1.

Environment and Pollution

2. Computers and the Internet
3. Languages and Cultures
4. Media and Advertising
5. Travel and Tourism
6. Work and Life
7. Education and Learning
8. Technology and Inventions
9. Government and Society
10. Others

Unit 1

Environment and Pollution

1.

The unlimited use of cars may cause many problems. What are those problems? In

order to reduce the problems, should we discourage people to use cars?

Model Essay
Having a car has become an essential part of many peoples lives. It offers flexibility to
their life and work, and also provides ready access to a variety of services and leisure options,
however, a range of problems have been identified and need to be addressed.
The problems associated with frequent car use becoming increasingly familiar to the
general public. The widespread use of cars has real environmental costs. Vehicles are major
sources of urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is reported that road traffic is the
source of one third of all harmful air pollution is the world. Car exhaust contributes to acid rain,
carbon dioxide and lead, which cause global warming and damage human health. Traffic jam is
another problem. As more and more people drive to work rather than walk, cycle or take public
transport, there are heavy traffic jams almost every day at rush hours. The most serious problem,
however, is safety. Car accidents cause huge numbers of casualties every year.
To solve these problems, some people suggest that the government should impose a strict
restriction on the use of cars, but I do not think this is the best option, because this would lead to
reduced mobility for people and a decline in the car industry. I think a better solution would be
for car manufacturers to design more environmentally friendly cars, which run solar power or
hydrogen. Also, traffic problems can be alleviated by building more underground tunnels and
parking garages, and safety problems can be avoided by educating drivers as well as pedestrians
to use greater caution on the road.
So, in conclusion, I think that while discouraging the car use might seem a quick solution
to many problems currently facing the society, it is most unlikely to be a permanent cure.
( High scoring 303 words )

Key Vocabulary

Flexibility (n) tnh linh hot

An overdraft provides increased flexibility but at a higher cost.

Access (n) phng tin i n ni no ; c hi/quyn s dng ci g; cch tip cn

Students must have access to good resources.

Address (vt ) cp
Your essay does not address the real issues.

Emission (n) kh thi

The government has pledged to clean up industrial emissions.

Exhaust (n) kh thi

The exhaust of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere heavily influenced the
surroundings.
Casualty (n) thng vong
Both sides had suffered heavy casualties (= many people had been killed).

Impose (vt) p t
This system imposes additional financial burdens on many people.

Mobility (n) tnh c ng/di ng

An electric wheelchair has given her greater mobility.

Alleviate (vt) lm nh bt, lm gim bt

A number of measures were taken to alleviate the problem.

2.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are used in many countries. The use of

alternative sources of energy, including wind and solar power, is encouraged. Is this trend a
positive or negative developments?
Model Essay
I think that the use of alternative sources of energy (also known in some cases as green
energy) is a positive trend of development, and indeed their use should be encouraged further. As
the demand for energy worldwide is increasing, especially in developing countries, the strains on
the existing and already limited resources also increase. To solve this problem, we must consider
two issues: how to better use the existing, limited fossil fuel resources and how we can encourage
the use of alternative energy sources.
It is universally acknowledged that there is a limitation on the use of fossil fuels, especially
coal and oil. Some countries are rich in oil deposits like OPEC, whereas China completely
dependent on the import of resources. For all countries resource rich versus resource poor,
alternative energy should be encouraged and utilizes to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels ads
well as to keep the global environment in balance and healthy.
The only way is to turn to other sources to get energy supply. Wind power and solar power
are at present feasible alternatives. France is one country which has the advanced technology
needed to produce extremely efficient solar panels to store energy from the sun. both kinds of
power can reduce a countrys dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, they do not pollute the
environment and in turn help keep the ecosystem stable.
While fossil fuel resources are diminishing, the demand for energy continues to increase
year on year. It is a positive trend to develop other alternatives to replace these traditional energy
resources. Experiences should be shared and promoted, technology shared and exchanged to limit
or even reduce the greenhouse effect. If this switch to alternative energy is encouraged early, then
we may yet avoid the pending energy crisis.
( High scoring 314 words )

Key Vocabulary

Alternative (adj)
Please find alternative means of transport.
We have no alternative but to do it.

