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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Question 1
In many countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should smoking be banned from public places?
On the one hand, there are several reasons why we should not be allowed to smoke around
other people. Firstly and most important is the health of others. Breathing in second-hand smoke
means people are more likely to develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly,
bystanders and other pedestrians should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas
without having to breathe cigarette smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the
right to smoke in private, it does not mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
On the other hand, this idea would cause some problems as well. One issue is that some
smokers would definitely complain. They would argue that not only is preventing them from
smoking in public areas unfair but they they have the right to smoke wherever they wish. Another
potential problem is the economic cost. A large number of businesses such as bars and
restaurants may need to close, which could mean the loss of jobs at these places and possibly
at cigarette companies as tobacco sales fall.
In conclusion, although banning smoking would lead to some short-term problems for smokers
and would cost some businesses money, on the whole it would reduce the percentage of people
who smoke and as a result it would make the population healthier. Therefore, I totally support the
public ban on smoking.
259 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction
Over the last few years, increasingly large numbers of countries are concerned about
smoking in public. The question is, should smoking be banned from public places?
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
In conclusion, although banning smoking would lead to some short-term problems for
smokers and would cost some businesses money, on the whole it would reduce the
percentage of people who smoke and as a result it would make the population healthier.
Therefore, I totally support the public ban on smoking.
Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Question 2
In many countries, governments are considering whether to ban smoking in public places, or
whether to ban it everywhere.
Discuss both suggestions and give your opinion.
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places, or should people be
prevented from smoking anywhere?
To start with, there are many good reasons why people should not be allowed to smoke in public
areas. Firstly, the main argument for doing this is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on
non-smokers. This is mainly because inhaling second-hand smoke makes people more likely to
develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly, bystanders and other pedestrians
should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas without having to breathe cigarette
smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the right to smoke in private, it does not
mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
Turning to the other view, it can be argued that preventing people from smoking anywhere would
be a better solution. These people say that because the main goal is to improve the health of
society and discourage people from smoking, the government should make it as inconvenient as
possible to smoke. This means smoking needs to be banned everywhere to be truly effective.
However, the problem with this idea is that it means smokers would not be allowed to smoke at
all. In other words, one part of society would be taking away the right to choose from another
part.
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve peoples
health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to discourage certain kinds
of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned in all areas.
284 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places,
or should people be prevented from smoking anywhere?
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve
peoples health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to
discourage certain kinds of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned
in all areas.
Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Question 3
In some countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
Discuss this idea, suggest another alternative, and give your opinion.
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places, or is there another
solution?
To start with, there are many good reasons why people should not be allowed to smoke in public
areas. Firstly, the main argument for doing this is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on
non-smokers. This is mainly because inhaling second-hand smoke makes people more likely to
develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly, bystanders and other pedestrians
should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas without having to breathe cigarette
smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the right to smoke in private, it does not
mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
However, there is an alternative. The best option is banning smoking completely for everyone,
everywhere. The main reason is that because the main goal is to improve the health of society
and discourage people from smoking, the government should make it as inconvenient as
possible to smoke. If this were done, there would be a dramatic fall in smoking rates, and in
smoking-related illnesses. However, the problem with this idea is that it means smokers would
not be allowed to smoke at all. In other words, one part of society would be taking away the right
to choose from another part.
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve peoples
health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to discourage certain kinds
of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned in all areas.
283 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places,
or is there another solution?
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve
peoples health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to
discourage certain kinds of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned
in all areas.
Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Question 4
In some countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
Discuss this idea and give your opinion.
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. I believe it should be banned for economic and health reasons.
To start with, smoking causes a number of health problems. First, smokers are more likely to
suffer from lung, throat and mouth cancer. However, because smoking is very addictive smokers
find it difficult to quit on their own. Making it more difficult to smoke will make it easier for them to
quit as well as reduce the number of people who start smoking. Second, smoking is responsible
for second-hand smoke, which in a crowded space such as a pub or bar has a similar affect as
smoking on innocent bystanders including children and other adults.
Furthermore, it imposes short term and long term costs on society. Initially, the main problem is
the habit itself. In many countries, smoking is an expensive habit, which affects the poor more
than the rich. In other words, because the poor have lower disposable incomes, they have to
spend a greater proportion of their income on smoking instead of on food, education or on their
children. In the long term, the health costs related to treating cancer are very high. This is unfair.
Society should not have to pay for the bad decisions of others.
In conclusion, smoking not only harms our health but it also costs our society a great deal of
money. Therefore, I believe that smoking must be banned in public.
246 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction
Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. I believe it should be banned for economic and health
reasons.
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoking not only harms our health but it also costs our society a
great deal of money. Therefore, I believe that smoking must be banned in public.
Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Answers:
In every essay, the topic sentences directly match the question.
