IELTS Updates

Task - 2 It is important that we maintain and protect the beautiful building of the past, even if it is expensive for countries to do so. Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Historical buildings are valuable treasures for a country and should be preserved even if the government needs to spend hefty amounts for it. I completely agree with this viewpoint and my position is outlined in this essay. First of all, old and traditional buildings are of great architectural importance. Their sublime design attracts tourists and locals alike and is quite rare in modern structures. These historical edifices also give us an opportunity to learn about the glorious past. For example, the Roman Colosseum in Rome not only shows how awe-inspiring the ancient architectures were but also points out a massive arena used as a stadium for gladiators' fighting and has space to hou...

Task 1 You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter request time off explain why you need to leave early reassure him/her that your studies will not suffer Sample Answer ▼ Dear Ms. Corey, I am pursuing my graduation in computer science at your college and I am in my fifth semester. I am writing to request some time off classes, so as to ensure my presence in a family event in my home country next month. But I can assure that I will get back to my classes on time and cover my studies. You would be glad to know that my sister is getting married on 5th Feb'19 and as the only elder sibling, a major share of responsibilities rests on my shoulders to precede and conduct the programme in a well-appreciated manner. My presence in the rituals is highly expected. Therefore, I would request you to allow me to leave for a week starting from 1st September. I can as...

Emphatic -   Forceful and definite in expression or action Empirical -   Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory Emulate -   Strive to equal or match, especially by imitating Enamor -   Attract Encumber -   Hold back, impede, or weigh down Endearing -   Lovable especially in a childlike or naive way Endeavor -   Attempt by employing effort Endemic -   Of a disease constantly present in a particular locality Enigma -   Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained Enmity -   A state of deep-seated ill-will

Task - 2 Should education and healthcare be free of charge and funded by the government, or should it be the responsibility of the people to pay for these services? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ It is irrefutable that a country's growth depends on how educated its inhabitants are and how healthy they are. The burgeoning population of the nation makes it quite harder for the ruling authority to bear the expenses of their needs. I believe that an effective solution would be to divide the expenditures between the government and the individuals. I will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs. Education, nowadays, plays a vital role in the development of a society. Not only it creates job opportunities, but also help in making people more aware of the socio-economic issues of the country. Making education free till the age of 18 would encourage the pupils to clear thei...

Task 1 Your parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. Write to a friend, who is a professional event planner. In your letter: explain why the occasion is special ask for her assistance set up a time to meet at your friend's convenience to discuss your plans Sample Answer ▼ Dear Amelia, Hope you are doing fine. It was so delightful to hear that you had a memorable tour to Europe and I'm sure that would revive you to the fullest. I'm writing to seek your advice regarding my plan to celebrate my parents 40th marriage anniversary. I'm sure you can help me make this a grand celebration. Spending 40 years together is a great reason to celebrate and my parents have shown a true testament of what a marriage really is and I am absolutely blessed to be a part of this remarkable family. 4 decades with blessing, love, affection, true commitme...

Deplete -   Use up, as resources or materials Derivation -  The source or origin from which something comes Descendant -   A person considered as coming from some ancestor or race Descry -   Catch sight of Desolate -   Providing no shelter or sustenance Destitute -   Poor enough to need help from others Deter -  Turn away from by persuasion Detrimental -   Causing harm or injury Devout -   Deeply religious Dexterity -  Adroitness in using the hands

Task - 2 Governments spend a lot of money on public celebrations such as national holidays and public festivals. Some people say that the government spends too much on this and that they should use this money on other useful things. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Commemoration of important national events is a part of a nation's pride and a way to show respects to its tradition and history. Such events are instrumental in motivating the new generation to be patriots and bestow tribute to people whose contributions are unforgettable. Thus the amount spent on such celebrations is justified. To begin with, public ceremonies are important in terms of spreading nationality, giving mass people a reason to forget their differences and improving public relations. The amount spent on such events are often disputed by many and they suggest that the government should des...

Task 1 You use trains to reach office but the timetable of the train has been changed recently. Write a letter to railway authorities for the revised timetable, and the train you take to work no longer stops at your station. In your letter: introduce yourself what are the problems caused due to the changes what you suggest them to do Sample Answer ▼ Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to draw your kind attention that, the train schedule in my area has recently been changed and due to this, many office goers like me are suffering. I am hoping you would keep the previous timetable and introduce more frequent trains for the convenience of the residents. I am a banker and I work as an assistant manager at the City Bank. I regularly commute to my office using your train. Sadly, the train I used to take to reach office no longer stops at our station and as a result, we need to travel a few extra miles to reach the City Centre Station which is overcrowded in the morning hours. I a...