Strain (n)
You will strain your eyes by reading in such poor light.

Universally (adv)
His actions made him universally respected.

Deposit (n)
The Nile floods the fields and deposits mud on them.

Feasible (adj)
The plan is feasible in reason but impractical.

Diminish (v)
His illness diminished his health.

Year on year
Vietnams CPI in May is rising nearly 20% year on year.

Pending (adj)
A decision on this matter is pending.

3.

The environment problems facing todays world are so great that there is little

ordinary people can do to improve the situation. Governments and large companies should
be responsible for reducing the amount of damage being done to the environment.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Model Essay
In modern society, more often than not, environment-related issues have confronted
ecological scientist, government agencies, and the general public. While they are making coordinated efforts to curb the global environmental deterioration, the downward spiral can hardly
be reversed. In my opinion, environmental protection can only be achieved by promoting
peoples environmental awareness.
To begin with, individual awareness of the natural law of cause and effect must be
nurtured. All levels of education, especially primary and secondary schools, can be a good
starting point to develop the realization that whatever we do to the environment, it will return to
ourselves. Moreover, the mass media are also responsible for raising the publics ecological
consciousness. Instead of persuading people to buy those new products that only serve to fuel the
existing environmental problems, one of their unavoidable obligations is to instill the urgent need
of taking care of our natural environment into the psyche of each and every member of our
planet.
It is undeniable that serious actions are being taken. In fact, restrictions are being placed
on emissions of pollutants, and new environmentally friendly sources of energy for motor
vehicles are being developed. Moreover, vast tracts of land are allocated for wildlife
conservation, and many endangered species have been spared the fate of extinction. Nevertheless,
it is also a well-known fact that the pace of damage to the environment far outstrips our
conservation efforts. Unless all citizens of the world are fully aware of the gravity of the
situation, ecological degradation, which is happening in their counties, can never be halted. All
too often, we tend to expect our scientists, engineers and governments to solve the environmental
problems while, in the meantime, factories and households are dumping millions of litres of toxic
wastes into rivers, lakes and oceans. Similarly, fancy private vehicles are being crazily purchased,

emitting billions of tons of car exhaust into the atmosphere and aggravating the greenhouse
effect.
Given this argument, it is reasonable to conclude that if every member of the society is
aware of the relationships between humans and the nature and stops their destructive behavior,
the ecological strain on earth can relieved and the benefits to all nations are enormous.
( High scoring 365 words )

Key Vocabulary

Confront (v) ng u
The government found itself confronted by massive opposition.

Agency (n) i l; s, cc
You can book at your local travel agency.

Co-ordinated (adj) hp tc, cng tc

Our efforts need to be further co-ordinated for higher efficiency.

Curb (v) kim ch

A range of policies have been introduced aimed at curbing inflation.

Spiral (n) ng xon c

The birds circled in a slow spiral above the house.

Awareness (n) thc, s nhn thc

It is important that students develop an awareness of how the Internet can be used.

Nurture (vt) nui dng; khuyn khch, ng h

Her teacher recognized and nurtured her musical talent form an early age.

Realization (n) s nhn thc

There is a growing realization that changes must be made.

Ecological (adj) thuc sinh thi hc

We risk upsetting the ecological balance of the area.

Fuel (v) cung cp cht t, tip nhin liu; lm tng thm

Higher salaries helped to fuel inflation.

Unavoidable (adj) khng th trnh khi, tt yu

Recession at the time seemed unavoidable.

Instill (v) lm thm nhun

Fear of the father is instilled into some children from their infancy.

Undeniable (adj) khng th ph nhn

It is an undeniable fact that crime is increasing.

Restriction (n) gii hn

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can withdraw.

