IELTS Writing Task-2

 

IELTS Writing Task-2 , Free Worksheet

Problems & Solutions Essay:

1. Therefore I have to disagree

2. To some extent the question depends on

3. I strongly believe that

4. Some may argue that all people are

5. There are, however, some disadvantages,

It could also possibly reduce the

Useful sentences for the intro of a problem solution essay:

1. The issue of ......  has caused considerable concern
2. What factors lead to this phenomenon and what can be done to solve the problem will be discussed in this essay

3. It is crucial that we analyze the causes of this disturbing issue and explore the effective solutions.

Useful sentences to begin the reasons paragraph:

1. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenon.

2. The following reasons should be taken into consideration

3. It is obvious that the causes of ........... are diverse.

Useful sentences to begin the solution paragraph:

1. The issue of ............... should be well taken into consideration. To address the problem of ........

2. Looking at the reasons, I think there are some ways to deal with hte problem

3. There are many reasons which result in this unpleasant phenomenon, and something should be done as soon as possible to mitigate/ alleviate/ ameliorate the problem.

Conclusion:

1. To conclude, this disturbing problem is attributed to many factors and I beleive with the joint efferts of the individuals and the governmnet, it can be eventually reasolved.

2. To conclude, several factors contribute to.......... I am convinced that many steps can be taken to solve (mitigate, ameliorate, alleviate, lessen, tackle) this disturbing problem.

To sum up, I think that it is very essential for

Linking Words:

Sequencing -   firstly, secondly, next, then, after, to begin with, first of all

Addition -       and, also, furthermore, what is more, moreover, additionally, to further strengthen this view, another point/fact/factor is

contrast-        in comparison, on the other hand, in contrast, on the contrary, admittedly, however, although, having said that, that said

comparison -   also, equally, similarly, likewise, compared with 

result - so, therefore, as a result, thus, becasue, consequently, owing to this

highlighting -  in particular, especially, mainly, particularly, above all

resulting - in other words, put more simply, rather, in simple terms

conclusion - to sum up,  to conclude, to summarise, in conclusion

Useful Phrases:

not only....but also

this coupled with 

undoubtedly, without a doubt, 

to state further points supporting the same view/point

moreover, furthermore, what's more, in addition, additionally, to further strengthen my viewpoint, another point/fact/ factor is

to state opposite view/points

in contrast, by contrast, on the other hand, however, having said that, that said

to state an advantage regardless of a fact or evidence, despite this, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding

Q.1. It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction. 
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?

Ans:  One important stage in a child's growth is certainly the development of a conscience, which is linked to the ability to tell right from wrong. This skill comes with time and good parenting, and my firm conviction is that punishment does not have much of a role to play in this. Therefore I have to disagree almost entirely with the given statement.

To some extent the question depends on the age of the child. To punish a very young child is both wrong and foolish, as an infant will not understand what is happening or why he or she is being punished. Once the age of reason is reached however, a child can be rewarded for good behaviour and discouraged from bad. This kind but firm approach will achieve more than harsh punishments, which might entail many negative consequences unintended by the parents.

To help a child learn the difference between right and wrong, teachers and parents should firstly provide good role modelling in their own behavior. After that, if sanctions are needed, the punishment should not be a physical nature, as that merely sends the message that it is acceptable for larger people to hit smaller ones an outcome which may well result in the child starting to bully others. Nor should the punishment be in any way cruel.

Rather, teachers and parents can use a variety of methods to discipline their young changes, such as detention, withdrawal of privileges, and time-out. Making the punishment fit the crime is a useful notion, which would see children being made to pick up rubbish they have dropped, clean up graffiti they have drawn, or apologise to someone they have hurt. In these ways responsibility is developed in the child, which leads to much better future behaviour than does punishment.

Q.2. Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Ans: It is said that countries are becoming similar to each other because of the global spread of the same products, which are now available for purchase almost anywhere. I strongly believe that this modern development is largely detrimental to culture and traditions worldwide.

A country's history, language and ethos are all inextricably bound up its manufactured artifacts. If the relentless advance of international brands into every corner of the world continues, these bland packages might one day completely oust the traditional objects of a nation, which would be a loss of richness and diversity in the world, as well as the sad disappearance of the manifestations of a place's character. What would a Japanese tea ceremony be without its specially crafted teapot, or a Fijian kava ritual without its bowl made from a certain type of tree bark?

