This is a personal notes which was taken down when I watched the videos from a few famous IELTS teachers. So please let me know if there is any copyright issue.

Introduction

4 Types of Question

  1. Discussion
  2. Opinion
  3. Problem and solution
  4. Two-part question

Discussion

  • 2 side of an issue

Example

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Plan:

  • Topic - study in groups or alone
  • Answer - sometimes better alone, usually better in a group

People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone. While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group work is usually more productive.

Opinion

  • most difficult - various choices of how to answer

Example

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.

must/obligation

own opinion

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Plan:

  • Topic - community service for all teenagers
  • Answer - 3 choices: agree, disagree, or balanced opinion (when possible)

It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities.

agree: I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.

disagree: In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work.

balanced opinion (difficult in this topic): While I disagree with the idea of making such programmes compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.

Problem & solution

  • explain a problem & suggest some solutions

Example

Many criminals reoffend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

Plan:

  • Topic - criminals reoffend
  • Answer - several reasons, a variety of measures (governments, communities)

It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes. There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.

Two-part question

Example

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Plan:

  • Topic - job satisfaction
  • Answer - several factors, unrealistic / impossible

Work plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally. While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.

Introduction - Work Sheet

In the video lesson I explained my techniques for writing short, fast and effective introductions. Now I want to highlight some of the good vocabulary in my introductions. Fill the gaps below with the word or phrase that I used.

1. Discussion

People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone. While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group work is usually more productive.

2. Opinion

It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.

It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work.

It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. While I disagree with the idea of making such programmes compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.

3. Problem and solution

It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes. There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.

4. Two-part question

Work plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally. While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.

Main Paragraph

2 types for main Para.

  • Firstly, Secondly, Finally

    • It is perfect for advantages/disadvantages/problems/solutions

  • Idea, Explain, Example

    • for one idea/a reason/an opinion

Firstly, Secondly, Finally

Example

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3-min plan

  • disagree for several reasons
  • school timetable is full, no time for community service
  • students' work in other subjects would be affected
  • teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)

There are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students.Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages.For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it. Secondly, students' performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes. Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.

Try to write 5 sentences

  1. Topic sentence
  2. Firstly, (5. Explain more / add example)
  3. Secondly,
  4. Finally

Notices

  • Linking words do not help your 'vocabulary' score
  • Examiners want to see 'topic vocabulary' (Bold in the example para. )

Idea, Explain, Example

Example

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

voluntary

3-min plan

  • voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive
  • students more motivated if they can choose
  • gain work experience, self confidence, skills
  • good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers

On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students. By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part. These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self confidence and enhance their skills. Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers' career prospects. For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.

Try to write 5 sentences

  • Idea
  • Explain (2 or 3 sentences)
  • Example

Sometimes It is ok to change position of idea and example.

Notices

  • Words like 'these/there/such/this/those' are link words.
  • If both main paragraphs contain three ideas, try not to use “firstly, secondly, finally” twice. In the first paragraph above, we could change “Firstly” to “One reason is that...” and we could change “Secondly” to “Furthermore”.

Different ways to express ‘students’ in these 2 paragraph

  • secondary school students.
  • teenage students
  • high school students
  • motivated students
  • young people
  • school leavers

Conclusions

  • One sentence
  • No new information
  • Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction. (show variety)

Discussion

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.

Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

Intro:

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 there are more benefits than drawbacks.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places do outweigh the disadvantages.

Analysis:

  • always use In conclusion. That is enough.
  • I would argue = I believe
  • There are more benifits than ... = sth do outweigh the disadvantages.

Opinion

Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system.

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

Intro:

Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education.

Analysis:

Give your own opinion by a sentence start with 'I ...'

financial concessions means discount or reduction

Problem and Solution

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.

Intro:

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.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.

Two-Part Question

There are many different types of music in the world today.

Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Intro:

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

Analysis:

important = vital = essential = necessary

Planning

3-step planning in 10 minutes

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  1. Read and understand the question (- highlight / underline key words)

  2. Plan your essay structure (4 para)

    1. Introduction: study in groups or alone, sometimes better alone, usually better in a group
    2. Benefits of studying alone
    3. Benefits of group study (my view)
    4. Conclusion: both have benefits, but I prefer group

  3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs

    • brainstorm, note down any ideas you have
    • develop ideas in detail
    • keep asking yourself 'why?'
    • think of examples to support you ideas
    • finally, try to group related ideas (number them)

1 benefits of studying alone

2 concentrate better, no distractions, focus on the task, 3 read books or articles, study at own pace 3 when revising for an exam, 4 memorise information

more ideas, share knowledge, gather more information, e.g. research project, learn from each other, more motivating, responsibility to the group, sense of competition