Notes/IELTS/Cambridge IELTS 5-19 writing Task 2.md

Cambridge 5

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (C5T1)

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

250 words

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this. (C5T2)

Some people believe that sense of competition should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. (C5T3)

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. which do you consider to be the major influence? (C5T4)

Cambridge 6

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising, not the real need of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (C6T1)

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C6T2)

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C6T3)

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C6T4)

Cambridge 7

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport and 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 views and give your own opinion. (C7T1)

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C7T2)

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? (C7T3)

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer. What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university? (C7T4)

Cambridge 8

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 views and give your own opinion. (C8T1)

Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make? How this become a positive or negative development? (C8T2)

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective? (C8T3)

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them? (C8T4)

Cambridge 9

Some experts 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 outweigh the disadvantages? (C9T1)

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree? (C9T2)

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C9T3)

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (C9T4)

Cambridge 10

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 behavior to children? (C10T1)

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C10T2)

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 a negative development? (C10T3)

Many museums charge for admission while others think that they should be free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages? (C10T4)

Cambridge 11

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? (C11T1)

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste? (C11T2)

Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. (C11T3)

Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C11T4)

Cambridge 12

Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to share freely. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C12T5)

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages? (C12T6)

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C12T7)

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C12T8)

Cambridge 13

Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (C13T1)

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (C13T2)

Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C13T3)

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this case? What can be done about this problem? (C13T4)

Cambridge 14

Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situation. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C14T1)

Positive:

• Statement: Mental health leads to ultimate well-being.
• Reasoning: Happiness is the only sensible and motivational reason of human. Positive cognition intermediates wealth's effect on happiness.
• Example: Research conducted by UCL: correlation between fortune and happiness is not significant enough, even lower than geographical differences (Should use ANOVA actually)

Negative:

• Fight for people's right (social welfare)
• Statement: Not an individual issue but a systematic problem.
• Reasoning: The world has enough for everyone's need but not everyone's greed (cite: Gandhi). Workers should fight for their right and power in wealth allocations. Though enhancing the social welfare, people with difficulty at time could be helped.
• Example: South and North Korea.

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C14T2)

Main problem type (similar to the science one in 2.1.4 Note - IELTS Writing)

Species extinguishment:

• Statement: saving other creatures is saving human's future.
• Reasoning1: disruption the food chain and trigger more extinguishment of creature, and finally treating the exist of human.
• Example1: Chinese yummy fish was distinguished 50 years ago, leading a rapid duplication of zooplankton in Dongting Lake, which is the main habitat of it...blablabla
• Reasoning2: (Further) Human is taking part in this circle...
• Example2: Shark and whale are no longer enough for hunt -> of food shortage

Other Problems:

• Statement: Other environmental concern also threating human beings.
• Reasoning1: Global warming is taking land from human.
• Example1: Data, people lose around 2 million square kilometres if the sea levels rise by 1 meter (cite)
• Reasoning2: Garbage/pollution concern, physical health.
• Example2: Japan factory lead 50% population in a village dead for drinking polluted water

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (C14T3)

Negative (Counter argument):

• Statement: Used for propaganda leads deglobalization.
• Reasoning: Being limited, not the sound of people but the tool for government.
• Example: North Korea

Positive1:

• Statement: Universal language bring the same mood to all walks of life.
• Reasoning1: Human nature
• Evidence1: study about human reaction maybe brain MRI when given autistic cue.

Positive2:

• Reasoning2: Sign and statement of sort of spirit.
• Example2: Les Miserable received universal praise and make people from different country feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves, even nation (event needed).

Nowadays, many people choose to be self-employed rather than to work for a company or organization. What might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed? (C14T4)

Cambridge 15

In some countries, owning a house 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? (C15T1)

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? (C15T2)

Positive (Fact):

• Statement: The history is happening (Hamilton? hah), and will be the trend in the future.
• Statement: Highly enhanced the accessibility of knowledge.
• Reasoning: Poor students, researchers who may have
• Example: Poor region cannot afford newspaper and become barrier for research.

