Four sentences---one main idea---use four sentences to present and develop one main idea.

One reason why I agree that travelling overseas on vacation is beneficial is that it can help us to understand more about the world around us.[1] In other words, by visiting historical sites, eating the local food and meeting local people we can learn more about different countries.[2]For example, I recently visited Egypt and was amazed by the friendliness of the local people and the magnificence of the temples and pyramids.[3]Although it is possible to see these things on television or read them in books, visiting a place in person can leave a much stronger impression in a person's mind, and therefore I favour international, rather than domestic, holidays.[4]

Six sentence---two main ideas

Tourism has a number of benefits for the visited country.[1]From an economic perspective, it can create more jobs for local people in hotels and restaurants.[2] This will result in more tax revenue for the government to spend on essential services such as medical care and infrastructure projects.[3]Moreover, increased levels of tourism can raise the profile of the visited country.[4]In other words, if more people visit the country, they will tell their friends and post their experiences on social medial, letting more people know about the area.[5]Therefore, the positive effects of tourism for the destination country cannot denied.[6]

Six sentences---Three main ideas

One of the many drawbacks of tourism is that it creates more pollution.[1]The reason for this is that more tourists will create more exhaust fumes from vehicles and more water pollution from hotel laundry detergents.[2]In addition to this, tourism can lead to overcrowding which can negatively affect the lives of local people.[3]For example, Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan can suffer from terrible traffic congestion at busy times of the year due to the number of tour buses and foreign tourists.[4]Moreover, if large numbers of tourists stay in an area, the price of essential goods and services, such as housing and food, will rise because businesses will try to maximise their profits.[5]Thus, the visited country can be negatively impacted if there are too many visitors.[6]

Simon

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

IELTS Writing Task 2: main body paragraphs

Here are my 2 main body paragraphs for?last week's question. I tried to use an "Idea, Explain, Example" structure for the first paragraph, and a "Firstly, Secondly, Finally" structure for the second.

Main body paragraphs:

On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life.[1] 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.[2] For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. [3]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.[4]

On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself.[4] For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.[5]

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

IELTS Writing Task 2: rules for introductions

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?

In today's lesson I just want to look at how to write an introduction for this type of question. My simple rules for task 2 introductions are:

Write 2 sentences: introduce the topic, then give a general answer.

Mention everything that the question mentions.

Don't save any surprises for the conclusion; give your opinion in the introduction if the question asks for it.

Here's an example introduction:

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. [1]While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.[2]

Wednesday, February 11, 2015
IELTS Writing Task 2: essay 'skeleton'

For me, the skeleton (or framework or basic structure) of a task 2 essay is:

- the introduction

- topic sentences for main paragraphs

- and the conclusion

Look at this essay 'skeleton' for example:

..........

People have different views about whether parents or schools should bear the responsibility for helping children to become good citizens. In my view, this responsibility should be shared.

On the one hand, parents certainly have a vital role to play in the upbringing of their children.

On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child.

In conclusion, both parents and schools should work together to ensure that young people become polite and productive members of society.

IELTS Writing Task 2: main body paragraph

Last week I showed you the?skeleton?of an essay. Now let's look at what was missing: the detailed explanation of ideas in the main body paragraphs. I'm tempted to refer to this as the 'muscle' on top of the skeleton's bones!

Here's an example of a full paragraph:

(1)?On the other hand, school teachers may contribute almost as much as parents to the development of a child.?(2)?Teachers educate large groups of children together, which means that they must train pupils to work with their peers and respect other members of the class.?(3)?Pupils also learn to behave sensibly in lessons, regardless of the distractions around them, and to follow instructions given to them by teaching staff.?(4)?These behavioural skills will be crucial in later life.?(5)?In the workplace, for example, adults are expected to work in teams, listen to each other, and follow the instructions of a manager or company director.

Notice how I "build" the paragraph using 5 sentences:

Topic sentence introducing the main idea - the role of teachers in children's development.

One aspect of this role - training children to work with others.

Another aspect of this role - children learn to behave and follow instructions.

Why the two points above are important - for later life.

Examples - work in teams, follow a manager's instructions.

2個idea的主題段落
Wednesday, September 20, 2017

IELTS Writing Task 2: paragraph with two ideas

If you've read enough of my blog lessons, you'll know that I often include three ideas in my main body paragraphs (e.g. firstly, secondly, finally). But what if you only have two ideas? Let's have a look at a "two-idea" paragraph today.

