Simon 写作课 IELTS Writing task 2

Simon 雅思写作 task2 大作文全集

第1章 Lesson 1: 5 tasks:

1. Understand the task;  What we need do?
2. Break the point into parts;
3. Methods, techniques;
4. Lots of practice;
5. Feedback, measure progress; 评改

1. Understand the task;

What shoud we do?:
1. Write an essay.  Minimum 250 words
2. 40 minutes
3. Universal topic.  family, health, education, work…

According to four scoring criteria:(4 个评分标准)：

1. Task response; it means have you answer this question?
2. Coherence and cohesion.(精简、连贯); your logic is easy to follow.
3. Vocabulary;
4. Grammar;

2. Break the point into parts;

-250 words;
-4 paragraphs;
-about 13 sentences;

Introduction
-2 sentences

Two main paragraphs

-5 sentences each

Conclusion
-1 sentence
Timing (40 minutes)

Planning: 10 minutes
Introduction； 5 minutes – just 2 sentences
Main body： 20 minutes
Conclusion； 5 minutes

Next lesson: introductions

2 sentences, 5 minutes
 第2章 Lesson 2 : Introductions
In this lesson, I want to show you how to write a short but affective introduction for writing task 2.
Method:
Two sentences (about 30-40 words)
-Fist, introduce the topic;
-Second, give a very general answer;

Four types of question:

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

e.g. 1. Discussion
Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe
that it is better for them to study alone.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Plan: Topic - study in groups or alone

Answer - sometimes better alone, usually better in a group

Fist sentence: People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to
working alone.
Second sentence: While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group
work is usually more productive.

e.g. 2. Opinion
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school
programmers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Plan: Topic - community service for all teenagers

Answer - A little difficult , because you have 3 choices: agree, disagree, or balanced opinion
(when possible)

It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local
communities.
Agree: I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea.
Disagree: In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work.
Balanced opinion (when possible): While I disagree with the idea of making such programs
compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.
e.g. 3. Problem and solution
Many criminals reoffend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to commit
crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

Plan: Topic - criminals reoffend

Answer - There are several reasons, a variety of measures can be taken (governments,
communities)

It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes. There are
various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take
steps to address this issue.

e.g. 4. Two-part question

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important
element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the
expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Plan: Topic - job satisfaction

Answer - several factors, unrealistic / impossible

Work plays a central role in our lives, and we should all like to feel fulfilled professionally. While
a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be
happy at work.

To summarize this lesson is 2 things:

1. A short introduction is better than a long one.
2. A method to write 2 sentences in 5 minutes. (topic + answer)

Practice more, then you will be more confidence and faster.

Next lesson:
Main body paragraphs.
 第3章 Lesson 3 : Main body paragraphs
4 paragraph essays
-2 main body paragraphs
-5 sentences in each
-around 90 to 100 words each

2 methods
Ideas, vocabulary, planning

How to write a main paragraph?

2 types

 Firstly, Secondly, Finally

- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Problem
- solutions
 Idea, Explain, Example
- One idea
- A reason
- An opinion

1. Firstly, Secondly, Finally

e.g.
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school
programs.
To what extent do you agree or disagree？

3-minute plain:
- disagree for several reasons
- school timetable is full, no time for community service.
- students’ work in other subjects would be affected.
- teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)

There are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for
secondary school students.
Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as math,
science and languages.
For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it
would not have been possible to add to it.
Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were
taken by charity work or neighborhood improvement schemes.
Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any program of
obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behavior.
(Linking words, Topic vocabulary)

Try to write 5 sentences:

1. Topic sentence
2. Firstly (5. Explain more, or add example)
3. Secondly
4. Finally

Remember:
Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score. （简单的连接词就行，无所谓的）
Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’

Read the worksheet for more advice about linking words and topic vocabulary.

2. Idea, Explain, Example

e.g.
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory (voluntary) part of
high school programs.
To what extent do you agree or disagree？

3-minute plain:
- Voluntary ( not compulsory) community service is positive
- Students more motivated if they can choose
- Gain work experience, self-confidence, skills
- Good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers

On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive
for high school students.
By making these programs optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part.
These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which
could help to build their self-confidence and enhance their skills.
Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’ career
prospects.
For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer
or a future employer.
(Linking words, Topic vocabulary)

Try to write 5 sentences:

1. Idea
2. Explain (2 or 3 sentences)
3. Example

Remember:
Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score. （简单的连接词就行，无所谓的）
Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’

Read the worksheet for more advice about linking words and topic vocabulary.

To summarize this lesson is 2 things:

1. You should plain well before writting.
2. A method to write 5 sentences about 100 words. (good ideas + vocabulary +well structured)

Practice more, then you will be more confidence and faster.

