IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

How to Write an Argument Essay Introductions

One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences: two about the topic one thesis sentence

Example: In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are going to do. Does space exploration benefit mankind?

Sentence For Sentence Against Sentence 3 (Thesis)

Many people are excited about space exploration. However, others feel it is a massive waste of money This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration.

The Body
Two words: Use Paragraphs! Students who don't have paragraphs fail! The body of the essay should ALWAYS be divided into paragraphs. Use TWO paragraphs Arguments for and support. Arguments against and support
3773 Intro 3773

Para 1

Para 2

Conclusion

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IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

Conclusions
A good conclusion will rephrase the question summarize the main ideas give your opinion, if you haven't given it already look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)

but will NEVER add new information

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Activity Students Worksheet

Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

Practice
1. Introduction:
Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words: Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation .

Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning Governments = Spend = Roads and highways = Money = Public transportation =

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IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation .

Many people believe that nations should allocate more budget on improving roads and freeways. (One side) However, other people think that more money should be made available on improving public transportation. (Other side) Step 4: Add a Thesis Many people believe that nations should spend more money on improving roads and freeways. However, other people think that more money should be made available on improving public transportation. This essay will examine some arguments for and against the two opinions. (Thesis) Examples of thesis statements: In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against the . In this essay, I will examine some reasons for the . This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against the .. This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against ..

2. The Body: Using your own ideas, knowledge and experience, make a list of arguments to support your opinion: Advantages / Disadvantages of improving public transport:(reasons)
Unit 5

Advantages / disadvantages of improving roads and highways: (reasons)

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IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

Think of as many expressions as possible for each box.

To list points: Firstly

To list advantages One Another

To list disadvantages Further In addition

And Also

To make contrasting points: However

Conclusion: In conclusion

3. The Conclusion:

Do you agree or disagree with the following opinions:

Governments should spend more money on improving roads and highways.

Yes / No

Governments should spend more money on improving public transportation.

Yes / No

Give reasons.

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IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

Model Essay: Many people believe that nations should spend more money on improving roads and freeways. However, other people think that more money should be made available on improving public transportation. This essay will examine some arguments for and against the two opinions. The first reason for improving public transportation is overpopulation. The amount of cars is rising dramatically. As a result of this fact the contemplation of air is increasing that leads to irreversible aftereffects such as the presence of acid rains and different kinds of human diseases. So, the improving of public transportation will reduce pollution. The second reason for this is the possibility to decrease the amount of traffic jams that also have a huge influence on air pollution. Moreover, it will save time and peoples money. One does not have to pay for gas for his car, car insurance, repair, oil change and etc. The third reason for this is a sharp decrease in the level of car accidents. People will feel more secure in this case. However, despite all these advantages this decision has a few disadvantages. First of all, public transportation means the presence of schedule and working hours. So, one has to wait for a bus or for a train in a subway or call for a taxi in order to get somewhere. Second of all, it is a big chance that one has to spend some time getting to the nearest bus stop or subway entrance. As for roads and highways, I think it is a very important and topical issue. A personal car in this modern world is an essential vehicle. It gives one freedom and independence. Improving roads and highways governments will decrease the number of car accidents and traffic jams. I believe that in several years air pollution can be dramatically reduced by using sun energy to refuel our cars. Finally, I think that governments should spend money on improving public transportation as well as on roads and highways because it will benefit all people.

Unit 5

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IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

Unit 5: Travel and transport Sample Essay questions (from IELTS exams)

1. It is said that travel broadens the mind. What can we learn by travelling to other countries? Should we first explore our own countries? Discuss.

2. In many countries tourism is a major part of the economy, but it also causes environmental damage and ruins the places it exploits. It is argued that tourists should pay an additional tax to compensate for this damage. Do you agree?

3. In the modern world car ownership is regarded as a right. However, some argue that governments should try to reduce the number of cars on the road by improving public transport, as the growing number of cars on the road causes traffic congestion and pollution. Discuss.

4. Young drivers are careless and overconfident, and too many are killed in accidents. To eliminate this problem, we could teach children the skills of safe driving while they are at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

You should write at least 250 words.

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IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

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IAT-RAK

IELTS Academic Writing

G11 & 12

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