Tract (n) vng min

They bought a 40-acre tract of land for development.

Allocated (v) cp, phn pht

They intend to allocated more places to mature students this year.

Spare (v) trnh (cho ai) (iu g )

You could have spared yourself an unnecessary trip by phoning in advance.

Pace (n) nhp , tin

The word progressed at a slow pace.

Outstrip (v) b xa, vt qu

Their latest computer outstrips all its rivals.

Gravity (n) mc nghim trng

Punishment varies according to the gravity of the offence.

Degradation (n) s mt phm gi; s thoi ha

Being sent to prison was the final degradation.

Dump (v) vt b; nm phch xung

The dead body was just dumped by the roadside.

Fancy (adj) p; ngon

He was the fanciest dresser in the room.

Exhaust (n) kh thi

The exhaust pipe shot sparks.

Aggravate (v) lm trm trng thm

Military intervention will only aggravate the conflict even further.

Destructive (adj) c tnh tn ph/hy dit

Opencast coal mining is among the most environmentally destructive activities carried
out in Wales.

Strain (n) p lc, cng thng

these repayments are putting a strain on our finances.

Enormous (adj) khng l

The problems facing the President are enoumous.

4.

The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can

be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to
reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage
people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage
the use of public transport. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Model Essay
In a world of increasing environmental awareness improved public transport represents the
way of the future. Although people do enjoy the convenience and privacy of traveling in their
own private vehicles. In my opinion they may choose public transport if it fulfills certain
conditions. These conditions fall into three broad categories: attitudinal, financial and logistical.
From an attitudinal perspective, people must first be convinced of the benefits of public
transportation. An educational or public relations campaign must be launched to sensitize those
who might have disregarded this possibility before. People should be familiarized with the
environmental, social and personal benefits for present and future generations. This is one step.
From a financial perspective, public transportation must be a clear and viable benefit to
consumers. In other words, it must be more affordable than driving to work every day. For
example, if people know that by using bus and subway, they can save enough money to take a
free holiday each year, many more individuals would be persuaded to travel in this way. This is
another critical step.
From a logistical perspective, public transportation should be convenient for commuters.
City planners and transport officials must ensure that frequent and reliable public transportation is
available for each citizen. For people to make the habit of traveling by bus or subway, they must
know that they will be able to get to various places on time. Transport vehicles must be well
maintained, subway and bus drivers should be customer-oriented and service must be punctual
and efficient. This is an additional important step.
In conclusion, through a multi-pronged approach, it is possible to increase the use of public
transportation. City officials and politicians can lead the way by utilizing these forms of transport
themselves and bringing about change through personal example. Then, more citizens will follow
suit and we may all hope to live in a cleaner, less polluted environment.

5.

A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the

environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
Model Essay
Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he depicted a
herd of mammoths on the walls of the cave to nowadays when the arts are more complicated. Our
attitude towards the environment is changed too. A few centuries ago people did not care about
pollution, erosion, animal extinction, etc. However, nowadays people again and again talk about
this and try to make a difference. I think that money donation for environment protection must
take priority over the support of the arts. Bellow I will give my reasons to support my answer.
The invention of the automobile is undoubtedly one of the humankind's greatest inventions.
However, the automobile brought us many disadvantages as well. The air nowadays is polluted
by millions of cars every day. Every day clouds of exhaust are rising from the ground
contaminating all around. So, I think that money from a company can be used to make our air
fresher and cleaner.
Another important aspect of this is the contamination of water. Water is an essential
recourse of all living creatures. Nothing will survive without it. Unfortunately, we spend fresh
water sometimes very carelessly. Also, many factories wash away their used resources in the
nearest river poisoning everything alive there. I think that money donations would be helpful for
cleaning our water resources from oil, garbage and chemical matters.
Finally, I think that now humankind faced the problem of overpopulation. The population is
dramatically rising. We need more food, shelters, clothes, construction materials and space. So,
many animals are extinguishing. So, I believe that this money could be spent on conducting a
campaign against overpopulation.
To sum up, I think that in order to make our children happy we should be more careful with
the resources that we take from the nature and if it is possible restore them.

