7. Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favor of them because of their benefits to humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for human use. While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines.
On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation. To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured. Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that scientists should use alternative methods of research.
On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available. Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with the banning of animal testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical procedures are concerned.
In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical research until equally effective alternatives have been developed.
Monday, October 22, 2018
IELTS Sample opinion - Teenager
6. Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual teenager and society as a whole. Do you agree or disagree?
Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free and fair society to force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should not make this compulsory.
Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework and exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do have some free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free and fair society to force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who would feel that they were being used, and parents, who would not want to be told how to raise their children. Currently, nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion we should not make this compulsory.
IELTS Sample 2 part essay - Career
5. Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?
It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.
On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realize this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.
On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.
In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one's life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfillment.
It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.
On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realize this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.
On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.
In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one's life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfillment.
IELTS Sample opinion essay - Support
4. We cannot help everyone in the world that needs help, so we should only be concerned with our own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should try to help as many people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbors and fellow citizens. In most communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about this problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when children are dying from curable diseases in African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international charity might have a much greater impact than helping in our local area.
In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need.
Some people believe that we should not help people in other countries as long as there are problems in our own society. I disagree with this view because I believe that we should try to help as many people as possible.
On the one hand, I accept that it is important to help our neighbors and fellow citizens. In most communities there are people who are impoverished or disadvantaged in some way. It is possible to find homeless people, for example, in even the wealthiest of cities, and for those who are concerned about this problem, there are usually opportunities to volunteer time or give money to support these people. In the UK, people can help in a variety of ways, from donating clothing to serving free food in a soup kitchen. As the problems are on our doorstep, and there are obvious ways to help, I can understand why some people feel that we should prioritise local charity.
At the same time, I believe that we have an obligation to help those who live beyond our national borders. In some countries the problems that people face are much more serious than those in our own communities, and it is often even easier to help. For example, when children are dying from curable diseases in African countries, governments and individuals in richer countries can save lives simply by paying for vaccines that already exist. A small donation to an international charity might have a much greater impact than helping in our local area.
In conclusion, it is true that we cannot help everyone, but in my opinion national boundaries should not stop us from helping those who are in need.
IELTS Sample opinion essay - Tourism
3. Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for cultural and historical attractions. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.
The argument in favor of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul's Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation's cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.
It is sometimes argued that tourists from overseas should be charged more than local residents to visit important sites and monuments. I completely disagree with this idea.
The argument in favor of higher prices for foreign tourists would be that cultural or historical attractions often depend on state subsidies to keep them going, which means that the resident population already pays money to these sites through the tax system. However, I believe this to be a very shortsighted view. Foreign tourists contribute to the economy of the host country with the money they spend on a wide range of goods and services, including food, souvenirs, accommodation and travel. The governments and inhabitants of every country should be happy to subsidise important tourist sites and encourage people from the rest of the world to visit them.
If travellers realised that they would have to pay more to visit historical and cultural attractions in a particular nation, they would perhaps decide not to go to that country on holiday. To take the UK as an example, the tourism industry and many related jobs rely on visitors coming to the country to see places like Windsor Castle or Saint Paul's Cathedral. These two sites charge the same price regardless of nationality, and this helps to promote the nation's cultural heritage. If overseas tourists stopped coming due to higher prices, there would be a risk of insufficient funding for the maintenance of these important buildings.
In conclusion, I believe that every effort should be made to attract tourists from overseas, and it would be counterproductive to make them pay more than local residents.
IELTS Sample opinion essay - Education
2. Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.
Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty percent of the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it would be wrong to reject her in favor of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.
In my opinion, men and women should have the same educational opportunities. However, I do not agree with the idea of accepting equal proportions of each gender in every university subject.
Having the same number of men and women on all degree courses is simply unrealistic. Student numbers on any course depend on the applications that the institution receives. If a university decided to fill courses with equal numbers of males and females, it would need enough applicants of each gender. In reality, many courses are more popular with one gender than the other, and it would not be practical to aim for equal proportions. For example, nursing courses tend to attract more female applicants, and it would be difficult to fill these courses if fifty percent of the places needed to go to males.