Let us not forget either that traditional products, whether these be medicines, cosmetics, toys, clothes, utensils or food, provide employment for local people. The spread of multinational products can often bring in its wake a loss of jobs, as people turn to buy the new brand, perhaps thinking it more glamorous than the one they are used to. This eventually puts old-school craftspeople out of work.

Finally, tourism numbers may also be affected, as travelers become disillusioned with finding every place just the same as the one they visited previously. To see the same products in shops the world over is boring and does not impel visitors to open their wallets in the same way that trinkets or souvenirs unique to the particular area do.

Some may argue that all people are entitled to have access to the same products, but I say that local objects suit local conditions best, and that faceless uniformity worldwide is an unwelcome and dreary prospect.

Q.3. Some expert believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this out weigh the disadvantages?

Ans: Traditionally, children have begun studying foreign languages at secondary school, but introducing them earlier is recommended by some educationalists. This policy has been adopted by some educational authorities or individual schools, with both positive and negative outcomes.

The obvious argument in its favour is that young children pick up languages much more easily than teenagers. Their brains are still programmed to acquire their mother tongue, which facilitates learning another language, and unlike adolescents, they are not inhibited by self-consciousness.

The greater flexibility of the primary timetable allows for more frequent, shorter sessions and for a play-centered approach, thus maintaining learners' enthusiasm and progress. their command of the language in later life will benefit from this early exposure, while learning other languages subsequently will be easier for them. They may also gain a better understanding of other cultures.

There are, however, some disadvantages, Primary school teachers are generalists, and may not have the necessary language skills themselves. If specialists have to be brought in to deliver these sessions, the flexibility referred to above is diminished. If primary language teaching is not standardised, secondary schools could be faced with a great variety of levels in different languages within their intake, resulting in a classroom experience which undoes the earlier gains. There is no advantage if enthusiastic primary pupils become demotivated as soon as they change schools. However, these issues can be addressed strategically within the policy adopted.

Anything which encourages language learning benefits society culturally and economically, and early exposure to language learning contributes to this. Young children's innate abilities should be harnessed to make these benefits more achievable.

sample ans: Language is the best means of communication. I srongly support the idea that teaching a foreign language at primary school has an edge over teaching it at secondary school. Children become familiar with a strange language faster, improve their hearing ability to understand new words as time goes by and learn new words. In the following paragraphs, I will provide some arguments to support my opinion.

There are many reasons why learning a foreign language at primary school is better than learning it at secondary school. Firstly, there is no doubt that a young mind readily absorbs new information. Child psychologists often mention, that the most formative years of learning happen in the first few years of life. Therefore, what children are exposed to is very often retained and remembered. In this way, a younger child is in a better position to learn the new information associated with a new language.

Secondly, primary school students are not afraid of making mistakes, whereas senior students often have a fear of making mistakes when they are speaking in a new language. This fear is one of the biggest barriers for a person in their efforts to speak freely. Primary school children are not afraid of making grammatical mistakes because basically they just repeat words and sentences in the way they hear them. So, they also a better chance to get used to the right pronunciation of the language.

Admittedly, there are some negative effects of adding a foreign language to the primary school curricula. Adding an additional subject adds to the stress of the students. As it is their school bags are heavier these days than their own weights. That is perhaps why some people advocate adding a foreign language in secondary school syllabi. Despite these arguments, I believe that primary school is a better place to learn a foreign language.

To sum up, I think that it is very essential for children to begin learning a foreign language in their early ages. It brings many benefits such as great pronunciation. Also, it helps a child develop and gain more knowledge, which is good for the long run.

Q.4. Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes ( for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children. To what extent to you agree or disagree?

 Ans: It has been suggested that high school students should be involved in unpaid community services as a compulsory part of high school programmes. Most of the colleges are already providing opportunities to gain work experience, however these are not compulsory. In my opinion, sending students to work in community services is a good idea as it can provide them with many lots of valuable skills.

Life skills are very important and by doing voluntary work, students can learn how to communicate with others and work in a team but also how to manage their time and improve their organisational skills. Nowadays, unfortunately, teenagers do not have many after school activities. After school clubs are no longer that popular and students mostly go home and sit in front of the TV, browse internet or play video games.

By giving them compulsory work activities with charitable or community organisations, they will be encouraged to do something more creative. Skills gained through compulsory work will not only be an asset on their CV but also increase their employability. Students will also gain more respect towards work  and money as they will realise that it is not that easy to earn them and hopefully will learn to spend them in a more practical way.

Healthy life balance and exercise are strongly promoted by the NHS, and therefore any kind of space time charity work will prevent from sitting and doing nothing. It could also possibly reduce the crime level in the high school age group. If students have activities to do , they will not be bored and come up with silly ideas which can be dangerous for them or their surroundings.

