Agree disagree Discuss two opinions Essays

Agree / disagree Discuss two opinions Essays

Agree / disagree You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic. In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future. To what extent do you agree with this view? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words. three key elements: Introduction Body Paragraphs (2 or more) Conclusion

Introduction You should do just two things: 1. State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question) 2. Say what you are going to write about Here is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT: The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, it can be argued that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive. The first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. PARAPHRASED The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does).

Body Paragraphs 1. You should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less. 2. Each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have sentences to support this. The first body paragraph: To begin, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster, resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and business. Furthermore, the World Wide Webmeans that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet. It is evident that these improvements have made life far easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to do so for decades to come. The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', two supporting ideas - underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence. The next paragraph The topic sentence - changing the focus to the negative points: Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. The final body paragraph Gives the last negative effect: In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

Conclusion 1. one or two sentences: a) Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words) b) Give some thoughts about the future Here is an example: In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe developments relating to new technology are likely to produce many negative effects in the future that must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts to individuals and society. It is ok to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS, but don't overuse them as it may start sounding too informal. Certainly make use of them in opinion essays in your introduction and / or conclusion as this will make your opinion very clear. You are less likely to use them in your body paragraphs, but it is not wrong to do so.

The full IELTS Essay: The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, it can be argued that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than postive. To begin, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster, resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and business. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet. It is evident that these improvements have made life far easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to do so for decades to come. Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up. In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe developments relating to new technology are likely to produce many negative effects in the future that must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts to individuals and society. (287 words) Comments The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion. The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects. . . ), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements. The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future. The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement. Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation (. . . this has made life. . . ) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (. . . likely to increase. . . , might get worse. . . ).

Discuss two opinions You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words. 1. two opposing opinions need to be discussed. This is the first opinion: The aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. This is the second opinion: There are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society. 2. you MUST talk about both sides of the issue and include your opinion.

These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While some people are of the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways. It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The majority of people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to do this as it increases a persons marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers. In addition, further education is very expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very important. However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence of living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person. A case in point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence and meet new friends. As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives. Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the economy. We are living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to compete and prosper. Therefore, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best job, there are clearly further benefits. If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a better future for individuals and society. (279 words) Comments The writer in this IELTS writing example has a clear thesis in the second sentence of the introduction, establishing that two sides of this issue will be discussed (While some people are of the opinion. . . others think that. . . ). Looking at the structure, the topic sentences make it clear when the first opinion is being discussed (It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. ) and when the writer is moving onto the next opinion (However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. ). Connectors (To begin. . . Also. . . Firstly. . . Secondly) are used well to introduce each new supporting idea. Further connectors (For example. . . A case in point is that. . . As a result. . . ) are used to expand on these ideas. Finally, the writer has demonstrated that they are able to use complex sentence structures (While. . . that. . . in order to. . . as. . . ), and has discussed both views and combined this with his/her opinion, thus ensuring the question has been answered.

Brainstorming and Planning The crime rate among teenagers has increased dramatically in many countries. Discuss some possible reasons for this increase and suggest solutions. In order to get a good score it will not be enough just to put a list of ideas - you need to extend and explain those ideas. prompt, it says this: "Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge". Developing Focus Questions Focus question 1: Why has teenage crime increased? Focus question 2: What can be done about it? You then need to brainstorm answers to these questions: Why has teenage crime increased? 1 2 What can be done about it? 1 2

Extending and Supporting your Ideas Ask yourself further questions about each of your ideas. For example: Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? What is the effect of this? What is a good example of it? For example: Why has there been a breakdown in the nuclear family? - high divorce rates What is the effect of this? - no male role model; boys go astray & may commit crime Planning Essay Plan Why has teenage crime increased? 1) Breakdown in the nuclear family - high divorce rates = no father as ‘role model’ – boys go astray, drugs & crime 2) Lack of things to do - e. g. TV has shown nothing to do – children see crime as entertainment What can be done about it? 1) Govt - Provide better support for families - e. g. more youth centres – guidance and activities, sport 2) Parents – take responsibility - provide loving environment, relative as role model

Essay Writing Coherence COMMON TRANSITION WORDS Listing Points to Show New Ideas: Firstly, First of all, To begin, Secondly, Finally, Furthermore, In addition, Also, Moreover, Showing Contrast: However, On the other hand, In contrast, Showing time: (commonly in essay introductions) These days, Nowadays, At present, Showing an Example: For example, For instance, To illustrate, A case in point, Showing a Result: Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Thus, To introduce concluding comments: To conclude, In conclusion, In brief, All in all,