how is IELTS scored?

Cambridge IELTS 6

How is IELTS scored?

IELTS results are reported on a nine-band scale. In addition to the score for overall language ability, IELTS provides a score in the form of a profile for each of the four skills (Listening, reading, writing and Speaking). These scores are also reported on a nine-band scale. All scores are recorded on the Test report Form along with details of the candidate’s nationality, first language and date of birth. Each Overall Band Score corresponds to a descriptive statement which gives a summary of the English language ability of a candidate classified at that level.

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9 – Expert User = Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8- Very Good User = Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7- Good user = has operational command of the language though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6- Competent User = has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5- Modest User = has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4- Limited User = Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3- Extremely Limited User = conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2- Intermittent User = No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1- Non User = Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0- Did not attempt the test= No assessable information provided.

IELTS Writing sample Band 8.0

Band 8.0

1. As computers are being used more and more on education, there will be soon no roles for teachers in the classroom.

There have been immense advances in technology in most aspects of people’s lives, especially in the field of education. Nowadays, an increasing numbers of students rely on computers to research for information and to produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others have decided to leave the original way of learning to get knowledge through online schools. These changes in the learning process have brought a special concern regarding the possible decrease of importance of teachers in the classroom.

Some people believe the role of teachers starting to fade because computers have been helping some students to progress in their studies quicker than when compared with an original classroom. For example, in the same classroom, students have different intellectual capacities, thus some would be tied to a slow advance in their studies because of others’ incapacity of understanding. In this way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of knowledge at their own pace using computers instead of learning from teachers.

However, the presence of a teacher is essential for students because the human contact influences them in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that they are not dealing with a machine but with a human being who deserves attention and respect. They also learn the importance of studying in group and respect other students, which help them to improve their social skills.

Moreover, teachers are required in the learning process because they acknowledge some student’s deficiencies and help them to solve their problems by repeating the same explanation, giving extra exercises or even suggesting a private tutor. Hence, students can have a bigger chance not to fail in a subject.

In conclusion, the role for teachers in the learning process is still very important and it will continue to be in the future because no machine can replace the human interactions and its consequences.

Comments:
*this is a great essay. Looks like band 8 to me. No improvements necessary. Keep up the good job!

2. Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

Every four years, the whole world stops to watch international sporting events such as the Olympics and the football world cup in which athletes show their best performance to make their country proud of them. These sporting occasions have proved to be helpful in easing international tensions in difficult times when powerful leaders were trying to control the world’s economy and other governments were fighting over land.

The Olympic Games are one of the best examples which prove how sporting events can bring nations together, at least temporarily. From ancient History, when Greeks and Romans would interrupt battles to participate in the games, to the more recent international disputes, when athletes from Palestine and Israel would forget their differences, compete pacifically and even embrace each other after an event.
Moreover, these popular events have called the world’s attention to the terrible consequences of wars; thus some leaders have tried to accept some leaders have tried to accept agreements to end their dispute and live peacefully.

Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in some developing countries which live in a daily internal civil war. For example, Brazil has a high rate of unemployment, lack of education, hunger, crime, poverty and corruption which leads to an immense embarrassment of being Brazilian and a low self-esteem. However, when the Football World Cup starts, the Brazilian squad, which is considered the best team in the world, provokes an amazing feeling of pride in their country. Most people seem to forget all their problems and even the criminal activity decreases. They paint roads with the national colors, wear the Brazilian team shirt and buy national flags. Moreover, the competition brings families and their neighbors together and even rival gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.

In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important role in decreasing international tensions and liberating patriotic feelings as History has shown.

Comments: This is a great essay, the ideas, language, structure of paragraphs and sentences, grammar show high level of English. In my opinion it is Band 8. Keep up the good work.

3. Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas.

Today’s world has been divided into developing and industrialised countries which the main difference between them is the amount of money that governments apply in important sectors such as education, health and commerce. Most of the poorer nations are buried in debts as a result of their unbalanced which are reflect in a failed health care, an unstructured education system and a weak international trade. This vicious cycle will continue indefinitely unless wealthier nations show interest in minimizing the worldwide economic difference, as well as taking more responsibility for assisting unfortunate countries.