Next lesson:
Conclusions
 第4章 Lesson 4 : Conclusion
2 easy ‘rules’
- Never write anything new
- One sentence: repeat, summarise

Conclusion technique
Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction
1. Discussion (+ opinion)
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

Discussion (+ opinion)
e.g.
In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce
crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom.
Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

Introduction
It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I
understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits
than drawbacks.

Conclusion
In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security system in public places
do outweigh the disadvantages.

Opinion
Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that
support the state education system.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Introduction
Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to
contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.

Conclusion
In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who
choose private education.
Problem and solution
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing.
What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be
taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Introduction
It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although
there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to
mitigate these potential problems.

Conclusion
In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problem that are certain to arise as the
populations of countries grow older.

2-part question
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?

Introduction
It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part
of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more
important than modern, international music.

Conclusion
In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music
should be given more importance than international music.

Conclusion sentences
- One sentence
- No new information
- Paraphrasing to show variety (print the worksheet)
 第5章 Lesson 5: Planning
Spend 10 minutes
planning your essay

3 steps essay plan (in 10 minutes):

e.g.
Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe
that it is better for them to study alone.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question – highlight/underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
1) Introduction: topic + answer (study in groups or alone, sometimes better alone, usually
better in a group)
2) Benefits of studying alone
3) Benefits of group study (my view)
4) Conclusion: repeat answer (both have benefits, but I prefer group study)
3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
Tips: Planning ideas for main paragraphs:
 Brainstorm, note down any ideas you have;
 Develop ideas in detail;
 Keep asking yourself ‘why?’;
 Think of examples to support your ideas;
 Finally, try to group related ideas (number them)

Benefits of studying alone (3 minutes)

Concentrate better, no distractions, focus on the task,
read books or articles, e.g. when revising for an exam,
memorize information,
study at own pace

Benefits of group study (3 minutes)

More ideas, share knowledge, gather more information, learn from each other,
e.g. research project,
more motivating, responsibility to the group, sense of competition

10-minute essay plan, 3 steps:

Read and understand the question
Plan your essay structure
Plan ideas for the 2 main paragraphs
So, practice as more as you can before test
Lesson 6 – full essay

Agree or disagree?
 第6章 Lesson 6: Opinion essay
Opinion essay
Do YOU agree or disagree?
You CAN use ‘I’ or ‘my’

e.g.
The money spent by government on space programs would be better spent on vital public sevices
such as school and hospitals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1. Read and understand the question – highlight/underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
1) Introduction: topic + answer (governments spending, agree – public services instead of
space projects)
2) Explain why ‘space’ spending should be stopped
3) Explain why public service spending is better
4) Conclusion: repeat answer (spend on services that benefit us all)

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

Why space spending should be stopped?

expensive (scientists, facilities, equipment),
no benefit to normal people, politicians showing power,
Waste of money when projects fail,risk of accidents, deaths e.g. Challenger space shuttle

Why public service spending is better?

Cheaper e.g. doctors, teachers police instead of astronauts,
public services impact on everyone,
we all use schools, hospitals, police, roads etc.
reduce poverty, better quality of life,

1. Introduction
The money spent by governments on space programs would be better spend on vital public
services such as schools and hospitals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Plan: Topic – government spending

Answer – agree, public services instead of space projects

Governments in some countries spend larger amounts of money on space exploration programs.
I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be
allocated to public services.

Paragraph 2
Why space spending should be stopped?
There are several reasons why space programs should be abandoned.

Expensive (scientists, facilities, equipment)

Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions,
and facilities and equipment also come at a huge cost to the government.
Secondly, these programs do not benefit normal people in our daily lives; They are simply vanity
projects for politicians.
Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and the smallest technological error can cost
astronauts their lives.
The Challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in
my opinion it is not worth the risk.

Paragraph 3
Why public service spending is better?
I believe that the money from space programs should go to vital public services instead.
It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to
train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects.
Furthermore, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society.
For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police
provide.
If governments reallocated the money spend on space travel and research, many thousands of
people could be lifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.

Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all
members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our
everyday lives.

Band 7-8 vocabulary

 Space programs, exploration, missions, projects, travel, research
 Found should be allocated
 Should be abandoned
 Facilities and equipment come at huge cost
 Vanity projects for politicians
 Can cost astronauts their lives
 Space shuttle disaster
 Public servants
 A positive impact on every member of society
 If governments reallocated
 Could be lifted out of poverty
 Given a better quality of life

Print the worksheet

 第7章 Lesson 7: Discussion essay
Discussion essay

e.g.
Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Other believe
that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

1. Read and understand the question

- Highlight / underline key parts
2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
1) Introduction: topic +answer (competition or co-operation? Benefits of both, co-operation
more important)
2) Why encourages competition?
3) Why teach co-operation (my view)
4) Conclusion: repeat answer (accept both views, co-operation better)
3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

Why encourages competition?