6.

One day the worlds oil and gas reserves will run out. The search for alternative

energy sources like wind power, solar power, burning waste, and water power are causing
as much environmental damage as the oil and nuclear power sources they are intended to
replace.
Model Essay
The criticism that alternative energy sources such as wind power etc cause as much
environmental damage as fossil fuel has some justification. Some people, for example, are
strongly against the use of wind power. Indeed, the large wind farms in some European countries
have come in for strong criticism and not just from environmentalists. They are very ugly, even if
they are in the sea far away from the coast. Burning household waste for fuel also causes
problems, because of the harmful fumes that are the by-product of the process. So while the
amount of waste put into landfill sites is reduced thus preserving the environment, the air is being
polluted instead! However, in my opinion, such sources need to be encouraged as a means of
replacing fossil fuel as they have considerable advantages.
First of all, as the technology for using alternative sources of energy is becoming more and
more sophisticated, any harmful by-product will be minimised. Moreover, the cost of producing
the necessary equipment will decline. Take solar energy, for example. In the past, the panels that
were needed to utilise energy from the sun were huge and not very environmentally friendly.
Now, however, the same pannels are small enough not to be noticed or are made to look like say
roof tiles or normal parts of vehicles. The same will apply to wind farms as the giant turbines
become smaller and less obvious.
Energy from water also comes in for a lot of criticism. This has come about from the many
high profile dam projects around the world where huge areas have been destroyed both for people
and local flora and fauna. However, it is a safer alternative to nuclear energy and a price that has
to be paid.
Whilst any form of energy that we seek to utilise is going to cause some damage, I feel that
wind, sun and water have to be harnessed for the good environment.
Word count: 325
Possible band: 8
(Academic Writing Practice for IELTS Sam McCarter)

7.

Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What

can governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?
Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take
steps to reduce the damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss
environmental problems and the measures that governments and individuals can take to address
these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions
from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a
devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human population increases, we are also
producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and
oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could
introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy
from solar, wind or water power. They could also impose green taxes on drivers and airline
companies. In this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer
flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.
Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment.
They can take public transport rather than driving, choose products with less packaging, and
recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for shoppers as well
as banks for recycling glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we
can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking
after the environment.
( Simon; band 9 )
Note:
This essay is exactly 250 words long. I've tried to make it as simple as possible, but it's still good
enough to get a band 9.

8.

Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that many cities in

the world are now one big traffic jam.

How true do you think this statement is?
What measures can government take to discourage people from using their cars?
Model Essay
Most people would agree that car ownership has increased in recent years and is causing a
range of problems, particularly in built-up areas. I think there are a number of ways that
governments can aim to deal with this.
Many big cities in the world have traffic problems but these problems vary. For example, it
is reasonably easy to drive around my city after 10 am and before 5 pm. However, outside these
hours, you have to allow double the usual time to reach your destination. In some other cities,
traffic is congested at all times, and there is the continual sound of car horns as people try to get
wherever they want to go.
One of the best approaches governments can take in busy cities is to encourage the use of
public transport. This means the transport facilities have to be well run and people must be able
to afford them. Buses, trams and trains are good ways of getting around, and if they are cheap and
reliable, people will use them.
Another approach is to discourage people from actually entering the city by building car
parks and shopping centres on the outskirts. Many cities around the world do this quite
successfully and offer passengers bus transport into the centre, if they need it.
At peak travel periods. Governments can also run campaigns to encourage people to be less
dependent on their cars. Apparently, a lot of car trips involve very short journeys to, say, the
supermarket or local school. These are often unnecessary, but we automatically get in our cars
without thinking.
Clearly we all have a responsibility to look after our cities. Governments can do a lot to
improve the situation and part of what they do should involve encouraging individuals to
consider alternatives to driving.
( The official Cambridge guide 299 words )

Unit 2:

Computers and the Internet

1. Computers are increasingly used in education. In which areas do you think are
computers more important and in which areas are teachers more important?

