IELTS Model Answer

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Question: Some people believe that entertainers are more important than scientists. Support the reasons and examples from your experience.

Answer: It is the choice that people make between good and popular. Some people love to be associated with their famous figures, such as sportspersons, comedians, actors, and others. However, there is a school of thought which believes that contributions of scientists are as good as other popular figures. This essay takes a neutral stance on both types of heroes.

There are several reasons why the contributions of great scientists cannot be ignored, to begin with. Humankind has evolved from an early primitive stage to the glitter of this modern world. Scientists have strived untiringly to make our life easier and comfortable in every walk of life. For example, we would have been roaming to hunt animals to feed ourselves and died this way had there been no inventions or innovations. Furthermore, scientists are instrumental in making this world a better place to live. 

On the flip side, entertainers have a different role to play when compared. Our day-to-day life works on happiness, passion, emotion, stress, and other psychological triggers. These entertainers give a reason for a smile on the face. People are stressed from their nine-to-five jobs, and they find solace and blitheness when they watch their entertainers doing their roles. 

In my opinion, it is a battle between popularity and good. Entertainers are closer to the hearts of people as they are generally more covered on television, the internet, newspapers, and magazines. While scientists live with us daily, but they are hidden and unidentified behind the curtains. A classic example is that the youth gravitate more to Tom Cruise than Albert Einstein. 

In conclusion, it is indeed entertainers are more remembered and loved than scientists. Both have specific roles in our lives, but the latter is, at times, unfortunate to receive lesser honor and recognition in society. (297 words)

IELTS Model Answer

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Question: Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Answer: The aviation industry has witnessed a multi-fold growth of air travelers over the decades. However, some experts foresee that numbers of flyers will decrease in the years to come. I personally believe that it is a blessing in disguise and do not see it as a negative development. 

There are several reasons why a fall in air travel is beneficial to our planet. Firstly, the aviation industry is one of the largest contributors of carbon gases in the atmosphere. Airplanes run on kerosene, which releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. Secondly, people living near commercial airports suffer from noise pollution. It causes sleep disturbances, interference with communication, and performance effects, among others. Lastly, aircraft manufacturers have not put in serious efforts to innovate the engineering mechanism, which could save the fuel or planes could fly on the alternative fuel. This inertia demands a punishment, too.

The opposite is also true. The slowdown in the aviation industry could leave a ripple effect on the economy. There are tens of thousands of people who work for airlines, and their jobs could be threatened. Additionally, airlines have already been facing a turbulent financial time in the world of late. Their profit margins have substantially been squeezed, and some of them are on the cusp of bankruptcy. Ergo, this topic also includes an ethical dilemma about whether to rejoice or to feel sorry.

In conclusion, the reduction in business activities in the aviation industry will be a savior to our degrading environment, but it will also come at a huge cost. (258 words)

IELTS Model Answer

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Question: Online shopping seems to be replacing the traditional method of buying. However, some buyers are skeptical about this practice. Discuss both benefits and risks associated with online shopping.

Answer: Online shopping is indeed gaining traction these days. Many people find it as a godsend for several reasons. However, there is a group of people who yet questions this modern-day shopping method. This essay examines both perspectives.

There are several reasons why online shopping gained popularity overnight. Firstly, it offers a remarkable amount of ease while transacting the deal. For example, people nowadays remain busy. They hardly have time left for shopping on many occasions. It is not a new sensation that several working people do their holiday online shopping at work. This was just a dream two decades ago. Secondly, it is a boon for the elderly and people with disabilities. They no longer need to visit bricks and mortar and go through hassles. Lastly, online shopping offers a wide range of merchandise for customers to click and choose. Shoppers have a paradise of a range of products along with competitive pricing.

The opposite is also true. Online shopping brings a few downsides compared to its counterpart. Some people believe in feeling the product and trying it on in some cases. Physical stores offer this feature, and it works wondrously. Additionally, online shopping is a breeze only when it has ultra-fast broadband. Otherwise, it frustrates busy customers with slow downloads, technical failures, and poorly designed checkout processes. Last but not least, the e-commerce business platform has destroyed the business of retailers. Sagacious people prefer to support local businesses and the community. Such community feeling prevails, and it seems that online businesses might face some resistance sooner or later.