Here's my plan for a 5-sentence paragraph about the negatives of CCTV:

Topic sentence:?there are two main arguments against CCTV

The first negative:?video cameras in public invade our privacy

Explain more:?intrusive, feels like state control, curtails our freedom

The second negative:?cameras instead of police officers

Explain more:?if cameras replace police, we will not feel safer

And here's my 5-sentence paragraph using the ideas above:

There are two main reasons why people might disapprove of the use of video cameras in public places.[1] The first objection is that these cameras invade our privacy, in the sense that we are constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms.[2] Many people find this intrusive and feel that the recording of their movements is a form of state control that curtails their individual freedom. [3]The second argument against the proliferation of CCTV cameras is that they are being used as an alternative to police officers patrolling the streets. [4]If this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely that members of the public will feel safer.[5]

Wednesday, July 11, 2012
IELTS Writing Task 2: from ideas to paragraph

I always tell my students to plan ideas for their main body paragraphs. Let's look at how to put some ideas together to make a paragraph. Here's the question:

The main reason people go to work is to earn money.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ideas for one main paragraph:

agree that money is the main reason people work

people look at salary first, they rarely take a salary cut

need to live, pay bills, food etc.

look after our families, save for the future

otherwise, most people would probably choose not to work

Full paragraph using the ideas above:

I agree that the majority of people work in order to earn money. [1]Before taking any other factors into account, it is normal to first consider the salary that a particular post offers, and it is rare to hear of a person who happily takes a cut in pay when beginning a new job. [2]We all need money to pay for our basic necessities, such as accommodation, bills and food.[3] Many adults also have families who depend on the wages they earn, and at the same time they are conscious of the need to save for the future.[4] If we no longer needed money, I doubt most of us would choose to continue in our jobs.[5]

Saturday, October 08, 2011

IELTS Writing: 5 sentence paragraphs

When writing main body paragraphs for IELTS writing task 2, try to aim for five sentences. For example:

Topic sentence (e.g. There are several reasons why I believe...)

First reason

Example

Second reason

Third reason

Another example:

Topic sentence (e.g. Many people believe that...)

Explain why

Explain in more detail

Example

Explain why they disagree with the opposite view

Before you start writing it's a good idea to make some notes. Try to organise your notes according to this 5-sentence paragraph structure.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

IELTS Writing Task 2: plan for 5-sentence paragraphs

Over the last few weeks I've been using this question:

Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be?

Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

Here's my plan for the two main body paragraphs, each with 5 sentences:

First main paragraph: Why could this be?

Topic sentence - several reasons

First reason - budgets for action, special effects, spectacular locations

Example - Hollywood blockbusters like?Avatar?or James Bond films

Second reason - the most famous actors, actresses and directors

Final reason - poor quality local filmmaking in many countries

Second main paragraph: Should governments give financial support?

一個主意的拓展

Topic sentence - governments should support local film industries

Explain why - talented local film-makers need opportunities

Explain more - they need money to pay film crews, actors etc.

Explain consequences - would lead to employment, income, tourism

Example - invent an example about your country!

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

IELTS Writing Task 2: two-part conclusion

Here's the introduction that I wrote for last week's lesson:

It is true that foreign films are more popular in many countries than domestically produced films. There could be several reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.

Now, here's my conclusion:

In conclusion, I believe that increased financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the market.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

IELTS Writing Task 2: from plan to paragraph

If you have a 5-idea plan, it should be relatively easy to write a paragraph. Just make each point in your plan into a sentence. For example:

5-idea plan for "why people prefer foreign films"

Topic sentence - several reasons

First reason - budgets for action, special effects, spectacular locations

Example - Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar or James Bond films

Second reason - the most famous actors, actresses and directors

Final reason - poor quality local filmmaking in many countries

Full paragraph with 5-sentences (one for each idea)

There are?several reasons?why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced in their own countries. [1]Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries have huge?budgets for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular locations.[2] Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are examples?of such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable.[3] Another reason why these big-budget films are so successful is that they often star?the most famous actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished producers and?directors. [4]The?poor quality, low-budget filmmaking?in many countries suffers in comparison.[5]

(106 words)

In my view, governments should support local film industries financially. [1]In every country, there may be talented amateur film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to prove themselves. [2]To compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people need money to pay for film crews, actors and a host of other costs related to producing high-quality films. [3]If governments did help with these costs, they would see an increase in employment in the film industry, income from film sales, and perhaps even a rise in tourist numbers. [4]New Zealand, for example, has seen an increase in tourism related to the 'Lord of the Rings' films, which were partly funded by government subsidies.[5]

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

IELTS Writing Task 2: main paragraph methods

I always tell my students to choose a method and stick to it. For main paragraphs, I teach them two easy ways to organise their ideas:

Idea, explain, example:?If you have one main idea, this easy format will help you to build a good paragraph. To see an example, look at paragraph 3 in?this essay.