Apart from the practical concerns expressed above, I also believe that it would be unfair to base admission to university courses on gender. Universities should continue to select the best candidates for each course according to their qualifications. In this way, both men and women have the same opportunities, and applicants know that they will be successful if they work hard to achieve good grades at school. If a female student is the best candidate for a place on a course, it would be wrong to reject her in favor of a male student with lower grades or fewer qualifications.
In conclusion, the selection of university students should be based on merit, and it would be both impractical and unfair to change to a selection procedure based on gender.
IELTS Sample opinion essay - Hobbies
1. Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.
On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an activity that is easy for most people is swimming. This hobby requires very little equipment, it is simple to learn, and it is inexpensive. I remember learning to swim at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and it never felt like a demanding or challenging experience. Another hobby that I find easy and fun is photography. In my opinion, anyone can take interesting pictures without knowing too much about the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being straightforward, taking photos is a satisfying activity.
On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an activity is more challenging, we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we manage to do it successfully. For example, film editing is a hobby that requires a high level of knowledge and expertise. In my case, it took me around two years before I became competent at this activity, but now I enjoy it much more than I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when we reach a higher level of performance because the results are better and the feeling of achievement is greater.
In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally pleasurable for different reasons.
Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.
On the one hand, many people enjoy easy hobbies. One example of an activity that is easy for most people is swimming. This hobby requires very little equipment, it is simple to learn, and it is inexpensive. I remember learning to swim at my local swimming pool when I was a child, and it never felt like a demanding or challenging experience. Another hobby that I find easy and fun is photography. In my opinion, anyone can take interesting pictures without knowing too much about the technicalities of operating a camera. Despite being straightforward, taking photos is a satisfying activity.
On the other hand, difficult hobbies can sometimes be more exciting. If an activity is more challenging, we might feel a greater sense of satisfaction when we manage to do it successfully. For example, film editing is a hobby that requires a high level of knowledge and expertise. In my case, it took me around two years before I became competent at this activity, but now I enjoy it much more than I did when I started. I believe that many hobbies give us more pleasure when we reach a higher level of performance because the results are better and the feeling of achievement is greater.
In conclusion, simple hobbies can be fun and relaxing, but difficult hobbies can be equally pleasurable for different reasons.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
IELTS Sample letter - Concert ticket
Topic: You bought a ticket to a music concert. However, you are unable to go, so you decide to offer your ticket to a friend.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- tell your friend the details about the concert
- explain why you are unable to go
- and explain how your friend can receive your ticket.
Dear John,
I hope you're well. I'm just writing to offer you a concert that I won't be able to use.
Do you remember that I told you I was going to a gig this Saturday? There's an up-and-coming singer and guitarist who's playing at the Apollo Theater; I think you'll be blown away by how good he is. The concert starts at 7pm, but there's a support act on first, so you can arrive a bit later if you only want to catch the main performance.
The reason why I'm offering you my ticket is that I've been asked to visit a client in Germany to help with a product launch, and I won't be back until Monday.
If you're free on Saturday morning and you'd like to go, just speak to my brother. He'll be going to the gig, so you won't be alone, and you can arrange to meet beforehand or outside the venue on the night.
I hope you can make it, and that you enjoy the concert.
See you soon
Simon
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- tell your friend the details about the concert
- explain why you are unable to go
- and explain how your friend can receive your ticket.
Dear John,
I hope you're well. I'm just writing to offer you a concert that I won't be able to use.
Do you remember that I told you I was going to a gig this Saturday? There's an up-and-coming singer and guitarist who's playing at the Apollo Theater; I think you'll be blown away by how good he is. The concert starts at 7pm, but there's a support act on first, so you can arrive a bit later if you only want to catch the main performance.
The reason why I'm offering you my ticket is that I've been asked to visit a client in Germany to help with a product launch, and I won't be back until Monday.
If you're free on Saturday morning and you'd like to go, just speak to my brother. He'll be going to the gig, so you won't be alone, and you can arrange to meet beforehand or outside the venue on the night.
I hope you can make it, and that you enjoy the concert.
See you soon
Simon
IELTS Sample letter - Job reference
Topic: a work colleague (or student friend) has applied for a new job, and he/she has asked you to write a reference letter to the new employer.
