Working in the ESL industry for over twenty years has provided me with endless opportunities to expand my repertoire including the chance to work on countless IELTS writing tasks.
Here are a few samples of my academic essay writings.
1.
PROMPT:
Some people believe that anyone can create art, such as painting, poetry, music, etc. Others think that a person should have special abilities to create art. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Artistic expression, regardless of medium, is a realm that often sparks debate regarding the prerequisites for participation. While some argue that anyone can engage in creative activities, others contend that specialized abilities are necessary. Both perspectives hold merit which I will detail in the following paragraphs along with my own opinion.
On one hand, proponents of the view that anyone can create art emphasize the democratization of creative expression. They argue that art is a matter of individual experience, emotion, and perspectives, accessible to all irrespective of skill level or formal training. Thus, the act of creation itself holds value as it acts as a means of personal exploration and communication. Moreover, countless examples exist of renowned artists who emerged from unconventional backgrounds, underscoring the notion that talent transcends formal education, expertise, or some mystical “gift” from birth.
On the other hand, those who feel special abilities are requisite for artistic creation highlight the importance of technique, craftsmanship, and innate talent. They contend that while art may be accessible to all, mastery and innovation require a level of skill only a few can attain. From this standpoint, formal training and natural aptitude serve as prerequisites for producing art that captures the attention of audiences and withstands the test of time.
In my opinion, while technical proficiency can enhance certain aspects of a creation, the essence of art lies in its ability to evoke emotion and stimulate thought. Thus, while attending art classes or binge-watching every instructional painting video on YouTube may help refine one’s craft, creating something impressive does not always require top-notch skills.
2.
PROMPT:
In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example for your own knowledge or experience.
In the 21st century we are able to witness technological advancements beyond the imaginations of generations before. The field of transportation is no exception, and many believe it is only a matter of time before driverless vehicles become commonplace. While some argue that such vehicles offer great benefits, others worry about their potential drawbacks. Both advantages and disadvantages of self-driving cars will be detailed in the following paragraphs along with my opinion on this topic.
Beginning with the advantages, these vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce accidents, which are known to be the result of human error in most cases. Their advanced sensors and high-speed processing components enable them to react immediately to potential hazards. Such technology could be quite useful in South Korea for instance, which is a country with a high population density and heavy traffic congestion in its major cities. If the streets of Seoul for example were filled with autonomous vehicles rather than frustrated and stressed-out human drivers, the number of collisions and fatalities could be reduced greatly.
Secondly, these vehicles could enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility issues such as the physically disabled and the elderly. Having these vehicles available could make travel more inclusive and convenient for everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
Turning to the drawbacks, one that immediately comes to people’s minds is the issue of job loss. This is a major concern across various transportation sectors, particularly for taxi, bus, and delivery drivers. Looking again at South Korea, it has a massive taxi industry that provides employment for tens of thousands of people, so if driverless vehicles became commonplace, unemployment and economic disruption could be devastating.
To conclude, while driverless vehicles may promise increased safety and accessibility, they also pose significant challenges, particularly when it comes to employment. I understand we cannot stop the inevitable when it comes to technological advancements, but we must carefully weigh these pros and cons and make preparations before fully embracing them.
3.
PROMPT:
Some people think today’s educational system prepares individuals for the workplace. Others disagree with this opinion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
As job markets around the globe continue to evolve, a question has arisen as to whether the educational systems we have in place adequately prepare people for the work they hope to do. While some argue that the system as it currently exists equips students with the necessary skills needed in their future careers, others contend there is a significant gap between what is taught in classrooms and what is required in the workplace. I will explore both viewpoints in the following paragraphs along with my own thoughts on this topic.
Starting with those who feel schools provide students with essential foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills, they claim that core subjects of mathematics, language arts, and the sciences are necessary across various professions. Moreover, classroom and group activities instill much needed teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills which are all sought after by employers. Additionally, many school systems also provide vocational training programs and internships which are believed to help students gain practical experience, further enhancing their employability.
Critics, however, argue that our current educational model often fails to address the ever-changing needs of today’s modern workplace. Highly sophisticated skills are required as technology races forward and transforms industries. Such skills are not yet covered in the average classroom. For example, being versed in today’s digital jargon, proficient in data analysis, and familiar with remote work are all increasingly important but these may not be sufficiently integrated into most class syllabi. Finally, many have long argued the rigid structure of educational institutions hinders creativity and innovation, which are highly valued traits in most workplaces.
In conclusion, while the educational systems we now have provide a decent foundation for many future careers by imparting essential skills and knowledge, there are notable gaps that we must address. While I feel some schools are implementing the proper changes that will help deal with this issue, there is much to be done. Ultimately, bridging the gap between what one learns in school and what one will need in the workplace is essential and requires a major overhaul of many parts of how we educate future jobseekers.
4.