In conclusion, I think this is a very good idea, and I hope this programme will be put into action for high schools/ colleges shortly.

Q.5. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Ans: A child's education has never been about learning information and basic skills only. It has always included teaching the next generation how to be good members of society. Therefore, this cannot be the responsibility of the parents alone.

In order to be a good member of any society the individual must respect and obey the rules of their community and share their values. Educating children to understand the need to obey rules and respect others always begins in the home and is widely thought to be the responsibility of parents. They will certainly be the first to help children learn what is important in life, how they are expected to behave and what role they will play in their world.

However, learning to understand and share the value system of a whole society cannot be achieved just in the home. Once a child goes to school, they are entering a wider community where teachers and peers will have just as much influence as their parents do at home. At school, children will experience working and living with people from a whole variety of backgrounds from the wider society. This experience should teach them how to co-operate with each other and how to contribute to the life of their community.

But to be a valuable member of any community is not like learning a simple skill. It is something that an individual goes on learning throughout life and it is the responsibility of every member of a society to take responsibility for helping the younger generation to become active and able members of that society. 

Q.6. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
What other measures do you think might be effective?

Ans: There is no doubt that traffic and pollution from vehicles have become huge problems, both in cities and on motorways everywhere. Solving these problems is likely to need more than a simple rise in the price of petrol.

While it is undeniable that private car use is one of the main causes of the increase in traffic and pollution, higher fuel costs are likely to limit the number of drivers for long. As this policy would also affect the cost of public transport, it would be very unpopular with everyone who needs to travel on the roads. But there are various other measures that could be implemented that would have a huge effect on these problems.

I think to tackle the problem of pollution, cleaner fuels need to be developed. The technology is already available to produce electric cars that would be both quieter and cleaner to use. Persuading manufacturers and travellers to adopt this new technology would be a more effective strategy for improving air quality, especially in cities.

However, traffic congestion will not be solved by changing the type of private vehicle people can use. To do this, we need to improve the choice of public transport services available to travellers. For example, if sufficient sky trains and underground train systems were built and effectively maintained in our major cities, then traffic on the roads would be dramatically reduced. Long-distance train and coach services should be made attractive and affordable alternatives to driving your own car for long journeys.

In conclusion, I think that long-term traffic and pollution reductions would depend on educating the public to use public transport more, and on governments using public money to construct and run efficient systems.

IELTS BOOK-7

Q.7. As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. 
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Ans: Nowadays many adults have full-time jobs and the proportion of their lives spent doing such jobs is very high. So feelings about one's job must reflect how an individual feels about his or her life as a whole, and because of this job satisfaction is indeed very important for the wellbeing of that person.

Employees get job satisfaction in a number of ways. Firstly, a person needs to feel that they are doing valued and valuable work, so positive feedback from superiors is very important in this respect. A sense of fulfillment is also encouraged if a worker feels the job is worth doing because it contributes to the society or the economy as a whole. Secondly, when someone feels they are improving or developing their skills through training opportunities, for example, then there is a sense of progression and purpose that rewards a worker. The sense of belonging to a team or a working community also contributes to job satisfaction because colleagues help each other to enjoy their working lives. Satisfaction is also increased by a sense of responsibility for and loyalty to a team.

Of course, not everyone enjoys their work. Hard economic realities mean that many people have little choice in the kind of job they can get. In some cases, an employee is working in a job that suits neither their skills nor their personality. Some jobs are repetitive and boring, and labour relations may be poor and lead to resentment and insecurity rather than to job satisfaction.

However, even though it is unlikely that all workers do feel happy in their work, I think it is not unrealistic to promote more job satisfaction in any job. If the factors identified above are implemented, then any job can be improved and more workers can feel greater degrees of job satisfaction.

IELTS BOOK-7

Q.8. SOME PEOPLE FEEL THAT ENTERTAINERS (E.G. FILM STARS, POP MUSICIANS OR SPORTS STARS) ARE PAID TOO MUCH MONEY.

DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?

WHICH OTHER TYPES OF JOB SHOULD BE HIGHLY PAID?

Ans:  I agree with the view that stars in the entertainment business are usually overpaid. This is true whether we are considering stars of film, sport or popular music, and it often seems that the amount of money they are able to earn in a short time cannot possibly be justified by the amount of work they do.

However, it is also true that it is only those who reach the very top of their profession who can get these huge salaries. So, the size of salary that starts expect is closely linked to the competition they have to overcome in order to reach success. They are, in effect rare talents.