Motivation to
work harder, be better than other children,
self-confidence, independent work, faster progress,
competitive situations when leave school e.g. job interviews,
prepare for adult life

Why teach co-operation (my view)

Co-operation is even more important,
e.g. at work (teams, follow boss’s instructions, help junior staff),
collaboration more useful than wining,
better attitude for young people,
working together.

Introduction
Plan: topic – competition or co-operation?
Answer – benefits of both, co-operation more important

People have different views about whether children should be taught to be competitive or co-
operative.
While a spirit of competition can sometimes be useful in life, I believe that the ability to co-
operate is more important.
Paragraph 2
Why encourages competition? – motivation
On the one hand, competition can be a great source of motivation for children. When teachers use
games or prizes to introduce an element of competitiveness into lessons, it can encourage children
to work harder to outdo the other pupils in the class. This kind of healthy rivalry may help to build
children’s self-confidence, while pushing them to work independently and progress more quickly.
When these children leave school, their confidence and determination will help them in
competitive situations such as job interviews. It can therefore be argued that competition should be
encouraged in order to prepare children for adult life.

Paragraph 3

Co-operation is more important

On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare children for the many aspects of
adult life that require co-operation. In the workplace, adults are expected to work in teams, follow
instructions given by their superiors, or supervise and support the more junior members of staff.
Team collaboration skills are much more useful than a competitive determination to win. This is
the attitude that I believe schools should foster in young people. Instead of promoting the idea that
people are either winners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more from
working together.

Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better

In conclusion, I can understand why people might want to encourage competitiveness in children,
but it seems to me that a co-operative attitude is much more desirable in adult life.

Band 7-9 vocabulary

 Competition/ co-operation, competitive, co-operative, co-operate, competitiveness
 A spirit of competition
 A source of motivation
 Introduce an element of competitiveness
 Outdo other pupils, healthy rivalry
 Build self-confidence, determination
 Aspect of adult life
 Superiors, junior members of staff
 Team collaboration skills
 Attitude that schools should foster
 Promoting the idea
 A co-operative attitude is more desirable

Print the worksheet

 第8章 Lesson 8: Problem and solution
essay
Problem and solution essay

e.g.
In many countries’ schools have severe problems with student behavior.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?

1. Read and understand the question - highlight/underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
1) Introduction: topic +answer (students behavior in schools, variety of reasons, steps can
be taken to tackle, try to solve it)
2) Cause of bad student behaviors.
3) My suggested solutions.
4) Conclusion: repeat answer (summarize the problem and steps)

3. Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

Causes of bad student behavior

Parents not strict (too lenient),
children don’t accept teachers’ instruction or school rules,
teachers’ fault, no control, bad classroom management,
influence of celebrities who are a bad example,

My suggested solutions
Parents set rules for children,
use punishments, actions have consequences,
schools train teachers and parents, discipline techniques, better communication,
famous people act as role modles

e.g.
In many countries’ schools have severe problems with student behavior.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?

Introduction
Plan: Topic – student behavior in schools
Answer – variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle the problem
It is true that the behavior of school pupils in some parts of the world has been getting worse in
recent years. There are variety of reasons for this, but steps can definitely be taken to tackle the
problem.

Paragraph 2
Causes of bad student behavior

In my opinion, three main factors are to blame for the way young people behave at school
nowadays.
Firstly, modern parents tend to be too lenient or permissive.
Many children become accustomed to getting whatever they want, and they find it difficult to
accept the demands of teachers or the limits imposed on them by school rules.
Secondly, if teachers cannot control their students, there must be an issue with the quality of
classroom management training or support within schools.
Finally, children are influenced by the behavior of celebrities, many of whom set the example that
success can be achieved without finishing school.

Paragraph 3
My suggested solutions

Student behavior can certainly be improved.

I believe that the change must start with parents, who need to be persuaded that it is important to
set firm rules for their children.
When children misbehave or break the rules, parents should use reasonable punishments to
demonstrate that actions have consequences.
Also, schools could play an important role in training both teachers and parents to use effective
disciplinary techniques, and in improving the communication between both groups.
At the same time, famous people, such as musicians and football players, need to understand the
responsibility that they have to act as role models to children.

Conclusion: summarize the problem and steps

In conclusion, schools will continue to face discipline problems unless parents, teachers and
public figures set clear rules and demonstrate the right behavior themselves.

