Tài Liệu Tăng ý Tưởng Từ Vựng Theo Chủ Đề by Ngocbach

GIẢI ĐỀ IELTS WRITING QUÝ 4_2019 THEO CHỦ ĐỀ BY NGOCBACH
A. THE ART................................................................................................................6
1. (14/02/2019) Some people claim that museums and art galleries are not
needed today, because everyone can see historical objects or art works by
computer. Do you agree or disagree?.....................................................................6
B. BUSINESS AND MONEY.......................................................................................7
1. (24/03/2019): Some people think that hard work and determination bring
success. Others think other factors such as money and good appearance are more
important. Discuss both views and give your opinion?............................................7
2. (01/08/2019): In many countries the cost of living is rising. What are the
effects on individuals and society? What measures can be taken to deal with this
problem?.................................................................................................................9
C. COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY.............................................................11
1. (15/01/2019): Nowadays, many people cannot read or write. What
problems does this cause? What measures can governments take to solve these
problems?
11
2. (19/03/2019): In many countries not enough students are choosing to study
science subjects. What are the causes? And what will be the effects on society?
14
3.....................................................................................................................(1
1/05/2019): Some businesses find that their new employees lack basic
interpersonal skills, such as cooperative skills. What are the causes and
suggest some possible solutions....................................................................16
4.....................................................................................................................(1
8/07/2019): It has been said that people who read for pleasure have more
developed imaginations and language skill than people who prefer to watch
TV. Do you agree or disagree?......................................................................17
5. (12/09/2019): Entertainment such as electronic games on portal devices is
harmful for individuals and the society they live in. Do you agree or
disagree?.19
D. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT................................................................................20
1.....................................................................................................................(0
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7/03/2019): Research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to
prison commit crimes when set free. What are the reasons? What can be
done to solve the problem?............................................................................21
Bách,
2.....................................................................................................................(2
7/06/2019): Science finds that by studying the behavior of three-year-old
children they can predict if they will grow up to be criminals. To what extent
is criminality related to human nature? Is it possible to stop children from
being a criminal when they grow up?............................................................23
E. EDUCATION.......................................................................................................24
1.....................................................................................................................(2
7/07/2019): Schools should focus on academic success and passing
examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodwork should
not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family and friends.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?.....................................................25
2.....................................................................................................................(1
3/08/2019): Students should pay the full cost for their own study, because
university education benefits individuals rather than society. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?..............................................................................26
F. THE ENVIRONMENT..........................................................................................28
1.....................................................................................................................(2
4/02/2019): Some people believe that all wild animals should be protected.
Others say that only a few wild animals should be protected. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.........................................................................28
2.....................................................................................................................(1
5/03/2019): Nowadays, many animal species are becoming extinct. Some
people believe that countries and individuals must solve this problem, others
believe that human beings are more important. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion..........................................................................................30
3.....................................................................................................................(0
6/07/2019): Many foods are shipped from far away. Some people think that
eating local food is better environmentally and economically. Do you think
the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?..................................................32
4.....................................................................................................................(1
0/08/2019): Some people think that zoos are all cruel and should be closed
down. Others however believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild
animals. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.........................34
5.....................................................................................................................(2
4/08/2019): The responsibility for preventing and reducing global
environmental damage lies with politicians and there is a little that
individuals can do about the problem. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?........................................................................................................36
6.....................................................................................................................(0
7/09/2019): Increases in the production of consumer goods results in damage
to the natural environment. Why is this the case? What can be done to solve
this problem?.................................................................................................38
7. (14/10/2019): Human activity has had a negative impact on plants and
animals around the world. Some people say that it is too late to do something,
while others think that actions can be taken to improve the situation..................40
G. FAMILY AND CHILDREN..................................................................................42
1. (25/04/2019): In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or in
small family units, rather than in large family groups. Is this a positive or
negative trend?......................................................................................................43
2. (17/08/2019): Students should pay the full cost for their own study, because
university education benefits individuals rather than society. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?..........................................................................................45
3. (20/10/2019): People nowadays tend to take their family to another country
when they work abroad. Do the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?
46
H. HEALTH...........................................................................................................48
1. (04/05/2019): Today, many children spend a lot of time playing computer
games and little time on sports. What are the reasons for this and is it a positive
or negative development?.....................................................................................48
2. (07/06/2019): “More and more people are becoming seriously overweight.
Some people think a solution can be to increase the price of fattening foods. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?..................................................................50
I. TOURISM...........................................................................................................52
1. (22/06/2019): Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by
tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract
more local people to visit these places?................................................................52
2. (24/07/2019): International travel is becoming cheaper and cheaper, and
more countries are now opening their doors to foreign visitors. Do you think that
the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?....................................53
3. (14/09/2019): Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed if
they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others, however,
believe that is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss both these views and
give your own opinion..........................................................................................55
J. GOVERNMENT...................................................................................................57
1. (23/05/2019): In many cities there is little control on the design and

construction of new homes and office buildings, and people can build houses
in their own style. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a
situation?
57
2. (20/06/2019): Government should invest in teaching science subjects rather
than other subjects in order for a country to develop and progress. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?.....................................................................................59
K. SOCIETY..........................................................................................................60
1. (23/03/2019): It is expected that there will be a higher proportion of older
people than that of young people in many countries in the future? Do you think
it is a positive or negative development?..............................................................60
2. (06/04/2019): People have little understanding of the importance of the
natural world. What are the reasons for this, and how can people learn more
about the natural world?.......................................................................................63
3. (18/06/2019): Many people disagree with a school policy which forces
children to learn new languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?.......64
4. (19/10/2019): Many people are now spending more and more time travelling
to work or school. Some people believe that this is a negative development
while others think there are some benefits. Discuss both views and give your
opinion..................................................................................................................66
5. (23/10/2019): Charities and organizations always give special names to
particular days such as 'National Children's Day' and 'National Non-smoking
Day'. What are the reasons for these particular days? How effective are they?...67
L. MEDIA AND ADVERTISING................................................................................69
1. (02/02/2019): More and more people want to buy famous brands of clothes,
cars and other items. What are the reasons? Do you think it is a positive or
negative development?.........................................................................................69
2. (09/03/2019): Some people believe that the only purpose of films is to
entertain. But others say films should have educational value. Discuss both views
and give your opinion...........................................................................................71
3. (28/03/2019): In some countries, advertisers increase the amount of
advertising which tries to persuade children to buy snacks, toys and other goods.
Parents object to such pressure on children. But some advertisers claim that
there
is useful information in these advertisements. Discuss both views and give your
opinion..................................................................................................................73
4. (18/05/2019): Advertising is all around us; it is an unavoidable part of
everyone's life. Some people say that advertising is a positive part of our lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?............................................................75
5. (26/10/2019): Although more and more people read the news on the internet,
newspapers will remain an important sources of news for the majority of people.
Do you agree or disagree?....................................................................................77
M. TRANSPORTATION.........................................................................................78
1. (14/03/2019): In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of
business because people tend to drive to large out-of-town stores. As a result,
people without cars have limited access to out-of town stores, and this may result
in an increase in the use of cars............................................................................78
2. (30/06/2019): Air travel is causing some problems for the environment,
therefore we should increase the price to discourage people. Others disagree that
this is the solution. Discuss both views and give your opinions..........................80
N. ENERGY..............................................................................................................82
1. (28/09/2019): Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are the main
energy source for many countries. However, some nations are using alternative
energy such as solar power, or wind power. To what extent do you think this is a
positive or negative development?.......................................................................82
O. WORK.............................................................................................................83
1. (10/02/2019): In most successful organisations, some people believe that
communication between managers and workers is important, while other people
said that other factors are more significant. What is your opinion?.....................84
A. THE ART
1. (14/02/2019) Some people claim that museums and art galleries are not
needed today, because everyone can see historical objects or art works by
computer. Do you agree or disagree?
It is true that technology gives most
people a chance to see historical
objects and works of art on a computer
screen. I partly agree with the view,
therefore, that museums and art
galleries are no longer necessary.
It is very expensive to maintain a to provide funding for: to give money

museum or art gallery, and to enable something to be done
governments often have to provide
funding for these institutions. If national or local authorities:
national or local authorities have to government organizations acting at a
allocate resources to keep these cultural national level or within a smaller, local
facilities open, then less money is area
available to spend on health, education
and social services. Faced with such a to allocate resources to: to make
choice, some countries opt for a mixed money and materials available to do
funding model for the arts in order to something
reduce costs. Therefore, I believe that it
is an unaffordable luxury to retain social services: a system that is
these wonderful public collections. organized by the government to help
Their artefacts and paintings can all be people who have financial or family
accessed freely and almost instantly at problems; the department or the people
the touch of a key on a computer who provide this help
keyboard.
a mixed funding model for the arts: a
While I agree that museums and art model in which some money to support
galleries are not essential in this the arts is given by the government and
computer age, I would be sad to see some money is provided by private
their disappearance. Firstly, the
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buildings
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which house their collections are individuals or commercial
themselves part of our tangible cultural organizations.
heritage. For example, the National
Gallery in London is a striking and tangible cultural heritage: refers to
impressive historic building. Secondly, physical artifacts produced, maintained
the feeling of awe on seeing the size of and transmitted intergenerationally in a
the great dinosaur skeletons in the society
Natural History Museum in New York
would be impossible to experience by
simply looking at an image on a laptop
or cell phone. It would be an immense
loss if such places were to close their
doors to the public.
In conclusion, although these cultural

facilities have unique aesthetic
qualities, now that people can access
their treasures thanks to the digital
revolution, the expense of keeping
them open cannot be justified. The aesthetic qualities of something:
The qualities related to beauty and
284 words understanding the beauty of something.
the digital revolution: the

advancement of technology to the
digital technology available today
B. BUSINESS AND MONEY

1. (24/03/2019): Some people think that hard work and determination bring
success. Others think other factors such as money and good appearance
are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
It is true that some people believe that
the key factors for success in life are
hard work and determination,
although others place more
importance on money and smart to earn a living: to earn money
appearance. While all these are
necessary, I would argue that money
is the single most essential factor for a heavy workload: having many
those who wish to achieve success. tasks to perform
On the one hand, the determination minimum wage: the lowest wage
to work hard is essential for anyone that an employer is allowed to pay by
who wants to earn a living and raise a law
family. Firstly, this is true in terms
of employment, because most jobs job prospects: the chances of being
impose a heavy workload on successful and having more
employees. Even jobs such as serving opportunities at work
customers in stores, supermarkets or
coffee shops, offering a minimum promotion opportunities: chances to
wage, no job prospects and no move to a more important position in
promotion opportunities demand hard a company or organization
work and dedication. Secondly, from
a perspective of life outside work, to support a family: to have enough
simply supporting a family involves money to be able to look after a
commitment and a lot of effort to family
maintain a close-knit family. Such
parental involvement is the basis of commitment: the willingness to
preparing children to enter adult life, work hard and give your time and
and to pursue a successful career. energy to a job or activity
On the other hand, money and a close-knit family: a family having

appearances are the things most strong relationships with each other,
valued in the modern world. People helping with problems and enjoying a
are increasingly judged by their lot of time together
wealth
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or their smart and fashionable clothes.
Without money, it is impossible to parental involvement: the act or
think about running your own process of parents when taking part in
business or developing contacts with their children’s activities.
rich and influential people who can
help you to get ahead in life. Most to enter adult life: the stage when
aspiring entrepreneurs, film or sports adolescents are almost old enough to
stars, for example, do not achieve be legally independent of their
their dreams, and are considered by parents.
society as failures. If you have
money, then designer clothes and to pursue a successful career: to
celebrity status advertise your success have a series of jobs in a particular
to others. area of work, with more
responsibility as time passes
In conclusion, it is a sad reality that judged: to form an opinion about
of all the factors most likely to bring something or somebody
success, money is, in my opinion, the to run your own business: to have a
most important. business which you own
283 words influential: having a lot of influence

on something or somebody
get ahead in life: to succeed in life
aspiring: wanting to be successful
2. (01/08/2019): In many countries the cost of living is rising. What are the
effects on individuals and society? What measures can be taken to deal
with this problem?
It is true that in many countries, it is
becoming increasingly difficult for
the majority of people to make ends to make ends meet: to earn just
meet. While the effects on enough money to be able to buy the
individuals and society as a whole are things you need
serious, I believe that steps can be
taken to address this issue.
to address: to think about a problem
Rising living costs result in hardship or situation and decide how you are
for many individuals and serious going to deal with it
consequences for society. In terms hardship: a situation that is difficult
of individuals, they are faced with and unpleasant because you do not
higher prices for everyday necessities, have enough money, food, clothes etc
such as food, paying rent or heating
bills. They are forced to make
cutbacks in their household budgets to make cutbacks: to decrease, to
in order to make the most of the reduce
income that they have. From the
to make the most of something: to
perspective of society, when goods
make something appear as good as
and services are more expensive,
possible; to exploit something; to get
major socio-economic changes occur.
as much out of something as is
People spend less in stores and on
possible.
entertainment, or they have to pay in
arrears or run up debts, and the whole socio-economic changes: changes
economy of the country goes into relating to the society and economy
decline. of a country
However, effective policies must be to pay in arrears: refers to making a

adopted to tackle the rise in living payment to a supplier later than the
costs. Firstly, governments should terms of the arrangement under which
provide public subsidies for basic goods or services were purchased
needs, such as food, heating and from the supplier.
healthcare. For example, in the USA
citizens on average incomes cannot to run up: to allow a bill or a debt to
afford rising medical bills, and so reach a large total
universal free medical care should
to adopt policies: to start to use
high on the agenda of the
particular policies
government. Secondly, if
governments curbed public spending
on military weapons, they would be to provide public subsidies for: to
able to prioritize expenditure on give government money to reduce the
programmes to reduce taxes for costs of services or to produce goods
in order to keep the price low
people on low incomes. This would
help people to afford the higher
high on the agenda: something
prices in the shops and enable them to which is among the first things in the
buy the things they need. list of actions to be taken
In conclusion, in order to tackle the to curb public spending on: to

increase in the cost of living, restrict what the government spends
governments must adopt measures to on something
help those in society who are in most
need. to prioritize expenditure on: to put
the need to spend money on certain
things first
276 words
C. COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY

1. (15/01/2019): Nowadays, many people cannot read or write. What
problems does this cause? What measures can governments take to solve
these problems?
It is true that even today, illiteracy is illiteracy: the fact of not knowing
widespread. While this presents how to read or write
serious difficulties for individuals and
society, there are steps that
disadvantaged: not having things,
governments should take to deal with
the problem. such as education or enough money,
that people need in order to have a
When people can neither read nor
good life
write, they are disadvantaged in
important ways. In terms of the
individual consequences of illiteracy,
dealing with bureaucracy is a bureaucracy: the system of
nightmare. Reading and writing – or complicated official rules or ways of
even adding a signature to – an doing things organised by a
official document is often necessary, government
for example when people have to
apply for social welfare benefits. welfare: practical or financial help
From the perspective of society in provided by the government to help
general, it is difficult to integrate people in need
economic migrants into society who
are perhaps illiterate in their home to integrate into society: to become
countries, or are unable to read and accepted as a member of a social
write in the language of the host
group, especially when a person
country. This makes the task of
constructing a multicultural society comes from a different culture
difficult if minority groups are forced a multicultural society: a society
to do sweated labour, simply because
which includes people of different
they are illiterate and excluded from
better- paid jobs. origins, traditions and languages
There are, however, policies which minority groups: small groups

national and local authorities can within a community that are different
adopt to improve matters. Firstly, because of their origin, religion,
resources should be allocated to language or traditions
provide basic literacy classes in local sweated labour: hard work that is
colleges or social and community done for low wages in poor
centres to help people to learn to read conditions; the people who do this
and write. Secondly, government work
departments must employ staff who
have specific responsibility for to allocate resources to: to make
helping illiterate people to cope with
money and materials available to do
the confusing mass of official
paperwork. In this way, they will not something
be discriminated against, for instance to adopt policies: to start or use
by losing welfare rights to which they policies
are entitled. Finally, governments
even in developing countries must
ensure that everyone has the right to a national and local authorities:
basic education which enables them government organizations acting at a
to read and write.
national level or within a smaller,
In conclusion, although illiteracy is local area
a serious problem, there are steps
which governments should take to social and community centres:
help those who can neither read nor places where people who live in the
write. same area can meet for events or to
do different activities
282 words
to cope with: to deal successfully
with something difficult
paperwork: the written work that is

part of a job, such as filling in forms
or writing reports or letters
to discriminate: to treat one person

or group worse/better than another in
an unfair way
2. (19/03/2019): In many countries not enough students are choosing to study
science subjects. What are the causes? And what will be the effects on
society?
It is true that in some countries there is

a shortage of students opting for to opt for: to choose to take – or not to
science courses. While it is necessary take – a particular course of action
to identify the possible causes of this
trend, it is also necessary to predict the
effects on society. behind the times: refer to a person
who is old-fashioned and has not
I believe that there are at least two adopted certain modern customs,
major causes of the lack of appeal of beliefs, or behaviors
science subjects. Firstly, many schools
and college are behind the times and to dismiss traditional ideas: to decide
have been slow to dismiss traditional that traditional ideas are not important
ideas that girls should not study and not worth considering anymore
science. This sexist attitude regards the
study of science as a traditional male sexist attitudes: beliefs that women
preserve, thus it is time for university should be treated unfairly because of
science faculties to abolish selection their gender
procedures based on gender. Secondly,
subjects such as business and a traditional male preserve: to be
management are attracting growing exclusively reserved for men
numbers of students. Many young
people consider that the job prospects to abolish: to officially end a law, a
in these areas offer the greatest system or an institution
financial rewards and the best chance
to move up the career ladder.
There will be serious effects on society

if more students do not choose to study
science subjects. In terms of the selection procedures based on
environment, one result will be a lack gender: the act of choosing someone
of trained professionals to find according to their gender.
solutions to urgent problems, such as
the need to conduct research into job prospects: the chances of being
alternative energy sources and to help successful and having more
society to achieve sustainable opportunities at work
development. For example, more
scientists will be necessary to lead the
fight against climate change and to to move up the career ladder: a series
meet the enormous challenge of global of stages by which you can make
warming. From the perspective of progress in your career
health, another outcome could be a
lack of qualified researchers to search
for a cure for life-threatening
conditions, such as the increase in alternative energy sources: refers to
degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’sany energy source that is an alternative
disease, as people live longer. to fossil fuel
to achieve sustainable development:
In conclusion, some causes of this economic development that is achieved
problem can be identified, and the without depleting natural resources
serious effects on society must not be
to fight against climate change: to try
underestimated.
to prevent changes in climate patterns,
such as rainfall, temperature and winds.
282 words
global warming: the process by which
the Earth is getting hotter, as a result of
the greenhouse effect – in particular the
increase in carbon dioxide in the air.
to search for a cure: the process of

looking for a way to make a sick
person healthy again
life-threatening conditions: illnesses

which are likely to kill somebody
a degenerative illness: an illness that
becomes worse as time passes
to underestimate: to not realize how

good, strong, determined somebody (or
something) really is
3. (11/05/2019): Some businesses find that their new employees lack

basic interpersonal skills, such as cooperative skills. What are the
causes and suggest some possible solutions.
It is true that some companies

complain about the poor interpersonal
skills of their new staff. While some to shape a child’s personality: to
reasons for this can be identified, there decide or influence the form of a
are solutions which firms should adopt. child’s personality
As many new employees are school-

leavers, the causes of this problem can formative years: a period of a person’s
be found in the home and in the school. life, usually childhood, that has a big
A child’s personality is shaped during influence on the person they become
the formative years of home-life and later in life
schooling. In terms of the home, a close-knit family: a family having
close- knit families are a thing of the strong relationships with each other,
past in many societies, and youngsters
helping with problems and enjoying a
do not learn to live in harmony with
one another and with their parents. For lot of time together
example, meal times used to be
occasions when families ate together to live in harmony with one another:
and discussed the tasks to be done and to live with others in a way which
the problems of each family member. avoids conflict or disagreement
In school, children are encouraged to
achieve individual excellence in exams,
rather than to have social skills and to
be team-players.
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to have social skills: to have the
However, in order to conduct a personal skills required for successful
business efficiently, firms must take communication and interaction
steps to train new employees to acquire
interpersonal skills. Firstly,
cooperative skills should be developed, to be a team player: a person who
making the most of the latest willingly cooperates with others
management techniques. Some
companies in Europe and the USA, for to conduct a business: to operate a
example, organise challenging activity business in a particular way
weekends during which staff must
work as teams to do mountain-climbing
or climbing and camping. Working
together, their survival skills are put to make something appear as good as
the test. Secondly, codes of conduct at possible; to exploit something; to get as
work should be strictly enforced for much out of something as is possible.
both new and existing employees to
facilitate communication and to put to the test: to see what someone
cooperation. or something can achieve, to find out
how good someone or something is
In conclusion, although some reasons
can be suggested as probable causes of
this problem, there are measures which
companies should take to develop the codes of conduct: voluntary rules
interpersonal skills of new staff. which people accept in a situation
265 words
4. (18/07/2019): It has been said that people who read for pleasure have more
developed imaginations and language skill than people who prefer to
watch TV. Do you agree or disagree?
d language skills, in contrast to the passive activity of watching TV. While a minority a viewers do watch infor
completely agree with the arguments in works of literary fiction: types of
favour of the benefits of reading. literature which describe imaginary
people and events, not real ones
Firstly, in terms of the development of
creativity, works of literary fiction
stimulate the human imagination. bedtime stories: stories told to children
Reading bedtime stories to children, or before they sleep
reading some well-written work of
literature, everyone can broaden their a work of literature: a book, play, or
literary horizons. Whereas TV presents poem
audiences with ready-made images,
reading stories forces readers to use
broaden one’s literary horizons: to
their own imagination. They might, for
example, picture themselves widen the limit of your desires,
shipwrecked on a deserted island, like knowledge, or interests by reading
Robinson Crusoe. Because they have widely
created that personal image for
themselves, it is stronger and more to picture: to imagine
durable than an image which is not somebody/something, to create an image
their own, but which is manufactured
of somebody/something in your mind
and ready to consume.
Secondly, from the perspective of durable: likely to last for a long time
language skills, specialists in without breaking or getting weaker
linguistics argue that reading extends
vocabulary, as well as developing critical thinking: the process of
critical thinking. An important part of analyzing information in an objective
literary appreciation is to recognize not way, in order to make a judgment about
only new words, but also to notice the it
choice and use of words which are
familiar. There are no distracting literary appreciation: pleasure that you
images on screens, so when readers are have when your recognize and enjoy the
engrossed in a book written by a
qualities of a good piece of writing
literary genius, they can focus on the
aesthetic qualities of the language. In
contrast, although it is possible to play to be engrossed in: to be completely
back a TV recording, words and focused on something
images are invariably heard and seen in
an instant. Then, they pass
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and are instantly forgotten, whereas it a literary genius: a person with
is easy to read over passages in a book. outstanding ability in writing
In conclusion, I fully agree with those

the aesthetic qualities of something:
who argue that reading encourages
imagination and develops vocabulary, The qualities related to beauty and
which sitting in front of a TV will understanding the beauty of something.
never do.
to read over: to read something
291 words carefully from beginning to end to look
for
mistakes or check details
5. (12/09/2019): Entertainment such as electronic games on portal devices

is harmful for individuals and the society they live in. Do you agree or
disagree?
Bách,
It is true that many children and social networking sites: a website on
adolescents, in particular, spend hours which you communicate with people
and hours playing electronic games, who share your interests
or simply chatting or accessing social
networking sites on their cell phones, behind the times: refers to a person
as their main pastime. While I may be
considered to be behind the times, I who is old-fashioned and has not
completely agree that this is harmful adopted certain modern customs,
for both individuals and society as a beliefs, or behaviors
whole.
Firstly, young people in particular

have problems in developing social
skills if they spend too much time
relying on their cell phones for their to develop social skills: to become
entertainment to play electronic games better at communicating and
or to chat. Advances in technology are interacting in different situations
bringing about the downfall of
communication between people, since advances in technology: the
real interaction is discouraged. For improvement or development in
example, I often used to talk to other technology
Bách,
passengers during my long journeys by
bus or train, but it no longer seems to the downfall of communication: the
be socially acceptable to do this. decline of communication
Instead, most fellow travellers spend
the entire journey on their mobile to discourage real interaction: to
devices, playing some electronic game result in less face-to-face
or messaging online friends. The result
communication with other people
is increasing personal isolation and a
growing distrust of others.
to be socially acceptable: agreed or
Secondly, becoming over-reliant on approved of by most people in a
electronic portable devices for society
entertainment is detrimental to
individual health. It encourages a fellow: used to describe somebody who
sedentary lifestyle, whereas people
is the same as you in some way, or in
need to take regular exercise to keep
fit. As a child, for instance, I used to the same situation
play football in the street, making
friends with other youngsters and to become over-reliant on: to need
becoming strong. People should take something so that your survival or
up sport or they will be prone to success depends too much on it
obesity if they simply sit around
playing electronic games on their hand-
to be detrimental to health: to be
held devices. In particular, if people
spend too much time on these games, harmful to health
then they may suffer from mental
health problems if they become a sedentary lifestyle: involving little
addicted to them. exercise or physical activity
In conclusion, I fully agree that forms to take regular exercise: to do some

of entertainment such as electronic
physical activity on a regular basis
games are harmful for both individuals
and society.
to keep fit: to stay in good physical
288 words condition
D. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Bách,
1. (07/03/2019): Research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent
to prison commit crimes when set free. What are the reasons? What can be
done to solve the problem?
It is true that a large proportion of to re-offend: to commit a crime or
criminals are known to re-offend after crimes for a second time, or for more
they have been released from prison. times
There are some important reasons for
this return to a life of crime, but there
are solutions which could mitigate the to mitigate: to make something less
problem. harmful or less serious
I believe that there are two principal to serve a prison sentence: to remain
reasons why many criminals who have in prison as a punishment
served their sentences, commit further
crimes when they are released back to release back into society: to give
into society. Firstly, prison is freedom to prisoners who have finished
popularly regarded as an institution their sentences.
whose purpose is to punish
wrongdoers. There is a public outcry to punish wrongdoers:to punish
against being soft on crime, and many
people who do something illegal
argue that only the full weight of the
law will act as a deterrent, even though
this is obviously not working. As a to be soft on crime: not to impose
result, few resources are allocated to strict punishments on offenders
prison programmes which will help ex-
offenders to make a fresh start in the full weight of the law: all the
society. Secondly, prisons are strictest punishments available
overcrowded and often violent places, according to the laws of a country.
in which the most hardened criminals
influence and intimidate other inmates,
to act as a deterrent: a measure which
and form networks to plan future
crimes, such as a criminal prison gang makes somebody less likely to do
called the PCC do in Brazil. something
Steps should be taken to solve these to make a fresh start: to try

problems. One solution is reintegrating something new after making mistakes
offenders back into the community. in one’s life
Programmes which provide vocational
training or academic study
opportunities must be implemented in
order to give
prisoners a chance of rehabilitation and hardened: having developed a way of
to find work. Some universities in the dealing with bad experiences, so that
UK and the USA, for example, offer they no longer upset you
degree programmes to enable offenders
to gain qualifications. Another to intimidate: to frighten or threaten
solution is to segregate the most
dangerous convicts, in order to prevent somebody, so that they will do what
intimidation and bullying in prisons, you want
from which offenders are released as
even more expert criminals. inmate: one of the people living in a
prison
In conclusion, while important reasons
for the rate of re-offending can be to reintegrate back into the
identified, some steps must be taken to
community: to restore someone into
implement workable solutions.
society through education or therapy
286 words
a chance of rehabilitation: a chance
of helping someone to have a normal
life after serving a prison sentence
an outcry against: a reaction of anger