Furthermore, the majority of starts do not hold their top positions long. Sport starts and pop starts, for example, are soon replaced by the next younger, more energetic, generation, while the good looks of most film stars quickly fade. So this relatively short working life may be some justification for the very high pay.

Unfortunately, professionals from other fields, who make a much greater contribution to human society, are paid so much less that it is hard to disagree with the statement. Teachers, nurses, laboratory researchers etc. are never listed among the best-paid professionals, yet they are more important to our well-being and our future than the stars who earn their fortunes so quickly.

In conclusion, I think there may be some reasons why entertainment stars earn high salaries but overall I agree that they are overpaid. The gaps between their earnings and those of people who work less selfishly for the good of society cannot be justified. Such professionals should be much better appreciated and better paid.

Q.9. It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not.

However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. 

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Ans: The relative importance of natural talent and training is a frequent topic of discussion when people try to explain different levels of ability in, for example, sport, art or music.

Obviously, education systems are based on the belief that all children can effectively be taught to acquire different skills, including those associated with sport, art or music. So from our own school experience, we can find plenty of evidence to support the view that a child can acquire these skills with continued teaching and guided practice.

However, some people believe that innate talent is what differentiates a person who has been trained to play a sport or an instrument, from those who become good players. In other words, there is more to the skill than a learned technique, and this extra talent cannot be taught no matter how good the teacher or how frequently a child practices. 

I personally think that some people do have talents that are probably inherited via their genes. Such talents can give individuals a facility for certain skills that allow them to excel, while more hard-working students never manage to reach a comparable level. But, as with all questions of nature versus nurture, they are not mutually exclusive. Good musicians or artists and exceptional sports stars have probably succeeded because of both good training and natural talent. Without the natural talent, continuous training would be neither attractive nor productive and without the training, the child would not learn how to exploit and develop their talent.

In conclusion, I agree that any child can be taught particular skills, but to be really good in areas such as music, art or sport, then some natural talent is required.

IELTS BOOK-8

Q.10. Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Ans: Some countries have single-sex education models, while in others both single-sex and mixed schools co-exist and it is up to the parents or the children to decide which model is preferable.

Some educationalists think it is more effective to educate boys and girls in single-sex schools because they believe this environment reduces distractions and encourages pupils to concentrate on their studies. This is probably true to some extent. It also allows more equality among pupils and gives more opportunity to all those at the school to choose subjects more freely without gender prejudice. For example, a much higher proportion of girls study science to a high level when they attend girls' schools than their counterparts in mixed schools do. Similarly, boys in single-sex schools are more likely to take cookery classes and to study languages, which are often thought of as traditional subjects for boys.

On the other hand, some experts would argue that mixed schools prepare their pupils better for their future lives. Girls and boys learn to live and work together from an early age and are consequently not emotionally underdeveloped in their relations with the opposite sex. They are also able to learn from each other , and to experience different types of skills and talents than might be evident in a single-gender environment.

Personally, I think that there are advantages to both systems. I went to a mixed school, but feel that I myself missed the opportunity to specialise in science because it was seen as the natural domain and career path for boys when I was a girl. So because of that, I would have preferred to go to a girls' school. But I hopefully times have changed, and both genders of student can have equal chances to study what they want to in whichever type of school they attend.

Q.11. New editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

Ans: It has often been said that 'Good news is bad news' because it does not sell newspapers. A radio station that once decided to present only good news soon found that it had gone out of business for lack of listeners. Bad news on the other hand is so common that in order to cope with it, we often simply ignore it. We have become immune to bad news and the newspapers and radio stations are aware of this.

While newspapers and TV stations may aim to report world events accurately, be they natural or human disasters, political events or the horrors of war, it is also true that their main objective is to sell newspapers and attract listeners and viewers to their stations. For this reason TV and radio stations attempt to reflect the flavour of their station by providing news broadcasts tailor-made to suit their listeners' preferences. Programmes specialising in pop music or TV soap operas focus more on local news, home issues and up-to-date traffic reports. The more serious stations and newspapers like to provide 'so called' objective news reports with editorial comment aimed at analysing the situation. 

If it is true, then, that newspapers and TV stations are tailoring their news to their readers' and viewers' requirements, how can they possibly be reporting real-world events in an honest and objective light? Many radio and TV stations do, in fact, report items of good news but they no longer call this news. They refer to these as human interest stories and package them in programmes specialising, for instance, in consumer affairs or local issues. Good news now comes to us in the form of documentaries: the fight against children's cancer or AIDS, or the latest developments in the fight to save the planet from environmental pollution.

