Bài mẫu Writing Task 2
Bài mẫu Writing Task 2
Bài mẫu Writing Task 2
“It is true that ex-prisoners can become normal, productive members of society. I
completely agree with the idea that allowing such people to speak to teenagers about
their experiences is the best way to discourage them from breaking the law.
In my opinion, teenagers are more likely to accept advice from someone who can speak
from experience. Reformed offenders can tell young people about how they became
involved in crime, the dangers of a criminal lifestyle, and what life in prison is really
like. They can also dispel any ideas that teenagers may have about criminals leading
glamorous lives. While adolescents are often indifferent to the guidance given by older
people, I imagine that most of them would be extremely keen to hear the stories of an
ex-offender. The vivid and perhaps shocking nature of these stories is likely to have a
powerful impact.
The alternatives to using reformed criminals to educate teenagers about crime would be
much less effective. One option would be for police officers to visit schools and talk to
young people. This could be useful in terms of informing teens about what happens to
lawbreakers when they are caught, but young people are often reluctant to take advice
from figures of authority. A second option would be for school teachers to speak to their
students about crime, but I doubt that students would see teachers as credible sources of
information about this topic. Finally, educational films might be informative, but there
would be no opportunity for young people to interact and ask questions.
In conclusion, I fully support the view that people who have turned their lives around
after serving a prison sentence could help to deter teenagers from committing crimes.”
Some people think that all teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free
time to help the local community. They believe this would benefit both the individual
teenager and society as a whole.
“Many young people work on a volunteer basis, and this can only be beneficial for both
the individual and society as a whole. However, I do not agree that we should therefore
force all teenagers to do unpaid work.
Most young people are already under enough pressure with their studies, without being
given the added responsibility of working in their spare time. School is just as
demanding as a full-time job, and teachers expect their students to do homework and
exam revision on top of attending lessons every day. When young people do have some
free time, we should encourage them to enjoy it with their friends or to spend it doing
sports and other leisure activities. They have many years of work ahead of them when
they finish their studies.
At the same time, I do not believe that society has anything to gain from obliging young
people to do unpaid work. In fact, I would argue that it goes against the values of a free
and fair society to force a group of people to do something against their will. Doing this
can only lead to resentment amongst young people, who would feel that they were being
used, and parents, who would not want to be told how to raise their children. Currently,
nobody is forced to volunteer, and this is surely the best system.
In conclusion, teenagers may choose to work for free and help others, but in my opinion
we should not make this compulsory.”
Từ vựng:
The older generations tend to have very traditional ideas about how people should live,
think and behave. However, some people believe that these ideas are not helpful in
preparing younger generations for modern life.
“It is true that many older people believe in traditional values that often seem
incompatible with the needs of younger people. While I agree that some traditional
ideas are outdated, I believe that others are still useful and should not be forgotten.
On the one hand, many of the ideas that elderly people have about life are becoming less
relevant for younger people. In the past, for example, people were advised to learn a
profession and find a secure job for life, but today’s workers expect much more variety
and diversity from their careers. At the same time, the ‘rules’ around relationships are
being eroded as young adults make their own choices about who and when to marry.
But perhaps the greatest disparity between the generations can be seen in their attitudes
towards gender roles. The traditional roles of men and women, as breadwinners and
housewives, are no longer accepted as necessary or appropriate by most younger people.
On the other hand, some traditional views and values are certainly applicable to the
modern world. For example, older generations attach great importance to working
hard, doing one’s best, and taking pride in one’s work, and these behaviours can surely
benefit young people as they enter today’s competitive job market. Other characteristics
that are perhaps seen as traditional are politeness and good manners. In our globalised
world, young adults can expect to come into contact with people from a huge variety of
backgrounds, and it is more important than ever to treat others with respect. Finally, I
believe that young people would lead happier lives if they had a more ‘old-fashioned’
sense of community and neighbourliness.
In conclusion, although the views of older people may sometimes seem unhelpful in
today’s world, we should not dismiss all traditional ideas as irrelevant.”
Từ vựng:
1. Ví dụ 1
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to
reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
“It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent
years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe
that the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks.
There are two main reasons why people might disapprove of the use of video cameras in
public places. 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.
Many people find this intrusive and feel that the recording of their movements is a form
of state control that curtails their individual freedom. The second argument against the
proliferation of CCTV cameras is that they are being used as an alternative to police
officers patrolling the streets. If this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely that
members of the public will feel safer.