or strong protest shown by people in
public
to segregate somebody: to separate

people for some reason and treat them
in a different way
to allocate resources to: to make

something
convict: a person who is guilty of a

crime and who has been sent to prison
2. (27/06/2019): Science finds that by studying the behavior of three-year-old
children they can predict if they will grow up to be criminals. To what extent
is criminality related to human nature? Is it possible to stop children from
being a criminal when they grow up?
It may be possible to predict to turn to crime/ drugs: to start
scientifically if children will grow up committing crimes or using drugs.
and turn to crime. While this may
suggest some link to human nature, I
law-abiding citizens: people who obey
believe that children all have the
and respect the law
chance to grow up and become law-
abiding citizens.
to condemn: to express very strong
disapproval of something/somebody
It seems absurd to condemn children as
evil criminals at the age of 3. Parents
to shape a child’s personality/ values:
have an enormous influence on shaping
to decide or influence the form of a
a child’s values during the formative
child’s personality
years of a child’s life. Children often
copy, or are influenced by, the patterns
formative years: a period of a person’s
of behavior which they observe in their
life, usually childhood, that has a big
parents. For example, in a
influence on the person they become
dysfunctional family there is often a
later in life
lack of parental involvement in the
upbringing of children. The failure to
patterns of behavior: ways of acting
teach ethical values such as honesty
and doing things (either positive or
and concern for others, may combine
negative)
with social factors such as living in
deprived neighborhoods so that
a dysfunctional family: a family in
children are already damaged as they
which the relationships are bad or
prepare to enter adult life.
unhealthy
It is possible to deter children from
embarking on a life of crime. Firstly, parental involvement: the act or
in schools, ex-prisoners who have process of parents when taking part in
served their sentences and been re- their children’s activities.
integrated back into the community
should be invited to talk about their
experiences
Bách,
Bách,
and warn children that it is not deprived: without enough food,
glamorous to be a criminal. This is education and all the things that are
already done in some schools in the necessary for people to live a happy
UK, for instance. Secondly, all adults and comfortable life
in society have a responsibility to
provide children with good role to enter adult life: the stage when
models. Modern consumer culture has adolescents are almost old enough to
a negative influence on individual be legally independent of their parents
families, with the result that children
learn that it is more important to have to embark on something: to start
things than to be a good member of the something new
community.
to serve a prison sentence: to carry
In conclusion, if criminal behavior is out confinement in prison as a
linked to human nature, then there is no punishment
hope for young children who are
identified as criminals by some to reintegrate back into society/
‘experts’. On the contrary, children can community: to restore someone
be led away from a life of crime. through education or therapy
293 words glamorous: especially attractive and

exciting, and different from ordinary
things or people
negative influences on individual

families: negative meaning bad;
influences meaning effects; on
individual families refers to each
nuclear family - a couple and their
children, rather than families in general;
E. EDUCATION
Bách,
1. (27/07/2019): Schools should focus on academic success and passing
examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodwork should
not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family and friends.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that many people believe that
schools should only teach academic
subjects and prepare students for
formal exams. I disagree completely
with this view, and I would argue that
teaching practical life skills is essential.
Firstly, it is a mistake to tailor teaching

strategies to the narrow focus of
academic subjects and exam success. It
is impossible for every student to
pursue a successful career with
fantastic job prospects in fields such as
finance, medicine, law or education.
All of these demand academic skills,
but the job market for these professions
is relatively small. Those who fail their
exams will consider themselves as
failures. Such negative feelings will
inevitably shape a child’s personality
and values during their formative years.
Only a few students who are high-
flyers will succeed and enjoy the
material rewards of their academic
success.
Secondly, while children need to

acquire practical skills, there may be no
family or friends to help them.
Consider, for example, single-parent
households, with no father to teach
DIY skills, or households in which
working mothers have no time to teach
children to cook or sew. There are,
too, many
dysfunctional families in which, for
whatever reasons, parental involvement
in bringing up their offspring is almost
completely absent. Yet children need to
learn these domestic skills, and the
only place for many of them to do this
is in school. Otherwise, when they
enter adult life, they will rely on
expensive ready meals or on buying
new clothes and furniture when all that
is needed is a simple repair.
In conclusion, I totally disagree with

an educational policy which focuses
only on academic subjects and exam
success. Schools must place equal
value on life skills to ensure the full
development of children.
291 words
do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that students to pursue a successful career: to
should not receive help with the have a series of jobs in a particular
costs of their university education. area of work, with more
While graduates may benefit responsibility as time passes
individually later in life from the
opportunity to pursue a successful to provide funding for: to give
career, I would argue that the money to enable something to be done
government should provide funding
for students. headhunting: connected with the
activity of finding people who are
In many cases, it is true that students
benefit from their university suitable for top jobs and persuading
education in terms of future salaries. them to join a company
Headhunting corporations compete
with each other to offer attractive
employment to graduates. Graduates
can expect to have better job job prospects: the chances of being
prospects than non-graduates, successful and having more
enjoying higher pay and good opportunities at work
promotion opportunities. They will,
therefore, be more likely to live in promotion opportunities: chances to
prosperous neighbourhoods, with an move to a more important position in
enviable lifestyle. For example, in a company or organization
the USA college graduates may earn
two or three times as much as an prosperous: rich and successful
unskilled worker.
enviable: something that is enviable
However, I consider that there are is something that is good and that
two important reasons why students other people want to have too
should not pay the full cost of their
university education. Firstly, they
acquire skills which are useful, and
sometimes essential, to society as a
whole. Doctors, scientists and
engineers are obvious examples, but
other professions should not be to acquire
forgotten, such as teachers, artists or experience/knowledge/skill: to gain
philosophers. Secondly, if students experience/knowledge/skill by your
have to pay for their education, they own efforts or behavior
may be forced to pay off a huge
student loan when they graduate, or
they may have to work their way
through college. In the latter case,
their studies will suffer, and some to pay off a student loan: to repay
may fall behind with their studies or money borrowed in order to study at
even drop out of college.
college or university
In conclusion, I disagree that to work your way through
students should pay the full cost of university: to have a job when you
their university education. are at college/university in order to
Although in some cases they benefit help to pay for your studies
individually from having a degree,
they also contribute to the prosperity to fall behind with your studies: to
and well-being of society and, improve more slowly in studying than
therefore, deserve some financial other people so that you fail to learn
support while studying. the course material at the necessary
speed
279 words
to drop out of college: to leave
college or university without finishing
your studies
F. THE ENVIRONMENT
1. (24/02/2019): Some people believe that all wild animals should be protected.
Others say that only a few wild animals should be protected. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
in the wild: in a natural
It is true that people hold different environment not controlled by
opinions about the extent to which people
wild animals should be protected.
While it is difficult to justify the
a violation of animal rights: an
protection of every wild animal, I
believe that some wild animals action that harms or acts against
ought to be protected. animal rights
On the one hand, some people put to treat animals humanely: to be

forward the moral argument that kind to animals and treat them in
humans have no right to kill any such a way that they do not suffer
animal in the wild. They argue that
it is a violation of animal rights.
to condemn: to express very strong
They believe that it is necessary for
everyone to treat animals humanely, disapproval of something,
and they correctly condemn the especially for moral reasons
many forms of animal exploitation,
animal suffering and even animal animal exploitation: the use of
slaughter in the world today. For animals in order to get an advantage
example, animal lovers will argue from them
Bách,
the need to eliminate poaching of
elephants in Africa or India and to animal suffering: physical or
establish more wildlife reserves. In mental pain that an animal is feeling
terms of the oceans, there is an
international campaign for an end to animal slaughter: the killing of
the practice of whaling. animals for meat
On the other hand, I tend to agree
with those who argue that only animal lovers: people who like
animals on the brink of extinction animals very much, and feel love
should be protected. Their views for them
combine practical and moral
arguments. Although they recognise to eliminate poaching: to stop all
the ethical dilemmas, they believe illegal hunting of wild animals
that the numbers of some species of
animals must be regulated. Rats, for wildlife reserves: protected areas
example, are everywhere and they
for wild animals
are a danger to human health,
contaminating food and water and
carrying diseases. If their numbers the practice of whaling: the
were not reduced, the consequences activity of hunting and killing
would be serious. Therefore, people whales
should mainly be concerned with on the brink of extinction: an
protecting rare or endangered animal or plant which has almost
species of wild animals. disappeared from the planet
In conclusion, because it is
impossible to protect every species ethical dilemmas: a situation in
of wild animal, I believe that which a difficult choice has to be
priority should be given to saving made between two different things,
those species which are in danger of relating to beliefs about what is
becoming extinct. morally right and wrong
272 words
to contaminate: to make a
substance or place dirty
endangered species: plants or
animals that only exist in very small
numbers, so that in future they may
disappear forever
priority: something that you think

is more important than other things,
and therefore should be dealt with
first
2. (15/03/2019): Nowadays, many animal species are becoming extinct. Some

people believe that countries and individuals must solve this problem, others
believe that human beings are more important. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
It is unfortunately true that many on the brink of extinction: an
species of animals are now on the animal or plant which has almost
brink of extinction. While some disappeared from the planet
people believe that the interests of
human welfare should be a
government priority, I agree with to be a government priority:
those who argue that urgent action
must be taken to prevent the further something which is so important
loss of animal species. that the government should deal
with it first.
On the one hand, everyone who
has a social conscience will admit a social conscience: the state of
how important it is to bring about being aware of the problems that
major socio-economic changes to
affect a lot of people in society,
benefit the mass of humanity.
Firstly, the effects of poverty, such as being poor or having no
famines and natural disasters across home, and wanting to do something
the world are shown on TV screens to help these people
every day. Therefore, the struggle
for a more egalitarian society, in socio-economic changes: changes
which natural resources are shared, relating to the society and economy
must be pursued vigorously.
of a country
Secondly, another issue that must
be addressed
Bách,
if everyone is to have a decent life an egalitarian society: a society in
is to end wars. The huge allocation which everyone has the same rights
of resources to defence budgets - and opportunities
$750 billion annually in the USA
alone – could be used to preserve
human life, not destroy it. the green movement: all the
organisations concerned with the
On the other hand, I agree with protection of the environment
those in the green movement who
insist that the protection of endangered species: plants or
endangered species of animals and animals that only exist in very small
the protection of the human species numbers, so that in future they may
go hand-in-hand. Governments
disappear forever
should implement environmentally-
friendly policies, protecting wildlife
habitats, such as the tiger reserves in to go hand-in-hand: to happen
India, while will create local jobs in together or to exist together
eco-tourism. They should also
introduce restrictions on pollution environmentally friendly: behavior
and other forms of environmental or products that do not harm the
degradation. For example, the environment
dumping of toxic waste into the
rivers and oceans, kills rare marine environmental degradation: the
creatures and destroys traditional
process or fact of the environment
fishing communities. Individuals
must play a part too, by supporting becoming worse
organisations like Greenpeace or the
World Wildlife Fund. toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted
waste produced by factories
In conclusion, I believe that the
welfare of humans cannot be
separated from saving animal to allocate resources to: to make
species from extinction, and the money and materials available to do
campaign for both objectives should something
unite everyone.
to introduce restrictions on: to
291 words limit what people can do or what
can happen
eco-tourism: organized holidays
which are designed so that tourists
damage the environment as little as
possible.
to bring about: to make something

happen
3. (06/07/2019): Many foods are shipped from far away. Some people think
that eating local food is better environmentally and economically. Do
you think the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
It is true that in recent decades the food miles: distance food has to
increase in food miles has raised travel between where it is grown or
important environmental and made and where it is consumed
economic issues. While there are
some drawbacks of consuming only
food produced locally, I believe that
the advantages of eating local food
outweigh the disadvantages.
In terms of the environment, the

transport of food across the world
causes major problems. Firstly, the
freight services responsible for freight services: the system of
shipping food from distant places transporting goods
cause pollution and hinder efforts to to fight climate change: to try to
fight climate change by cutting down prevent changes in climate patterns,
on emissions. For example, the such as rainfall, temperature and
transport of soya from Brazil to China winds.
involves a journey of thousands of
kilometres. Secondly, crops for to cut down on emissions: to reduce
export are usually grown as the amount of gases sent out into the
monocultures, air
usually resulting in the habitat
destruction of animals and plants,
including endangered species. monoculture: the practice of growing
Deforestation in the Amazon, for only one type of crop on a certain
instance, to raise cattle for beef area of land
exports, is causing the loss of
thousands of species and putting habitat destruction: the process that
other species on the brink of occurs when a natural habitat, like a
extinction. forest or wetland, is changed so
dramatically by humans that plants
From an economic perspective, and animals which live there.
there are benefits and drawbacks of
only eating food which is grown endangered species: plants or
locally. On the one hand, if animals that only exist in very small
consumers buy food from local numbers, so that in future they may
farmers, then this stimulates the local disappear forever
economy. More money will remain
within the local community rather on the brink of extinction: an animal
than lining the pockets of distant or plant which has almost
shareholders. On the other hand, disappeared from the planet
thanks to the globalisation of food
production, the market provides a
to line one’s pockets: to get richer by
vast choice of products for the
taking unfair advantage of a situation
consumer. If people eat only local
or by being dishonest
foods, they will be able to enjoy only
a limited range of food items which
are in season. shareholder: an owner of shares in a
company or business
In conclusion, although consumers
will only have the choice of particular
in season: (of fruit and vegetables)
foods at certain times of the year, I
easily available and ready to eat
would argue that it is better for the
because it is the right time of year for
environment and the economy to eat
them
as many food products which are
grown locally as possible.
288 words
4. (10/08/2019): Some people think that zoos are all cruel and should be
closed down. Others however believe that zoos can be useful in protecting
wild animals. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
confining wild animals in zoos is cruel to confine: to keep a person or an
and that zoos should therefore be animal in a small, closed space
closed down. While I believe that
cruelty to animals should be avoided at
all costs, I agree with those who see a
vital role for zoos in protecting at all costs: whatever is needed to
wildlife. achieve something
On the one hand, there is an outcry in an outcry (at/over/against