Book-3

Q. 12. When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Ans: Overall, I disagree with the opinion expressed. I would like to begin by pointing out that 'traditional skills and ways of life' are not automatically of one country, but of a culture or community.

In many ways, the history of civilisation is the history of technology: from the discovery of fire to the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, we have been moving on from previous ways of doing things. Some technologies, such as weapons of mass destruction, are of negative impact. Others, such as medical advances, positively help people to live better or longer, and so very much help traditional ways of life. Surely, few people would seek to preserve such traditions as living in caves!

Additionally, technology can positively contribute to the keeping alive of traditional skills and ways of life. For example, the populations of some islands are too small to have normal schools. Rather than breaking up families by sending children to the mainland, education authorities have been able to use the internet to deliver schooling online. In addition, the Internet, and modren refrigeration techniques, are being used to keep alive the traditional skills of producing salmon; it can now be ordered from, and delivered to, anywhere in the world.

In conclusion, without suggesting that all technology is necessarily good, I think it is by no means 'pointless', in any way, to try to keep traditions alive with technology. We should not ignore technology, becasue it can be our friend and support our way of life.

13. In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

You should write at least 250 words.

Ans: The issue of children doing paid work is a complex and sensitive one. It is difficult to say who has the right to judge whether children working is 'wrong' or valuable'. Opinions will also differ as to 'learning' benefits: no doubt teachers and factory owners, for example, would have varying concerns. 

An important consideration is the kind of work undertaken. Young children doing arduous and repetitive tasks on a factory production line. For example, are less likely to be 'learning' than older children helping in an old people's home. There are health and safelt issues to be considered as well. It is an unfortunate fact that many employers may prefer to use the services of children simply to save money by paying them less than adults and it is this type of exploitation that should be discouraged. 

However, in many countries children work because their families need the additional income, no matter how small. This was certainly the case in the past in many industrialized countries, and it is very difficult to judge that it is wrong for children today to contribute to the family income in this way.

Nevertheless, in better economic circumstances, few parents would choose to send their children out to full-time paid work. If learning responsibilities and work experience are considered to be important, then children can acquire these by having light, part-time jobs or even doing tasks such as helping theri parents around the family home, which are unpaid, but undoubtedly of value in children's development.

14. Some people believe that children's leisure activities must be educational, otherwise they are a complete waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience.

Ans: Today, education has become a priority for many parents seeking to secure a good future for their children in this rapidly changing world. They believe that if their children apply themselves and work hard at school, then they will increase their opportunities for going to higher education and eventually getting a good job. Of course they are right, and as access to the best education and best jobs is becoming more competitive, then it is true that children have to make the best study time when they are young.

However, the parents who do not allow their children sufficient free time for leisure activities outside school hours, are misguided. Such activities are far from being a waste of time for the children simply becasue they are not academic. It is important to remember that children need to develop skills other than intellectual ones, and the best way to do this is through activities such as sports, games and playing with other kids. If they cannot play make-believe games, how can they develop their imagination? How can they learn physical co-ordication or learn important social lessons about winning and losing if they do not practise any sports? Many children form strong, personal relationships with the friends they play with, and without the opportunity to do this, they could grow up emotionally immature or unformed.

Finally, I think it is also important to remember that children need to relax as well as work. If everything they do must have some educational or academic relevance, then they will soon get tired of studying altogether, which is the last thing parents would want. 

15. Happiness is considered very important in life.

Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Ans: Happiness is very difficult to define, because it means so many different things to different people. While some people link happiness to wealth and material success, others think it lies in emotions and loving personal relationships. Yet others think that spiritual paths, rather than either the material world or relationships with people, are the only way to true happiness.

Because people interpret happiness for themselves in so many different ways, it is difficult to give any definition that is true for everyone. However, if there are different kinds of happiness for different individuals then the first step in achieving it would be to have a degree of self-knowledge. A person needs to know who he or she is before being able to know what it is that makes him or her happy.

Of course, factors such as loving relationships, good health, the skills to earn a living and a peaceful environment all contribute to our happiness too. But this does not mean that people without these conditions can not be happy.

Overall, I think an ability to keep clear perspectives in life is a more essential factor in achieving happiness. By that I mean an ability to have a clear sense of what is important in our lives (the welfare of our families, the quality of our relationship, making other people happy, etc) and what is not (a problem at work, getting annoyed about trivial things, etc.) 

Like self- awareness, this is also very difficult to achieve, but I think these are the two factors that may be the most important for achieving happiness.

16. In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviours.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?

Ans: Poor student behaviour seems to be an increasingly widespread problem and I think that modern lifestyles are probably responsible for this.

In many countries, the birth rate is decreasing so that families are smaller with fewer children. These children are often spoilt, not in terms of love and attention because working parents do not have the time for this, but in more material ways. They are allowed to have whatever they want, regardless of price, and to behave as they please. This means that the children grow up without consideration for others and without any understanding of where their standard of living comes from.

When they get to school age they have not learnt any self control or discipline. They have less respect for their teachers and refuse to obey school rules in the way that their parents did.

Teachers continually complain about this problem and measures should be takes to combat the situation. But I think the solution to the problem lies with the families, who need to be more aware of the future consequences of spoiling their chilren. If they could raise them to be considerate of others and to be social, responsible individuals, the whole community would benifit.

Perhaps parenting classes are needed to help them to do this, and high quality nursery schools could be established that would support families more in terms of raising the next generation. The government should fund this kind of parental support, because this is no longer a problem for individual families, but for society as a whole.

17. Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. 

Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible.

 

What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age?

Ans: In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger.

While some people think this may be damaging to a child's development or to a child's relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age.

Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn.

Another advantage of going to school at an early is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger.

So, overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments. 

18. In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?

Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

Ans: In some countries the ownership of peoples' home is an important matter. In these countries it is very important to own home rather than renting it. It might be indifferent for some, but for these people it matter.  

Why is that the case? you might wonder. I think it is because your home is supposed to be exactly what it sounds like, your home. As a human we long after having stuff to call our own does not matter what it is, however humans will always want to claim ownership. This is nothing new and it has been like this through human history, like colonies for example, which later once again became the same country a before lead by its own inhabitants. People will always want to be the one to decide what happens to them and when you rent your home you can't even paint it without the owners permission.

If you as a person are renting an apartment three might be a lot of stressors in your life. A scratched wall cause you a major headache, because the wall was not yours. The bedroom you are currently sleeping in might not be available as long as you hope, things happen in life and maybe the next landlord won't want to have you as a tenant.

In other perspective, not owning your home could be a relief when it comes to your finance. As a renter you won't have to pay mortgage, take loans or spend an awful lot of money on buying the property. You would not have to worry about the house market crashing or a natural disaster destroying your expensive home.

Bottom line, as a human I feel like we need to have a home and calling it your own can make that more special. I personal would rather own house, because then whatever happens it is on me and no one else.

 

19. In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Ans: Today technologies enable us to read book on electronic devices and what's more, we can store hundreds of thousands of books on devices like Amazon's kindle e- reader. This makes some people to believe that people will stop printing books and in the future, everything will be digitalized.

Electronic book and newspapers have many advantages. They are easy to use and reach. They can be stored in computers, mobiles, e-readers and in cloud in huge amounts and are available at any time. The cost of manufacturing and printing is completely removed, which reduced their piece. Digital book and newspapers also have one very important advantage - they are environmentally friendly. No paper is used to print magazines and books, which means less trees are cut from our forests to produce papers. All of these factors convinced many people that digital versions of books and magazines is more convenient, ethical and cheaper choice.

On the other hand, traditional printed books and magazines have existed for centuries and I believe they have created some kind of emotional connection and value for people. When a man reads a book and he likes it, he most probably would like to have it in a form of a tangible thing. Books are a form of art, like statues and paintings. You can have a picture of some famous painting, but the painting itself has some intangible value. Magazines and newspapers do not have such a value in themselves.

Based on this, I believe that the amount of books are printed will decrease considerably and maybe even dramatically, however printed, tangible books will still be demanded by many people as they have some aura and value in addition to the things that are written inside.

I do think, though, that there is a big chance magazines and newpapers will move into the online world completely. This is because they are published in huge numbers daily and weekly and monthly and no one needs them after years. Printing so huge amount of articles will demand additional recources and make them less competitive even in terms of prince.

20. Interviews from the basic selection criteria for most large companies. However, some people think that interview is not a reliable method of choosing whom to employ and there are other better methods. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans: Recruiting new employees can be a long and painful process. Some employers conduct interviews to select new workers. I disagree with the given statement, which says that interview is not a reliable method, and other methods are better. I believe that interview is a reliable method, but there are many other methods which are equally good, and the choice is on the recruiters as to which method they find suiable for their need.