Most of the African countries live in sub-human conditions because of the extreme poverty, upheaval, hunger, disease, unemployment, lack of education and both inexperienced and corrupt administrations. The devastating consequences of the AIDS epidemic in those countries could improve if the infected populations receive free drugs to control the disease, have access to health professionals and get information on how to prevent its spread. But this can only be achieved through international help programs in which leaders of the world’s richest countries donate medicine and also send doctors and nurses to treat and educate those in need.

Moreover, most of the poor countries rely on selling agricultural products and raw material to rich nations and buying industrialized products from them resulting in a huge financial deficit. Consequently, they borrow a significant amount of money from the World bank to try to improve their broken economies, but sometimes the money disappears with no significant changes and they cannot even pay the interest to the bank. Regarding this issue, last year, the G8, which is comprised of leaders of the eight richest nations, decided to forgive billions of dollars worth of debt owed by the world’s poorest nations. In addition, they developed adequate loan programs to financially assist those countries.

In conclusion, leaders of the industrialised countries play an indispensable role in assisting developing nations deal with essential areas such as health, education and trade. Also, their aid is the key to breaking the vicious cycle, which results in poverty and death.

Comments: , *When / * reflect /* poor / *inhuman / *which results / *industrialized.
*this is an amazing essay, looks like band 8 to me.

4. Creative artists should be given freedom to express their ideas 9words, pictures, music and films). However, some people think government should take some restrictions with them. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give your reasons with your own knowledge and give examples.

(71 words)

The responsibility of an artist is to create artworks to cater for people’s needs for aesthesis and enjoyment. Some masterpieces by the world-renowned artists like Shakespeare, the greatest poet in British literature; Vinci, the most famous Italian painter, architect and sculptor impress people around the world deeply. From my point of view, the government should not give restrictions to artists. On the contrary, their creativity and innovation should be encouraged.

Creativity is the source of arts. The development of literature is a very vivid illustration. From classicism to romanticism, from renaissance to realism, from humanity to post-modernism, all the styles of literature reflect people’s thinking and have epoch-making significance. Suppose there were only one style of literature, people would not appreciate so abundant poetry and novels and our world would become so monotonous.
Furthermore, restrictions on creativity will arouse tragedies one of which is “Burn books and bury the literati in pits” in Chinese history launched by emperor Qin shihuang, who buried the Confucian scholars alive and prohibited the dissemination of Confucian. Another tragedy was started by Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing dynasty, who killed many creative artists and intellectuals, undermining the literal development and distorting the development of humanity. History proves that only when government encourages people to express their own idea and thought freely , can its country make progress and prosper.

(unnecessary addition): Finally, I will quote a classic sentence from a famous article entitled :give me liberty or give me death” by Patrick Henry, the greatest writer in American history, “I know not what others may take; but as for me, give me liberty of give me death!”

5. People spend a great deal of time, money, and energy to see or read about movie stars. TV actors and athletes. What roles do celebrities play in society? Write an essay of about 250 words. Give specific examples.

People spend a great deal of time, money, and energy watching or reading about movie stars, TV actors, singers, and athletes. Such celebrities often become idols. Poster and T-shirt sales, fan clubs and attendance at live performances indicate their popularity. What do celebrities to merit this attention?

Celebrities create excitement. They create excitement because they have done something or can do something that supposedly not everyone can do. Raising a child, waking early to go to work each morning, building a home and a place in the community-these achievements are actually worthy of greater admiration than celebrity activities such as rolling through Beverly Hills in a limousine or jetting across the atlantic to star in a new movie. Yet because these achievements are part of many people’s everyday lives, they are not considered special. Celebrities help us dream by lifting us out of our everyday lives and imagining our selves doing other than everyday activities.

Celebrities also set styles. They become models for behavior, clothing and hairdos. Just consider Elvis Presley or the Beatles, for example. Celebrities also influence politics, as bob hope and Robert Redford have done.

Celebrities’ roles as “special people” and trendsetters, then are the reason for the attention many of us lavish on them. In many ways, the celebrities of today have merely replaced the kings and queens of old.