In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to
monitor public areas is a positive measure. The key objective of video surveillance is to
deter criminals and to prevent crime. For example, petty criminals like shoplifters and
pickpockets are less likely to operate in parts of cities where they know that they are
being watched. At the same time, when crimes are committed, the police can use video
evidence to catch and prosecute offenders. Therefore, in my view, video cameras offer
valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for inhabitants, workers
and visitors alike.
In conclusion, it seems to me that we gain more than we lose from the enhanced security
that CCTV cameras bring to our cities.”
2. Ví dụ 2
Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?
“It is true that online courses are becoming a common feature of university education.
Although there are some drawbacks of Internet-based learning, I would argue that
there are far more benefits.
The main drawback of the trend towards online university courses is that there is less
direct interaction. Students may not have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with
their teachers, and will instead have to rely on written forms of communication.
Similarly, students who study online do not come into direct contact with each other,
and this could have a negative impact on peer support, discussion and exchange of
ideas. For example, whereas students on traditional courses can attend seminars and
even discuss their subjects over coffee after lessons, online learners are restricted to
chatting through website forum areas. These learners may also lack the motivation and
element of competition that face-to-face group work brings.
Despite the negatives mentioned above, I believe that online university courses are a
positive development for various reasons. Firstly, they allow learners to study in a
flexible way, meaning that they can work whenever and wherever is convenient, and
they can cover the material at their own pace. Secondly, the cost of a university
education can be greatly reduced, while revenues for institutions may increase as more
students can be taught. Finally, online learning offers open access to anybody who is
willing to study, regardless of age, location, ability and background. For example, my
uncle, who is 65 years old, has recently enrolled on an online MBA course in a different
country, which would have been impossible in the days before Internet-based education.
Từ vựng:
- come into direct contact with: tiếp xúc trực tiếp với
- peer (N): người cùng tuổi, ngang hàng
- flexible (A): linh động
- motivation (N): động lực
3. Ví dụ 3
Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool.
Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse effect on the people who
play them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?
“Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing computer games. While I
accept that these games can sometimes have a positive effect on the user, I believe that
they are more likely to have a harmful impact.
On the one hand, video games can be both entertaining and educational. Users, or
gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and engaging
than real-life pastimes. From an educational perspective, these games encourage
imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem
solving, all of which are useful skills outside the gaming context. Furthermore, it has
been shown that computer simulation games can improve users’ motor skills and help
to prepare them for real-world tasks, such as flying a plane.
However, I would argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming
can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets and
frequent rewards to keep them playing. Many children now spend hours each day
trying to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their
friends. This type of addiction can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at
school, when homework is sacrificed for a few more hours on the computer or console.
The rise in obesity in recent years has also been linked in part to the sedentary lifestyle
and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.
In conclusion, it seems to me that the potential dangers of video games are more
significant than the possible benefits.”
Từ vựng:
III. Discussion
1. Ví dụ 1
Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful
career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school.
“When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or
continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after
school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.
The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many
young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can
become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family.
In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue
their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real
experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to
promotions and a successful career.
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their
studies. Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example,
it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant
degree. As a result, university graduates have access to more and better job
opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications.
Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are
hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have
qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete.
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be
successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.”
Từ vựng:
Some people believe that developments in the field of artificial intelligence will have a
positive impact on our lives in the near future. Others, by contrast, are worried that we are
not prepared for a world in which computers are more intelligent than humans. Discuss
both of these views and give your own opinion.
“People seem to be either excited or worried about the future impact of artificial
intelligence. Personally I can understand the two opposing points of view; I am both
fascinated by developments in artificial intelligence and apprehensive about its possible
negative effects.
On the one hand, the increasing intelligence of technology should bring some obvious
benefits. Machines are clearly able to do many jobs better than humans can, especially
in areas that require high levels of accuracy or calculations using large amounts of data.
For example, robots are being developed that can carry out surgical procedures with
greater precision than a human doctor, and we already have cars that use sensors and
cameras to drive themselves. Such technologies can improve safety by reducing the
likelihood of human errors. It is easy to imagine how these developments, and many
others, will steadily improve our quality of life.
On the other hand, I share the concerns of people who believe that artificial intelligence
may harm us if we are not careful. In the short term, it is likely that we will see a rise in
unemployment as workers in various industries are replaced by machines or software
programs. For example, self-driving vehicles are expected to cause redundancies in
driving jobs, such as lorry drivers, taxi drivers and bus drivers. In the medium term, if
intelligent technologies gradually take jobs away from humans, we may find that people
become deskilled and lose their sense of purpose in life. A longer term fear is that
computers become so intelligent that they begin to make decisions without human
oversight and without regard for our well-being.
In conclusion, while intelligent machines will no doubt improve our lives in many ways,
the potential risks of such technologies should not be ignored.”
Từ vựng:
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.