There are many reasons why interview is preferred by some employers for hiring new empoyees. Firstly by the interview the recruiters can get an idea about the personality and social skills of the potential employees. In interviews, there is face-to-face interaction and the candidates have to answer impromptu questions, from which personality traits can be judged. Also, by asking some case study type questions, employees can judge traits like ability to handle pressure, confidence and ability to think outside the box.

However, there are many other selection methods with varied advantages. One of other common methods is written test. This method is preferred when the focus in on judging the theoretical knowledge of the person. Another conventional selection basis is group discussion. This method is good where a major job requirement of the company is conversational skills for instance sales jobs. Group discussion can determine the convincing power of an individual. Last but not the least, there can be combination of the all the three methods like written tests, followed by group discussion and finally interviews. This method is the most thorough of all the methods checking everything from personality traits to knowledge and also communication ability.

It is evident that methods have different advantages and the best method cannot be singled out. It depends upon the situation. For example, interviews assess a person's individual traits better wheeas written tests are more about knowledge and expertise in an area. There are shortcomings of every method too for example there is a chance of personal bias in interviews. The combination of methods can take too long to select a candidate and may be too expensive to conduct for small companies.

To conclude, hiring method depends upon the job and company requirement. In some situations, conducting interviews is more apt, whereas in some situations the other methods may be more advantageous. 

2. Most employers nowadays put increasing emphasis on social skills. Some people believe that social skills are important in addition to good qualifications for job success.

 To what extent, do you agree or disagree?

Ans: The success of any organisation depends on the quality of its staff. I definitely agree that today social skills are as essential as good qualifications while recruiting new employees. No business can thrive if its employees, however highly qualified they may be, lack the social skills.

It is easy to see why employers are putting emphasis on social skills in addition to qualifications. Social skills reflect a person's ability to work with others in a way that strengthens long-term working relationships. There are many personal traits such as creativity, adaptability, honesty, integrity and effort, which are also important besides technical skills. A university degree does not signal whether a person has those traits. A degree does not indicate in any way, how a person will function in the real world.

Moreover, if recruitments are focused only on candidates' technical skills and expertise, then it results in hiring employees who have the intellect to succeed but lack the social skills, required to work effectively. This is because they lack emotional intelligence, which is ability to understand their own emotions and those of others and to use this emotional understanding to adjust and cooperate with others. This results in interpersonla conflict and frustration and sometimes such employees have to be fired. What is more such employees are unable to handle the social demands of leadership and so have to remain at lower level jobs.

Undoubtedly, academic qualifications are also importatn becasue just as clothing is to first impression, so is a university degree to a first job or a job with a good pay. The first thing that companies look for is that piece of paper before looking at an individual's experience. A degree simply proves that an individual has acuired the necessary academic knowledge of how to carry out a job. Having a degree most definitely helps the recruiters in hiring suitable candidates.

In summary, it is clear to understand why social skills are given a lot of importance in addition to qualifications, such skills are the key to success at work.

3. Some employers think that formal academic qualifications are more important than life experiences and personal qualities when they look for an employee. 

Why is it the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

Ans: Some recruiters give more value to a college or university degree than personal attributes and experiences. This essay shall look into the reasons that can be attributed to this phenomenon. In my opinion, it is a negative development.

It is easy to see why some employers give more stress on a degree than experiences. Undoubtedly, academic qualifications are important because just as clothing is to first impressions, so is a university degree to a first job or a job with a good pay. The first thing that companies look for is that piece of paper before looking at an individual's experience. A degree simply proves that an individual has acquires the necessary academic knowledge of how to carry out a job. Having a degree most definitely helps the recruiters in hiring suitable candidates.

However, focusing only on the degree and ignoring a person's experiences and skills is not good. Personal skills and life experiences are also as important as good qualifications while recruiting new employees. There are many personal traits such as creativity, adaptability, honesty, integrity and effort, which are also important besides technical skills. A university degree does not signal whether a person has those traits. A degree does not indicate in any way, how a person will function in the real world. Hands-on skills and practical experience are more important in the present scenario. That is why it is a negative development if employers so not put emphasis on personal traits.

Moreover, it has been seen that when recruitments focus largely on candidates technical skills and expertise, with relatively little attention given to soft skills, then it results in hiring employees who have the intellect to succeed but lack the social skills required to work effectively. This results in interpersonal conflict and frustration and sometimes such employees have to leave the job. What is more, such employees are unable to handle the social demands of leadership and so have to remain at lower level jobs.

In summary, it is understandable why employers give importance to qualifications. I consider it negative because I believe that personal skills and experiences are as important as qualifications.

