Category: IELTS Academic Writing Tests

The chart shows the percentage change in average house prices in five cities between 1990 and 2002 compared with the average house prices in 1989.

Overall, house prices in all five cities increased between 1996 and 2002 compared to 1989, except for Frankfurt. The largest increase was in London, at 12.4%, followed by New York at 4.8% and Madrid at 4.0%. Tokyo and Frankfurt saw smaller increases of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively.

Between 1990 and 1995, house prices in three of the five cities decreased compared to 1989. The largest decrease was in Tokyo, at -7.2%, followed by London at -6.9% and New York at -4.9%. However, house prices in Madrid and Frankfurt increased during this period, by 2.3% and 3.0%, respectively.

The two largest changes in house prices over the entire period (1990-2002) were both in London. Between 1990 and 1995, house prices in London fell by 6.9%, but then they rebounded to increase by 12.4% between 1996 and 2002. This means that by 2002, house prices in London were still 5.5% higher than they were in 1989.

Frankfurt was the only city that did not experience a significant change in house prices over the entire period. House prices in Frankfurt increased by a modest 0.4% between 1990 and 2002.

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 fulfilment 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 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.

The table provides a snapshot of consumer spending habits in five different countries in 2002.

Overall, all five countries spent the most on food, drinks, and tobacco. The percentage of spending on this category ranged from 15.77% in Sweden to 32.14% in Turkey.

Turkey had the highest spending on food, drinks, and tobacco, followed by Ireland, Spain, Italy, and then Sweden. This suggests that there may be cultural or economic factors that lead Turkish and Irish consumers to spend a larger proportion of their income on these items.

Italy had the highest spending on clothing and footwear, followed by Spain, Turkey, Ireland, and then Sweden. This could be due to a number of factors, such as the importance of fashion in Italian culture or the fact that Italy has a large clothing manufacturing industry.

Sweden had the highest spending on leisure and education, followed by Italy, Spain, Ireland, and then Turkey. This suggests that Swedish consumers may place a higher value on leisure activities and education than consumers in the other countries.

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.

The graph shows energy consumption in the US from 1980 to 2012, and projected consumption to 2030.

Petrol and oil are the dominant fuel sources throughout this period, with 35 quadrillion (35q) units used in 1980, rising to 42q in 2012. Despite some initial fluctuation, from 1995 there was a steady increase. This is expected to continue, reaching 47q in 2030.

Consumption of energy derived from natural gas and coal is similar over the period. From 20q and 15q respectively in 1980, gas showed an initial fall and coal a gradual increase, with the two fuels equal between 1985 and 1990. Consumption has fluctuated since 1990 but both now provide 24q. Coal is predicted to increase steadily to 31q in 2030, whereas after 2014, gas will remain stable at 25q.

In 1980, energy from nuclear, hydro- and solar/wind power was equal at only 4q. Nuclear has risen by 3q, and solar/wind by 2. After slight increases, hydropower has fallen back to the 1980 figure. It is expected to maintain this level until 2030, while the others should rise slightly after 2025.

Overall, the US will continue to rely on fossil fuels, with sustainable and nuclear energy sources remaining relatively insignificant.

The extinction of languages is a complex phenomenon that raises questions about cultural diversity, identity, and the interconnectedness of the global community. While some argue that having fewer languages would simplify communication and make life easier, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint. Preserving linguistic diversity is essential for maintaining the richness of human culture, fostering understanding, and preserving unique ways of thinking.

Firstly, languages are carriers of cultural heritage and identity. Each language encapsulates the unique history, traditions, and worldview of a particular community. When a language dies, a wealth of cultural knowledge and expressions disappears with it. For example, indigenous languages often contain valuable insights into sustainable living, local ecosystems, and medicinal practices. Losing these languages means losing a part of humanity’s collective wisdom.

Secondly, linguistic diversity plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and tolerance. A world with fewer languages may seem more convenient for communication, but it also risks homogenizing cultures. Language is not just a tool for communication; it shapes the way we perceive the world. Having a variety of languages allows for different perspectives and ways of thinking, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant global society.

Furthermore, maintaining linguistic diversity has practical benefits. Languages often evolve to adapt to specific environmental or societal needs. For example, some languages have unique vocabularies related to specific landscapes or climates. Losing these languages could mean losing valuable insights into adapting to environmental challenges.

In conclusion, the extinction of languages is a matter of great concern. Preserving linguistic diversity is crucial for maintaining cultural richness, promoting understanding, and addressing practical challenges. While it might be tempting to think that life would be easier with fewer languages, the long-term consequences for human society far outweigh any short-term convenience. Efforts should be made to document, revitalize, and celebrate linguistic diversity to ensure a more vibrant and inclusive global community.

The pie charts depict the population distribution across different age groups in Yemen and Italy for the year 2000 and projections for 2050.