Circuitous -   Deviating from a straight course Circumlocution -  An indirect way of expressing something Circumspect -   Careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk Clandestine -   Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods Clemency -   Leniency and compassion shown toward offenders Clique -   An exclusive circle of people with a common purpose Coercion -   Using force to cause something to occur Cogent -  Powerfully persuasive Cognizant -  Having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization Colloquial -   Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation

Task - 2 Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Online education is a comparatively new trend and thousands of educational institutes have already embraced this method to offer their courses. While some negative aspects of this development could not be ignored, the advantages of it far outweigh the demerits. To begin with, many universities in developed countries offer online degrees and short courses and they have started doing so only after proper research. The research proved that the Internet-based courses are advantageous both for the students and teachers. The intuitive and methodical lessons offered by an online course is planned by several university teachers and technology experts and hence they maintain a rigid quality. The widespread use of the Internet mak...

Task 1 An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter, offer to find somewhere to stay give advice about what to do give information about what clothes to bring Sample Answer ▼ Dear Michael, Your sudden decision to visit Kuala Lumpur is a pleasant surprise to me and as always, your letter was amusing to read. I am glad that you have been able to manage a week-long vacation and I cannot wait to meet you. I would love to have you at my home as long as you want. In fact, while you are in Kuala Lumpur, I would not let you stay at a hotel. I recommend you to visit the Bird Park, Aquaria KLCC, Genting Highlands, National Museum, Butterfly Park and China Town during your stay in the city. I will take you to the Petronas Towers, which was once the tallest building in the world. I also recommend you to try the street food and do some shopping at the Central...

Beholden -  Under a moral obligation to someone Behoove -   Be appropriate or necessary Belie -   Be in contradiction with Belittle -   Lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of Bellicose -   Having or showing a ready disposition to fight Belligerent -   Characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight Bemoan -  Regret strongly Bemused -   Perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements Benefactor -   A person who helps people or institutions Benevolent -   Showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding

Task 2 Which one you think has more influence on people from followings - The knowledge gained from experience or the knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why? You should write at least 250 words. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - "Experience is the best teacher" is an old cliché , and I agree with it since experiences enrich a person’s wisdom and teach him/her invaluable lessons that can never be learned from elsewhere . We can learn a lot of important things from books, and books tell us about the past, present and future, but the most important lessons in life come from our own experiences. Throughout the different stages of life, from primary school to university to adulthood, experience teaches us many skills we need for life. As children in primary school, we learn facts and information from books, but that is not all we learn in school. On the playground, we learn how to make friends. In our class work, we lear...

Task 1 You have seen an advertisement in an English newspaper for a job working in the City Museum shop during the holidays. You have decided to apply for the job. Write a letter to the director of the Museum. In your letter: introduce yourself explain what experience and special skills you have explain why you are interested in the job Sample Answer ▼ Dear Sir or Madam, I have recently noticed a job advertisement in a local newspaper for the sales executive position in the City Museum shop. I would like to apply for the post as a part-time employee during the summer holiday. I am hoping that you would consider my candidacy for the post and give me a chance to discuss it further in a formal interview. I have completed my graduation in accounting and have sound knowledge on customer care. Besides, I have two years experience as a front desk officer in a telecom company. As I will be free during the summer vacation, I would like to work for your museum shop that primarily s...

Adhere -   Stick to firmly Admonish -  Scold or reprimand; take to task Adorn -  Make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color Adroit -  Quick or skillful or adept in action or thought Adulation -   Exaggerated flattery or praise Adversity -   A state of misfortune or affliction Advocacy -   Active support of an idea or cause Aesthetic -   Characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste Affable -   Diffusing warmth and friendliness Affinity -  A close connection marked by community of interests

Task 2 Some people think competitive sports are important for a child’s education. Others think it has negative effects on children. Discuss both views. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - In recent years, due to stiff competition in almost every area some people opine that competitive sports have a beneficial impact on children’s education. However, there are some who disagree with the above notion. Before presenting my view, I intend to explore both sides of the argument. There are many advantages of competitive sports. The first and foremost advantage is that such sports prepare children for a society that thrives on competition. A competition is a normal part of human nature and a part of everyday life. Secondly, competitive sports provide challenges and helps children deal with such challenges. Finally, these games teach discipline and help build character and confidence. On the other hand, opponents of competitive sports argue that these sports lead to stress which i...