6. It is generally agree that society benefits from the works of its members. Compare the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

From my everyday experience and observation I think that artists as well as scientists bring many benefits to society. It is a controversial question weather the contributions of artists as well as scientists brings many benefits to society. For several reasons, which I will mention below, I think that both types are valuable, priceless and irreplaceable for every society.

The contributions of artists to the society are very essential. Art forms people’s spiritual sense, their views and personalities. People learn history, the traditions of their country trough art. We also watch movies that entertain and at the same time extend our range of interests. Another important aspect of this is that art is an ancient means of communication. In old times the people depicted the herds of mammoths on the walls of their caves. They performed different rituals around the fireplace asking their gods for health, good harvest and weather. Our language is a result of people’s need to communicate.

From the other side, the contribution of scientists is could not be exaggerated. All humankind is indebted to the scientists because of their work and achievements. Scientists, make our life easier. We have cars and airplanes to move fast from one place to another. We have microwave and a bunch of preprocessed food to make the cooking much easier. We have different devices that simplify all we do. Finally, scientists are making great achievements in medicine that make our life longer and happier. Nowadays people have a great opportunity to do many things faster by use of computers.

To sum up, I believe that artists nourish our souls when scientists and technology feed our minds. So, we can not eliminate or underestimate one of them.


7. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.

Some people think that first impression about a person is the most correct. However, other people disagree and believe that first impression is often wrong. From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the first impression about a person is very often incorrect. In the following paragraphs I will list my reasons to support my answer.

First of all, when people meet for the first time they often do not have time to get to know each other or even have a conversation. So, sometimes all they remember is how they looked. Personally, I often myself judge a person by this or her external appearance. Fortunately, I many times made sure of the incorrectness of my judgments. For example, when I met my future husband for the first time he made an impression of frown and not talkative person and, frankly speaking, I did not like him at all. We did not have a chance to talk, but his cloth and manners gave me that impression. However, after we were introduced to each other and had a long talk I changed my opinion about him. He happened to be a very sensitive and kind person.

Second of all, I believe that the true impression about a person can be made only after people spent at least a few weeks with each other and were in different situations including extreme and danger ones. I think that a person shows his or her internal characteristics when in danger. Moreover, some people, especially celebrities , tend to hide their weaknesses and not attractive sides in order to please an audience.

In conclusion, I believe that first impression is very often wrong. I must confess that I unconsciously judge a person by his or her appearance but I tell my self that this is subject to change and try to keep my opinion with me.

IELTS Writing sample Band 6.0

Band 6.0

1. Advertisement is positive part of lives, while others say it is negative. Discuss.

Since 1991, India has opened its door to enter international trade. It has led an increase of 6% in economy every year. Therefore, today India is called as one of the largest economies in the world. From (for) several reason, advertisements is also one reason for such a great improvement. Sales of particular product is highly influenced, if product is properly advertised. Advertisements generates (generate) awareness among customers and also helps (help) customer to make decision for purchase. Television and newspapers play a great role in advertising products.
Advertisements are a positive parts of our lives, because they make us realize the problem and its consequences. For example, an advertisement done by aiswarya Rai on eye donation had made customers, understand that eyes are an (a) precious part of our body and eye donation helps the patient to see the beautiful world again. Similarly, advertisement done by Amitabh bachan on pulse polio immunization has motivated thousand of people to polio immunization for new born babies.

Looking on (the) other side of advertisement, we find that advertisements has (have) disadvantages also. According to a news published recently in (a) Newspaper, a child has tried to do a jump from a great height and led (got) a fracture in his leg. Small children, watch advertisements very carefully and try to copy it. It can lead to major accidents if not monitored by parents.

In conclusion, advertisements should be made keeping small children in mind. Advertisements should be stimulating but not dangerous for a child. It should be conveyed to the audience in simple and straight forward way.

Comments:
*Good essay, nice structure and language, watch out for repetitions of the words advertising-try to use synonyms. Your punctuation and grammar could use some extra attention as well.


2. Do you believe societies ought to enforce capital punishment or are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better used?