In 2000, Yemen had a younger population with over half being under 14, while Italy had more middle-aged citizens. By 2050, Yemen is expected to have an even younger population with over 57% being under 14, while Italy is projected to have a more balanced distribution. The younger generation (0-14 years) is projected to almost double from 14.3% in the year 2000 to approximately 24.1% by the year of prediction in Italy.

Conversely, in Yemen, the percentage of people aged between 15-59 years is expected to decrease from 50.1% to 37%. The elderly population (60+ years) will see a slight increase from 3.6% to an estimated 5.7% in Yemen, while Italy’s elderly populace is expected to decrease from 24.1% to 11.5% by 2050.

Both countries are expected to experience growth in their younger demographics but at varying degrees.

A problem of modern societies is the declining level of health in the general population, with conflicting views on how to tackle this worrying trend. One possible solution is to provide more sports facilities to encourage a more active lifestyle.

Advocates of this believe that today’s sedentary lifestyle and stressful working conditions mean that physical activity is no longer part of either our work or our leisure time. If there were easy-to-reach local sports centres, we would be more likely to make exercise a regular part of our lives, rather than just collapsing in front of a screen every evening. The variety of sports that could be offered would cater for all ages, levels of fitness and interests: those with painful memories of PE at school might be happier in the swimming pool than on the football pitch.

However, there may be better ways of tackling this problem. Interest in sport is not universal, and additional facilities might simply attract the already fit, not those who most need them. Physical activity could be encouraged relatively cheaply, for example by installing exercise equipment in parks, as my local council has done. This has the added benefit that parents and children often use them together just for fun, which develops a positive attitude to exercise at an early age.

As well as physical activity, high tax penalties could be imposed on high-fat food products, tobacco and alcohol, as excessive consumption of any of these contributes to poor health. Even improving public transport would help: it takes longer to walk to the bus stop than to the car.

In my opinion, focusing on sports facilities is too narrow an approach and would not have the desired results. People should be encouraged not only to be more physically active but also to adopt a healthier lifestyle in general.

The pie charts illustrate the linguistic diversity among British students at a particular English university in 2000 and 2010. A noticeable trend is the increase in multilingual capabilities over this decade.

In 2000, a significant majority, 30%, of students were monolingual, speaking only English. By contrast, this figure plummeted to just 15% by 2010. French was the second most common language spoken exclusively by students in both years (15% in 2000 and 10% in 2010). The proportion of German-only speakers remained constant at a modest 10%.

A striking development is observed in the category of students proficient in two or more languages other than English. In 2000, only a small fraction (10%) fell into this category; however, by 2010, this segment had surged to constitute the largest group at an impressive 35%.

Spanish-only speakers represented a consistent minority across both years at just under one-tenth of the student population.

In summary, while there was a marked decline in monolingual English-speaking students from one-third to just over one-seventh over ten years, there was an equally notable rise in polyglots fluent in two or more additional languages from one-tenth to over one-third.

I partially agree with the statement that government intervention could play a crucial role in increasing recycling rates, but I believe it is not the only solution. While legislation can set a framework and provide incentives for recycling, a holistic approach involving public awareness, education, and community engagement is equally essential.

Firstly, government regulations can be effective in promoting recycling by imposing penalties for non-compliance and offering incentives for businesses and individuals who actively participate in recycling programs. For instance, some countries have successfully implemented laws that require the separation of recyclables from general waste, encouraging citizens to be more mindful of their waste disposal habits.

However, a legal requirement alone might not be sufficient. Public awareness and education are pivotal in changing people’s attitudes towards recycling. Governments should invest in campaigns that inform citizens about the environmental benefits of recycling, the impact of waste on ecosystems, and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Additionally, community involvement through workshops and local initiatives can foster a sense of responsibility and commitment to sustainable waste management.

Moreover, infrastructure plays a significant role in facilitating recycling. Governments should invest in efficient waste collection and recycling facilities, making it convenient for people to participate in recycling programs. Accessible recycling bins in public spaces, clear guidelines on what can be recycled, and collaboration with private sectors for innovative recycling solutions are all critical components of a comprehensive strategy.

In conclusion, while government regulations are important, a multi-faceted approach involving public education, community engagement, and infrastructure development is necessary to create a sustainable and effective recycling system. A combination of legal requirements and proactive public involvement can maximize the impact on waste reduction and environmental conservation.

The chart illustrates the distribution of water usage across three different sectors: industrial, agricultural, and domestic in six distinct regions of the world.

In North America, water is almost equally distributed among industrial (48%), agricultural (39%), and domestic (13%) purposes. Europe follows a similar pattern with a slightly higher emphasis on domestic use at 53%, while industrial and agricultural uses are at 32% and 15% respectively.

South America stands out with its heavy reliance on water for agriculture at 71%, leaving only 19% for domestic use and a mere 10% for industrial purposes. Central Asia mirrors this trend but has an even higher dependence on agricultural water use at an impressive 88%.