Education

4. University students often focus on one subject. However, some people think that universities should encourage students to learn a range of other subjects. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans: Studying a broad range of subjects is needed nowadays, as the competition is very stiff nowadays. Therefore, I agree with the given statement that students should study a range of subjects at university and not focus on only one major. In the following paragraphs, I shall provide arguments to support my opinion.

There are many advantages, for students of studying a number of subjects. The first and foremost advantage is that if they don't get a job in their field, they will be able to get any job related to their other subjects. They will not suffer unemployment and they will not be stuck to jobs despite being highly qualified.

Moreover, a well-rounded education is very important in today's time. Without a diverse background, a graduate will not be competent in any job. For example, excellent communication skills are very important while looking for a job. For that you need a basic English class. Most jobs require problem-solving skills which you get from basic knowledge of math and science. For instance, a doctor specializing in MRI scan, needs to have a good knowledge of physics- magnetism etc.

Another adavantage is that learning a range of subjects can add spice to the students' studies. Students may be fed up with study when they concentrate on one subject constantly. Finally, it is well known that most of the subjects are linked to each other, to some extent. With a range of knowledge, students can find different solutions to approach the problems they encounter either at work or in life, which will definitely make them more creative and innovative in the field thye specialie in. Clearly, the students with all-round knowledge have an apparent over those specializing in only one subject.

Opponents claim that studying only one subject at university would make you a master in that field and you stand a chance of getting a high-paid job in that field. However, I still believe that studying a range of subjects has an edge over specializing in just one.

To conclude, I reiterate my opinion by saying that studying a variety of subjects is beneficial to the university students. By doing so, not only can the students better themselves, but also become adaptable and flexible in the increasingly challenging and competitive world.

                         JOB

1. In some countries the lifestyle of people is changing rapidly, and this affects family relationships. 

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

In recent years, people's lifestyles have changed a lot, and this has influenced familial relationships in many ways. In my opinion, while this development has some influence on family relationships, the advantages of which are far more beneficial.

To begin with, there are several side-effects on the family when people chase after a modern lifestyle. For example, instead of playing sports outside today, people stay inside and watch TV with each other together at home. Gradually, the communication between individuals has become less frequent, which damages the familial bond significantly. Furthermore, since people now actively desire to hang out with colleagues after work hours in order to socialize and boost their careers, parents may be disappointed with the young ones. It can lead to a domestic conflict which is an extreme factor to tear families apart.

However, the way of life of many people has dramatically improved and positively affected their families and society at large due to the development through learning and acquiring knowledge. The lifestyle change has led to people preferring to spend time indoors than outdoors. It increases the time people spend with each other. For example, instead of playing sports outside today, people stay inside and watch TV with each other at home. When people sit together, they talk more, and thus it strengthens the bond between family members.

Despite the increased time spent with each other, I feel the disadvantages of these changing lifestyles are much more. Firstly, the boundaries between professional life and personal life have disappeared. People are always working even when they are on vacations they are working. 

In conclusion, While there has been some increase in the time family members spend together due to changing lifestyle, overall the effet has been largely detrimental. In some cases, they have an effect on the relationship. But, if people are careful to balance their professional and personal life, they will receive a huge benefit from the professional life and achieve more for the happiness with family.

Education

Q. Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantage and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?

Ans: It is true that many parents purchase a multitude of playthings for their offspring. Whether or not this is a good thing for the child, is a moot point. On the face of it advantages seem most apparent, but could there be a downside to this phenomenon of devoted parenting as well?

Most people would consider children who have many toys to be the fortunate ones. Interesting things to play with stimulate many positives in the young boy or girl, such as optimum brain development, hand-eye coordination and colour recognition, apart from the simple joy of playing. Modern toys are designed to be educational as well as fun, and concerned parents carefully select products which might speed their child's acquisition of numbers or the alphabet.

This is an unusual question, but there are some hidden pitfalls. For one, wealthy parents might spoil their son or daughter by showing him/her with toys, resulting in a negative effect on hte child's character. For another, a growing child's concentration span may suffer if they are constantly surrounded by too many tempting objects, so that they become unable to focus on any game for a decent length of time before being distracted. On the social side, older children may become targets of envy from classmates, if they are perceived as having far more possessions than their peers. Finally, the majority of toys today are made of plastic which commonly contains the chemical BPA, proven to be dangerous for infants to suck on or ingest.

It is clear that this situation is not as straightforward as it first appears. It would seem that one of the many duties of parents is to make an informed choice about how many toys they buy for their young ones.