Capital punishment is the killing for a crime that he has committed. Previously most countries employed this method of punishment and I also believe that there are alternative punishments that can be used.

My main argument against capital punishment is that I believe we do not Have the right to kill another human being regardless of the crime. I don’t believe we do not Have the right to kill another human being regardless of the crime. I don’t believe in the old religious maxim of “an eye for an eye”. Modern societies shouldn’t turn to such barbaric punishments. Another argument against capital punishment is that people can be wrongly convicted and executed. If a man is in prison, he can be released if later proved not guilty, If he is dead, there is nothing that can be done. In the UK, a group of supposed terrorists were convicted of murder in Birmingham in the 1970s.(,) they were proved innocent about 15 years later and released.

If they had been executed, innocent people would have died. There are alternative punishments available. For bad crimes prison life sentences can be given with criminals imprisoned for the rest of their lives. Also a lot of horrific crimes are committed by people who are mentally sick. These people are not responsible for their actions and can be kept safely and permanently in secure hospitals. Yes, this costs a lot more but I believe it is the duty of the society to do this. There are arguments for capital punishment. Many people feel its threat stops serious crime and that criminals deserve nothing less. It’s cheaper and keeps the prisons manageable. I cam understand this point of view but cannot agree with it.

So, in conclusion, I don’t believe in capital punishment, as there are less barbaric alternatives available. We can avoid horrific mistakes and make modern society a human one.

Comments:
This is an excellent essay, well done! Your introduction and body paragraphs are very good and the essay is very easy to understand. Think about your sentence structure, there are several sentences that should have a conjunction or a comma rather than a full stop.



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

The numbers of people who listen to music everyday, the number of music channels, the number of singers…are increasing. This fact is the proof for the importance of music. So why do we need music? Let’s imagine what would happen if there weren’t music. We couldn’t have an effective method to relax after our hard working day. We would lose one of the best favourites of many, many people all over the world. Without music, the world would be a silent and boring place. Moreover, music is also a common language for all human beings regardless of nationalities. Therefore, I can confirm that we couldn’t live well if music didn’t exist.

Nowadays, there are more and more different types of music. Beside traditional music there is international music that is heard everywhere. Of course, we can’t deny that international music is very popular, it contacts people. It plays an important role in improving understanding among countries. However, traditional music is still more significant than international music because of two following reasons:

Firstly, traditional music is a works of many generations in a country. It rooted from long, long time ago and is being developed. It contains the soul, the features and the characteristics of one nation. We can say traditional music is a invaluable treasure of every country.

Secondly, traditional music is one of the ways to distinguish nations. Nowadays, when the world is being globalized dramatically to integrate but not dissolve, we must keep and respect our traditional valuations. And one of them is music.

In conclusion, also there are many kinds of music today but traditional music is still very important, what we must do is keep it for our future generations.

Comments:
*don’t copy sentences from the task.

*”contact” = connects

*music is a works = work

*is being globalized dramatically = rapidly globalizes

*In conclusions, also ther are many kinds of music today = “also” is an inappropriate connecting word here.

*what we must do is keep it for our future generations = and we must keep it for our future generation


4.It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be. Give some reasons why this change has happened and suggest how families could be brought closer together.

Just five decades ago, family bonds were much stronger than our present time. Grandparents living with grandchildren under the same roof was an out of the question matter. It might pass your mind that living as a part of an extended family could lead to numerous arguments lack of privacy. Even if it’s true, reality proved that the modern nuclear family was not any different. In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why this alternation in family structure occurred and some suggested solutions to overcome associated problems.

With the breakthrough in cybernetics, members of the same family tended to depart from one another. Computers aids in an individual’s isolation for long hours. Recent studies showed that over 30% of young people’s lives. Ages between 20 to 30 years old, are wasted in front of computers. This explains why the time spent with their families had dramatically dropped. Another reason, that initiated this change is the way workers earn their living. In the early years of last century, working within a family business was the most acceptable job. A family consisting of 50 members or so, could work as farmers or fishermen, contrary to today, where everyone leads a different profession.