There are several reasons why people might argue that homework is an unnecessary
burden on children. Firstly, there is evidence to support the idea that homework does
nothing to improve educational outcomes. 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. 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. Finally, it is recognised that play time
is just as beneficial as study time from the perspective of brain development.
In spite of the above arguments, I support the view that homework has an important
role to play in the schooling of children. 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. In doing so, students must apply the
knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom. For example, by doing mathematics
exercises at home, students consolidate their understanding of the concepts taught by
their teacher at school. In my view, it is important for children to develop an
independent study habit because this prepares them to work alone as adults.
In conclusion, homework certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe that the benefits
outweigh them in the long term.”
Từ vựng:
1. Ví dụ 1
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the
impact of ageing populations.
“It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever
before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend,
societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.
As people live longer and the populations of developed countries grow older, several
related problems can be anticipated. The main issue is that there will obviously be more
people of retirement age who will be eligible to receive a pension. The proportion of
younger, working adults will be smaller, and governments will therefore receive less
money in taxes in relation to the size of the population. In other words, an ageing
population will mean a greater tax burden for working adults. Further pressures will
include a rise in the demand for healthcare, and the fact young adults will increasingly
have to look after their elderly relatives.
There are several actions that governments could take to solve the problems described
above. Firstly, a simple solution would be to increase the retirement age for working
adults, perhaps from 65 to 70. Nowadays, people of this age tend to be healthy enough to
continue a productive working life. A second measure would be for governments to
encourage immigration in order to increase the number of working adults who pay
taxes. Finally, money from national budgets will need to be taken from other areas and
spent on vital healthcare, accommodation and transport facilities for the rising numbers
of older citizens.
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to
arise as the populations of countries grow older.”
Từ vựng:
More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can be
extremely difficult. Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city. How can
governments make urban life better for everyone?
“Cities are often seen as places of opportunity, but there are also some major
drawbacks of living in a large metropolis. In my opinion, governments could do much
more to improve city life for the average inhabitant.
The main problem for anyone who hopes to migrate to a large city is that the cost of
living is likely to be much higher than it is in a small town or village. Inhabitants of
cities have to pay higher prices for housing, transport, and even food. Another issue is
that urban areas tend to suffer from social problems such as high crime and poverty
rates in comparison with rural areas. Furthermore, the air quality in cities is often poor,
due to pollution from traffic, and the streets and public transport systems are usually
overcrowded. As a result, city life can be unhealthy and stressful.
However, there are various steps that governments could take to tackle these problems.
Firstly, they could invest money in the building of affordable or social housing to reduce
the cost of living. Secondly, politicians have the power to ban vehicles from city centres
and promote the use of cleaner public transport, which would help to reduce both air
pollution and traffic congestion. In London, for example, the introduction of a
congestion charge for drivers has helped to curb the traffic problem. A third option
would be to develop provincial towns and rural areas, by moving industry and jobs to
those regions, in order to reduce the pressure on major cities.
Từ vựng:
1. Ví dụ 1
Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could
this be?
“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.
There are various reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the
films produced in their own countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain
countries have huge budgets for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular
locations. Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are examples
of such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. 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. The
poor quality, low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in comparison.
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.”
(294 words, band 9), IELTS Simon
Từ vựng:
- domestically produced films: các phim được sản xuất trong nước
- local film - making: ngành làm phim nội địa
- to subsidy (V): trợ cấp
- have huge budgets: có ngân sách lớn
- blockbuster (N): phim bom tấn
- accomplished (A): tài giỏi, xuất chúng
- financial support: trợ cấp tài chính
- raise the quality of locally made films: tăng chất lượng của phim sản xuất trong nước
- compete with: cạnh tranh với
- to dominate (V): thống trị
2. Ví dụ 2
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out
to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative
development?
“It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband, while
more women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several
reasons for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal
rights movements have made great progress, and it has become normal for women to
gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men
to stay at home and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living
has meant that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before
starting a family. Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who works
and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each partner, or based
on which partner earns the most money.
In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider
changes in society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.”
Từ vựng:
- take on the role of: tiếp quản/ đảm nhận vai trò
- breadwinner (N): trụ cột gia đình
- to adapt to (V): thích ứng
- make great progress: tạo ra sự phát triển lớn
- pursue a career: theo đuổi sự nghiệp
- personal preference: sở thích cá nhân
- put under pressure to: gây áp lực
- to sacrifice (V): hi sinh
3. Ví dụ 3
“It is no doubt true that the majority of people would like to be happy in their lives.
While the personal nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to
be some common needs that we all share with regard to experiencing or achieving
happiness.
Từ vựng: