IELTS Updates

Task 2 Although more and more people read news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Sample Answer ▼ It is common at the present time to see people getting updates on the latest news from the internet rather than the traditional method of reading a newspaper. I would argue that electronic sources of news will gradually replace that of the newspaper.  Newspapers remain an important source of news for several reasons.  The first of these is that the older generation still prefer to read their news this way, which is because they have traditionally bought a newspaper over the years and so do not wish to change or simply do not know how to do so online in some cases. In addition to this a newspaper also comes with other supplements, such as magazines and television guides, and sources of entertainment, such as crosswords. This makes it more attractive for some than going online.  ...

Jaded - Bored or apathetic after experiencing too much of something Jargon - Technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject Jaunt - A journey taken for pleasure Jaunty - Having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air Jeer - Laugh at with contempt and derision Jejune - Lacking interest or significance or impact Jeopardize - Pose a threat to; present a danger to  Jest - Activity characterized by good humor Jettison - Throw away, of something encumbering Jibe - An aggressive remark directed at a person

Task-2 Young people in the modern world seem to have more power and influence than any previous young generation. Why is this the case? What impact does this have on the relationship between old and young people? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - I would agree that young people today play a bigger role in society than their parents' or grandparents' generation did This is mainly due to the large social and technological changes that nave increased the experience gap between the generations. For instance, young people today are generally better educated, and because they have been trained from a young age to use computer technology, they have Internet access to information in a way that was unimaginable for earlier generations. This means that they are probably better informed than their parents or grandparents were at th...

Legitimacy -   Undisputed credibility Legitimate -  Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law Leisure -  Time available for ease and relaxation Leniency -  Mercifulness as a consequence of being tolerant Lethal -  Of an instrument of certain death Lethargic -  Deficient in alertness or activity Lethargy -  Weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy Levee -  An embankment built to prevent a river from overflowing Level -   A relative position or degree of value in a graded group Leverage -   Strategic advantage; power to act effectively

Task - 2 Some say you should always marry for love; others say that in an uncertain world it is wiser to marry for money.   Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience Sample Answer ▼ Marriage is certainly an important and life-changing phase in a human’s life. Some people opine that one should marry the love of his life, whereas others hold the notion that one should marry a rich person for the sake of certainty in life. I am a strong advocate of the viewpoint that love is the foundation of any marriage. In this essay, I will discuss both points of views. There are several pros of a love marriage. First and foremost, a strong bonding and affection between two different persons are the two most important pillars of a strong relationship, which is very much prominent within an adorable couple. A human come across many ups and downs throughout his life. Duri...

Quack - T he harsh sound of a duck Quadrilateral - A four-sided polygon Quadruped - An animal especially a mammal having four limbs Quaff - Swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught Quagmire - A soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot Quaint - Attractively old-fashioned Qualified - Meeting the proper standards and requirements for a task Qualify - Prove capable or fit; meet requirements Qualitative - Involving distinguishing attributes Qualm - Uneasiness about the fitness of an action

Task 2 As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people, yet it is no longer mere science fiction. To what extent do you agree with such a procedure? Have you any reservations? Sample Answer ▼ The cloning of animals has been occurring for a number of years now, and this has now opened up the possibility of cloning humans too. Although there are clear benefits to humankind of cloning to provide spare body parts, I believe it raises a number of worrying ethical issues. Due to breakthroughs in medical science and improved diets, people are living much longer than in the past. This, though, has brought with it problems. As people age, their organs can fail so they need replacing. If humans were cloned, their organs could then be used to replace those of sick people. It is currently the case that there are often not enough organ donors around to fulfil this need, so clonin...

Elated  - full of high-spirited delight Eloquent  - expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively Elucidate  - make clear and comprehensible Elude  - escape, either physically or mentally Elusive  - skillful at evading capture Emancipate  - free from slavery or servitude Embellish  - make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color Embody  - represent in bodily form Embryonic  - of an organism prior to birth or hatching Eminent  - standing above others in quality or position

Task - 2 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Successful people try new things and take risks rather than only doing what they know how to do well.  Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Sample Answer ▼ People can become successful in many ways. Either they try a novel idea and take risk expert some field that they do know well. In my opinion, I prefer to do something new and face new problems to reach my goals. To begin with, many successful people have proved that try new things make him or her become famous in the world. For example, in the technology field, the famous Bill Gates. Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft. He try to make software instead of hardware which most of the technology companies in that year make it. Also, he took a step further when he decided to drop out of his college. Another example is Jeff Bezos. He revolutionized commercial industries by getting out from the conventional transaction into internet based....

