IELTS preparation materials

Countries should try to produce all the food for the population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?  In recent years, some have argued that nations ought to become entirely self-sufficient in food production and limit reliance on imported goods. While I concede the logic behind this suggestion, I disagree as imports allow for greater variety. On the one hand, there are strong arguments for encouraging domestic food production in order to protect national security. A vivid example can be found during World War II, when Britain faced critical food shortages as German U-boats relentlessly targeted supply ships carrying essential goods. To counter this threat, the government enforced rationing and encouraged citizens to plant "victory gardens" to support themselves. This experience highlighted how, during times of crisis, being able to depend on homegrown resources can be vital for survival. Although global trade is far more stable t...

  The plans below show a traditional and modern two-storey Japanese house. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. Sample answer 1: The plans of a Japanese house — one traditional and the other modern — are provided with emphasis on the differing layouts. Generally, while both houses maintain a two-storey structure, the traditional version gives more priority to multifunctionality; on the other hand, modern design has private clearly defined rooms in the upper floor but keeps the lower level open-plan.  At the lower level of the old house, the kitchen, bathroom, and one room appear around a middle stair; these will be seen to come clearly into different zones. Rooms use tatami mat flooring and can unfold futons at night; built-in cupboards exist in both levels. Modern plans show less contrast: a kitchen and living-dining space have no internal walls; a traditional room, though smal...

  Developing countries should be encouraged to implement high tariffs to grow their local industries. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Sample Answer In recent years, there has been considerable debate regarding whether developing countries should impose high tariffs to protect and nurture local industries. After recent years, there has been a hot topic of discussion on the question of whether developing countries need high tariffs to be imposed and maintained in order to protect local businesses. Although an argument can be made with this suggestion, on balance, this approach is almost never the right one for achieving long-term sustainable economic growth. On the one hand, high tariffs may offer a short-term respite to some industries which are still at a very low stage in their development. Such local firms can expand and improve their productivity without corresponding foreign imports on cheaper goods intended to flood the market. Take as an example Vietnam, where fore...

  Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people.  To what extent do you agree or disagree? Sample answer:  Some have argued that there is no single more important factor in a relationship than honesty. In my opinion, this is untrue though there are situations where telling the truth is a pragmatic choice. Those who argue in favor of unconditional honesty point out how it can create trust. When a person tells the truth, then any problems in a relationship become open and can be potentially fixed. For instance, if a person is annoyed by their partner’s inconsiderate behavior when they are in public settings, by lying about it the situation will only become worse. If they are honest then it will be possible to address the underlying issues and do better in the future. This is the starting point for healthy communication and the quality missing in most toxic relationships.   However, emotional intelligence necessitates...

Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.   Sample Answer Some today have argued that the primary goal of the criminal justice system should be to rehabilitate rather than simply punish offenders. In my opinion, though there are exceptions, reforms prioritizing rehabilitation should be embraced. In particular instances, it is crucial to place the welfare of the majority above the interests of criminals. This most commonly occurs in cases involving violent criminals and repeat offenders. There are individuals who have been identified as sociopaths by trained clinicians and represent a threat to society. Punishing them through lengthy incarcerations serves a dual purpose, at once deterring other criminals and also preventing them from harming innocent citizens. The attempt to rehabilitate such individuals is admirable but likely to...

Some people believe that studying literature is important for individual character building while others think it is a waste of time. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.   Today, the question whether literature still plays a major role in one’s character development is more acute than ever. However, while some might consider studying literature a waste of time, I tend to side with those who think of it as an irreplaceable tool in shaping one’s character. On the one hand, some people might find studying literature a fruitless pursuit. This is mainly because a vast majority of literature pieces deemed worth studying deal with issues that would not be considered relevant by a modern reader. For instance, a contemporary student would not be able to gain any practical knowledge from a novel centered around serfdom, as its cultural and historica...

The line graph below gives information about the percentage of women aged 15-64 in employment between 2003 and 2009. Sample answer 1: The line graph shows the percentage of women aged 15 to 64 in employment in Iceland, Canada, Germany, Chile, and Turkey from 2003 to 2009. Overall, more females were employed in the advanced economies of Iceland, Canada, and Germany compared to those in South America Chile and Turkey. Furthermore, during this period, there was a significant increase in the employment of women in Iceland and Turkey. However, Iceland experienced a slight dip in employment percentage. In 2003, Iceland led the five countries with employment women percentage, at 81%, while Canada was second with 70% followed by Germany with slightly below 60%. Until 2007, the employment rate for Icelandic women remained at around 81%, before dropping to 78% by 2009. The Canadian women employment percentage increased during this period, peaking at 70% by the end. The German women employment pe...