Band 7-9 vocabulary

 Steps can be taken to tackle the problem
 Three main factors are to blame
 Parents tend to be too lenient or permissive
 Children become accustomed to
 Limits imposed on them
 Quality of classroom management
 Celebrities, famous people, public figures
 Set an example
 Set firm rules, reasonable punishments
 Play an important role in
 Effective disciplinary techniques
 Responsibility to act as role models
 Face discipline problems
 第9章 Lesson 9: 2-part question
e.g.
News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors
do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if
more good news was reported?

1. Read and understand the question – highlight/underline key parts

2. Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)
1) Introduction: topic +answer (decisions about news stories, variety of factors, yes too
much bad news)
2) Factors that influence news editors.
3) Too much bad news, should report more better.
4) Conclusion: repeat answer (difficult news choices, more positive)

3 Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

Factors that influence news editors
Interest or attract viewers / readers
Inform the public, important issues and events, in the public interest
Pressure from owners, promote political views

Too much bad news, should report more better.

Accustomed to bad news,
war, crime, natural disasters, human suffering,
desensitizes us, cynical about the world,
prefer positive news, e.g. medical workers, volunteers, kindness,
news to inspire us

e.g.
News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors
do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if
more good news was reported?

Introduction
Plan: Topic – decisions about news stories
Answer – variety of factors, yes too much bad news

It is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or
publish, and their choices are not doubt influenced by a variety of factors.
In my opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis on
good news.
Paragraph 2
Variety of factors that influence news editors
Editors face a range of considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on.
Firstly, I imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough
to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers. (Interest or attract
viewers / readers)
Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and
issues, and they should therefore prioritize stories that are in the public interest. (Inform the
public, important issues and events, in the public interest)
Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them.
For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to
promote. (Pressure from owners, promote political views)

Paragraph 3
Too much bad news, should report more better.
It seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news. (Accustomed to bad news.
)
We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters, and tragic human
suffering around the world. (war, crime, natural disasters, human suffering)
I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitizes people, and we become more cynical
about the world and some sceptial that we can do anything to change it. (desensitizes us, cynical
about the world)
I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after
a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. (prefer positive
news, e.g. medical workers, volunteers, kindness)
This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives.

Conclusion； difficult news choices, more positive

In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present,
but I would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

Band 7-9 vocabulary

 Exposes to bad news
 Welcome a greater emphasis on good news
 Editors face a range of considerations
 Prioritize stories that are in the public interest
 Under some pressure from the owners
 Promote particular political views
 Become accustomed to negative news
 Natural disasters and tragic human suffering
 Exposure gradually desensitizes people
 Cynical and sceptical
 Inspire us all to lead better lives
 A more positive approach
 Vital public service
 第10章 Lesson 10: Extra help for “Agree
or disagree?” questions
Agree, disagree, or partly agree

e.g.1
The money spent by government on space programs would be better spent on vital public sevices
such as school and hospitals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1. introduction
Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes.
I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be
allocated to public services.

2. Explain why ‘space’ spending should be stopped

3. Explain why public services spending is better
4. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

e.g.2
Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1. Introduction
Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge.
Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the
statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

2. Explain why easy hobbies can be enjoyable

3. Explain why difficult hobbies can be fun
4. Conclusion: disagree that difficult hobbies are better

e.g.3
Many people say that we now live in ‘consumer societies’ where money and possessions are given
too much importance.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Partly agree)

1. Introduction
It is true that many people criticize modern society because it seems to be too materialistic.
I agree with this to some extent, but I do not think it is the case that everyone is a victim of
consumer culture.

2. I believe many people do focus too much on money

3. However, many others are not money oriented
4. Conclusion； partly agree.

e.g.4
In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was “a giant leap for mankind”.
However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you
agree or disagree? (Partly agree)

1. introduction
It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal
people.
While I agree that this is true in practical terms, I believe that the psychological impact of this
great achievement should not be underestimated.

2. No benefit in practical terms (standard of living, health)

3. But it was an inspiring achiecement
4. Conclusion: partly agree
 第11章 Lesson 11: Video course
summary
Understand the task

Break the task into parts:

- Introductions
- Main body
- Conclusions
- Planning

Four types of question:

- Opinion
- Discussion
- Problem and solution
- Two-part question

Lesson 1
I said that we were going to do ‘methods and techniques’, that this would be a training course for
IELTS writing task 2
But you also need to work on your general level of English.
We need to work on 2 things:
1. Exam technique / methods (use this video course)
2. Your general level of English (use my blog, reading books, watching TV, online videos, films,
dictionary, newspapers…)

Please focus on the most common topics:

Education
Work
Health
Environment