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IELTS Writing Task 2: Vocabulary.

Objective

This paper offers study preparation advice for those who plan to sit the General and

Academic versions of the International English Language Testing System exam. It also

offers an inventory of vocabulary that is suitable for answering writing task 2 questions.

This paper is also useful for those who teach this global English language exam.

The questions for the General and Academic versions of this exam are similar. Both

versions ask for your opinion on a particular topic and may require you to offer reasons to

support your viewpoint. General exam questions often ask whether you agree or disagree

on a viewpoint that is stated in the question. Academic exams are more likely to ask you

to discuss the extent to which you agree with a value judgement on a particular topic.

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IELTS general writing task 2 sample question

“Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development

while others think that it is important for children to go to school.

Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own

knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.”

Source:

http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-sample-tests/writing-sample-test-1-

general-training/writing-task-2

IELTS Academic writing task 2 sample question

“A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material

possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no longer seem

important.

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

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own

knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.”

Source:

http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-sample-tests/writing-sample-test-1-

academic/writing-task-2

Advice

● You may put forward any reasonable argument so long as it is relevant to the

content and instructions as stated in the question;

● You do not score a higher mark for putting forward a particular viewpoint.

You may use the word “I” in your written discussion to show that the opinion is yours.

Example: “I concur that scientific evidence proves that global warming is occurring”.

Alternatively, you may avoid using the word “I” so long as the opinion that you put

forward appears to be your own.

Example: “Scientific evidence proves that global warming is occurring”.

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Discussion

You will score a higher band grade for your use of vocabulary if you can alternate your

vocabulary each time you discuss a new idea that relates to the same theme.

Example: theme - Positive feelings towards vegetarianism.

Paragraph 1: opening sentence: Introduction to the topic and your core argument.

Paragraph 2, opening sentence: I reject the argument that people must not eat meat.

Paragraph 3, opening sentence: I am a supporter of the vegetarian lifestyle.

If you can find four thematic arguments to build your written answer, you should be able

to meet the minimum word limit imposed on this section (250 words).

If you cannot identify four thematic arguments, then you must explore fewer arguments

in more detail to meet the minimum word limit imposed on this section (250 words).

Each vocabulary section on the pages overleaf offers four alternative ways to discuss a

similar theme.

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Like

I enjoy playing cricket.

I have an affinity for playing cricket.

I have a favorable attitude towards playing cricket.

I have a positive attitude about cricket and this is why I choose to play this sport.

Dislike

I detest golf.

I do not enjoy playing golf.

I have a negative attitude towards golf.

I find golf an annoying sport to watch on television.

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Love

I adore my children.

I am fond of my husband.

I have much affection for my wife.

I have romantic feelings towards my partner.

Agree

I concur that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I also conclude that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I support the argument that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I am likewise of the opinion that information technology is an important discipline to

master.

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Disagree

I do not concur that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I reject the argument that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I am not of the opinion that information technology is an important discipline to master.

I do not conclude that information technology is an important discipline to master.

Opinions

I argue that parents should not force their offspring to pursue a career that disinterests

their children.

In my view, parents should not force their offspring to pursue a career that disinterests

their children.

I propose that parents should not force their offspring to pursue a career that disinterests

their children.

In my judgment, parents should not force their offspring to pursue a career that

disinterests their children.

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Remembering

I recall the time when I was a university student in the City of Shanghai.

I am able to recollect the time when I was a university student in Shanghai Municipality.

I frequently reminisce on the time when I was a university student in China.

I have fond memories of the time when I was a university student in Asia.

Give reasons for your answer

I argue that advances in technology have caused the standard of living to increase in

Calcutta over the past two decades.

Advances in technology provide an explanation for increases in living standards

witnessed in West Bengal State over the past two decades.

There is evidence that increases in living standards in India that have been witnessed over

the past two decades are due to advances in technology.

Rapid increases in living standards that have occurred throughout the Indian subcontinent

during the new millennium are attributable to technological advances.

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To what extent do you agree?

Straightforward answers:

I totally agree.

I mostly agree.

I mostly disagree.

I totally disagree.

Complex answers:

I am neutral.

*I am unable to form an opinion.

*Be sure to address the question in full and explain why you are unable to form an

opinion.

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Advantages

Earning a higher salary is a benefit of higher education that most college students hope to

attain after they graduate.

The ability of graduates to command a higher salary is one of the merits of a college

education.

Earning a higher salary is a favorable outcome that most college students hope to attain

after they graduate.

Earning a higher salary is a positive outcome that most college students hope to attain

after they graduate.

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Disadvantages

Earning a below average salary is a downside experienced by most students who do not

complete their studies.

Many students who do not complete their studies find it challenging to command an

above average salary when they seek employment.

Earning a below average salary is an unfavorable situation experienced by many people

who do not graduate from a technical college.

Earning a below average salary is a negative outcome experienced by many people who

do not graduate from a vocational college.

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Relevant examples

Personal experiences

Theoretical examples

Contemporary examples: local, national, regional or global

Historical examples: local, national, regional or global.

NEVER UNDERLINE WORDS IN YOUR WRITTEN IELTS ANSWERS

UNLESS THE QUESTION INSTRUCTS YOU TO DO SO.

This document is updated periodically. A digital copy is available at:

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Please visit the School’s other IELTS web pages at:

http://www.thefreeschool.education/home.html

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