Model Essay
Computers are now essential in many areas of life modern banking, retail, and
information exchange among others. However, this is not true for education. At a simple level,
some subjects may be better taught using computers, but to explain important concepts, a human
teacher is still indispensable.
There are some subjects in which a computer can be used successfully to teach. Elementary
mathematics, elementary language learning and any area which requires a student to memorise
basic facts through repetition are well suited to computer learning. The computer can be
programmed to provide an endless number of simple questions, and as the student answers these
questions, the facts are learned and reinforced.
However, in the learning and practice of more complex ideas, the computer is not adequate.
A computer can evaluate an answer as right or wrong, but it cannot determine concepts in a
different way so the student will understand. It cannot determine at what stage in a mathematics
problem the student has made an error; it can only indicate that there are too many variables for a
computer to deal with successfully. In all these cases, a human teacher seems indispensable in
class.
Thus, while computers many be useful as a tool for practicing simple skills, they not an
essential feature of modern education, because they cannot monitor a students grasp of concepts
nor evaluate a students reasoning. Until further developments in computers are made, the human
teacher will remain indispensable.
(High Scoring -272 words)

Key vocabulary
Essential (adj) thit yu
The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.
Indispensable (adj) khng th thiu
A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.
Reinforce (v) cng c
Success in the talks will reinforce his reputation as an international statesman.
Evaluate (vt) nh gi
Our research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of the different drugs.
Indicate (v) biu th = show
The article claims that an increase in crime indicates decline in moral standards.
Variable (n) bin s
With so many variables, it is difficult to calculate the cost.

2. The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they shouldnt waste their
limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer
software, videos and DVDs.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Model Essay

In a traditional sense, libraries are places with a large collection of books. However,
the digital age has given todays libraries new means of storing and retrieving
information on media other than the printed pages. CD-ROMs, videos and DVDs are
widely used in public libraries, and they serve both the libraries and the readers.
Opponents of a high-tech library would argue that multimedia facilities are expensive.
This may be true to some extent because a DVD player is often more expensive than a
bookshelf. However, with immense storage capacity, these new high-tech media can
actually save the most valuable resource space. A computer disc 12cm in diameter
can store a whole Encyclopaedia Britannica which, in printed volumes, would occupy
a complete shelf section.
Furthermore, magnetic and digital media can store information much longer than
traditional means. It takes great care to protect books from moisture, fire or human
damage, and a book in a library serves readers for only a few hundred years. But
digital files, easily duplicated and restored, can perhaps last forever.
Finally, visiting a library with multiple media access is much more interesting. Multimedia resources offer readers a dynamic combination of images, sounds and videos. A
reader can actually hear Martin Luther King crying out I have a dream, or roam
about the world with an interactive atlas.
In conclusion, modern technology has turned a public library from a place of lending
and borrowing books into an interactive centre for the spread of human knowledge and
experience. The investment in multimedia facilities by a public is justified and should
be encouraged.

Key Vocabulary

Retrieve (v) ly, truy xut d liu

Computers are used to store and retrieve information efficiently.
Opponent (n) i th; ngi phn i iu g
Leading opponents of the proposed cuts in defence spending will meet later today.
Magnetic (adj) c sc ht; c tnh t
He is a person who has a magnetic personality.
Interactive (adj) mang tnh tng tc
This is an interactive museum where children can actively manipulate the exhibits.