Negative (Consequence):

• Statement: But at what cost?
• Reasoning1: Free content goes hand in hand bias because of sponsored advertisement. Employees need to bring home the bacon, and enterprise need to make ends meet. -> Sponsorship -> avoid content harmful for sponsors.
• Example1: China Southern vs. Hong Kong daily which hand out in the tube for free.
• Reasoning2: Violate copyrights, people will have less interest in publications.
• Example2: Sci-Hub and z-library are banded for piracy.

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. (C15T3)

While some advocate for stricter restrictions on crime reporting, others argue for nuanced regulations .== Overall, the restriction should be balanced by taking social and individual factors in assessment.

Though, reporting elaborated descriptions are leading negative social consequences. ==Criminal details are risky in provoking crimes== by providing feasible means and mentally inspirations of offensive behaviour. A study conducted by Dr. Timmers at the University of Edinburgh indicates that individuals who watched detailed-crime documentary (compared with who read a short report) had a significant higher malice level in follow-up measurement (1- week and 5-weeks intervals).

However, adding restrictions conflicts with the freedom of speech. Publishers should have their right to print and distribute and ==excessive== limitations in content is harm to the publishing industry. ==Press freedom, while sacrosanct in democratic societies, must be balanced against social responsibilities. There are still few authoritarian regions in the world, especially in parts of Asia, showing how extreme media control can suppress social development.==

Furthermore, accurate crime reporting enhances public awareness, enabling them to adopt appropriate preventions. In China, the government has investigated a series of public education programs in fraud offence, effectively reducing the incidence by revealing the detail of it. In which program, citizens are imparted with popular fraud strategy, template, and behaviour patterns. Empowered by the knowledge, people are more likely to notice the fraud crime at the first time.

Ultimately, comprehensive reports on media have positive impact of the society and individual in personal developmental, political, and security perspective.

In some countries, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? (C15T4)

Cambridge 16

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this? (C16T1) Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasize that their products are new in some ways. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development? (C16T2)

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. (C16T3)

Feasibility:    - Statement: Feasible, reference to tobacco in HK.  - Reasoning: Higher cost reduce the intention of purchase.  - Example: HK implement -> Decreased for 30% compared to before at 10-year anniversary of the policy.

Consequance1 (If not):

• Statement: Public Health, issues.
• Reasoning: If not regulated, health issue will become burden of public medication system.
• Example: Data, diabetes trend, statistics of system.

Concequance2 (If):

 - Statement: Finance income -> health infrastructure  - Reasoning: Like buying an insurance for diabetes when

In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages? (C16T4)

Cambridge 17

It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages? (C17T1) Given reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? (C17T2) Given reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and given your own opinion. (C17T3)

Positive:

• Statement: Regulation system.
• Reasoning: requirement and legislation of differs from regions, which may leads to practical inconvenience.
• Reasoning: professionals trait: need high regulation and certification. Lawyer - Law -> doctor & engineer - local regulation
• Example: China-built building in India just fallen and report indicates regulation is not fully followed because the difference between Chinese one and India one are not noticed by engineers -> climate and geographical difference leads such subtle difference

Negative:

• Statement: Exchange knowledge and import latest technique.
• Reasoning: Study aboard is one of the most important way to bring latest idea back to motherland.
• Example: Qing dynasty sent international student to America, bring back latest political idea.
• Example: Chinese doctor Luan Bian performed the first brain surgery in 19s with knowledge learnt from America and started the research in China, spreading intelligence in China (joking).

Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? (C17T4)

Cambridge 18

The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

While scientifical advancement undeniably enhanced living standards and life quality, I do not agree that human should put the major objective of science on it.

Admittedly, science has improved people's life quality by providing evolutionary health care and maintain. Thanks to it, the average age of human has been increased to around 82 years old according to World Health Organization. More and more illness and painfulness are being removed from the world, people are no longer suffered as before. However, this is not the only perspective of science.