many countries over the cruel something): a reaction of anger or
conditions in which animals are kept in strong protest shown by people in
some zoos. As a result, many people
public
argue that the public must exert
pressure on governments to shut down
all zoos. For example, in some zoos to exert pressure on: to use power to
the animals are still kept in cages, with influence somebody or something
little room in which to move around.
Critics argue correctly that the health
of wild animals kept in such
conditions must suffer, because they to subject: to make a person or animal
cannot exercise or follow their natural experience something unpleasant
behaviour. Physically and mentally,
therefore, it is cruel to maintain wild
cramped: not having enough room to
animals in such confined spaces.
move freely
On the other hand, others argue that
not all zoos subject wild animals to
cramped conditions and, in addition,
zoos perform a useful role in animal
protection. Firstly, the welfare of
animals in a priority for many zoos.
London Zoo, for instance, houses wild
animals in large, open spaces, often
with trees or ponds to mimic their to mimic: to look or behave like
natural habitats. Secondly, our small something else
planet is facing an ecological crisis. an ecological crisis: a serious situation
Today, there are many endangered that occurs when the environment of a
species, because of exploitation and species or a population changes in a
habitat destruction, which have left
way that destabilizes its continued
many creatures on the brink of
extinction. Captive breeding survival endangered species: plants or
programmes in zoos have saved animals that only exist in very small
some species, including the well- numbers, so that in future they
known success story of the giant may disappear forever
panda.
habitat destruction: the process that
In conclusion, I agree that all zoos occurs when a natural habitat, like a
must provide spacious, natural
forest or wetland, is changed so
environments for their animals.
However, zoos have an important role dramatically by humans that plants and
to play in wildlife protection and animals which live there.
survival.
on the brink of extinction: an animal
287 words or plant which has almost disappeared
from the planet
captive breeding: the reproduction of

animals in confinement, not in their
natural habitats.
a success story: a person or thing that

is very successful
5. (24/08/2019): The responsibility for preventing and reducing global
environmental damage lies with politicians and there is a little that
individuals can do about the problem. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
It is true that politicians have a great
deal of responsibility for the environmental degradation: the
environmental degradation which is process or fact of the environment
occurring today. While they have the becoming worse
power to limit and even reduce this
damage, I disagree completely with the
view that individuals can make very to allocate resources to: to make
little contribution to solving the money and materials available to do
problem. something
Politicians must play a prominent role to introduce restrictions on: to limit

in protecting the environment. They
what people can do or what can happen
must allocate resources to creating
nature reserves, such as the National
Parks in the UK and the USA. In these international bodies: organizations
areas, the government has introduced which operate in many countries
restrictions on construction and any
form of development activity. In to cut down on emissions: to reduce
terms of global action, politicians must the amount of gases sent out into the air
also be active in international bodies, to
secure agreement on targets to cut
to fight climate change: to try to
down on carbon emissions and to fight
climate change. They should also take prevent changes in climate patterns,
strong measures against pollution. such as rainfall, temperature and winds.
On the other hand, individuals can

make significant contributions to
safeguard the planet. Firstly, each
person should reduce their dependence
on fossil fuels, for example by using
their car less, and saving energy in
their home by installing solar panels. to reduce the dependence/reliance on
Secondly, if everyone buys locally- fossil fuels: to decrease people’s
produced food, this will save food
miles. Following a vegan or vegetarian
Bách,
diet and eating organic food will also consumption of fossil fuels, like oil,
reduce the environmental impact of coal or gas.
humans on the planet. Finally, the
green movement relies on the support food miles: distance food has to travel
of individuals to exert pressure on between where it is grown or made and
politicians. Individuals should help
organisations like Greenpeace or where it is consumed
Amazon Watch to campaign for an end
to the hunting of wild animals or a vegan diet: a diet without any animal
deforestation. products, such as meat, milk or eggs
In conclusion, although politicians a vegetarian diet: a diet with no fish

have a major responsibility to adopt or meat
environmentally-friendly policies, there
is much that individuals can do to the green movement: all the
combat environmental damage by
actions in their homes, their
neighbourhoods and in supporting protection of the environment
global organisations.
environmentally friendly: behavior or
276 words products that do not harm the
environment
to exert pressure on: to use power to

influence somebody or something
to campaign for something: to take

part in a series of activities in order to
achieve a specific aim.

particular policies
organic food: produced without using
artificial chemicals
prominent: important or well-known
to safeguard: to protect
something/somebody from loss, harm
or damage and to keep safe
6. (07/09/2019): Increases in the production of consumer goods results in damage to

the natural environment. Why is this the case? What can be done to solve this
problem?
It is true that the environment is being
damaged and that one of the causes of output: the amount of something that a
this is the growing output of consumer person, a machine or an organisation
goods. While some reasons can be produces
identified to explain why this is
happening, there are measures which
should be taken to deal with this issue. an ecological crisis: a serious situation
that occurs when the environment of a
There are important ways in which the species or a population changes in a
production of more and more consumer way that destabilizes its continued
goods is resulting in an ecological survival
crisis. Firstly, in order to maximize
profits, corporations are depleting
to maximize profits: to increase
natural resources. For example, energy
is required for all production processes, profits to the highest possible level
and so the search for oil and gas
reserves has led to habitat destruction to deplete natural resources: to
as well as repeated oil spills reduce the amount of natural resources.
threatening marine life in the oceans.
Secondly, toxic waste is released into habitat destruction: the process that
our environment in the process of occurs when a natural habitat, like a
producing consumer goods, such as forest or wetland, is changed so
dyed fabrics or detergents. Finally, the dramatically by humans that plants and
packaging of consumer goods to make animals which live there.
them look attractive has resulted in a
huge volume of plastic waste which is to dye: to change the colour of
simply dumped. something, especially by using a
special liquid or substance
Ways must be found to alleviate such
environmental problems. In terms of
detergent: a liquid or powder that
energy management, public subsidies
must be provided for the expansion of removes dirt, for example from clothes
renewable energy. In many parts of or dishes
Europe, for instance, offshore wind
farms now make a significant toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted
contribution to the energy needs of waste produced by factories
industry. From the perspective of to dump: to get rid of something that
reducing waste and limiting pollution,
you do not want, especially in a place
there should be research into
producing packaging for consumer which is not suitable
goods that is bio-degradable.
Governments must also exert pressure to alleviate environmental problems:
on producers to cut down on emissions to make bad environmental problems
from factories and to fine companies less severe
which pollute the land, water or the
atmosphere. renewable energy: energy is
renewable when it source, like the sun
In conclusion, while some reasons can or wind, cannot be exhausted or can
be identified to explain this problem, easily be replaced (like wood, as we
effective measures are available and
can plant trees for energy)
must be imposed to make the
production of consumer goods more
environmentally-friendly. offshore: happening or existing in the
sea, not far from the land
282 words wind farms: an area of land on which
there are a lot of windmills or wind
turbines for producing electricity
to be bio-degradable: a substance or
chemical that can be changed to a
natural harmless state by the action of
bacteria
to cut down on emissions: to reduce

the amount of gases sent out into the air
to provide public subsidies for: to

give government money to reduce the
costs of services or to produce goods in
order to keep the price low
to exert pressure on: to use power to

influence somebody or something
spill: an act of letting a liquid come, or

fall, out of a container

products that do not harm the
environment
7. (14/10/2019): Human activity has had a negative impact on plants

and animals around the world. Some people say that it is too late to
do something, while others think that actions can be taken to improve
the situation.
Discuss both sides of the view and give your opinion.
It is true that the activities of people an ecological crisis: a serious situation
have provoked an ecological crisis, that occurs when the environment of a
with the result that many species of species or a population changes in a
plants and animals are on the brink of
way that destabilizes its continued
extinction. While some measures may
survival
be effective in alleviating
environmental problems, I agree with
on the brink of extinction: an animal
the view that it is now too late to
prevent the destruction of most forms or plant which has almost disappeared
of life on the planet. from the planet
On the one hand, there are many
to alleviate environmental problems:
efforts which should be supported to
to make bad environmental problems
limit the enormous environmental
less severe
degradation resulting from human
activity. These efforts include accord: a formal agreement between
international accords to ban the two or more organisations or countries
discharge of chemical waste into rivers
and oceans, which kills aquatic life. environmental degradation: the
NGOs, such as the Worldwide Fund process or fact of the environment
for Nature and Greenpeace, raise funds
becoming worse
and public awareness to prevent habitat
destruction and protect endangered
species. There is a growing movement to discharge chemical waste: to
to develop alternative energy sources, dispose of waste products from
for example wind farms, to reduce chemical processes.
dependence on fossil fuels. Such steps aquatic: growing, or living on, in or
are just a few of many actions which near water
are being taken to improve the
situation.
non-governmental organizations
On the other hand, many consider (NGOs): a charity or association that is
that the fight against environmental independent of government or business
disaster is already lost. Despite all our awareness: knowing that something
best efforts in recent years, the climate
exists and is important
science is clear. The ice will melt, sea
levels will rise and extremes of weather
like droughts, floods and hurricanes habitat destruction: the process that
will increase in regularity. Billions of occurs when a natural habitat, like a
people will lose their homes or starve forest or wetland, is changed so
as crops fail, and low-lying countries dramatically by humans that plants and
like Bangladesh will disappear from animals which live there.
our maps. The oceans are poisoned, endangered species: plants or animals
filled with toxic waste and plastics that only exist in very small numbers,
which are not bio-degradable. so
In conclusion, although it is vital to that in future they may disappear
take what actions we can to support the forever
green movement, I agree with the view
that it is already too late to avoid
alternative energy sources: refers to
environmental disaster and possible
human extinction. any energy source that is an alternative
to fossil fuel
286 words
wind farms: an area of land on which
to reduce the dependence/reliance on

fossil fuels: to decrease people’s
consumption of fossil fuels, like oil,
coal or gas.
toxic waste: poisonous, unwanted
waste produced by factories
to be bio-degradable: a substance or
chemical that can be changed to a
natural harmless state by the action of
bacteria
the green movement: all the

protection of the environment
G. FAMILY AND CHILDREN
Bách,
1. (25/04/2019): In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or
in small family units, rather than in large family groups. Is this a positive or
negative trend?
It is true that in recent years, many urban dwellers: people who live in a
urban dwellers have tended to live on city or a town
their own or in nuclear families. In my
opinion, this trend has both positive tend (to/towards something): to be
and negative consequences in equal
measure. likely to do something or to happen in
a particular way
On the one hand, the rise in smaller a nuclear family: a family consisting
households is a positive trend primarily of a father, mother and their children
for economic reasons. The migration of
people from rural to urban areas has the migration of people from rural to
resulted in an enormous increase in urban areas: the movement of people
demand for housing. The housing stock
from the countryside to cities
has been inadequate to cope with this
demand, and so property developers
have taken advantage of this population the housing stock: all the houses
shift to raise house prices and rents. available for living in
They have built apartment blocks
which provide accommodation for only to be inadequate to cope with: not
single people or small families. If they good enough to deal with a problem
do not wish to endure squalid housing a property developer: a person who
conditions, therefore, it is clearly buys land or buildings, and then makes
necessary for people to live alone or in
improvements in order to sell them for
small, usually family, groups.
more money
On the other hand, there are negative
aspects of this trend. With the mass apartment blocks: large buildings
exodus of people to cities, ties of with apartments on each floor.
kinship are broken as the extended
family which lived together in the population shift: a change in the
countryside is broken up. Socially, numbers of people who live in a
family gatherings take place only rarely
particular area
and, financially, living costs can no
longer be shared between many family
members living under the same roof.
For example, grandparents or other
relatives used to help with household to endure squalid living conditions:
expenses, child-minding and cooking. very dirty and unpleasant conditions in
Individuals rarely felt lonely or which to live
isolated, experiencing a sense of
alienation as they sometimes do in a mass exodus: the movement of a lot
cities, without such family support.
of people from a place
In conclusion, I believe that this trend ties of kinship: the fact of being
has equally significant positive and related in a family, with links of
negative aspects for both social and friendship and assistance to other
financial reasons. family members
an extended family: a family group
258 words
with many members, including parents,
children, grandparents, aunts and
uncles, cousins etc
to break up: to come to an end and go
away in different directions
a family gathering: a meeting of

family members for a particular
purpose
under the same roof: in the same

building or house
child-minding: caring informally (not

in schools) for children when parents
are busy or working
a sense of alienation: the feeling that

you have no connection with the
people around you
do you agree or disagree?
it is important to focus only on the
present and future generations.
However, I agree with those who argue
that researching our family history is a
useful and worthwhile activity. worthwhile: important, interesting and
enjoyable. Worth spending time or
On the one hand, it is important to money on.
concentrate on the health, happiness sustainably: in a way that can continue
and well-being of the present or be continued for a long time
generation and to live sustainably for
the sake of future generations. From
patterns of behavior: ways of acting
the perspective of the present,
everyone should try to provide a good and doing things (either positive or
moral example and to set patterns of negative)
behaviour that demonstrate respect for
others. For instance, being formative years: a period of a person’s
consistently kind and honest provides a life, usually childhood, that has a big
good model for children to follow influence on the person they become
during their formative years. This later in life
behaviour will shape their personality
and values as they enter adult life. In
terms of future generations, it is to shape a child’s personality/ values:
essential to focus on fighting climate to decide or influence the form of a
change and to combat global warming. child’s personality
On the other hand, it is also essential to enter adult life: the stage when
to have a sense of the past, including adolescents are almost old enough to
family history. This sense of history be legally independent of their parents
enables people to understand the socio-
economic changes taking place around
them today. Many people enjoy to fight climate change: to try to
assimilating knowledge of the past by prevent changes in climate patterns,
studying their family history. such as rainfall, temperature and winds.
Discovering the origins, the
occupations and some of the life stories
of previous generations of family global warming: the process by which
members helps to give individuals an the Earth is getting hotter, as a result of
understanding of time and place. The the greenhouse effect – in particular the
study of family history, therefore,
increase in carbon dioxide in the air.
bridges the generation gap and helps
people to look at the past in connection
with the present. socio-economic changes: changes
relating to the society and economy of
In conclusion, while it is vital to be a country
concerned with present and future
generations, I contend that it is also to assimilate knowledge: to absorb
both interesting and important to study and understand knowledge
family history.
generation gap: the experience of not
268 words
understanding your parents or
grandparents and them not
understanding you due to being raised
during different time periods, in a
different cultural setting
to bridge: to reduce or to get rid of the

differences that exist between two
things or groups of people
3. (20/10/2019): People nowadays tend to take their family to another

country when they work abroad. Do the advantages of this outweigh the
disadvantages?
It is true that different patterns of patterns of behavior: ways of acting
behaviour can be observed when and doing things (either positive or
people move to another country for negative)
work purposes. While some prefer to
do this on their own and remit part of
their salary to their family back home,
many prefer to take their family with to remit: to send money to a place or
them. I believe that the benefits of person
taking the family outweigh the
drawbacks. negative influences on individual
families: negative meaning bad;
On the one hand, moving alone to
another country may have negative influences meaning effects; on
influences on individual families. If individual families refers to each
the man goes on his own to another nuclear family - a couple and their
country to find work, to earn more children, rather than families in
money to support a family, this leaves general;
the woman to cope with the task of
bringing up their offspring. It is very
to support a family: to have enough
stressful to take on all the
responsibilities of a single-parent money to be able to look after a family
household, even if there are members
of the extended family who can help. to bring up their offspring: to bring
The man himself, in the new country, up means to raise; this is what you do
may find himself lonely and isolated. as a parent with your children; you
Despite having supportive work educate them, nurture them, etc.;
colleagues, he may still spend part of offspring refers to your children;
his wages on drinking or gambling.
to take on: to decide to do something
On the other hand, moving to another or to agree to be responsible for
country as a family may benefit the somebody/something
children, in particular. Firstly,
although they may at first be out of a single parent household: a family in
their depth in school, children very which one person takes care of their
quickly pick up a new language. In the child or children without a husband,
new country, there may be wife or partner
opportunities to qualify for entrance to
top-tier institutions, which may have an extended family: a family group
been denied them at home. They may with many members, including parents,
be able to make the most of new children, grandparents, aunts and
educational opportunities. Secondly, uncles, cousins etc
when the family stays together, the
children receive the emotional support supportive work colleagues: people
that they need during their formative that you work with who give you
years.
help and encouragement
to be out of one’s depth: to be unable
In conclusion, I would argue that to understand something because it is
taking the family when going to too difficult
another country to work is far more
to pick up: to get information or a skill
advantageous than leaving a wife and
children behind. by chance, not by making a big effort
286 words
top-tier institutions: leading or
prestigious educational institutions

make something appear as good as
possible; to exploit something; to get as
much out of something as is possible.
formative years: a period of a person’s
life, usually childhood, that has a big
influence on the person they become
later in life
H. HEALTH
1. (04/05/2019): Today, many children spend a lot of time playing computer
games and little time on sports. What are the reasons for this and is it a
positive or negative development?
It is true that many youngsters waste hours and hours: for a very long time
hours and hours on computer games, to neglect: to fail to pay enough
neglecting sports and physical exercise. attention to something
I believe that there is at least one
important factor to account for this
trend, which is in my opinion a totally to account for: to be the explanation
negative one. or the cause of something
I would argue that the marketing

industry is chiefly culpable for the fact culpable: responsible and deserving
that a growing number of children are blame for doing something wrong
Bách,
addicted to computer games. Even in to be addicted (to something): to be
developing countries, a lot of unable to stop taking harmful drugs,
youngsters these days are computer- tobacco or alcohol.
literate, and software companies know
to be computer-literate: able to use
how children are easily swayed by the
novelty of playing new games. Through computers well
their advertising, such companies aim
specifically at children as their target to be swayed by: to be influenced to
audience to promote their products. buy things
These soon become obsolete and are target audience: consumers whom
replaced by new ones. As a result, businesses aim at when selling their
children are not taking up sports.
products
Instead, they find their excitement in
imaginary virtual worlds of gaming to promote their products: to make
rather than the real, physical world. products popular by advertising them
The main argument against computer to become obsolete: to be no longer

games is that they are detrimental to used because something new has been
children’s health. Firstly, a sedentary invented
lifestyle is encouraged by playing
to take up sport: to start doing a sport,
computer games, whereas youngsters
need to take regular exercise. Without to start doing exercise
sport, children may become prone to gaming: playing computer games
obesity. My cousin, for example, never
plays any sports and he is putting on to be detrimental to health: to be
weight, mainly because of all the hours harmful to health
that he spends playing computer a sedentary lifestyle: involving little
games. Secondly, too much time spent exercise or physical activity
on computer games may lead to social
to take regular exercise: to start doing
isolation and resulting mental health
problems. It might be a good idea for exercise, for example every day/every
computer games to be sold with a week…
warning that they carry health risks, to be prone to obesity: to be likely to
like cigarettes or alcohol. become fat [in an unhealthy way]
to put on weight: to become heavier
In conclusion, advertisers are
and fatter
responsible for the gaming obsession of
many youngsters, and I consider that
this has serious negative consequences social isolation: being alone and lonely,
for health. without much contact with other people
279 words mental health problems: related to

illnesses of one’s mind
2. (07/06/2019): “More and more people are becoming seriously overweight.

Some people think a solution can be to increase the price of fattening foods.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that an increasing number of to raise taxes on: to increase the
people have serious weight problems. amount of tax on something
While some argue that raising the price
of fattening foods might help to solve content: the amount of a substance that
the problem, I only partly agree with is contained in something else
this view.
On the one hand, an increase in the

price of fattening foods might lead to a junk food: food that is quick and easy
reduction in the amount of these foods to prepare and eat, but that is thought to
be bad for your health
which people buy. Governments could
raise taxes on all foods with a high fat
to put on weight: to become fatter and
or sugar content, because if people eat heavier
too much junk food containing a lot of to be prone to obesity: to be likely to
fat or sugar, they will certainly put on become fat [in an unhealthy way]
weight and be prone to obesity.
Becoming addicted to such eating to be addicted to something: to be
habits will definitely be detrimental to unable to stop taking harmful drugs,
their health. For example, this was tobacco or alcohol.
highlighted in the film ‘Supersize Me’,
in which the hero ate only at eating habits: refers to why and how
McDonald’s for a month and became people eat, which foods they eat, and
very ill. Therefore, it is possible that with whom they eat, as well as the
people will buy less of this junk food if ways
it is more expensive.
Bách,
Bách,
people obtain, store, use, and discard
On the other hand, while price may food.
be a factor, the problem of an
increasingly overweight population to be detrimental to health: to be
also requires other solutions. Firstly, harmful to health
through health awareness campaigns, to highlight: to emphasize something,
people should be encouraged to take especially so that people give it more
regular exercise, because a sedentary attention
lifestyle is definitely linked to obesity.
Secondly, schools and workplaces health awareness campaigns:
could provide children and staff with a publicity to encourage people to be
healthier diet. By preparing meals concerned about looking after their
which are low in fat and high in fiber, health.
children and employees would be much
less likely to put on weight. In the UK, to take regular exercise: to do some
for instance, a recent campaign for physical activity on a regular basis
healthier school meals was very
successful. a sedentary lifestyle: a type of live
involving little exercise or physical
In conclusion, although I believe that activity
governments should adopt policies to
increase the price of fattening food, to provide somebody with a healthier
there are also other measures which diet: to give somebody a diet which is
must be taken to tackle the issue of more healthy than that which they have
rising obesity levels. at present
286 words
low in fat and high in fiber: a diet
which does not contain much fat, but
which contains foods which have a lot
of fiber
to put on weight: to become fatter and
heavier

particular policies
I. TOURISM
1. (22/06/2019): Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by
tourists but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to
attract more local people to visit these places?
It is true that tourists from many parts
of the world pay more visits to
museums and historical places than
local inhabitants. Resulting from a
number of reasons, this situation
should be solved by attracting the
locals in some practical ways.
There are two main reasons why historical sites: an official location
museums and historical sites are where pieces of political, military,
preferred more by tourists than by local cultural, or social history have been
residents. One reason is that museums preserved due to their cultural heritage
are too familiar to nearby inhabitants. value.
If museums do not change anything,
there will be nothing new for the locals local residents/ inhabitants/people:
to discover. Like eating the same dish the inhabitants of a place are the
every single day, they feel bored with people who live there.
visiting the same places. Furthermore,
entrance tickets at some historical sites
are expensive for the local inhabitants attractions: a place which draws
to afford. For example, in Dien Bien, a visitors by providing something of
province in northwestern Vietnam, it is interest or pleasure.
rather hard for the residents to make
ends meet, let alone to spend money to discover: to find information, a
on visiting some famous historical place, or an object, especially for the
attractions there. first time
The governments should take some spend money on sth/doing sth: to

measures/steps to tackle this issue use money to pay for things
effectively. Firstly, museums ought to
be invested in more by the authorities
to refresh the exhibits. The fresher relic: an object from the past that has
the been kept
museums are, the more local residents
are interested in them. Secondly,
historical relics need to be free for all
the local people. Without worrying
about additional expenditure, those to take measures/steps:
residents will pay more and more visits to take action; do things to accomplish
to historical sites in order to broaden a purpose.
their knowledge about their home
towns. to tackle: to make a determined effort
to deal with a difficult problem or
In conclusion, there are some evident situation
reasons that bring about this trend.
However, something should be done to invest in: to put money, effort, time,
attract more visits of the locals by the etc. into something to make a profit or
authorities. get an advantage
260 words exhibit: an object or collection of

objects on public display in an art
gallery or museum or at a trade fair.
expenditure:
an amount of money, time,
or effort that is spent
to broaden knowledge: to increase

your knowledge
2. (24/07/2019): International travel is becoming cheaper and cheaper, and

more countries are now opening their doors to foreign visitors. Do you think
that the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
It is true that it is now less expensive to
travel to other countries than it was in
the past. New travel destinations appear brochure: a small magazine or book
in tourist brochures to attract visitors containing pictures and information
from abroad. While there are about something or advertising
advantages, I believe that these are something
outweighed by the disadvantages of
these trends.
On the one hand, international travel to experience phenomenal growth: to
has experienced phenomenal growth, experience an extremely successful or
and many people can now enjoy special development, especially in a
exploring places which in the past only surprising way
the rich could visit. After all, many
people on limited incomes have a thirst to have a thirst for something: to
for seeing far-off destinations, and this have a strong desire for something
should not only be the privilege of far-off: a long distance away
wealthy people. For example, many
Asian countries now welcome foreign privilege: a special right or advantage
visitors who can book an affordable that a person or a group of people has
package holiday to experience the
holiday of a lifetime. More and more to book: to reserve something, such as
people are able to go sightseeing along a hotel room or a ticket
the Great Wall of China, discover the a package holiday: a holiday that is
temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or organized by a company at a fixed
simply to get away from it all on a price, including the cost of a hotel,
beach in Malaysia. So, now the many travel etc. the holiday of a lifetime: a
can enjoy experiences that in past only special holiday that you are unlikely to
a few could afford. repeat
On the other hand, there are two to go sightseeing: to look around the
major disadvantages associated with places that tourists like to visit
these developments. Firstly, the green
movement argues convincingly that to get away from it all: to have a
there are environmental costs of the holiday in a very quiet place where you
growth in international travel. It is can relax.
necessary to fight climate change, but
air travel pollutes the atmosphere, and the green movement: all the
the construction of new airports and organisations concerned with the
tourist facilities such as hotels and protection of the environment
roads inevitably results in habitat to fight climate change: to try to
destruction. Secondly, international prevent changes in climate patterns,
travel destinations are increasingly such as rainfall, temperature and winds.
crowded. At the height of the tourist
season, even remote beaches now habitat destruction: the process that
swarm with tourists. The beauty of occurs when a natural habitat, like a
such places is now destroyed in the forest or wetland, is changed so
interests of moneymaking. dramatically by humans that plants and
animals which live there.
Bách,
In conclusion, I would argue that the the height of the tourist season: time
drawbacks of environmental of year when the greatest number of
degradation and overcrowding people visit a place and when the prices
outweigh the benefits of these trends. are at their highest level
289 words to swarm with tourists: when people

swarm somewhere, they move there in a
large group or in large numbers.
moneymaking: producing or making a
large profit
environmental degradation: the

becoming worse
3. (14/09/2019): Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed

if they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others,
however, believe that is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss both
these views and give your own opinion.
It is true that many people argue that
cultural traditions will only survive if
they are commercially packaged for the
tourist market. While this may be the
case, I agree with the opposing view
that such packaging inevitably leads to
the death of those traditions.
socio-economic changes: changes

On the one hand, globalisation is
resulting in socio-economic changes relating to the society and economy of
which are destroying traditional ways a country
of life. It is not always possible to in the face of: despite problems,
preserve cultural traditions in the face difficulties
of these changes. The changes affect
traditional cultures in many ways. For folk songs: songs in the traditional
example, folk songs and other genres style of a country or community
of music such as American blues
genres of music: particular types or
reflect a way of life which is
disappearing, based on agricultural styles of music
work in the fields. Without the
organisation of music concerts aimed at literary and artistic heritage: the
tourists, this artistic musical heritage traditon of writing or painting that a
will almost certainly be lost, and there
country, city or town has had for many
will be nobody to perform the
traditional music and dances associated years, distinguishing it as an important
with it. part of its character
On the other hand, I agree with those

who believe that the commercialisation
of traditional cultures aimed at tourists
will not save those cultures. Firstly,
culture becomes meaningless when it is
something which is presented to
visitors simply to make money.
meaningless: without any reason or
Tourists, for instance, may want to try
local cuisine in a restaurant which purpose, and therefore not worth doing
follows a traditional recipe, but it will
not be eaten in the authentic
surroundings of the home or served to Chinese cuisine: A type of food that is
accompany a traditional ceremony. traditional in China – you can write
Secondly, many traditional cultures ‘Italian cuisine/Vietnamese cuisine’ in
retain their vitality despite
the same way
globalisation. Carnival in Brazil, for
instance, is performed and watched to follow a recipe: to cook a meal
mainly by local people, even though using instructions
television and the tourist industry authentic: known to be real and
exploit it as a source of revenue. genuine
vitality: energy and enthusiasm
In conclusion, I agree with the view
that when a culture can only survive by revenue: the money that a government
turning itself into a money-making receives from taxes or which a
attraction, then that culture is already company receives from its business
destroyed. All that remains is spectacle
for tourists.
spectacle: a performance or event that
294 words is impressive to look at
J. GOVERNMENT
1. (23/05/2019): In many cities there is little control on the design and
construction of new homes and office buildings, and people can build houses
in their own style. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a
situation?
It is true that national and local national and local authorities:
authorities in some cities around the government organizations acting at a
world fail to introduce restrictions on national level or within a smaller, local
planning. While this allows great freedom area
of choice for property developers and
individual homeowners, I believe that the to introduce restrictions on: to limit what
disadvantages outweigh such benefits. people can do or what can happen
a property developer: a person who buys
On the one hand, uncontrolled land or buildings, and then makes
construction of housing and offices
improvements in order to sell them for
encourages investment in a city. If there
more money
are few planning regulations to adhere to,
investors are more likely to speculate on to adhere to: to limit what people can do
increasing the housing stock, often using or what can happen
the most cost-effective designs. With
more available housing, there should be to speculate: to buy a house or other
fewer people living on the streets. In property, hoping to make a profit when you
terms of the construction of office sell it, but with the risk of losing money
buildings, without controls on the the housing stock: all the houses available
provision of high-rise buildings, a huge for living in
amount of space can be made available
for companies to locate in a particular cost-effective: giving the best possible
city. This might potentially increase benefits or profits in comparison with the
employment opportunities in the area. money that is spent
On the other hand, there are major to be living on the streets: to be without a
drawbacks when urban development is place in which to live
unplanned in this way. Firstly, urban high-rise buildings: tall modern buildings
sprawl is encouraged, and this is an (not as tall as skyscrapers)
undesirable feature of many modern
cities.
Bách,
Bách,
In some US cities, for example,
sprawling suburbs have sprung up while
urban sprawl: a large area covered with
at the same time slum areas and sink
estates have been allowed to decay in the buildings that spreads from the city into the
inner city areas. Secondly, when countryside in an ugly way
individuals can put up buildings to any sprawling suburbs: an area outside of the
design which they want, the result is that centre of a city where people live, but
the city simply becomes an eyesore. which is spreading without control into the
Buildings may simply not blend in with surrounding countryside
each other. For instance, towering
skyscrapers may be constructed next to to spring up: to appear or develop quickly
famous landmarks, completely or suddenly
overshadowing them.
slum areas: parts of a city where the
In conclusion, I would argue that the houses are poor and the houses are dirty
unplanned growth of cities has produced and in bad condition
both ugliness and chaos. Such drawbacks sink estates: housing located in a poor area
greatly outweigh any benefits. of a city where social conditions are bad
inner city areas: the parts near the centre
268 words of a city, which often have social problems
to be an eyesore: to be ugly to look at

towering skyscrapers: very tall modern
buildings, usually in a city
a famous landmark: a building that is
very important because of its historical or
modern significance
to blend in (with something): If
something blends in, then it is similar to -
or matches - its surroundings
to overshadow: to make something (or
somebody) seem less important
chaos: a state of complete confusion and
lack of order
2. (20/06/2019): Government should invest in teaching science subjects rather
than other subjects in order for a country to develop and progress. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
Bách,
It is true that investment in science high on the agenda: something which
education in schools and universities is among the first things in the list of
should be high on the agenda of all actions to be taken
governments. However, while this is
to allocate resources to: to make
important, I disagree that this should be
the only priority, because it is also
something
important to allocate resources to the
teaching of other subjects.
to provide funding for: to give money
It is clearly essential to provide funding to enable something to be done
for the study of science subjects.
Recent discoveries in science have to apply something to something: to
been applied to bring about changes in use something or make something
such fields as health, food production work in a particular situation
and, above all, communications. For
example, genetics based on the
research of biologists is revolutionising to revolutionise/revolutionize: to
the treatment of diseases such as completely change the way that
cancer. Therefore, governments must something is done.
invest heavily in science subjects in
order to ensure that the knowledge of up-to-date: modern, fashionable
science graduates is up-to-date. If this
is done, the international scientific pressing: needing to be dealt with
community will, for instance, be able immediately
to find solutions to pressing
environmental challenges facing the
world today. to neglect: to not give enough attention
to something
However, government investment in
science education must not be at the to express oneself: to communicate
expense of neglecting other subjects. some idea or emotion through speech,
Progress and development do not mean
Bách,
economic growth. Firstly, schools writing, painting, music or some other
should encourage students to express form of art
themselves through art, literature and
music and develop those talents which to see the big picture: to understand
are a part of our cultural life. Secondly, all the important aspects of a situation
if it were not for the study of subjects
such as history, philosophy and to live in harmony with one another:
languages, then nobody would be able to live with others in a way which
to see the big picture. Ethical social avoids conflict or disagreement
questions concerning how people might
live in harmony with one another in a
sustainable way would never be
discussed.
In conclusion, it is necessary for

governments to invest in science
education, but they must also promote
the study of other subjects to develop
the creativity and critical thinking of
students.
273 words
K. SOCIETY
1. (23/03/2019): It is expected that there will be a higher proportion of older
people than that of young people in many countries in the future? Do you
think it is a positive or negative development?
It is predicted that in many
countries the percentage of the
elderly population will be higher
than the proportion of the young
generation. While this will create
some problems, I believe that it is
on balance a positive development.
to confront (a problem or
On the one hand, the main issue difficulty): to appear and to need to
confronting countries with a large be dealt with by somebody
elderly population is the cost of
providing public health services. As
people grow older, they generally public health services: the agencies
need more medical attention. It will, funded by the government to protect
therefore be necessary for and promote the health of the
governments to impose spending
cuts or to raise taxes on incomes or population
goods in order to provide funding to impose spending cuts: to
for increased health care. In introduce new rules to spend less
countries like the USA and the UK, money on something
many people fear that they may be to raise taxes on: to increase the
faced with large health bills in their amount of tax on something
old age and have decided to take out
private health insurance. They to provide funding for: to give
argue that the resources of a welfare money to enable something to be
state will not be adequate to done
guarantee good health care when
they are old.
to be faced with: if you are faced
On the other hand, I agree with with a particular situation, you have
those who argue that the world is to deal with it
changing and fewer young people
will be required to work in future. to take out private health
Firstly, advances in technology insurance: to make regular
mean fewer young workers are payments to an insurance company,
needed. Robotics technology is still
who will pay for medical or hospital
in its infancy, but fewer workers are
needed now in many occupations. treatment when you need it
For example, labour-saving
appliances have replaced many a welfare state: a taxation system
workers in the industrial and service which allows governments to
sectors. Secondly, as populations provide for the economic and social
age, the number of people will well-being of its citizens
decline. The present world
population of about 9 billion is adequate: enough for a particular
depleting the natural resources on purpose or need
which everyone depends. advances in technology: the
improvement or development in
In conclusion, although the health
costs of caring for an increasingly technology
elderly population will be high
initially, an ageing population will robotics technology: the design,
avoid both the future problems of an construction and operation of robots
army of young jobless people, and
also population pressure which will to be in its infancy: to be in the
provoke an ecological crisis. early development of something
290 words labour-saving appliances:

machines that reduce the amount of
work or effort needed to do
something.
to deplete natural resources: To

reduce the amount of natural
resources.
jobless: without a job
an ecological crisis: a serious
situation that occurs when the
environment of a species or a
population changes in a way that
destabilizes its continued survival
Bách,
2. (06/04/2019): People have little understanding of the importance of the
natural world. What are the reasons for this, and how can people learn more
about the natural world?
It is true that most people do not realize
how important the natural world is.
While there are some reasons to
explain this lack of knowledge, there
are ways in which people can improve
their understanding. the disappearance of traditional
ways of life: the fact that traditional
I believe that the major reason why
many people do not appreciate the ways no longer exist
value of the natural world is the
disappearance of traditional ways of
life. In terms of work, hunting, fishing advances in technology: the
or agriculture are now the occupation improvement or development in
of a small minority of the workforce in technology
most countries. Advances in
technology mean that most people now
spend a large part of their day in a working environment: the conditions
closed working environment, such as that you work in
an office, shop or factory, without any
contact with nature. From a cultural
perspective, traditional festivals
related to the natural seasons in to fall by the wayside: if something
agricultural communities have fallen by
falls by the wayside, it is no longer
the wayside. Celebrations of nature, for
example at times of spring or harvest, used
which once provided a link to our harvest: the time of year when crops
roots, continue only in the hands of an
are collected on a farm
ageing population, while younger
generations are addicted to the
electronic media. to provide a link to our roots: to
connect with previous generations
However, people can learn about the
natural world in three important ways. in the hands of an ageing population:
Firstly, there are many opportunities to dependent on the elderly
become involved in local volunteer
work, carrying out environmentally
friendly tasks like planting trees.
Secondly, schools should include
nature studies and environmental to be addicted to: to be unable to stop
science in the curriculum. Finally, taking harmful drugs, tobacco or
more nature documentaries on TV and alcohol.
the internet would stimulate a revival
of interest in the world around us. They the electronic media: broadcast media
are an excellent means of informing the which use electronic technology, such
public about life on the planet, and the as the internet, television, radio, DVDs
need to combat the environmental etc
degradation which threatens it.
In conclusion, although there are
important reasons why there is little
public understanding of the natural environment
world, there are ways in which this
lack of knowledge can be overcome. to stimulate: to encourage something
289 words to develop
a revival of interest in: the process of

something becoming more popular
again
environmental degradation: the

becoming worse
3. (18/06/2019): Many people disagree with a school policy which forces

children to learn new languages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that many people oppose the
idea that learning a foreign language
should be compulsory in schools.
While it could be argued that learning
a new language is valuable in schools, I
believe that such a policy should not be
made compulsory.
On the one hand, it is advantageous advantageous: good or useful in a
for schoolchildren to study a foreign particular situation
language. One reason is that in some
schools there are opportunities to
participate in organised exchange visits
with overseas students, or to travel on
school trips to countries with a
different language and culture. In these to assimilate knowledge: to absorb
ways, children can assimilate and understand knowledge
knowledge and even acquire social to have social skills: to have the
skills while having fun at the same personal skills required for successful
time. Another reason is that if communication and interaction
children are able to speak a foreign
language, they may find this useful in
later life. It could improve their job job prospects: the chances of being
prospects and help them to pursue a successful and having more
successful career. opportunities at work
On the other hand, I would argue that to pursue a successful career: to have
children should not be forced to learn a a series of jobs in a particular area of
new language. Firstly, some children work, with more responsibility as time
might fail to see the point of studying a passes
subject, for example French or
German, which they think they will to see the point of: to understand the
never use. They would soon become purpose or aim of something
bored and disrupt lessons. Secondly,
the school curriculum may already to disrupt lessons: to make it difficult
cover a lot of ground. Given a busy to conduct the lesson in the normal way
timetable, pupils may prefer to study
things which they think will benefit to cover a lot of ground: to deal with
them in the future, such as science or
much information and many facts.
mathematics.
In conclusion, although learning a new

language would be useful, fun and
challenging for children, I feel that this
should not form a compulsory part of
the school curriculum.
260 words
4. (19/10/2019): Many people are now spending more and more time travelling
to work or school. Some people believe that this is a negative development
while others think there are some benefits. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
It is true that commuting times to work commuting times: the time taken
or school are generally longer today travelling to and from work
than in the past. While this trend may
be beneficial from one point of view, I
agree with those who consider this a
negative development.
On the one hand, the need to spend

to prompt: to make somebody decide
more time travelling to work or school
has provoked some beneficial changes. to do something/ to make something
This problem has forced companies happen
and education authorities to take
measures to deal with the situation. flexible working hours: hours of work
Firstly, the difficulties of getting to that can be changed by agreement
work have prompted some employers between the employer and the
to introduce flexible working hours. employee
Many employees prefer this flexibility,
and it has proved helpful in particular working mothers: Mothers who have
for working mothers who need to pick to go out to work as well as to look
up their children after school. A after children
second benefit is in the field of to pick up : to go somewhere and
education. Most universities now offer collect somebody who is waiting for
an option for distance learning, you
recognising the fact that lengthy
journeys deter many potential students. distance learning: delivering
Now, the virtual classroom enables
education to students who are not
studies to be done at home.
physically at school/at university
On the other hand, it is a waste of
time to spend hours each day getting to a virtual classroom: an online
or from work or school. One problem classroom in which participants can
is that everyone finds it more and more communicate and interact with other
difficult to be punctual, when faced students, view videos and actively
with rush hour traffic jams, which is a engage with the study materials
stressful situation causing daily to be punctual: to arrive at the correct
anxiety. Many of my classmates, for
time
example, tell me about their worries
about being late for lectures. Another rush hour traffic jams: the time when
problem is that people arrive most people are travelling to or from
exhausted at school or the workplace work/school and so there is too much
and, in the evening, they arrive worn- traffic on the roads.
out after a long journey home. They
are too tired to enjoy their leisure. anxiety: the state of feeling nervous or
worried that something bad is going to
In conclusion, I believe that the
happen
problem of increased journey times to
work or school has forced the
introduction of some beneficial worn-out: looking or feeling very
changes. However, these long tired, especially as a result of hard
journeys cause stress and fatigue, and work or physical exercise
they are clearly a negative
development. fatigue: a feeling of being very tired
291 words
5. (23/10/2019): Charities and organizations always give special names to

particular days such as 'National Children's Day' and 'National Non-smoking
Day'. What are the reasons for these particular days? How effective are
they?
It is true that many charities and NGOs non-governmental organizations:
organise special days. They are NGOs: a charity or association that is
convinced of the need for such days, independent of government or business
and I would support their argument that
special days are effective and worthwhile: important, enjoyable,
worthwhile.
interesting – worth spending time,
There are two major reasons why money or effort on
charities and other organisations have
special days. Firstly, they may use
them as an opportunity to raise funds to
Bách,
support their work. In the UK, for prime time television: the hours
example, the charity ‘Children in during which most people are watching
Need’ have a special day, with TV
celebrities presenting a show on prime
to enhance their public image : to
time television, which raises millions
of pounds each year. Secondly, they make their company appear more
use these special days to enhance their attractive to people
public image, making the most of to make the most of something: to
increased news coverage to inform the make something appear as good as
public about their aims and possible; to exploit something; to get as
achievements. Volunteers talk to much out of something as is possible.
people in the streets on such days and
news coverage: the reporting of news
offer badges, sometimes even
recruiting people to become voluntary and sport in newspapers, tv, or radio.
workers for the charity.
In terms of effectiveness, these special to recruit: to find new people to join a

days are worth all the extra work and company, an organisation, the army
preparation which charities devote to etc.
organising them. One good example
are the days organised by various
health awareness campaigns. The
charity ‘Samaritans’ in Europe and the
USA offers emotional support by
telephone to people with mental health
problems. It uses a special day to health awareness campaigns:
inform people about what they do and publicity to encourage people to be
to appeal for more volunteers to join concerned about looking after their
their work. Thus, the special day
highlights the extent of the problem health.
and appeals to the social conscience of to offer emotional support: to give
the public. counselling to a person who is
suffering from a mental health problem
In conclusion, there are good reasons mental health problems: related to
for organising specific days to illnesses of one’s mind
publicise the work of particular
charities. The special days are both
social conscience: the state of being
effective and essential to enable them
aware of the problems that affect a lot
of people in society, such as being poor
or
to continue with their valuable work having no home, and wanting to do
throughout the year. something to help these people
273 words
L. MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

1. (02/02/2019): More and more people want to buy famous brands of clothes,
cars and other items. What are the reasons? Do you think it is a positive or
negative development?
It is true that a growing number of
people want to buy well-known
designer labels of many consumer
products. While there are some
obvious reasons for this trend, I
believe that it is a totally negative
development.
The reasons for the increasing

consumer concern with brand
names are simple to explain.
Firstly, the marketing departments
of giant corporations aim to identify
their goods with a glamorous and
successful lifestyle, and people are glamorous: especially attractive,
easily swayed by advertisements. exciting and different from ordinary
Bách,
Companies often use celebrity things
endorsement to promote their to be swayed by advertisements:
products, with famous people like to be influenced to buy things as a
Cristiano Ronaldo or Victoria result of advertising
Beckham. Secondly, the possession celebrity endorsement: a form of
of a Mercedes car or a Gucci brand or advertising campaign that
handbag, for example, advertises involves a well-known person using
one’s own wealth and taste to their fame to help promote a product
others. The idea behind owning a or service
brand name is to make others to promote their products: to
jealous. make products popular by
advertising them
However, I would argue that this is
a completely negative development.
In terms of what ordinary people
can afford, consumers are
encouraged by corporations to
squander their savings on designer
goods which the companies promise
to squander savings: to waste
will improve their lives and make
money by not using it to your
them happy. From a social
advantage
perspective, such messages are
very dangerous, encouraging crime,
for example to steal the latest cell
phones from people in the street.
The target audience is often young
people, who companies seek to
attract by promoting brand
awareness of their products such as
Coca Cola, Nike or Samsung. These
target audience: consumers whom
are now considered to be essential
businesses aim at when selling their
items to have in our modern global
products
village.
brand awareness: the action of
bringing the name of a company to
In conclusion, there are some
the attention of the public
important reasons to explain why
many people find brand name
products so attractive. Although
famous designer labels are
increasingly in demand, I would
argue that this form of consumerism
gives people a false idea of what is
important in our lives.
281 words.
consumerism: the act of buying or

using goods or services
2. (09/03/2019): Some people believe that the only purpose of films is to

entertain. But others say films should have educational value. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
It is true that some people think that
films should just be for
entertainment, while others believe
that they should inform as well as
entertain. I strongly agree with the
second view that the film industry
should not be simply a source of to appeal to audiences: to attract or
entertainment. interest those who go to watch a
play or film.
On the one hand, many people the portrayal of something: the act
watch films solely in order to be of showing or describing
entertained. To appeal to audiences, something/somebody in a book,
therefore, the film industry usually painting, play or film
focuses on the portrayal of scenes effects: special looks or impressions
of violent action, accompanied by that somebody, such as a film
spectacular effects. Some people director, wants to create
say that we need such films to
provide an escape from the stresses
of daily life. Although each film to bombard someone with
must contain some kind of story, something: to continually send
these action movies bombard someone something, esp. messages
audiences with the simplistic theme to inform or influence them.
of bad characters– often alien simplistic: simple, but ignoring
monsters – chasing the heroes for complicated parts which are
90 minutes. Certainly, the purpose important
of such movies, such as
‘Independence Day’ or the
‘Mission Impossible’ series can
only be to entertain, since they have
no serious message or even factual
content.
content: the subject matter of a
On the other hand, I concur with book, film etc
the view that films should be
instructive as well as entertaining. to concur: to agree
Firstly, historical films like
‘Titanic’ or ‘Schindler’s List’ have instructive: giving a lot of useful
some basis in fact for people to information
learn about the past. The target
audience for such serious films is
surprisingly
large, suggesting that many people
want films to tackle these subjects. target audience: consumers whom
Secondly, even films about the businesses aim at when selling their
future can have some educational products
themes to make audiences think.
For example, despite their absurd
exaggerations, the ‘Jurassic Park’
movies have probably inspired
many youngsters to want to know
more about dinosaurs.
In conclusion, while films should

obviously entertain audiences and
hold their attention, their purpose
should also be to add to people’s
to hold the attention of someone:
knowledge and understanding of
the world. to maintain the interest of someone
280 words in something
3. (28/03/2019): In some countries, advertisers increase the amount of

advertising which tries to persuade children to buy snacks, toys and other
goods. Parents object to such pressure on children. But some advertisers
claim that there is useful information in these advertisements. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
Bách,
+ Hotline: 0974657403 (Hoặc email: ieltsbach1707@gmail.com) 0
It is true that commercial advertising in commercial advertising: advertising
many countries is sometimes aimed at on the radio or television, between or
children. While there are some who during programmes.
argue that advertisments contain
product information that is useful for
youngsters, I agree with those critics youngster: a young person or a child
who believe that advertising
pressurises children into wanting things to pressurise/pressurize: to persuade
which are neither necessary nor somebody to do something, especially
desirable. by making them feel that they have to
do it
On the one hand, some companies
deny that they put pressure on children
Bách,
to buy their goods, and argue that they
are simply informing children about the
range of choices open to them. When
firms promote their products, they
bring the attention of youngsters to new
toys or sweets. For example, a new
chocolate bar may be launched and to promote their products: to make
children will only learn about it if it is products popular by advertising them
advertised. Therefore, it is justified to
aim at children as a target audience to launch a product: to introduce a
because they need to learn how to new product
make consumer choices. If products a target audience: consumers whom
were not promoted to youngsters, they
businesses aim at when selling their
would enter adult life without acquiring
this useful skill. products
to enter adult life: the stage when
On the other hand, I concur with the adolescents are almost old enough to
criticisms of those who consider that be legally independent of their parents
parents should be wary of the
marketing to which they expose their to concur: to agree
children. Firstly, children are too
young to be able to make informed
judgments. They tend to be swayed by to be wary of something: not
advertisements. It is, for instance, easy completely trusting or certain about
to promote brand awareness among something
children, so that if a classmate has the
latest Barbie doll or Captain America to be swayed by advertisements: to be
toy, everyone in the class then wants to influenced to buy things as a result of
have the same thing. Secondly, advertising
youngsters should be allowed to enjoy
brand awareness: the action of
the simplicity of chilhood play and
adventure, free of the pressures to bringing the name of a company to the
consume which seems to be an attention of the public
inevitable consequence of modern life.
In conclusion, I agree with the view

that advertising puts too much pressure an inevitable consequence: certain to
on children, and develops no useful happen and unable to be avoided or
childhood qualities. prevented
291 words
4. (18/05/2019): Advertising is all around us; it is an unavoidable part of

everyone's life. Some people say that advertising is a positive part of
our lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is true that nobody can escape the commercial advertising:
power of advertising these days, advertising on the radio or
whether this is commercial or television, between or during
online advertising, or even programmes. online advertising:
telemarketing. While some argue advertising a product or service on
that it is a positive part of our lives, the internet telemarketing: a
I believe that this is rarely the case. method of selling things or taking
orders for sales by telephone
On the one hand, a few
advertisements provide useful
information about products or to book: to reserve something, such
services which are available on the as a hotel room or a ticket
market. For example, someone the holiday of a lifetime: a special
may be planning to book the holiday that you are unlikely to
holiday of a lifetime, but there is a repeat
bewildering range of possible bewildering: making you feel
destinations to choose from. Really confused because there are too
informative advertising can help a many things to choose
customer to make the right choice
of holiday resort to meet their needs a holiday resort: a place where lots
and to suit their pockets. In my own of people go for a holiday
case, I found some tourist brochures to meet one’s needs: to have the
very helpful when I was looking for things that somebody requires in
a quiet destination to get away from order to live in a comfortable way or
it all and relax. In some cases, achieve what they want
therefore, advertising is a positive to suit one’s pocket: to be
part of our lives. affordable for the money that you
have to spend
On the other hand, however, I
consider that advertising is largely brochure: a small magazine or
unnecessary and intrusive. Firstly, book containing pictures or
it is intrusive, because we are information about something or
constantly surrounded by the advertising something
images and sounds of to get away from it all: to have a
advertisements, disturbing our holiday in a very quiet place where
privacy. For instance, I regularly you can relax.
receive telesales marketing calls on
my phone when I am busy or trying intrusive: too noticeable or direct,
to read a book. Secondly, some in a way that is disturbing or
people are easily swayed by annoying privacy: the state of being
advertisements to buy goods alone and not watched or disturbed
impulsively. Techniques such as by other people
celebrity endorsement of products telesales: a method of selling things
like sportswear persuade people to by telephone
buy things that they do not need and
cannot afford. Finally, people must to be swayed by advertisements:
be wary of advertising which makes to be influenced to buy things as a
false or exaggerated claims, which result of advertising
will lead to disappointment if they to buy goods impulsively: to buy
buy the product. things suddenly without any
planning and without considering
In conclusion, I believe that most the effects they may have
advertising has a negative impact on celebrity endorsement: a form of
our lives, in terms of stress and the brand or advertising campaign that
creation of false dreams of involves a well known person using
fulfilment. their fame to help promote a product
or service
289 words to be wary of: not completely
trusting or certain about something
fulfilment: happiness and

satisfaction with having what you
want or need, or what you have
done
5. (26/10/2019): Although more and more people read the news on the
internet, newspapers will remain an important sources of news for the
majority of people. Do you agree or disagree?
It is true that many people nowadays to gain access to the internet/to
access the internet to find out about the access the internet: to have the
latest news. I believe that this trend opportunity to use the internet
will increase dramatically in the future,
and I disagree that newspapers will
remain a significant news source for
many people.
I accept that newspapers will still be

popular in future among some
traditional readers, especially the
elderly, though not among the general
public. Some people will continue to
follow the habits of a lifetime, but
around the world newspaper sales show falling circulation: the decline in the
a falling circulation. They are
number of copies of a newspaper sold
becoming obsolete, and will eventually
be superseded by the internet when each day
people want to know the news. It is to become obsolete: to be no longer
not simply a question of price, as used because something new has been
printed newspapers become invented
increasingly expensive. It is also a to be superseded by: to be replaced by
question that newspapers can provide
something which is better
only relatively stale news when
compared with the internet. This is
particularly important when live stale news: information that is no
events, for example natural disasters, longer interesting or new, because it
are being reported. has already been reported
The electronic media have already the electronic media: broadcast media
taken over the role of news providers
which use electronic technology, such
for most people. Firstly, news
coverage on the internet is up to the as the internet, television, radio, DVDs
minute, because it can be updated etc
instantly. The internet is always first to
report any breaking news. Secondly,
Bách,
news on the internet is often to take over: to become bigger or
accompanied by dramatic video more important than something else; to
footage of important events, such as replace something
the recent fires in the Amazon. news coverage: the reporting of news
Finally, in terms of price, accessing and sport in newspapers, tv, or radio.
the news on the internet is free,
whereas the cost of a newspaper up to the minute: having the latest
constantly increases.
information
In conclusion, I predict that to update: to give somebody the most
newspapers will decline in importance recent information about something;to
and that most people will read the add the most recent information to
news on the internet in future. This something
trend is already evident and will
continue. breaking news: newly received
information about an event that is
268 words currently taking place
footage: part of a film showing a
particular event
M. TRANSPORTATION
1. (14/03/2019): In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of
business because people tend to drive to large out-of-town stores. As a
result, people without cars have limited access to out-of town stores, and this
may result in an increase in the use of cars.
permarkets or superstores outside the town centre. While this has a number of advantages, I would argue th
On the one hand, there are benefits
to be gained by shopping at out-of-
town stores. Firstly, in big cities
a congestion charge: an amount of
like London, motorists who shop in
city centre stores have to pay a money that people have to pay for
congestion charge to enter the driving their cars into the centre of
central urban zone. They may also some cities, as a way of stopping
be unable to avoid rush hour traffic the city centre from becoming too
jams when city centre traffic grinds full of traffic
to a halt. Secondly, if there is a lot rush hour traffic jams: the time
of shopping to carry, then a car is
when most people are travelling to
very convenient and, for example,
the food items for all the family can or from work/school and so there is
be loaded into the car. Of course, too much traffic on the roads.
such out-of-town megastores to grind to a halt: to go slower and
provide ample free parking and then stop completely
encourage car use, in contrast to the
stores in the centre of town. to load: to put a large quantity of
things into something
On the other hand, I believe that ample: enough or more than enough
there are important drawbacks
which outweigh any benefits. One
problem is that convenient a feature of urban living: a typical
shopping is a feature of urban living
quality of city life
and nothing is more depressing than
a row of boarded-up shops and boarded-up shops: shops with their
derelict buildings where the city windows and doors covered with
centre stores used to be. Without wood
these shops, inner city areas become
areas of crime and poverty. derelict buildings: buildings not
Another disadvantage is that used and in bad condition
poorer people do not have cars, and
out-of-town stores may be inner city areas: the parts near the
inadequately served by buses. centre of a city, which often have
Unless local authorities upgrade and social problems
expand public transport provision,
the convenience of out-of- town to upgrade and expand public
shopping is denied to the poorest transport provision: to improve
members of the community. bus
Bách,
Bách,
and train services and to make these
In conclusion, despite the services more available
advantages of out-of-town
superstores, I consider that the
benefits are outweighed by the
drawbacks.
278 words.
2. (30/06/2019): Air travel is causing some problems for the environment,