However, with some effort and some alteration our families could get the best of the two worlds. Strong, supportive family with no privacy intruders. Firstly, meeting with the big family; uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents, should be done on weekly basis to avoid emotional detachment. Secondly, as a small family, parents should aim to explore new activities that all family members enjoy and be able to spare time together.

To sum up, it is up to each person to establish a healthy way of communication with his/her environment. Taking that extra step will allow us to regain the warmth of the old days without losing our modernization.

Comments:
*grandparents living with grandchildren under the same roof was an out of the question matter = if family bonds were much stronger, why was this out of the question?

*arguments, lack of privacy. = arguments AND lack of privacy

*”modern nuclear family = “modern nuclear family??

*breakthrough in “cybernetics” = are you sure this is the right word? (cybernetics = the scientific study of how information is communicated in machines and electronic devices in comparison with how information is communicated in the brain and nervous system

*computer “aids” = computer aid

*worlds. Strong, supportive family with no privacy intruders. = worlds, a strong, supportive family with no privacy intruders.

*and be able to spare time together = SPEND time together
*you have provided some good reasons and suggestions as required, well done. However, your introduction needs attention.

An essay introduction serves to attract the reader’s interest, introduce the topic, and explain what the essay will be about. Correspondingly, an essay introduction contains three features that usually appear in the following order: an attention-getter, some background information and the central idea.

You have included the “attention-getter” but the remainder of the introduction should be reviewed. I don’t believe that sentences like “In this essay, I will discuss some of the reasons why this alternation in family structure occurred and some suggested solutions to overcome associated problems” ARE THE CENTRAL IDEA.

IELTS Writing sample Band 5.0

Band 5.0

Do you agree or disagree. Universities should give same amount of money to their activities as they give their library?

Yes, I do feel that universities should have(?) equal budget for their libraries as well as sport activities. It is our general belief that good player can not be good student and hence we restrict our children’s sport activities at college level. Moreover academic degree has much more value than sport activities which naturally compels students to focus more on their studies that their sport interest.

Most of the universities keep sport at last number of their priority list because of which good players do not get enough facilities and equipments to improve thier skills and eventually they loose their interest universities can play substantial role in shaping this upcoming talent by providing them good trainers and equipments which is otherwise expensive to afford. Also it will attract other students towards sport and inculcate importance of physical fitness in them.

Universities should produce genius in all fields rather than only concentrating on progress of scholars. Hence, I feel that universities should allot equal money library as well as sport activities.

Comments:
*should have AN EQUAL BUDGET to their libraries AND sport activities
*that A good player can not be A good student
*moreover, AN academic..
*at last number – AT THE BOTTOM
*because of which- THEREFORE
*loose – LOSE
*equipment is an uncountable noun therefore use singular.
- Your essay is too short, the introduction is good, as is the first paragraph but you must offer more arguments regarding why you agree or disagree. There are many spelling, punctuation and article errors. The essay is easy to follow but has the appearance of the writer running short of time .

Modern medicine helps to live long life. Do you agree?

The modern medicine is very important for living long life. It is depend on new technology. People take very easy and quickly. Also modern medicine is very quick absorbing to human body. It is helps to back to normal for people health condition. Therefore I agree with this statement the modern medicine is help to live long life.
First of all, the modern medicine can prevent incurable diseases. Doctors can find some diseases very early. The doctors can give suitable medicines for patient. New modern equipments are helps to doctors is going to correct way. Also intelligent people in the world live long life on helps from modern medicine. That is very important in the human society because their creative things are coming with them and they can help to others long time when they are living in long life with comfortably.

Beside, old population is increasing in the country. It is badly effect in country economy and especially for third world countries. But old people are very important in human society because their experience definitely helps to living safety and planning to new project, “experience is better qualifications” However Old people are living long life; it is helps to live long life for other because we can get advice from them and they are covering our culture and society.
Moreover modern medicine is being addicted some people. So they can not live without medicine. They should take medicine when they live. Also modern medicine is very expensive. Therefore most of poor countries couldn’t take modern medicine and it has taken commercial shape also it is depending on money. In the modern medicine have not facts of human kindness. People who they have money they can take modern medicine. But indigenous medicine has well human friendly shape. It has not depended on money.