Protection of environment is beneficial for mankind in long-term. Scientific investment in proactive ecological intervention prolongs the corruption of the last and only homeland of human, and is a worthy trade. Spending every one dollar on eco-friendly research saves seven dollars in future remediation, claimed by the World Bank in 2023. Actually, scientist has been done plenty of works on it. For example, a pesticide called DDT was widely used in last century but has replaced by newer medicine due to its pollution problem.

On the other hand, the intrinsic value of the science is to reveal principles of the universe. Disregard of applied science, basic researches, which has no visible value at present, are constructing the backbone of human techniques. ==As National Science Foundation data shows, 75% of major 21st-century innovations trace their origins to curiosity-driven studies conducted decades prior. This demonstrates that while applied science improves humans life, basic research discovers new possibility of human future.==

Conclusively, scientific progress serves humanity not only in live quality, but also in other equal-important objectives.

Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Positive:

• Statement: Study effective and promote cross-subject application.
• Reasoning1: Interest is the best teacher (Chinese idiom?),
• Example1: Research study with interest is 50% faster than who don't.
• Reasoning2: Science and technology develops by hybrid: cross-subject discipline break the barrier and take advantage for different field.
• Example2: Few latest psychology research are heading to AI based psychometrics.

Negative:

• Statement: Diploma and certificate are qualified measurement for people, which is the key objective for school.
• Reasoning1: prove one is capable to perform professional function.
• Example1: Lawyer -> diploma+certification; Psycho-Therapist -> master in Psychology ...
• Reasoning2: Helps people stand out in competition.
• Example2: General requirement for most giant companies are master degree in china.

Opinion:

• depends on career approach.

In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?

Cambridge 19

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Positive:

• Statement: Motivate progress.
• Reasoning1: Human nature and interest driven.
• Example1: KPI -> overall high performance/Chinese education
• Reasoning2: Better commodity in the market.
• Example2: Phone market -> new technology -> benefits customer

Negative:

• Statement: Giant ambitious needs group of people.
• Reasoning1: Human cannot be expert in every single field -> help each other.
• Example1: Function and department in group and enterprise.
• Reasoning2: Judging the succession solely on the result of competition leads to unethical conduct.
• Example2: Plagiarism problem + data.

Opinion:

• should make the objective clear - make them as tool but not goal and just play the game.

The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Do you agree or disagree?

The working days should be shorter so that the weekend can be longer. I firmly agree with that because it is feasible and beneficial.

Shorten the working time is overall elevating the efficiency of a business by broaden sources of income and reduce expenditure. Less more office time can save administrative costs such as electricity, water, and commute. For example, change a 5-days working scheme to a 4-days scheme is saving the overall cost by 20%. As for increasing the profit, researchers from the university of Manchester claim that the business income will rise 4.5% through increasing staff welfare by 10%. Some companies in north Europe are already applied a 4-days working schedule. In Singapore, the government even demand employers to provide flexible working options to their employee, including 4-days working scheme.

Longer weekend is a key to the growth of the tertiary industrial and the economic. Long working time is torturing people by exhausting their psychological energy, depressing their need in entertainments. With more personal time, the population will have higher intention in self-cares and pleasures. With which need enhancement, the market should stimulate rapid expansion in leisure, tourism, and wellness industries. Cinemas, restaurants, and gyms witness 18-25% revenue surges during extended weekends according to Singapore Tourism Board statistics. This consumption-driven economic cycle ultimately increases tax revenues and creates 1.3 million service sector jobs annually in Asia-Pacific regions, as reported by International Labour Organization.

In conclusion, shorter working days with longer weekend is practicable and is what it should be.

It is important for everyone, including young people, to save money for their future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Positive:

• Statement: Safety and future.
• Reasoning1: Financial preparation for uncertainty.
• Example1: Pandemic & 2008 financial crisis, and health problem
• Reasoning2: Save for house, car and whatever

Negative1:

• Statement: bad for economy.
• Reasoning: consume -> run the market -> heathy inflation
• Example: Compare CN and US.

Negative2:

• Statement: Investment saves and make money.
• Reasoning: Invest oneself (self growth) or in found (against inflation)
• Example: calculus.

In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?