PROMPT:
Each year increasing numbers of students are deciding to move to a different country for higher education. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
In recent years, a growing trend has emerged in which an increasing number of students are opting to pursue college or university studies in other countries. While some argue that this brings about negative consequences, I believe that the benefits far outweigh any such drawbacks and therefore have a positive opinion towards it which I will detail in the paragraphs below.
Firstly, studying abroad can foster cultural exchange and understanding between students from diverse backgrounds. By immersing themselves in a different culture, one often develops a deeper sense of understanding towards other people, empathy, and an overall appreciation for diversity. This kind of exposure can even equip them with crucial skills for navigating the global landscape they may find themselves in within future careers.
Secondly, studying in a foreign country can often provide students with the type of education and cutting-edge technology that may not be available in their home countries. These can help to boost academic proficiency and technical skills, preparing them to tackle future challenges effectively. Additionally, studying abroad improves one’s employability, as employers often value candidates with international exposure and perspectives.
Moreover, studying overseas can even stimulate economic growth and cultural exchange for both the host and home countries. Host countries benefit from the influx of international students who contribute to the economy through tuition fees, accommodations, and other expenses. On the other hand, the home countries benefit from the skills and knowledge carried back with the students whose newly attained expertise that can drive innovation and development.
Critics do however argue that encouraging students to go abroad may lead to “brain drain”, where talented minds leave their home countries and never return. While this concern may be valid, measures such as implementing policies to encourage the return of skilled graduates can mitigate this.
In conclusion, the growing trend of students pursuing higher education in foreign countries is, in my opinion, a positive development. It has cultural, academic, and even economic benefits, as detailed above. Therefore, we should encourage young people to follow their dreams, even if it may mean wishing them well as they leave for distant shores.
5.
PROMPT:
“Has technology improved or hampered communication in society? Discuss this question and include your opinion.”
The way people communicate with each other has been transformed greatly due to the countless technological innovations that have been made over the past few decades. While some may claim this has lessened our need for human interaction, technology has primarily boosted social communication, in my opinion, and I will detail my points in the following paragraphs.
Beginning with the view that technology may have created negative consequences, there is a definite lack of face-to-face communication these days when compared to twenty years ago. Young people are especially active on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and can often be seen with their eyes inches from their phone screens all day while ignoring family and friends. Many even find it more comfortable to chat online than in person and avoid social activities altogether. Literacy skills have also suffered as quick “text-speech” has replaced the use of full sentences and the instant nature of social media consumption has led to less interest in reading in general.
Having said this, communication methods are constantly changing with each generation and perhaps they have not been lost so much as evolved. The new ways in which we socialize or keep in touch with others owe a lot to modern technology and in fact, we are now able to communicate across much greater distances compared to in the past. Applications such as Zoom make it possible to have online video conferences with colleagues or simply video-chat with friends and relatives overseas at much lower costs than long-distance phone calls. As for writing, of course email has been around for quite a while, but more recently introduced applications like WhatsApp and Kakaotalk help people send and receive information in the form of brief messages instantly from anywhere in the world. The days of waiting by the mailbox for a letter is a thing of the past thanks to highspeed internet connections and the various applications we now have at our fingertips. Technology has brought people together across borders, at faster speeds and for less money.
Overall, while traditional communication methods may be disappearing and people are less likely to gather in person due to some of the technology available today, many aspects of life have been simplified and other opportunities to meet have opened up across the internet. As long as we hold onto what is important and maintain active relationships in the physical world, advanced technology can be seen as a helpful tool and not something to fear. The advantages it has brought, in my opinion, far outweigh any drawbacks one might see.
6.
PROMPT:
Many young people do not know how to manage their money when graduating high school. What do you think the reasons are? What can be done to teach them this important skill?
In today’s fast-paced world, the financial literacy of young people has become a topic of concern. After finishing high school, many find themselves ill-equipped to manage their finances effectively. Some of the underlying reasons for this phenomenon along with practical solutions will be laid out in the paragraphs to follow.
One primary reason for the lack of financial management skills among young people is the absence of this subject in most high school curriculums. Many schools often overlook practical life skills such as balancing a budget, saving carefully, and avoiding debt accumulation, and focus instead on the traditional academic subjects. Consequently, many graduates end up with limited economic knowledge, leaving them vulnerable to financial failure. Coupled with the allure of credit cards and loans, many become impulsive when it comes to spending and find themselves just scraping by paycheck to paycheck or worse.
In order to address this issue, a multifaceted approach is needed. High schools should start offering financial classes to equip students with essential money management skills. Furthermore, parents can also play a role by fostering financial literacy by communicating with their children about the hard realities they themselves had faced after graduating. Fighting the power of consumerism seems an impossible challenge, but again, parents and teachers can make sure young people are fully informed about how easily one can be fooled into handing over money too impulsively.
To conclude, massive changes to how and what we teach in schools and at home may be necessary. Empowering teens with the knowledge and skills to make smart financial decisions, we can pave the way for a more financially stable future generation.
IELTS, WRITING, COPYWRITING
Mike Stewart Writes 