To summarize; in my personal view, modern medicine is helping live long life with comfortably. Modern technology are being supported to find unburnable diseases very early. So doctors can take correct path immediately. Therefore may I not hesitate to agreed the above mention statement.

Comments:
*your essay has confusing sentences, where your meaning is unclear.
*you mixed advantages and disadvantages of modern in one paragraph when you should divide them
*if you agree with the statement, you should have 2 paragraphs supporting your opinion, and one supporting the opposite. In your essay, it is 2 against 1.

7. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reason to develop your essay.

It is certainly said that leaning is an ongoing process. Every person learn something new according to their age, experience knowledge and education. According to my point of view it is always better to have teacher or guide for study.
One teacher has adequate knowledge to teach their student. He knows all the possible ways to make subject easier for the students, even he teaches them in effective manner. For example, some students are weak in some subjects but a teacher always guides them according to their mental capacity. He teaches them as fun. Some people can learn better in group by discuss the topics with others. In class people can know the other’s views, even they know how we can learn effectively. Where the teacher always give easy direction to learn.

In the today’s competitive world, everybody is busy, some people think that rather to waste their time to go for classes they can learn better regarding their subject. They can attend online classes by using internet at home. They can get relevant information from internet regarding their topic.

There is no specific time, age limit to learn something new. Something new which we always learn only with the experience such as atequates, knowledge, new habits and so on.

In sum up, I would like to say that it is always better for the people to have teacher because one teacher has good knowledge, experience and education to teach others. They can take learn easy from him rather by themselves.


Comments:
*person learns something
*everyday, depending on
*A + teacher
*teachers know all possible ways (are you sure all teachers know all possible ways?)
*”always” (be careful with the use of definitive statements such as always)
*in a group by discussing
*In class, people
*they can learn their subjects better by themselves.
*the internet (there’s only one internet, use “the”)
*a + teacher
*the essay is for you to provide an opinion and to provide supporting arguments.

IELTS WRITING TASKS/TOPICS

IELTS WRITING TOPICS
(Sample answers-Band 5.0 – 8.0)

ACADEMIC AND GENERAL

TITLE/TOPICS

ARTISTS



1.creative artists should be given freedom to express their ideas (words, pictures, music and films). However, some people think government should take some restrictions with them. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give your reasons with your own knowledge and give examples

2.People spend a great deal of time, money, and energy to see or read about movie stars. TV actors and athletes. What roles do celebrities play in society? Write an essay of about 250 words. Give specific examples.

3.It is generally agree that society benefits from the works of its members. Compare the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

ATTITUDE


1.Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.

2.Neighbors are people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

3.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.


ANIMALS

1.Should animals be the friends of people or should they be regarded as the sources of people’s food and clothes? State your position with your own experience.

2.Scientists use living animals to carry out research. Some people think it is interesting, while some people think it is cruel. What do you think?

3.Zoos sometimes are necessary but poor alternatives to the natural environment. Is it necessary to keep animals in zoos? Is it fair to the animals to keep them in zoos?

4.Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats and other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

5.Some people think that humans for farmlands, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

6.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

ADVERTISEMENT



1. Advertisement is a positive part of our lives while others say it is negative. Discuss.

2. Advertising is all around us. It is an unavoidable part of everyone’s life. Some people say that advertising is a positive part of our lives while others say it is negative. Discuss both views and give reasons and examples to support your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

3. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

ADOLESCENCE

1. People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experience or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

BUILDING

1. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

2. A company has announced that it is wise to build a large factory near your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.

3. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

4. Should a city preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

BUSINESS

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Business should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

2. Some people prefer to work for themselves or own their own business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.

3. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.


BEHAVIOR

1. In some countries, children have very strict rules of behavior, in other countries they are allowed to do almost anything they want. To what extent should children have to follow rules?
COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY/COMMUNICATION
1. We are increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thongs or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

2. As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

3. Intelligent machines such as robots widely applied to take the place of human beings. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

4. The development of science and technology benefit our life. However, scientists cannot find effective solutions to the problem they created. To what degree do you agree or disagree?