Practical Sentence Patterns

Cch din t s nhng b: This may be true to some extent However
Bn c th s dng cch din t ni trn trnh by lp lun trong bi vn ngh lun,
ngha l trc tin bn tha nhn mt quan im no v sau a ra quan im
ca ring mnh phn bc. Tha nhn quan im ang xem xt chng mc nht
nh l mt cch rt hiu qu gip bn trnh by suy ngh mt cch ton din v c sc
thuyt phc hn. Hy xem cch din t s nhng b trong bi vn mu:
Opponents of would argue that This may be true to some extent Howerver
Trong , phn c trnh by trc This may be true to some extent l phn tha
nhn quan im m bn ang xem xt, phn sau t however l phn a ra quan im
ca bn thn phn bc. Di y l on vn s dng cch din t ni trn:
It is sometimes said that multinational companies and globalization are making
societies more open. This may be true to some extent. However, I would argue that as
a result the human race is losting its cultural diversity.

3. Some people think computers and the Internet are important in childrens study, but others
think students can learn more effectively in schools and with teachers.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Model Essay
The ways in which children today study, both at home and at school, are radically different
from any previous generation, and the increased availability and relatively low price of
modern technology have been instrumental in this change. However, I feel that while modern
technologies, such as computers and the Internet, are important in assisting a childs learning,
this learning should be guided and directed by the experience of teachers.
There is no denying the fact that computers and the Internet are popularly used in the field of
education; they can present knowledge in a vivid and novel way. The computer and the
Internet can also enable students in enhancing their general understanding of how to solve
difficulties in study as well as giving them vital skills in readiness for later life. However, the
problems are: the information that the computer can show has to be pre-programmed and
needs constant updating, for example Encyclopaedias on DVD-ROM; and contrary to popular
belief, the Internet may not be a reliable source for knowledge, since there is often conflicting
information available when taken from different sources.
A traditional and long-established practice is for children to study and gain knowledge at
school, learning skills in various ways taught by traditional methods. A school is a place
where students gather to be educated and learn from each other as well as formal educators. At
school, students development is orchestrated stage by state, step by step by experienced
teachers, and their acquisition of knowledge is guided and backed up in a systematic way.
I do not believe that it will help students to learn effectively and in long-term manner to
overemphasizing the use of computers and the Internet. Rather, I feel that modern
technologies can complement more traditional teaching and learning methods, without being
(High Scoring 305 words)

Key Vocabulary
Radically (adv)
There is only a formal resemblance between the two systems; they are in fact radically
different.
Instrumental (adj)
I was instrumental in catching the criminal.
Direct (v)
She directed the planning of the festival
Novel (adj)
We are supposed to dress up as movie characters for the party; what a novel idea!
Enhance (v)
He made many efforts to enhance his reputation.
Readiness (n)
She shows great readiness to learn.
Pre-programmed (adj)
The neighbourhood is monitored by a pre-programmed surveillance system.
Constant (adj)
She feels upset by the constant noise.
Conflicting (adj)
My husband and I hold conflicting opinions on this matter.
Orchestrate (v)
The demonstration was carefully orchestrated to attract maximum publicity.
Acquisition (n)
Next to acquiring good friends, the best acquisition is that of good books.
Back up
He brought along a file of document to back up his claim.
Systematic (adj)
Science means systematic knowledge possessed as a result of practice and study.
Overemphasis (v)
Academic qualifications should not be overemphasized during the process off
recruitment.

Complement

A wine is complement to good meal

Practical Sentence Patterns.

Cch din t s nhng b: There is no denying the fact that
C th dng nhiu cu trc din t s nhng b. Ngoi cu trc c gii thiu
trong bi vn mu ca thi thng 11 nm 2005, ngi ta cng thng dng cu trc
xut hin trong bi vn mu ny:
There is no denying the fact that
Cu trc va nu thng xut hin trong cu trng tm ca on vn v c dng
m u on vn, tip theo, ngi vit s trnh by quan im ca bn thn phn
bc quan im nu trc . Di y l on vn s dng cu trc trn din t
s nhng b.
There is no denying the fact that even individuals should take the responsibility to help
solve the environmental problems. The government, however, is more likely to take
the leading position in directing the whole society to care about the environment.

4. What disadvantages will people meet if they cannot use computers? What
should our government do? (Version 86)