Firstly, secondly, finally:?If you have two or three ideas, just use this format. Miss the "finally" if you only have two ideas, and remember that you can use alternative words for the same structure (e.g. The main reason, another reason, also, furthermore). Click?here?and?here?to see examples.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'homework' essay

Here's my full essay for the question below.

Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

People’s opinions differ as to whether or not school children should be given homework. While there are some strong arguments against the setting of homework, I still believe that it is a necessary aspect of education.

There are several reasons why people might argue that homework is an unnecessary burden on children. [1]Firstly, there is evidence to support the idea that homework does nothing to improve educational outcomes. [2]Countries such as Finland, where school children are not given homework, regularly top international educational league tables and outperform nations where setting homework is the norm. [3]Secondly, many parents would agree that the school day is already long enough, and leaves their children too tired to do further study when they return home.[4] Finally, it is recognised that play time is just as beneficial as study time from the perspective of brain development.[5]

In spite of the above arguments, I support the view that homework has an important role to play in the schooling of children. [1]The main benefit of homework is that it encourages independent learning and problem solving, as children are challenged to work through tasks alone and at their own pace.[2] In doing so, students must apply the knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom. [3]For example, by doing mathematics exercises at home, students consolidate their understanding of the concepts taught by their teacher at school. [4]In my view, it is important for children to develop an independent study habit because this prepares them to work alone as adults.[5]

In conclusion, homework certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe that the benefits outweigh them in the long term.

(270 words, band 9)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

IELTS Writing Task 2: firstly, secondly, finally

The paragraph I wrote forlast week's lesson(repeated below) is structured in the following way:

1. Topic sentence

2. Firstly

3. Example

4. Secondly

5. Finally

I think this is a good way to organise a paragraph. However, it's best not to use the same structure twice in one essay. Compare the two paragraphs below. How did I structure the second one to avoid repeating "Firstly, Secondly, Finally"?

First main paragraph

There are good reasons why some people feel the need to make significant changes to their lives from time to time.?Firstly, any new situation that a person encounters can be an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. A new job, for instance, might present challenges that push the person to adapt, acquire new knowledge, or add to his or her skill set.?Secondly, a change can represent a break with the past and an old routine which has become boring and predictable.?Finally, as well as making life more fun and interesting, new experiences can be good for our physical and mental health.

Second main paragraph

On the other hand, it is understandable why people might avoid change. Whenever people are forced to change their lifestyles, jobs or even to move house, they are likely to experience stress and worry as they try to adapt to the new situation. By contrast, we feel comfortable and confident when we stay with what we know. The decision to persist with a course of action or stick to one chosen path often leads to greater success in life. For example, by staying in the same job for many years, a person can become an expert in his or her field, which will lead to better opportunities for promotions and career progression.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

IELTS Writing Task 2: firstly, secondly, finally

A few people have asked me whether using "firstly, secondly, finally" to organise a paragraph is too?easy.

My answer is that using easy organising language like "firstly, secondly, finally" allows you to focus on the?real content?of what you are writing - topic vocabulary, collocations, examples. This is what the examiner wants to see. You can get a band 9 using "firstly, secondly, finally" if the ideas between these linking words are good.

Some simple alternatives to "firstly, secondly, finally" could be:

The main reason why I believe... is... / Another argument is... / Also,...

One problem is that... / Furthermore,... / Another drawback is that...

From a business perspective,... / In terms of education,... / From a social point of view,... (this could work for the paragraph in?last week's lesson)

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'technology' essay

Several people have asked me about this question from Cambridge IELTS 8. I wrote the essay below with the help of some of my students. A few simple linking features are highlighted.

Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make??Has this been a positive or negative development?

It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people. [1]Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and negative effects.[2]

Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life. [1]Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting each other. [2]Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and teachers.[3] For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or country. [4]Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.[5]

On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. [1]Cooperation between people in different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or telegrams.[2] Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or social contexts. [3]On the other hand, the availability of new communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction. [4]For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing with their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real friendships.[5]

In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people, but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.

(257 words, band 9)