5. What disadvantages will people meet if they cannot use computers? What should your government do?

6. Some people say that computer can translate languages, so children need not study foreign languages any more. Please state your position.

7. Discuss both positive and negative effects of email on modern life. Support your ideas with reasons and examples.

8. Some people suggests that because today’s computers can translate nearly every language to another language, that children don’t need to learn foreign languages anymore. What’s your position?

9. How will telecommunicating affect the society?


COMPUTER

1. We live in the information era.

2. What extent is nuclear energy technology a danger to life on earth? What are the benefits and risks associated with its use?

3. Discuss both positive and negative effects of the telephone on modern life. Support your ideas with reasons and examples.

4. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

5. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

6. Some people say that internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion?

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

1. Do you believe that societies ought to enforce capital punishment or are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better?

2. “Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase”. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in the society”. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

COUNTRY/NATION

1. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens?

2. Many people think that countries have a moral obligation to help each other, while others argue that the aid money is misspent by the governments that receive it, so international aids should not be given to the poor countries in the world. Discuss the two views of international aid, and give your opinion.

3. What difficulties will your country face in the next ten years? How can these problems be overcome?

4. In your country, is there need for more land to be left in it’s natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

5. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

6. What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

COMPLAINTS

1. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to accomplish in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

COMMUNICATION

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication such as letters, emails, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

CUSTOMS / CULTURE

1. Describe a custom in your country that you would like other people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.

EDUCATION

1. Business education and training must promote the environment awareness. Do you agree or disagree?

2. What advantages and disadvantages of the education system in your country?

3. If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.

4. Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?

5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

7. Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past. Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.


ENVIRONMENT

1. Nowadays environmental problems are too big to be managed by individual persons or individual countries. In other words, it is an international problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree to this opinion?

2. Damage to the environment is inevitable consequence of the improvement in the standard of living. To what degree do you agree or disagree?

3. Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world’s forests amount to the death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4. Pollution – the cause, effect and solution.

5. Some people argue that international tourism should be decreased in that it may damage the environment and culture in a region. Do you agree or disagree about this opinion and say why?

6. Plats can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

7. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources such as the forest, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

2. Some movies are serious, designed to make audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3. Do you agree with the following statement, dancing plays an important role in a culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

4. Films can tell us a lot about a country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

5. How do movies influence people’s behavior?

6. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

FAMILIES

1. It is generally that families are not as close as they used to be. Give some reasons why this change has happened and suggest how families can be brought closer together.

2. The position of women in society has changed marked in the last twenty years. Many of the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency, arise from the fact that many married women now work and not at home to care for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

3. Should old men live with young people together or should they live in the clubs for old men. Discuss.

4. Many families are having fewer children. Having even just one child can have a dramatic impact on the parents’ lives. Discuss the negative impact, the positive impact or both.

5. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting.

6. Mothers of young children should not go out to work.

7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their (15-18) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

8. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.

9. Do you agree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

10. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

11. Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.

12. Do you agree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

FOOD

1. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

FAMOUS PERSON

1. If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

2. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

3. A time in the past.

GENERATION

1. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

GIFT

1. Gifts such as a camera, a soccer ball or an animal can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

2. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

GAMES/SPORTS

1. Playing a game is fun when we win.

2. Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

3. Sports encourage competition rather cooperation. Therefore, sports should not be encouraged at schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?

4. Should athletes have a high salary?

5. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

6. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

9. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

HEALTH

1. A healthy person is often describe as someone who has a good diet, gets lots of exercise and avoid stress. What do people do to stay healthy in your country?

HOLIDAYS

1. Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it?use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

INTERNET

1. Nowadays, for many people, internet is replacing regular books. What do you think will happen in the future and what is your opinion?

2. Some people say that the internet is making the world smaller by bringing people together. To what extent do you agree that the internet is making it easier for people to communicate with one another?

3. Some people believe that internet access create problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

LIFE/LIFESTYLE

1. What are the possible effects of living long on an individual and on the whole society? Give some examples for and against according to your knowledge.

