Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 68
February 7, 2023
IELTS essay, topic: Many people today are drinking sugar-based drinks (reasons and solutions)
This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS tests in India and Nepal.
More and more people today are drinking sugar-based drinks. Why is this happening? What measures can be taken to reverse this trend?
Sample Band 8 Essay
An alarming number of people today consume sugar-based drinks, whether it is in the form of soda, energy drinks or fruit drinks. Often consumers are lured by their widespread availability and convenience, however, marketing campaigns also play a role, targeting young people and giving them the perception that sugary drinks are not as unhealthy as they actually are.
The availability of these types of drinks has greatly increased over time. They can now be found in almost any store or restaurant, which makes them easily accessible to almost anyone. The fact that they are often cheaper than alternatives, such as water or freshly squeezed juice, makes them an especially attractive option for those on a budget. Marketing campaigns for sugary beverages have been quite successful in creating positive associations attached to these products through advertisements on TV and billboards. This encourages people to consider them fun rather than unhealthy and normalises them within society.
Luckily, reversing the rise in popularity of sugary drinks is still possible, if we act now and attack the problem from different angles. One of the very first steps should be educating people on the health risks associated with high sugar intake so that they can make better-informed decisions when selecting what type of beverage they consume. Companies should also be held accountable by law for their misleading marketing campaigns aimed at children and teenagers who are more likely to believe the false claims about their products’ health benefits without fully understanding what’s being sold to them. Schools, colleges and universities, and any institutions catering for young people, should consider banning sugary drinks and replacing them with refreshing alternatives without added sugar.
Overall, it is important that we recognise the potential health risks posed by consuming too much sugar from soft drinks and take actionable steps towards reversing this trend in order to ensure our long-term wellbeing. Through greater education, government regulation, and increased corporate responsibility we can ensure that more people understand why reducing their intake of sugary beverages is important while still allowing them to access enjoyable yet healthier options.
Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8
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February 6, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Saudi Arabia – January 2023
Thanks to our kind friend M.O., today we are sharing these IELTS Speaking questions from a recent test in Saudi Arabia:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you study or work?
– Do you ever get tired?
– What do you do when you get tired?
– Have you ever studied music?
– Do you like singing? Why/why not?
– Have you ever learned how to sing?
– Do you like listening to others sing?
– Do you think singing can make people happy?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about an online shopping experience that you did not like. You should say
– what you bought
– what you didn’t like
– how you handled the situation
– and explain how you felt about this experience.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What do you think about online product ratings or reviews?
– Do you trust online reviews?
– Why do people write reviews online?
– Do you think that online reviews are helpful to consumers and companies?
– What reviews are more helpful, positive or negative, and why?
– What can online shop owners do to resolve problems that shoppers face?
February 5, 2023
IELTS test in Canada – January 2023 (Academic Module)
Thanks to our friends who took IELTS in Canada, we are sharing these questions today:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The maps below describe an area before and after the construction of a hydroelectric power plant.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual maps given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Nowadays in many countries young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to. Why is this happening? How could this situation be improved?
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– What do you do after your classes?
– Do you prefer writing by hand or typing? Why?
– Is handwriting important? Why/why not?
– How often do you use the Internet?
– Do you like to work online?
– What things can we do with the help of the Internet?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste. You should say
– where and when you saw it
– why there was a lot of plastic
– what you did when you saw it
– and explain how you felt about this.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What kind of plastic waste can often be seen in your country?
– How can we use less plastic?
– What should the government do to reduce the use of plastic?
– Is there something the media can do to help us reduce plastic consumption?
– Do you think making plastic-producer companies pay will help to solve this problem?
– Do you think it is possible to completely eliminate the use of plastic?
February 2, 2023
IELTS Speaking Test, Part 3 questions with model answers (Learning a new language)
Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Italy. The answers show a good way to respond to these questions.
Speaking test
Part 3 (Discussion)
1. Which language in your opinion is the most important in the world nowadays, and why?
I would say that right now the most important language in the world is English. There are a few reasons for this: firstly, it is the language of business and commerce. Most international negotiations and deals are conducted in English, so if you want to be part of the global economy, you need to be able to speak it. Secondly, because it is the most spoken language in the world. More people speak English than any other language, so if you want to communicate with as many people as possible, you need to learn English.
2. Why is it so important to know another language?
I believe that it is essential to learn another language for several reasons. It helps us understand different cultures, think in new ways, and communicate with people from all corners of the globe. Also, the process of learning a new language provides mental stimulation and helps to keep our brains sharp.