In conclusion, online shopping is taking over traditional businesses and winning the hearts and minds of shoppers in these fast forward times. Nevertheless, it seems a passing fad. (287 words)

Running short of time for IELTS for the UK?

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If you are running short of time to take the IELTS test for the UK admission and student visa, here is the list of universities that may waive you off this requirement provided you meet a minimum score in the English subject of your previous studies.

UK Universities open for Jan/Feb 2020 intakes:

Undergraduate Universities and IELTS waiver % in 12th English:

  • Oxford Brookes University: 65% in 12th English
  • Anglia Ruskin University – 70% in 12th English
  • Worcester University – 60% in 12th English
  • St. Mary’s University, London – 70% in 12th English
  • Middlesex University – 65% in 12th English
  • Bolton University – 70% in 12th English
  • University of West London – Only CBSE 60% in English 12th 
  • University of Greenwich –  Only CBSE 60% in English 12th 
  • Bedfordshire University – 60%
  • London Metropolitan University – Only CBSE 60% in English 12th 
  • Wolverhampton University – 60% in English CBSE 12th, 70% in State Board
  • Sunderland University, London campus – 60% in English CBSE 12th, 70% in State Board
  • Ulster University, London campus – 60% in English CBSE 12th, 70% in State Board
  • Northumbria University, London campus – 60% in English CBSE 12th, 70% in State Board
  • Huddersfield University – 70% in 12th English
  • Coventry University – 65% in 12th English

Postgraduate Universities:

  • Anglia Ruskin University – 70% in English 12th 
  • Bolton University – 70% in English 12th 
  • Bedfordshire University – 60% in English 12th 
  • Bath Spa University – 70% in 12th CBSE only
  • Chester University – 65% in English 12th
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University – 60% in English 12th
  • Coventry University – 65% in English 12th
  • UCLAN – 70% in English 12th
  • DeMontfort University – 70% in English 12th
  • University of Greenwich – 70% in English 12th (CBSE, ICSE)
  • Hertfordshire University – 70% in English 12th (CBSE, ICSE)
  • London Metropolitan University – 65% in English 12th
  • University of Law – 65% in CBSE only
  • Sunderland University, London Campus – 70% in English 12th
  • Sheffield Hallam University – 70% in English 12th
  • Solent University – 70% in English 12th
  • Middlesex University – 65% in English 12th
  • Bangor University – 60% in English 12th
  • Birmingham City University – 70% in English 12th (CBSE)
  • Oxford Brookes University – 65% in English 12th
  • Wolverhampton University – 70% in English 12th
  • Teeside University – 65f% in English 12th
  • University of West of England – 70% in English 12th
  • University of West London – 70% in English 12th (CBSE)
  • University of South Wales – 70% in English 12th

Comma Rules

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Poor punctuation brings shame to well-written literature. Therefore, no accomplished author can afford to ignore it. A comma, which is a member of the punctuation family, plays an essential role in your write-up. Let’s study its 5 primary uses. 

  1. A comma is placed between words in a series:
    1. She likes to eat fruits, juice, ice cream, and brownies.
  2. A comma can also be used for salutation, such as opening and closing a letter.
    1. Dear Sir and Madam, (in the opening of the letter)
    2. Love, Josh (at the end of the letter)
  3. A comma is also used to set off a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence.
    1. After working hard on this assignment, we decided to take some time off for future projects.
  4. A comma is used before the conjunction in a compound sentence. In other words, we connect two sentences using ‘and.’ 
    1. She likes to eat fruits, and she likes to eat ice cream.
  5. A comma is used before and after quotation marks.
    1. “She likes to eat fruits,” She said.
    2. She said, “She likes to eat fruits.”

