Sample Answer - Task 1

The bar chart illustrates the percentage of men aged 25 to 44 in Sydney who were born in Australia or overseas, according to how much
income they earn on a weekly basis.
The majority of Australian-born men (approximately 35%) belong to the middle income group, earning between $600 and $1000 per week. A
significant number (about 30%) fall into the lower middle income category, while just 13% of Australian- born men are in the low income
group, earning less than $300 per week.
In contrast, the majority (over one third) of overseas-born men belong to the lower middle income group. Just over a quarter fall into the
middle income category and a similar proportion (approximately 22%) of overseas-born men in Sydney, are part of the low income group. It
is interesting to note that this is almost double the number of Australian- born men from the same group.
Overall, it can be seen that men who were born in Australia aged between 25 and 44  have higher incomes than men in the same age group
who were born overseas.
(179 words)
Sample Answer - Task 2
Over the last century, tertiary education has become available to more people than ever before. Although this can be
beneficial for individuals and for society as a whole, some people argue that the growth in student numbers is having a
negative impact on the standard of education.
The worldwide expansion of tertiary education has been a positive trend for those involved. It has enabled more
people to realise their capabilities, gain a qualification and pursue a career that interests them. Furthermore, jobs that
require a tertiary education are often well paid and thus allow those people to enjoy a higher quality of life. This in turn
helps to raise the standard of living of society through economic development.
However, the growing availability of further education also has some drawbacks. A growth in student numbers has at
times led to much larger classes. As a result, teachers are often too busy to give sufficient attention to their students.
In some cases this may cause a drop in standards and this could make it easier for students to pass. Thus, universities
are in danger of being seen as “degree factories” in which the quantity of students rates higher than the quality of
education.
In conclusion, a university education can be a significant and positive step in a person’s life and should therefore be
available to everyone. However, universities will need to ensure that the quality of education they deliver is not
compromised by the growth in student numbers.
(250 words)
Sample Answer - Task 1
The charts show the exports from Vietnam to America and from America to Vietnam in 1994. During this year, the US exported much more to
Vietnam than Vietnam exported to the US. Vietnamese exports tended to be primary products, while American exports were dominated by
manufactured goods.
The first pie chart shows that Vietnamese exports totalled $52 million. The majority of Vietnamese exports were the products of primary
industry (agriculture and fishing), with coffee ($23 million) and vegetables and fruit ($16 million) being the main exports. Rice and seafood
were also important exports contributing $4.3 and $4.4 million respectively. The least important were garments and other at $2 million each.
In the second pie chart it can be seen that more than half of the American exports were industrial products. The largest category of US
exports was aircraft parts, which were worth $20 million more than the total value of Vietnamese exports. This was followed by other
products ($35 million) and machinery ($30.5 million). Fertiliser, cotton and cars made up the remaining $34.5 million.
Overall, Vietnam exported products worth $52m to the US, while the US exported products worth more than three times this to Vietnam
($172m).
(197 words)
 
Sample Answer - Task 1
The tables indicate how many interpreting and translating assignments in four different languages were completed by a NSW company in 1998, 1999 and
2000.
In the field of interpreting, significantly more Vietnamese and Arabic tasks were completed (10786 and 7332 respectively) than tasks for Spanish and
German (2432 and 129 respectively). There was also a gradual decline in the number of interpreting assignments over the three years in all languages
except German, which increased from 34 tasks in 1998 to 55 tasks in 2000.
Of the four languages, translation of Arabic was the most common (3539 in total), while Vietnamese represented the least common with only 782 tasks in
total. The number of assignments for German and Vietnamese remained fairly constant over the three years, while the number for Spanish and Arabic
increased significantly. Overall, there was a steady increase in the number of language translations during this time, from a total of 2199 tasks in 1998 to
3025 in 2000.
By comparing both tables, it can be seen that there were generally far more interpreting than translation assignments undertaken each year.
(182 words)
Question Bank
Below is the list of Writing Task 2 topics which have been used in the online IELTS course.
You can use these topics to practise writing Task 2 answers.

ESSAY ONE - Theme: Education

In the last decade, there has been a great increase
in the number and variety of online courses
available to adults. This has been welcomed as a
great opportunity by many students, however,
other students see these courses as less effective
than classroom teaching.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
studying an online course?

Or,

Universities are becoming increasingly expensive to operate. In some

countries, money from taxation has met these costs. However, this is not
always enough to maintain the quality of universities.
What are some ways universities could be funded in future?
ESSAY TWO - Theme: Health and leisure
Life has become much more stressful compared to
our parent’s generation. As a result, stress related
illnesses are increasing around the world. Why is
stress such a problem in the modern world and
what do you think can be done to overcome the
problems caused by stress?

Or,

Traditional medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, is very popular

in some countries. Those who practise traditional medicine claim it is better than
modern medicine in maintaining and improving health.
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?
ESSAY THREE - Theme: The arts and entertainment
Over the past fifty years, international sports
events such as the Olympic Games and world cup
competitions have played an increasingly
important role in our society. However, many
people think such events are an enormous waste
of money, time and effort.
Do you agree?
ESSAY FOUR - Theme: The environment
Most major cities around the world continue to
grow at a phenomenal rate due to the massive
increase in population. This has led to a general
decline in the quality of life in city areas as the
environment becomes more crowded and polluted.
Give some reasons why this growth has occurred
and suggest some practical solutions to this
problem.
 ESSAY FIVE - Theme: Science and technology

During the last century, the use of cars has increased dramatically. This
has caused problems such as pollution and overcrowded roads.
Why do people buy cars and what can we do to stop people from buying
them?

In the future, it may be scientifically possible for people to live for 150
years. This could be good for individuals but it may have negative
consequences for society.
What are the benefits and risks of people living to 150?
ESSAY SIX - Theme: Social issues

Many governments have laws that ban the sale and use of hard drugs such as
heroin and cocaine, yet they allow people to buy drugs such as tobacco and
alcohol. Laws that prohibit the sale and use of hard drugs should be applied to
all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol.
What is your opinion?
ESSAY SEVEN - Theme: Relationships

Some people say that the Internet is bringing people together by making the
world smaller.
To what extent do you agree that the Internet is making it easier for people to
communicate with one another?
ESSAY EIGHT - Theme: Business and work

Some governments provide financial assistance for retired, unemployed and

disabled citizens. In other countries, families provide support for these people.
Discuss both systems and give your opinion about which one you think is better.
ESSAY NINE - Theme: Development issues

Every year large numbers of people migrate from one country to another for
different reasons.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of migration for the individual and for
society as a whole.
ESSAY NINE - Theme: Development issues