3. Is travel the only reason why learning another language is beneficial?
There are plenty of other reasons to learn a new language, even if you’re not planning on travelling. Like I said before, it can make you smarter. Studies have shown that people who know more than one language have better memory and can think more quickly and creatively. But the benefits of learning a foreign language go beyond that. When you can communicate in another language, you also become more valuable professionally, since speaking multiple languages is an asset in any field.
4. What is the hardest part of learning a new language?
For me, the hardest part of learning a new language was getting over the fear of sounding stupid. It’s so easy to get tripped up on even the simplest words and phrases, and I used to feel like everyone was watching and judging me. However, eventually, I realised that most people are too busy worrying about themselves to pay much attention to my mistakes and that helped me to become more confident.
5. Do you think learning another language is more important for young people or old people?
I think it’s more important for young people to learn another language than for old people. Young people have their whole lives ahead of them and they’ll have plenty of opportunities to use the language they learn. For older people, learning another language can be a little more challenging because they may not have as much time. But it’s still beneficial for mental stimulation for people of every age group.
6. Who finds learning a new language easier, children or adults?
I think that children find it much easier to learn a new language than adults. Children have more of a blank slate when it comes to language learning – their brains are primed for learning, and they’re not as set in their ways as adults are. Plus, when they’re surrounded by native speakers all day at school, they have more opportunities to practice. As we get older, our brain function starts to decline, making it harder to learn new things.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS test in Nigeria – January 2023 (General Training Module)
Our friend A.P. remembered the following questions from his recent IELTS exam in Nigeria:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
Your friend asked you to find a part-time job for him/her to earn some money while studying. You found a job that might be suitable. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
– Give him/her the job description
– Explain why he/she should take the job
– Say what he/she should do to get the job.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Nowadays, many people do not exercise enough and eat an unhealthy diet. Why is this happening? What can be done to help them improve their lifestyle?
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Could you show me your identification?
– What is your full name?
– What shall I call you?
– How old are you?
– Where are you from?
– Is your area a safe place to live for all age groups?
– Do you like chocolate?
– Why do you think chocolate is a popular treat worldwide?
– Do you think chocolate makes a nice gift?
– Do you know anyone who doesn’t like chocolate?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a stranger. You should say
– who he/she is
– when you met him/her
– where you met
– and explain what you talked about.
Follow-up question: Where do you meet new people?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Is there a difference between discussions with friends and strangers?
– What do you think is a typical topic of discussion between strangers?
– What do you think are the benefits of being able to have a conversation with a stranger?
– During a debate, can people with contrary views come to an agreement? Why?
– Do you think it is hard for motivational speakers to talk to strangers?
– What is a good way to overcome nervousness when giving a speech?
– What type of personality is best suited to become a public speaker?
January 31, 2023
IELTS test in Hong Kong – January 2023 (Academic Module)
Thanks to M.X. who took the IELTS test in Hong Kong, we are sharing these questions today:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The plans below show the town of Hensington, at present and after the proposed changes.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual plans given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
The number of people who are overweight is constantly growing, and the only solution is to increase the prices on unhealthy food and drinks. Do you agree or disagree?
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or are you a student?
– Tell me about the place where you live.
– Are there many older people living in your neighbourhood?
– Do you like to visit museums?
– Do you want to be an artist?
– Do you stay up late often?
– Did you stay up late when you were a child?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a place you visited where the air wasn’t clean. You should say
– where it was
– when it was
– why the air wasn’t clean
– and explain how you felt about that place.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What can people do to reduce air pollution?
– Do you think companies take action to reduce pollution only when they are forced to do so?
– Do you think we should punish or reward companies for their actions on environmental issues?
– What can individuals do to protect the environment?
– Do you think we should do something to save the environment or just leave it as it is?
– Do you think that the level of pollution will decline in the future? Why?
January 30, 2023
IELTS test in Thailand – January 2023 (General Training)
Our friend A. recently took IELTS in Thailand and remembered the following questions:
Listening test
Part 1. Valley Tour (a talk about a walking tour).
Part 2. The questions were in a form of a table with the following options to choose from: ‘Agree’, ‘Disagree’ and ‘Neither Agree or Disagree’. Unfortunately, A. didn’t remember the topic.
Part 3. Nanotechnology.
Part 4. Don’t remember.
Reading test
Part 1. There were two texts, a text about the library and the other A. didn’t remember.