IELTS Tip
1. In your essays, plan your essay so that each body paragraph matches part of
the question.
2. Introductions can be very short.
3. Conclusions should summarise the key points/topic sentences from the body
paragraphs (but while using some different language), and then finish with a
statement that directly answers the question in the IELTS Writing question
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Practice Question 1
Most governments agree that the world is warming and that we must reduce the amount of green
house gases that are released into the atmosphere. One idea is to increase the amount of
electricity that is generated from renewables.
Discuss this solution, describe another and give your opinion.
1. Complete the the graphic organiser with a simple introduction. You can try to copy one
of the other ones on this worksheet.
2. Write a simple topic sentence for each body paragraph. Make sure each one directly
relates to the IELTS question(s). Again, look at the examples for help.
3. Add a simple conclusion that summarizes the main points AND gives your opinion.
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence One option is generate more electricity from renewable sources such as wind
and solar.
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence Alternatively, countries could try to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy
Conclusion
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In conclusion, although using wind and solar to generate electricity will help, it
cannot solve the problem on its own. Therefore, I believe we should do this, but
must also focus on energy efficiency and other ways of lowering the amount of
greenhouse gases we emit.
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Practice Question 2
All around the world people are concerned about what is in their food. Some people wish to label
foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Others argue that this wont make much
difference.
Who is right? Discuss both ideas and give your opinion.
1. Complete the the graphic organiser with a simple introduction. You can try to copy one
of the other ones on this worksheet.
2. Write a simple topic sentence for each body paragraph. Make sure each one directly
relates to the IELTS question(s). Again, look at the examples for help.
3. Add a simple conclusion that summarizes the main points AND gives your opinion.
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Introduction
Recently, increasingly large numbers of people are worried about their food. The
question is, should require genetically modified food to be labelled, or will this be
ineffective?
Paragraph 1
Topic sentence On the one hand, there are several reasons why labelling genetically modified
Paragraph 2
Topic sentence On the other hand, it can be argued that labelling will not change anything.
Conclusion
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ielts7.guru(c) 2016
The
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
disadvantages essay.
You can also use it for thinking of reasons why you agree or disagree with
an idea. Just make sure you do NOT use the words advantages or
disadvantages!
2. What if ?
Use this for any question that has the words should. E.g. Should cars be
banned?
You can also use it for discussion questions, two points of view, or even
solutions.
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Brainstorming Technique 1
Pros
Cons
E.g / why:
E.g / why:
E.g / why:
E.g / why:
E.g / why:
E.g / why:
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Third,
Second paragraph
The first one is
5 Brainstorming Techniques
Another is
Finally,
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Brainstorming Technique 2
What if?
This is great for evaluating solutions, or discussing what should or should not be done.
This is often the case in opinion essays or when talking about two views.
Add a note why this result would be good or bad. Use these in your plan.
Positive results
Positive results
1st result
1st result
2nd result
2nd result
Negative results
Negative results
1st result
1st result
2nd result
2nd result
Question 3
Language note: It is really good to use second conditionals with this brainstorming technique.
E.g. This would be a good idea because If this were done, people would be safer.
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Brainstorming Technique 3
fairness / justice
+
culture
+
economics / money
+
health
+
Is x a
good idea?
education
+
the environment
+
-
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Brainstorming Technique 4
Issue
Agree
Disagree
fairness
justice
It is fair / just
It is unfair / unjust
practicality
it is practical
it is impractical
economics
money
It is uneconomical / inefficient /
expensive
safety
security
human rights
It is humane / civilized
It is inhumane / uncivilized
the
environment
It is environmentally friendly
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Brainstorming Technique 5
The solution is
but
is ineffective
is impractical
is costly
effective
practical
it is hard to get other people to agree to it
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Sample questions
Practice brainstorming!
Use the questions here to practice brainstorming with.
Practice 1
Try the pros and cons technique, the discussion clock, or the argument table.
All around the world children are becoming obese at younger and younger ages. Governments are
considering putting limits on the amount of sugar, fat and calories that school children can eat.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this idea?
Write at least 250 words.
Practice 2
Try what if?, the discussion clock, or the argument table.
Practice 3
Try the solution evaluator.
In many developed and developing countries, the birthrate is dropping and there will be fewer young
people in the future. What are some things governments could do to increase the percentage of young
people in society?
Decide on the best solution.
Write at least 250 words.
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5 Brainstorming Techniques
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
What to do next?
Action steps
1. Photocopy or print out the sheets.
2. Practice using them at home so you have a clear strategy to use when you re
in the exam.
3. When you practice, time yourself so you only spend 2 - 3 minutes on
brainstorming.
4. Make a quick plan based on your brainstormed ideas. Short 1 or 2 word notes
are fine.
If you have any questions about this guide or the brainstorming techniques,
please email me at:
ben@ielts7.guru
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Thats it!
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