therefore we should increase the price to discourage people. Others disagree
that this is the solution. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
It is true that the growth of air
travel is resulting in damage to the
environment. While price increases
might be one measure to tackle the
problem, I would argue that
developing cleaner fuels would be
fairer and more effective.
On the one hand, when the cost of

air travel is cheap more people can budget/economy airlines:
afford to fly. The growth in companies which offer cheap flights
popularity of budget airlines proves
that cheap prices encourage flying. to book: to reserve something, such
In the UK, for example, after the as a hotel room or a ticket
1960s there was a huge increase in a package holiday: a holiday that is
the number of people who booked organized by a company at a fixed
package holidays to holiday resorts price, including the cost of a hotel,
in Spain, to sunbathe and get away travel etc.
from it all. Cheap flights offered a holiday resort: a place where lots
by the economy airlines were part of people go for a holiday
of these package holidays.
Therefore, it is clear that there is a to sunbathe: to sit or lie in the sun,
definite link between the popularity in order to get brown/to get a suntan
of air travel and the cost of
buying an airline
ticket, so raising prices would
definitely discourage some to get away from it all: to have a
travellers. holiday in a very quiet place where
you can relax.
On the other hand, I agree with
those who contend that other
actions would be preferable.
Firstly, raising prices would affect to contend: to say that something is
only those people on limited true, especially in an argument
incomes who could no longer preferable: more attractive or more
afford air travel. This would suitable; to be preferred to
unfairly penalize them, as the rich something people on limited
would continue to fly as frequently incomes: people who do not have
as before. Secondly, in terms of much money
alternative measures, investment in
advances in technology to produce to penalize: to put somebody at a
cleaner aviation fuel should be a disadvantage by treating them
government priority. This would unfairly
cut down on the carbon emissions
of aircraft and make a significant advances in technology: the
contribution to reducing our improvement or development in
reliance on fossil fuels. technology
to be a government priority:
In conclusion, although raising the something which is so important that
cost of air travel would be an the government should deal with it
effective policy to adopt to first.
discourage people from flying, this
would be unfair, and it would be to cut down on emissions: to
better environmentally to reduce the amount of gases sent out
concentrate on developing cleaner into the air
non-polluting fuels for aircraft. to reduce the dependence/reliance
on fossil fuels: to decrease people’s
284 words consumption of fossil fuels, like oil,
coal or gas.

particular policies
Bách,
N. ENERGY
1. (28/09/2019): Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are the main
energy source for many countries. However, some nations are using
alternative energy such as solar power, or wind power. To what extent do
you think this is a positive or negative development?
It is true that some countries have been to reduce the dependence/reliance on
unable to reduce their dependence of fossil fuels: to decrease people’s
fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. consumption of fossil fuels, like oil,
In contrast, other nations have been
coal or gas
investing heavily in alternative energy
sources and I personally consider that
this is a very positive development. alternative energy sources: refers to
any energy source that is an alternative
Reliance on fuels such as coal, oil and to fossil fuel
natural gas has negative consequences
for both human health and the
environment. Firstly, the extraction
and use of fossil fuels carries grave to carry health risks: to have effects
health risks. The burning of these fuels
which could be bad for one’s health
in power stations, or in cars or other
forms of transport pollutes the
atmosphere, and endangers health. It
results, for example, in poor air quality
in major cities across the world, such
as Los Angeles, Shanghai or Sao the greenhouse effect: the natural
Paulo. Admissions to hospitals rise process by which the sun warms the
sharply when air quality becomes surface of the Earth.
critical. Secondly, the burning of carbon footprint: a measure of the
fossil fuels adds to the greenhouse amount of carbon dioxide that is
effect at a time when international produced by the daily activities of a
efforts to reduce our carbon footprint
must succeed in the effort to fight company or person
climate change. to fight climate change: try to prevent
changes in climate patterns, such as
I believe that investment in renewable rainfall, temperature and winds.
energy is essential to avoid an
ecological crisis. Building wind farms renewable energy: energy is
and using solar panels to heat homes, renewable when it source, like the
Bách,
sun or wind,
Bách,
factories and offices would neither cannot be exhausted or can easily be
pollute the air that we breathe nor replaced (like wood, as we can plant
deplete natural resources. In terms of trees for energy)
human health, the incidence of life-
threatening conditions like respiratory an ecological crisis: a serious situation
disorders, would be reduced. From an
environmental perspective, this that occurs when the environment of a
would be an environmentally-friendly species or a population changes in a
energy strategy. It would minimize way that destabilizes its continued
habitat destruction and tackle the survival
pollution that stems from the activities
of the fossil fuel extractive industries. wind farms: an area of land on which
In conclusion, I would argue strongly
that reducing reliance on fossil fuels
and investing in renewable forms of
energy will bring enormous positive to deplete natural resources: to
gains for both human health and our reduce the amount of natural resources.
environment. life-threatening conditions: illnesses
which are likely to kill somebody
278 words incidence: the extent to which
something happens or has an effect

environment
habitat destruction: the process that
occurs when a natural habitat, like a
forest or wetland, is changed so
dramatically by humans that plants and
animals which live there.
to stem from: to be caused by
extractive: relating to the process of

removing or obtaining something,
especially minerals
O. WORK
Bách,
Bách,
1. (10/02/2019): In most successful organisations, some people believe that
communication between managers and workers is important, while other
people said that other factors are more significant. What is your
opinion?
It is true that many people argue

that, in any efficient organisation, it
is vital that there is good
communication between managers
and workers. In my opinion, while
this is one aspect to consider, I
consider that other factors are more
important.
On the one hand, in order to

conduct a business or organisation
effectively, communication among to conduct a business: to operate a
all the workforce is necessary. A business in a particular way
breakdown in communications may
a breakdown in communications:
be one reason why a production
a misunderstanding which results
process in a factory comes to a stop.
from people failing to discuss and
The management may not be aware,
resolve something
for example, of problems with a
raw material: a basic material that
machine or the raw material, if they
do not regularly consult the is used to make a product
workers. In a store, the manager
must train the staff to offer good
customer service, so that the
employees understand how to
provide this. In an organisation
such as a hospital, the managers
to see the big picture: to
have to see the big picture, and talk
understand all the important aspects
constantly to doctors, nurses and
of a situation
support staff to ensure that everyone
knows their tasks and has
everything they need to carry them
out.
On the other hand, I would argue job satisfaction: the good feeling
that job satisfaction is the most that you get when you have a job
important factor in creating a that you enjoy
successful working environment. working environment: the
No organisation can prosper if the conditions that you work in
workers are dissatisfied. An to prosper: to develop in a
authoritarian style of management
successful way, to be successful
which dictates to the workforce is
no basis for reaching a consensus. authoritarian: believing that
When workers enjoy a decent people should obey authority and
salary, with sick leave, holiday
entitlement and a retirement rules, even when these are unfair,
package, then the organisation will and even if it means that they lose
benefit enormously from the loyalty
of their staff. Supportive work their personal freedom
colleagues cooperate to ensure that to dictate: to tell somebody what to
things run smoothly, and therefore I
do, especially in an annoying way
believe that worker cooperatives
without management are the future. to reach a consensus: to come to an
agreement
sick leave: permission to stay away
In conclusion, in a traditional
management structure, from work because of illness or
communication with the workers is injury
important. However, when the
workforce organises itself, this holiday entitlement: the number of
results in an effective organisation days off work that you are allowed
with satisfied workers.
as holidays
293 words
retirement package: the money or
other benefits that you receive from
a company or organization when
you stop working there because of
your
age
supportive work colleagues: people that you work with who giv
help and encouragement
workers cooperative: owned and run by the workers involved, wit

profits shared by them
2. (02/03/2019): The world of work is changing rapidly and people cannot

depend on the same job or the same conditions of work for life. Discuss
the possible causes for these changes and give your suggestions on how
people should prepare for work in the future.
It is true that in the modern workplace,
employees can no longer rely on
keeping the same job, or even the same
working conditions, for life. While
there are some important reasons for
this, there are also ways in which
people might prepare for work in the
future.
The most important cause for such to have a steady job: to have a job
changes is the introduction of new which you are unlikely to lose, but
technology. In terms of manufacturing,
which is usually the same routine
few workers can expect to have a steady
job. This is an inevitable consequence an inevitable consequence: certain
of mechanisation and, while this to happen and unable to be avoided
increases labour productivity, it also or prevented
reduces the need for workers. In mechanisation/mechanization:
product design, for instance, advances changes made to a process, so that
in technology, using computer software the work is done by machines, not
packages, have resulted in the loss of people
conventional skills of creative
drawing. In service
industries, online shopping and self- labour productivity: the rate at
service supermarket checkouts result in which a worker, a company or a
fewer staff. Order pickers, working country produces goods, and the
alongside robots, in vast warehouses
amount produced, compared with
like Amazon mean fewer assistants in
stores to provide personal service to how much time, work and money is
customers. needed to produce them
advances in technology: the
However, people must prepare for the improvement or development in
future world of work. One suggestion technology
is that workers should be prepared to service industries: the part of a
welcome change by accepting the need country’s economy that provides
for flexible working hours, or even services to customers
moving to another area or country to
find employment. Another suggestion
is that employers ought to play their
part by providing vocational courses online shopping: shopping while
and training at work, so that their connected to the internet
employees can learn new skills. For
supermarket checkouts: the place
example, a person serving customers in
a store would also be able to tackle where you go to pay for the things
administrative work requiring them tothat you have bought
be computer literate. order pickers: people used to pick
goods from storage and package or
In conclusion, although leading-edge deliver them for customers
technology has changed how people
work, employers and employees must conventional skills: traditional and
find ways to adapt to such changes. common skills
to welcome change: to accept change
261 words with enthusiasm
flexible working hours: hours of
work that can be changed by
agreement between the employer and
the employee
vocational courses: courses which

provide students with the skills and
knowledge that they need to do a
particular job
Bách,
to tackle: to make a determined
effort to deal with a difficult problem
or situation
to be computer literate: able to use

computers well
leading-edge technology: the most

advanced position in technology

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GIẢI ĐỀ IELTS WRITING QUÝ 4_2019 THEO CHỦ ĐỀ BY NGOCBACH

1. (23/05/2019): In many cities there is little control on the design and

It is very expensive to maintain a to provide funding for: to give money

In conclusion, although these cultural

the digital revolution: the

B. BUSINESS AND MONEY

On the other hand, money and a close-knit family: a family having

283 words influential: having a lot of influence

However, effective policies must be to pay in arrears: refers to making a

In conclusion, in order to tackle the to curb public spending on: to

C. COMMUNICATION AND PERSONALITY

There are, however, policies which minority groups: small groups

paperwork: the written work that is

to discriminate: to treat one person

It is true that in some countries there is

There will be serious effects on society

to search for a cure: the process of

life-threatening conditions: illnesses

to underestimate: to not realize how

3. (11/05/2019): Some businesses find that their new employees lack

It is true that some companies

As many new employees are school-

In conclusion, I fully agree with those

5. (12/09/2019): Entertainment such as electronic games on portal devices

Firstly, young people in particular

In conclusion, I fully agree that forms to take regular exercise: to do some

D. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Steps should be taken to solve these to make a fresh start: to try

an outcry against: a reaction of anger

to segregate somebody: to separate

to allocate resources to: to make

convict: a person who is guilty of a

293 words glamorous: especially attractive and

negative influences on individual

Firstly, it is a mistake to tailor teaching

Secondly, while children need to

In conclusion, I totally disagree with

On the one hand, some people put to treat animals humanely: to be

priority: something that you think

2. (15/03/2019): Nowadays, many animal species are becoming extinct. Some

to bring about: to make something

In terms of the environment, the

On the one hand, there is an outcry in an outcry (at/over/against

captive breeding: the reproduction of

a success story: a person or thing that

Politicians must play a prominent role to introduce restrictions on: to limit

On the other hand, individuals can

In conclusion, although politicians a vegetarian diet: a diet with no fish

to exert pressure on: to use power to

to campaign for something: to take

to adopt policies: to start to use

prominent: important or well-known

6. (07/09/2019): Increases in the production of consumer goods results in damage to

to cut down on emissions: to reduce

to provide public subsidies for: to

to exert pressure on: to use power to

spill: an act of letting a liquid come, or

environmentally friendly: behavior or