Write a letter to the employer to recommend your colleague/friend. In your letter
- state your reason for writing, and say how you know the applicant
- describe your colleague/friend's relevant qualifications and skills
- and explain why you are recommending this person for the job.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to recommend Helen Jones for the position of Director of Studies at Manchester Language School. Having worked closely with Helen for almost five years, I am very pleased to provide this reference in support of her application.
Helen is a highly qualified English teacher who also has significant management experience. She recently completed a master's degree in English language teaching, and she became our Assistant Director of Studies earlier this year. Helen was given this post because she demonstrated exceptional organizational, team building and course development skills during her first four years with us.
Helen's students and colleagues describe her as dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic. I believe that her professionalism in the classroom and her commitment to her colleagues' development make Helen the perfect candidate for a full-time Director of Studies position.
If you have any further questions about Helen's suitability for the post, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
Mark Smith
Director, Sheffield English Academy
Write a letter to the employer to recommend your colleague/friend. In your letter
- state your reason for writing, and say how you know the applicant
- describe your colleague/friend's relevant qualifications and skills
- and explain why you are recommending this person for the job.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to recommend Helen Jones for the position of Director of Studies at Manchester Language School. Having worked closely with Helen for almost five years, I am very pleased to provide this reference in support of her application.
Helen is a highly qualified English teacher who also has significant management experience. She recently completed a master's degree in English language teaching, and she became our Assistant Director of Studies earlier this year. Helen was given this post because she demonstrated exceptional organizational, team building and course development skills during her first four years with us.
Helen's students and colleagues describe her as dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic. I believe that her professionalism in the classroom and her commitment to her colleagues' development make Helen the perfect candidate for a full-time Director of Studies position.
If you have any further questions about Helen's suitability for the post, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
Mark Smith
Director, Sheffield English Academy
IELTS Sample letter - Party suggestion
Your friend is about to celebrate a landmark birthday and has asked for suggestions as to how it should be celebrated.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- thank your friend for inviting you to the party and say that you have some ideas about how to celebrate it
- suggest what type of party your friend could have
- suggest a good place to hold the party.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- thank your friend for inviting you to the party and say that you have some ideas about how to celebrate it
- suggest what type of party your friend could have
- suggest a good place to hold the party.
IELTS Sample letter - Complain letter
Topic: you are not satisfied with the changing rooms in a sports centre that you visit.
Write a letter to the sports centre manager. In your letter:
- explain the problem
- say how you feel about this problem
- and say what steps you would like the manager to take.
Dear Sir of Madam,
I am writing to complain about the unacceptable state of the male changing room at the Sprint Sports complex.
I have been using the gym at your centre for several years now, and it would appear that no maintenance work has been carried out on the changing room facilities in all that time. As a result, paint is peeling off the walls, floor tiles are cracked, and there is mould and mildew growing around the showers.
The neglected and shabby state of the changing room makes me think that you do not care about your customers. I feel that we are being treated like farm animals, and I worry that you are putting our health at risk. It seems that profit is more important than the customer experience.
Please address the changing room issue as a matter of urgency. I suggest that a full refurbishment is required, and that you should consider some form of compensation for members. We have tolerated this situation for too long.
Yours faithfully,
John Smith
Write a letter to the sports centre manager. In your letter:
- explain the problem
- say how you feel about this problem
- and say what steps you would like the manager to take.
Dear Sir of Madam,
I am writing to complain about the unacceptable state of the male changing room at the Sprint Sports complex.
I have been using the gym at your centre for several years now, and it would appear that no maintenance work has been carried out on the changing room facilities in all that time. As a result, paint is peeling off the walls, floor tiles are cracked, and there is mould and mildew growing around the showers.
The neglected and shabby state of the changing room makes me think that you do not care about your customers. I feel that we are being treated like farm animals, and I worry that you are putting our health at risk. It seems that profit is more important than the customer experience.
Please address the changing room issue as a matter of urgency. I suggest that a full refurbishment is required, and that you should consider some form of compensation for members. We have tolerated this situation for too long.
Yours faithfully,
John Smith
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