IELTS Model Answer: Task 1, Academic Training

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The bar chart compares the regular physical activity of a different age group of Australian men and women in 2010. As can be seen, men doing physical exercises during youth and old age were higher in numbers than women.

As to the data, over 50% of men in the age group of 15 to 24 did regular physical activity, whereas women were slightly behind about 5% in the tally. This is the only trend in which men superseded women by a fair margin. As the age progressed, nearly 50% of women, a tad below or above, in all age groups from 25 through 65 or above did regular physical activity. This trend for men was the opposite. It stayed at nearly 40% upwards until the age group of 55 to 64 and rose to nearly 47% in the last age group. However, there was a massive difference in the age group of 35 to 44, wherein nearly 53% of women were regular in the fitness activities as opposed to a tad below 40% of men.

Overall, women are more active in physical activities than their male counterparts. (183 words)

Reference:

The topic is taken from Cambridge 12 (Test 5 & Task 1) for training purpose in general.

UK brings back two-year post-study work permit for international students

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Backgrounder:

  • In 2012, then-Home Secretary Theresa May changed the policy of post-study work permit for international students. She reduced the time for international students to remain to work from 2 years to 4 months after graduation from the UK university.
  • After this change, the numbers of international students wishing to study at the UK universities dropped significantly, and the UK as a preferred education destination was under threat for years. In fact, it lagged its rivals, such as the US and Canada.
  • Students from India reported healthy growth in the last two years – from over 11,700 in June 2017 to almost 22,000 in June 2019 under Tier 4 visa category, a substantial rise of nearly 90%.
  • Nearly 96% of Indian students obtained the visa under Tier 4 study visa.
  • The UK has set a goal of inviting more than 600,000 international students by 2030 and expects to double the value of education exports at £35 billion.
  • This U-turn policy is greeted by universities with enthusiasm since they have been pushing for this change over the years.

The restoration of the old immigration policy for international students reverses a decision made by Theresa May in 2012. The old policy forced students to leave the UK after months of finishing studies. Students found themselves stranded and returned their homelands with a very expensive piece of paper (degree).

Now, there is a sigh of relief for international students. The British Government has announced that from the beginning of the next year (2020), eligible international students will be allowed to stay in the UK on a two-year post-study work permit.

The new immigration route will allow all eligible undergraduate or graduate students from a recognized university to stay in the country for two years either to gain some work experience at any skill level or to seek employment. Students wishing to take advantage of this move must ensure that the higher institution that they choose must adhere to immigration laws with a good track record. Schools having an adverse track record could make students ineligible under this new policy. Students going to the UK in January 2020 will be the beneficiary of this move.

“It is a testament to our world-leading universities that so many students from abroad want to study here. The important contribution international students make to our country and universities is both cultural and economic. Their presence benefits Britain, which is why we’ve increased the period of time these students can remain in the UK after their studies”, says Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson.

Some international students could stay longer

The Department of Education states that international students, “on the [graduate] route will be able to switch on to the skilled work route if they find a job which meets the skill requirement of the route.”

What does this change signal in the years to come for Britain and International Students?

The UK, as an education destination, was losing out its competitive position to its rivals visa-a-vis Canada, Australia, the USA, and other top destinations. Education exports bring economic benefits as well as the best talent from the world, which helps the host country to stay ahead of innovation in this competitive world. Large corporations are always on the lookout of the brightest employees to leapfrog in the competition. In some cases, visa restrictions such as the old UK immigration policy for international students stifle their competitiveness in the world market. This is a well-known fact to all OECD countries.

The British Government released its new International Education Strategy earlier this year. In this report, the idea was to extend post-study work-permit for 6 months for undergraduate and graduate students and 12 months for doctoral students. University leaders urged the government to go further, considering this element of strategy. Therefore, this new change has been welcomed with greater enthusiasm, and they consider it as ‘a very positive news’ for universities and the country.