Types:              Kind or category/ person of specified nature Pounding:         Hit heavily again & again/Run with heavy steps Cavernous:       Huge or large Area:               The extent or measurement of surface, A part of a place Brittle:            Hard but easily broken Fractures:        A crack or break/ Break up Passage:          A way allowing access between buildings Abrasive:        A substance used for polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing Erosion:            Gradually wear away Typically:        Having distinctive quality of particular type of person or thing

Task 2 There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the International music that is heard everywhere nowadays? You should write at least 250 words. - Show / Hide Sample Answer - It’s often said that “music is like magic” and it is indeed true, since music work as a divine magic for us. Music, for many of us, is a way of living. There are many who can’t live a life without listening music each day. Music is the foods of a soul to them. Music impresses us, inspires us, tells an untold story, remedy us and let us understand others. There are many different types of music almost in each language of the world and they vary from religious type to anthem and even hard rock or rap. The listeners of the music decide what to listen and it greatly depends on upon mood, time, level and age. But I believe no matter what type of music one listens, we need to listen and preserve our own t...

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 - A 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 Wary - Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

Task- 2 Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Some people always do same things for their entire life, where as others try to learn something out of change. I personally feel that change is always good and doing things routinely may cause problems. There are some valid reasons why some people feel the need to make significant changes to their lives from time to time. Any new situation can be a learning opportunity and person grows from it. For example, a new job can present new challenges that force the person to acquire new knowledge. Recently, as part of organisational changes, I was asked to move to a new IT team. I knew that it was not an easy thing to work in an entirely new team and on a new tech...

Pedantic -   Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning Penitent -   Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds Penurious -   Excessively unwilling to spend Perfidious -  Tending to betray Perilous -  Fraught with danger Perish -   Pass from physical life Pernicious -   Exceedingly harmful Perpetuate -  Cause to continue or prevail Personification -  Someone who represents an abstract quality Pertinent -   Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand

Task - 2 In some countries, people prefer to rent a house for accommodation, while in other countries people prefer to buy their own house. Does renting a house have more advantages or disadvantages than buying a house? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Selecting a place to live in and whether to rent it or own it is a big decision to make. Many people prefer to own a house rather than living in a rented apartment while there are others who choose to do exactly the opposite. I believe that owning a house has far more advantages than renting an apartment. To begin with, people often rent a house because purchasing a property requires a great deal of money and the skyrocketing price in big cities makes it impossible for many to even dream to own a house. These people naturally rent an apartment. There are certain advantages of living in a rented apartment. First of all, the person does not have...

Valid - Well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force Validate - Show or confirm the effectiveness of something Valor - Courage when facing danger Vanguard - A creative group active in the innovation of new concepts Vanity - The trait of being unduly conceited Vanquish - Defeat in a competition, race, or conflict Vantage - Place or situation affording some benefit Vapid - Lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest Variable - A quantity that can assume any of a set of values Variegated - Having a variety of colors

Task 2 Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity .Some people think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Sample Answer ▼ Art is the externalization of the skills of an artist. Therefore, there are the people who are in the favor to impart full liberty to the artists; however, others oppose this opinion freely. In my opinion, freedom is necessary up to greater extent but there should be proper surveillance on their work to avoid any unpleasant situation. To begin with, there are many reasons why some people are in favor to give full freedom to artists. First of all, if they are free from any suppression that helps them to unveil all the social issues of the society without any fear. They expose the cancerous spot and request the society to uproot that. Any type of confinement will not let them to express their thoughts. Secondly, these creative artists are the nerve of ...

Taper - Diminish gradually Tariff - A government tax on imports or exports Taunt - Harass with persistent criticism or carping Taut - Pulled or drawn tight Tautological - Characterized by unnecessary repetition Tawdry - Tastelessly showy Tedious - So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness Temerity - Fearless daring Temperament - Your usual mood Temporal - Of this earth or world

Task 2 Some people say that Government should break down all the historic building and replace them with modern buildings.   Do you agree or disagree. Sample Answer ▼ It is undeniable fact that every country’s monuments and historic sites are their heritage. Surprisingly, there are some who feel it less valued and want the government to pull it down. In my opinion, these are the greatest assets of every country and deserve respectful attitudes by citizens. To embark on, in the justification of my notion, every country has its own cultural history that exhibits old civilization. These historic sites are priceless and irreplaceable. This is the only way to apprise the next generation about our ancestors and their sacrifices. Moreover, visiting on these locations will help us to learn from our ancestor’s lapse and provide better course of action. Furthermore, these locations are the best source of revenue income for the government. Tourists visit on different place...