Wanderlust - Very strong or irresistible impulse to travel Wane - A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number) Wangle - Accomplishing something by scheming or trickery Wanton - Spend wastefully Warble - Sing or play with trills Wardrobe - Collection of clothing belonging to one person Warrant - Show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for Warranty - Written assurance that a product or service will be provided Warren - A series of underground tunnels occupied by rabbits Xenophobia - A fear of foreigners or strangers

Task 2 Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Sample Answer ▼ Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine and it is still used by many people all over the world. I am unconvinced that it is dangerous, and feel that both alternative and conventional medicine can be useful. There are several reasons why the conventional medical community is often dismissive of alternatives.  Firstly, there has been little scientific research into such medicine, so there is a scarcity of evidence to support the claims of their supporters. Furthermore, people often try such treatment because of recommendations from friends, and therefore come to the therapist with a very posi...

Task - 2 Research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to prison would commit crimes when set free? What are the reasons? What can be done to solve the problem? Sample Answer ▼ It is true that there is a high rate of recidivism when the sinners are emancipated from prison. Although there will undoubtedly be cause for this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems. There are some reasons why criminals break the law when set free. The bottom line is the society’s segregation towards ex-prisoners. The public is often afraid that offenders can pose a threat to them and their beloved. For example, my neighbor, who had a dysfunctional childhood, was convicted of drug trafficking. After being discharged, he was shunned by those around him. As a result, he put up with a sense of alienation, which gave rise to his offending and a life sentence. In addition, ex-prisoners have a tendency to be unemployed when they are back to the community. In...

Barren - providing no shelter or sustenance Bastion - projecting part of a rampart or other fortification Bathetic - effusively or insincerely emotional Bearing - characteristic way of holding one's body Beckon - summon with a wave, nod, or some other gesture Bedlam - a state of extreme confusion and disorder Befuddle - be confusing or perplexing to Beguile - attract; cause to be enamoured Behemoth - someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful

Task 2 Modern communications mean that it’s no longer necessary to write letters. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience You should write at least 250 words. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - In years gone by, before the age of the telegraph or telephone, letter writing was the main means of communication for most people. Since then we have developed faster and more direct ways of contacting people, and personal mail has become relatively rare. It is true that in many cases where our parents would have written a letter, we prefer to pick up the phone, to email or even to text instead. These are perfectly suitable ways of inviting friends to call round or exchanging news with a family member, for example, and they have the advantage that the communication is immediate and we can receive a reply very quickly. In business, too, fax and email are e...

Keen -   Demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions Ken -  Range of what one can know or understand Kindle -   Cause to start burning Kinetic -   Characterized by motion Kinship -   Relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption Knave -   A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel Knead -   Use the hands to mix and work something into a uniform mass Knell -  The sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death Knit -   Make by needlework with interlacing yarn Knoll -  A small natural hill

Task 2 It is said that "Not everything that is learned is contained in books". Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Books are our best companions and source of knowledge from our infant time till the end of life. Our learning begins by reading books. Books open new horizons in front of us. But sometimes the hardest and most important lessons we learn in life come from our participation in different situations. The things we learn in real-life can never be learned through anything else. We can't learn everything from books and in my opinion, the knowledge we gather from our experience is far more important, than anything else. Of course, learn ing from books in a formal educational institution and learning from books for someone's...

Zany - Ludicrous or foolish Zeal - A feeling of strong eagerness Zealot - A fervent and even militant proponent of something Zealous - Marked by active interest and enthusiasm Zenith -  The point above the observer directly opposite the nadir Zephyr -   A slight wind Zest - Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

Task 2 A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research. Discuss both views and give your opinion. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - Some people believe that animals should be treated in the same way humans are and have similar rights, whereas others think that it is more important to use them as we desire for food and medical research. This essay will discuss both points of view. With regard to the exploitation of animals, people believe it is acceptable for several reasons. Firstly, they think that humans are the most important beings on the planet, and everything must be done to ensure human survival. If this means experimenting on animals so that we can fight and find cures for diseases, then this takes priority over animal suffering. Furthermore, it is believed by s...

Advertisements Questions 1 – 8 Look at the given five advertisements, A-E. Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. A.   International Language Centre B.   Global Language Learning Centre C.   Tafe International D.  Club Francais E.   University of Canberra Which advertisement mentions: 1.   up-to-date teaching systems? 2 .  that the institution has been established for a significant time? 3.   examination classes? 4.   that arrangements can be made for activities outside of class? 5.   the availability of courses for school students? 6.   language teaching for special purposes? Which TWO advertisement mentions: 7.   a wide variety of language choices? 8.   evening classes? Questions 9-13 Read the notice about road works below. In boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet write: TRUE if the statement is true FAL...

Hostile -   Harmful, dangerous Hypothetical -   Supposed; related to a hypothesis Habitat -   The type of environment in which an organism normally lives Habitual -   Commonly used or practiced Habitue -   A regular patron Hackneyed -   Repeated too often; over familiar through overuse Haggard -   Showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering Haggle -   An instance of intense argument (as in bargaining) Halcyon -   Idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquility Hale -   Exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health

Task 2 Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Give reasons and specific examples to explain your answer. You should write at least 250 words. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - Parents throughout the world spend time reading with their offspring to prepare them for school where their literacy skills are further developed; however, recent research suggests that focusing on reading at an early age can be detrimental, and participating in fun activities would be far more beneficial. I am a strong advocate of this approach, and the benefits of it will be covered in this essay. A fundamental reason for this is that there is no biological age for reading, and pushing infants to acquire this skill before they are ready could have repercussions. For example, in the UK, many boys are reluctant readers, possibly because of being forced to read, and this turned them off reading. By focusin...

A VERY SPECIAL DOG Florence is one of a new breed of dog who is making the work of the Australian Customs much easier. It is 8.15 a.m. A flight lands at Melbourne's Tullamarine International Airport. Several hundred pieces of baggage are rushed from the plane onto a conveyor belt in the baggage reclaim annexe. Over the sound of roaring engines, rushing air vents and grinding generators, a dog barks. Florence, a sleek black labrador, wags her tail. Among the cavalcade of luggage passing beneath Florence's all-smelling nose, is a nondescript hardback suitcase. Inside the case, within styrofoam casing, packed in loose pepper and coffee, wrapped in freezer paper and heat-sealed in plastic, are 18 kilograms of hashish. The cleverly concealed drugs don't fool super-sniffer Florence, and her persistent scratching at the case alerts her handler. Florence is one of a truly new breed: the product of what is perhaps the only project in the world dedicated to breeding...

Eccentric - Peculiar or odd; deviating from the norm Egregious - Extremely bad Eloquent - Having refined or expressive communication skills (in speaking or writing) Eminent - Superior or distinguished; high in position or status Emit - To discharge, give forth, or release Emphatic - Very expressive; using emphasis Empirical - Derived from experience, observation, or an experiment Endow - To equip or bestow (usu. a quality or ability) Endure - To withstand, sustain, or hold out against Entail - To involve or include

Task 2 More and more work is being carried out by machines in all areas of our lives. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development? Discuss with appropriate examples. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - Machines are increasingly performing tasks, both in the home and the workplace, that were previously done by humans. This phenomenon has brought many benefits, but there is no denying that there were many drawbacks. A major advantage is that domestic appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and now robotic vacuum cleaners have made people’s lives more comfortable. For instance, these devices have given people more freedom by allowing them more time to denote to leisure activities. However, this development has a major downside. It affects people’s health, because not all people use the extra time to lead active lives. Consequently, obesity has increased among all ages, resulting in serious health problems like heart diseases. Electronic devi...

Reading Passage - 3: You should spend 20 minutes on Questions 1-14, which are based on Reading Passage below: The International Space Station  Just before sunrise, on a clear night, look up, and you may be able to see it travelling steadily across the dark starry sky. It will take about four minutes to pass - too fast to be a planet, too slow to be a shooting star. What is it, then? It is the International Space Station (ISS), on one of its 15 orbits per day. The sun's light has lit it up while you still remain in night's darkness, but don't discount that white dot as something inconsequential. About $100 billion has been spent on it so far, and it will need much more money by the time it ceases operation, sometime after 2025. This enormous cost could not, of course, be paid by one nation. The ISS was necessarily a joint effort by no less than five different space agencies: America's NASA, Russian's RKA, Canada's CSA, Japan's JAXA, and the European e...