2. It is said that people’s lives is now becoming more and more stressful. What are the causes and how to solve it?

3. Should old men live with young people, or should they live in the club for old men?

4. Some people live in one community all their lives, while others move around almost as much as nomads. Both experiences have their advantages and disadvantages. Discuss.

5. Materialism means placing great importance on material things such as clothes, property, and furniture. Many people complain that modern society is too materialistic. Are people in these times “what they own” or “what they are”? explain your thoughts on the matter in an essay of about 250 words.

6. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.

7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

8. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

9. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of these phenomena. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

10. Do you agree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

11. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, ot even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

LEARNING

1. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reason to develop your essay.

2. It is very clear now that English should be the primary foreign language taught in all schools around the world. Learning a different foreign language before english is, in today’s world is a waste of time. Do you agree or disagree with this statement.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying / working abroad for a period of time.

4. If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice using specific reasons and details.

5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should start learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

6. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

7. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

9. People learn in different ways, some people learn by doing things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these learning methods is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.
10. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

11. It has been said “not everything that is learned is contained in books”. Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

12. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.


LANGUAGE

1. Will the popularity of english and tourism harm the minorities and minor languages?

2. Some people translate languages, so children need not study languages anymore. Please state your position.

3. Some people suggest that because today’s computers can translate nearly every language to another language, that children don’t need to learn foreign languages anymore. What’s your position?

LAW/RULES

1. Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?

2. In some countries children have very strict rules of behavior, in other countries they are allowed to do almost anything they want. To what extent should children have to follow rules?

LETTERS

1. After being involved in an accident, you were looked after by another person. Write a special letter to express your thanks.

2. You want to apply for the following job. Write a letter to Mr. Moore describing your previous experience and explaining why you would be suitable for the job.

3. Write a letter on how to use the donation money.

4. Write a letter to appreciate the development of a restaurant.

5. Write a letter of request.

6. Write a letter to appreciate the good service of the hospital.

7. One of your friends wants to apply for a job involving working with foreign teenagers. Write a letter of recommendation for him/her.

8. Write a friendly letter.

9. You have a friend who lives in a city abroad. You have decided that you would like to do a course at one of the colleges in this city. Write to your friend explaining what you would like to do. tell him/her what type of work or studies you have been doing for the past few years and ask for assistance in contacting an appropriate institution.

10. You have a pen friend in another country and he/she is curious to know about the major news items in your country. Briefly describe one news story that has been on TV, on the radio, or in the newspaper in your country and explain why people are interested in it.

11. You have recently moved into a new flat. Unfortunately, you lost some money the other day, and cannot afford to pay next month’s rent when it is due. Write a letter to the landlord explaining the situation and that you will pay as soon as your parents send you the money. Also, mention that there are some problems with the flat.

12. You are a member of an organization which meets regularly at a particular restaurant. The most recent meal you had there was not satisfactory, and you were very disappointed with the quality with the food and the behavior of the staff. Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. Explain what was wrong with the meal and the service and suggest what he/she should do to ensure that you and your group return to the restaurant.

13. You have just spent a weekend staying at the Lilo Hotel in Adelaide. When you got home, you find that you have left a bag at the hotel. Write to the manager of the hotel and enquire whether the bag and its contents are at the hotel. Ask the manager to contact you immediately if the bag is found and tell him/her how the bag can be sent to you.

14. You wish to enroll in a course (of your choice) at an Australian college. you have already written a letter to the college explaining your concern because the course will start in less than two months. You need to know if you can still enroll and you also require further information about the course, including the cost.

15. Although you have never studied computing, you have always been interested in computer- you buy magazines about them and you have taught yourself many skills on your computer at home. You have read about a computer course that really interests you, but it is only for people who have studied computing at college or university. Write a letter to the enrollment officer asking if you can enroll, explaining your circumstances and asking if he/she will make a special exception for you.

16. Write a letter of request.

17. Yesterday you lost a student identification card. You need it to get discounts on public transport and for cinema, and to use the college library. Even more importantly, you need it as proof of identity to withdraw money at the bank. Write to the director of student services explaining the situation and the requesting of a new card as soon as possible.

18. As an employee, make some suggestions for the development of the hotel.