Unassailable - Impossible to attack Unassuming - Not arrogant Unattainable - Impossible to achieve Unbiased - Without prejudice Unbridled - Not restrained or controlled Uncanny - Surpassing the ordinary or normal Uncharted - Not yet surveyed or investigated Uncommunicative - Not inclined to talk or give information or express opinions Unconditional - Not qualified by reservations Unconscionable - Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

Task - 2 In some schools and universities, girls tend to choose arts subjects (e.g. literature), and boys tend to choose science subjects (e.g. physics). Why do you think this is so? Should this tendency be changed? Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.  Sample Answer ▼ According to the traditional belief, men are the breadwinners while females are caregivers and responsible for taking care of the family. This belief, along with some old-fashioned views that boys are good at mathematics while females are not, is the predominate reason for many parents to encourage their sons to study in science while daughters to art-related subjects. I wholeheartedly believe that this trend should be changed. To begin with, it is generally believed that boys are good at science-related subjects. This view is rooted so deep in our society that many females have already accepted it. This is mor...

Ravenous - Extremely hungry Realm - A domain in which something is dominant Reap - Get or derive Rebellious - Resisting control or authority Rebuke - An act or expression of criticism and censure Rebuttal - The speech act of refuting by offering a contrary argument Recalcitrant - Stubbornly resistant to authority or control Recant - Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief Recapitulate - Summarize briefly Recidivism - Habitual relapse into crime

Task - 2 It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Sample Answer ▼ Parenting is perhaps the greatest responsibility of our life and mistakes and wrong decisions can ruin a family as well as the future of a child. Since many young people become parents and the number of nuclear families is on the rise, many experts emphasize the importance of parenting courses for both fathers and mothers. I personally agree with this notion as I believe that such sessions would be immensely helpful. To begin with, proper parenting requires a great deal of knowledge and dedication. Sometimes minor negligence and lack of knowledge can lead to catastrophic outcomes. For instance, if busy parents forget to vaccinate a newborn, that would jeopardize the offspring’s life. Similarly, many parents, especially from the coun...

Schism - Division of a group into opposing factions Scion -   A descendant or heir Scornful -   Expressing extreme contempt Scrupulous -   Characterized by extreme care and great effort Scrutinize -   Examine carefully for accuracy Seamless -   Perfectly consistent and coherent Secede -   Withdraw from an organization or polity Secession -   Formal separation from an alliance or federation Sedentary -   Requiring sitting or little activity Seditious -   In opposition to a civil authority or government

Task - 2 By punishing murderers with the death penalty, society is also guilty of committing murder. Therefore, life in prison is a better punishment for murderers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Sample Answer ▼ Punishment is the weapon which society uses to limit and reduce murders’ actions. Punishment type and toughness are different according to the types of crime or action. The most serious crime, which is killing a person with previous planning, leads the murderer to the death penalty after making sure that he/she is the killer through clear proofs. This essay tackles and discusses two contrasting opinions. The first party believes that the death penalty is essential and fair enough for killers. Whereas others see that it is fighting badness by badness and that does not generate a good and balanced society. The first group of people who are pro penalty death has their own logical reasons for their opinion. They say that nothing is equal to ...

Recipient -   A person who is sent something Reciprocate -  Act, feel, or give mutually or in return Recluse -   One who lives in solitude Recoil -   Drawback, as with fear or pain Recommence -   Begin again Recompense -   Payment or reward, as for service rendered Reconcile -  Bring into consonance or accord Recondite -   Difficult to penetrate Reconnaissance -   The act of scouting Recrimination -  Mutual accusations

Task 2 Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become used to this. Why is this happening? Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the drawbacks? Sample Answer ▼ There has been a trend over recent decades for families to become less close than they were in the past and this situation is largely accepted in society. This essay will discuss the reasons for this and examine the benefits and drawbacks of this development. One of the first reasons for a decline in the closeness of families is connected to the busy lifestyles that we now lead. Most people are having to work longer hours and often both parents work, so they simply do not have as much time to spend with each other as they did in the past. Another factor is the materialistic and consumer driven culture we now live in, which has led to less value being placed on family relationships. Modern technology also means that people are more interested in their online life than interac...