Africa’s water usage pattern aligns more with South America and Central Asia; however, it has a slightly lower percentage allocated to agriculture (84%) but compensates with higher domestic use (9%).

South East Asia presents a balanced scenario similar to Europe but leans more towards domestic consumption which stands at 81%. Industrial use is minimal at just 7%, akin to Africa’s statistics.

In summary, there’s a clear divide where Africa, Central Asia, and South America are heavily reliant on water for agricultural purposes while Europe, North America, and South East Asia have more balanced distributions with significant allocations towards domestic consumption.

The question of whether governments should prioritize spending on railways rather than roads is a complex one, and opinions may vary based on specific circumstances and priorities. While both railways and roads are crucial components of transportation infrastructure, the optimal allocation of resources depends on various factors such as population density, geographical features, and economic considerations.

One argument in favor of investing in railways is their potential for efficiency and sustainability. Rail transport tends to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to road transportation. Trains can carry large volumes of goods and passengers over long distances with lower energy consumption per ton-mile or passenger-mile. Moreover, railways can alleviate congestion on roads, reduce air pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.

On the other hand, roads are often more versatile and accessible than railways. They provide door-to-door connectivity, allowing for more flexible point-to-point transportation. In regions with dispersed populations or where the terrain is challenging, investing in road infrastructure might be a more practical choice. Additionally, roads can be crucial for economic development, as they facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people, supporting local businesses and industries.

Countries like Japan and several European nations have successfully integrated extensive railway networks into their transportation systems, promoting efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. However, in countries with vast landscapes or lower population densities, investing in road infrastructure may be a more pragmatic approach.

In conclusion, the allocation of resources between railways and roads should be based on a careful assessment of specific geographical, economic, and environmental factors. Both modes of transportation play vital roles, and a balanced approach that considers the unique needs of each region is likely the most effective strategy.

The chart shows the time spent by UK residents on different types of telephone calls between 1995 and 2002.

Local fixed line calls were the highest throughout the period, rising from 72 billion minutes in 1995 to just under 90 billion in 1998. After peaking at 90 billion the following year, these calls had fallen back to the 1995 figure by 2002.

National and international fixed line calls grew steadily from 38 billion to 61 billion at the end of the period in question, though the growth slowed over the last two years.

There was a dramatic increase in mobile calls from 2 billion to 46 billion minutes. This rise was particularly noticeable between 1999 and 2002, during which time the use of mobile phones tripled.

To sum up, although local fixed line calls were still the most popular in 2002, the gap between the three categories had narrowed considerably over the second half of the period in question.

The idea of making unpaid community service a compulsory part of high school education sparks considerable debate. Some believe it fosters social responsibility, while others argue it adds unnecessary pressure on students. On balance, I support integrating community service into high school programs for several key reasons.

Firstly, mandatory community service promotes social responsibility and civic engagement. By participating in activities such as working for a charity or improving their neighborhood, students gain a firsthand understanding of societal needs and the importance of contributing to their communities. For instance, helping at a local shelter can develop empathy and a sense of civic duty.

Secondly, community service provides valuable life skills beyond the classroom. It enhances teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Teaching sports to younger children, for example, can build leadership and organizational skills. These experiences not only enrich students’ personal development but also enhance their resumes, giving them an edge in college or job applications.

However, it’s crucial to balance this requirement with students’ academic and personal commitments. Schools should offer flexible programs that allow students to select activities aligned with their interests and manage their time effectively. Proper support and guidance are also essential to ensure meaningful engagement rather than a burdensome obligation.

While critics argue that compulsory service undermines voluntary spirit, this can be mitigated through effective implementation. Emphasizing the benefits and framing service as an educational opportunity can motivate students to participate willingly and derive satisfaction from their contributions.

In conclusion, making unpaid community service a mandatory part of high school education offers significant benefits by fostering civic responsibility and practical skills. With thoughtful implementation, it can be a valuable component of holistic student development.

The two maps illustrate an island before and after the development of tourist facilities.

In the initial state, the island is largely undeveloped, featuring a natural landscape with some trees, a beach on the western side, and no significant infrastructure.

Post-development, the island undergoes substantial changes, becoming a tourist destination with various amenities. The central part of the island now hosts several accommodations arranged in a circular pattern around a newly established reception area. A restaurant is constructed to the north of the reception. Footpaths link the reception with the accommodations and the restaurant, while vehicle tracks connect the reception to a newly built pier on the southern coast.

Additional accommodations are added near the pier, and two sailboats are docked beside it. The beach area is designated for swimming. Despite these developments, the island retains some of its natural greenery, particularly towards the eastern end.

Overall, the transformation enhances the island’s infrastructure significantly, making it suitable for tourists while maintaining parts of its natural environment.

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-centred 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.