This policy mirrors the overall plan

This new visa policy fits well with the two goals set by the British Government:

  1. To increase international student numbers in higher education in the UK to 600,000 by 2020 from the present count of 460,000.
  2. To double nearly the value of education exports in the UK to £35 billion, which will require a constant average annual growth of 4% through 2030.

How to write the IELTS Essay

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The IELTS test takers face the challenge of how to start and end an essay. A good start is an essential part of the Writing section. The excellent start infuses brand-new confidence and brings the desired outcome in the form of a high band score. 

It is common to see students scratching their heads the moment they think or start responding to the task. In many cases, students are unable to think critically and waste their precious time gathering ideas. Of course, that is not the strategy for them to employ at the last moment. 

I always believe that writing an essay is an art. It is not a hard asking for sure. At the same time, students need to learn it from the basic. Right from the beginning until the end, it has to be cohesive with the right linkers. All sentences and paragraphs must present a unity of thoughts and correspond to each other’s purpose. 

Considering how significant the first and last paragraph is, I thought of presenting model answers of four topics: the first and last paragraph of the different essay category types.

The first paragraph contains the paraphrasing of the topic statement after analyzing the critical elements of parameters. Moreover, the last paragraph is more or less a follow-through and reiteration of the first paragraph. 

1) “Discussion” question 

Nowadays, many students choose to study abroad at the university level. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad, and give your own opinion about whether it is a good idea.

Introduction and conclusion:

It is undoubtedly a new trend that many students choose to study at university overseas. It is true that students making this decision face some difficulties. However, I believe that studying abroad is advantageous for many reasons.

In conclusion, I believe that studying in a foreign country is a positive development as long as students manage to overcome the struggles they are likely to face.

2) “Opinion” question 

When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction and conclusion:

More and more people choose their jobs based on a salary package. I personally disagree with the idea that money is the only reason for them while choosing a career because it does not supersede many other vital factors.

In conclusion, while there is no denying that the salary size influences people’s professional choice, I believe that other motivators vastly outweigh money.

3) “Problem and Solution” question 

The problem of litter on the streets of many towns and cities is getting worse. Why do we see more litter on our streets, and what can be done about it?

Introduction and conclusion:

The menace of increasing amounts of rubbish is seen in many public places these days. There are many causes of this problem, and I would argue that education is the only solution to this problem.

In conclusion, litter is mainly caused by dumping rubbish by careless people and the lack of bins, and I believe that educating people for the same is the best way to solve this issue.

4) “Two-part” question 

These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Introduction and conclusion:

Men are indeed more likely to take the role of househusband, while more women are stepping out of the home to earn livelihood in their families. There could be several reasons for this, and I consider it to be an entirely positive trend in society.

In conclusion, men and women’s role is constantly changing in the family due to broader changes in society, and I believe that these developments are prudent.

IELTS Model Answer

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Question: Some people believe that technology has made a man more social. Others believe that it is opposite. Discuss both views, and give your opinion.

Answer: It is indeed a debatable point whether technology has brought people closer or pushed them further. As it happens, new things bring both aspects. This essay examines both positives and negatives and offers my opinion.

Technology offers some outstanding features and is considered to be a boon for man. The positives of it are countless, but here I highlight only a few of them. To begin with, it does bring people closer by any means. Imagine a world without technology where people had to travel far and wide to see their friends and family. Now, it is no more. Furthermore, it offers a real-time experience of video chatting. This fantastic feature allows people to do video chatting real-time with almost at no cost. Last but not least, social websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram facilitate everyone to share the moments that they treasure.

Every coin has two sides. With the enormous benefits of technology, we cannot ignore that it has changed the way humans interact with others these days. In the absence of technology, it was the custom of meeting friends and family on specific occasions. However, that is now a distant past. People have thousands of friends on Facebook, but hardly have anyone to bid them a final farewell at the graveyard. It means that technology has put us in a virtual box for interacting, and most relationships are only superficial.

In conclusion, I believe that a sense of belonging in the relationship grows stronger when people meet, talk, and enjoy together. Ergo, technology with regard to social interactions has less to offer and more to take. (269 words)