Part 2. Working in the Cold (similar to this text).
Part 3. A text on movie production.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
Your workplace does not have a car park, and it is causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
– Describe the problems this is causing
– Explain what benefits a car park would bring to the company
– Suggest a solution for the car park problem
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Some people believe that parents should pay their children for doing household chores such as cleaning or washing dishes, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can I see your ID, please?
– What is your name?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you enjoy your work?
– Do you get along with your colleagues?
– Is there anything you would like to change about your work?
– What do you do after work?
– What do you usually do at weekends?
– Is there a new hobby / sport you would like to pick up?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe your favorite outdoor activity. You should say
– what activity it is
– where you do it
– how often you do it
– and explain why this is your favorite outdoor activity.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you have any other outdoor activities that you like?
– Do children and adults like similar or different outdoor activities?
– Why is spending time outdoors important?
– Is it important for adults to spend time outdoors, or only for children?
– What are the health benefits of spending time outdoors?
– What does healthy diet mean to you?
– Is it important to eat healthy food? Why?
January 29, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Uzbekistan – January 2023
Thanks to our kind friend K., today we are sharing these IELTS Speaking questions from a recent test in Uzbekistan:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you like geography?
– Did you study geography at school?
– Is it important to study the geography of your country?
– Is it easy for you to find countries on the map?
– Would you visit a country because of its geographical location?
– Are you good at reading maps?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a person from another country that you like. You should say
– who he/she is
– when you met him/her
– how you got to know him/her
– and explain why you like this person.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Are there people from other cultures who live in your home country?
– What are the benefits of a multinational country?
– Why should we learn about other cultures?
– What is a good way to learn about a different culture?
– Is it necessary to learn the country’s language to understand its culture?
– What does globalisation mean to you?
January 26, 2023
IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer (Describe an English lesson you enjoyed)
Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from Italy. The answer shows a good way to respond to this question.
Speaking test
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about an English lesson you enjoyed. You should say
– when you took the lesson
– where you took the lesson
– what you learned in the lesson
– and explain what the teacher did to make this lesson enjoyable.
Answer
I enjoyed an English lesson that I took during a recent English course that I enrolled in over the summer. The lesson took place at my local community centre. I had been wanting to brush up on my English skills and the summer break seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.
The class was only an hour long, but it was packed with interesting and informative material. During the lesson we focused on vocabulary building and reading comprehension. We started by looking at some new words and practising how to pronounce them correctly. Then, we moved on to look at some texts from books or articles related to the topic we were discussing that day. This gave us a chance to practice our language skills by identifying important words from the text, determining their meaning based on context clues, and then constructing meaningful sentences using those words.
The teacher delivering the lesson was wonderful; she was extremely knowledgeable about English grammar and Literature as well as very patient and engaging with all of us in class. She encouraged us to use creative ways of expressing ourselves in order to better understand the material we were learning, such as role-playing conversations between two people or writing short stories based on a piece of text that we read together. She also made sure to provide frequent breaks so that everyone could take a breather and process what they had learned so far.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience because the teacher understood how challenging learning a new language can be, and created an atmosphere that was both fun and educational. It’s something I’ll never forget!
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS test in Canada – January 2023 (General Training)
Our friend S.N. took IELTS in Canada very recently and remembered the following questions:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
The sports centre that you regularly visit has a problem with some of its equipment. Write a letter to the centre manager. In your letter
– Let them know about the problem
– Describe how it has affected you
– Explain why it should be fixed soon.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Some people believe that schoolchildren should be allowed to make decisions about the school rules, while others think that teachers should be responsible for making the rules. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can I see your passport?
– What is your name?
– Where do you live?
– What do you like about it?
– How often are you involved in your community?
– Do you drive or use public transport?
– How is today’s public transport in your city different from the past?
– What is the condition of public transport?
– Do you think a private vehicle is better than public transport?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a recent outing you had. Please say
– where you went
– who was there with you
– what you did
– and explain why you remember this outing.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Why do you think people go out frequently?
– Who goes out more, younger or older people, and why?
– Should the government encourage the public to go out by offering incentives?
– What do you think is the role of experience in making someone an expert?
– Do you think travel is as important as reading to expanding a person’s knowledge?
– Is experience more important for teenagers or for older people?
Note:
1) The Listening test was in the same format as in the book Cambridge IELTS 17.
2) Reading Passage 1 was the exact same text from Cambridge IELTS 17.
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