transport 1 n transport 2 v transportation n transporter n trend n trigger 1 n trigger 2 v LETTER U 385 . 0 ultimate 1 adj ultimately adv unaccompanied adj unaffected adj unaided adj unalterable adj unambiguous adj unanticipated adj unapproachable adj unattached adj unattainable adj unavailable adj unaware adj unbiased adj uncharted adj unconstitutional adj unconventional adj undeniable adj underestimate 1 v underestimate 2 n undergo v underlie v underlying adj undertake v undertaking n underwent v undiminished adj uneconomical adj unethical adj unfounded adj unification n unified adj uniform 2 adj uniformity n unify v unique adj unjustified adj unlicensed adj unobtainable adj unparalleled adj unprecedented adj unpredictable adj unprincipled adj unpublished adj unregulated adj unreliable adj unresolved adj unresponsive adj unrestrained adj unrestricted adj unscheduled adj unspecified adj unstable adj unstressed adj unstructured adj unsustainable adj utility n utilize v LETTER V valid adj validate v variable 1 adj variable 2 n variance n variant n variation n varied adj vary v vehicle n version n via prep violate v violation n virtual adj virtually adv visibility n visible adj visibly adv vision n visual 1 adj visualize v visually adv volume n voluntarily adv voluntary 1 adj volunteer 1 n volunteer 2 v LETTER W welfare n whereas conj whereby adv widespread adj 386 .1.WRITING VER. EASY-IELTS 387 .