SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR SELECTED WRITING TASKS
Useful Tips to Help You Succeed in IELST Essay Writing
1. When writing an essay during your IELTS exam, be sure to check your
essay in terms of the following criteria:
• tense agreement;
• word order;
• vocabulary;
• punctuation;
• structure of the sentences.
2. Though IELST essay writing has a time limit, you should spend some time
(not more than 5-10 minutes) planning your essay. Otherwise, you risk
losing your way while writing and distracting from the topic. It is
inadmissible in IELST essay writing.
3. Be sure to present your ideas in separate paragraphs. IELST essay writing
demands clear expression of your ideas, clear structure of your essay will
make it readable.
4. IELST essay writing establishes a word limit for the essays. You should
observe the word-limit for IELST essay writing, it is a must.
5. Getting ready for an exam, you should search the Internet for sample
topics for IELST essay writing to improve your writing. There are several
large categories IELST essay writing topics belong to:
• Education;
• Society;
• Gender Issues;
• Government, etc.
Practice WRITING TEST 1 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS)
The diagram shows there has been a remarkable rise in the power output of basic machines during the
past 300 years. The maximum power output of a modem steam turbine is in excess of 1 million kilowatts, in
stark contrast with the 1 kilowatt output from the early steam engines produced just after 1700.
From the beginning of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century there were steady improvements
in the power output of water wheels and steam engines. Around 1850 the water turbine was introduced and

to the level, from around 40% of teachers in primary and secondary schools to under 25% of teachers in
universities and higher education.
The only profession where women predominated was in the traditionally female area of nursing, with 99%
of all nurses and midwives being women. The diagram therefore shows a very traditional pattern of male and
female roles in the professions in Malaysia in 1970.
Practice WRITING TEST 4 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS)
The table shows Australian company profits before tax for the period 1986-90 in four sectors:
Manufacturing, Mining. Retail Trade and Other Industries. Profits were very uneven across these four sectors
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during the four year period.
The most important sector was Manufacturing, where profits nearly doubled from 1986 to 1989 to peak at
$8.6 billion, followed by Mining, where profits reached almost $5 billion in 1989-90, after fluctuating just below
$4 billion for the previous three years. Profits in Retail Trade also grew strongly during the four year period,
doubling to just below $1.4 billion. In Other Industries there was steady growth in profits for three years from
$1.2 billion to almost $1.7 billion, followed by a crash to below $0.4 billion in 1989-90.
The table indicates that the year 1989 was a turning point for the Australian economy. After consistent rises
from 1986 to 1989, profits in Retail Trade levelIed off in 1989-90, while those in Manufacturing and Other
Industries both fell - in Other Industries the fail was particularly sudden, to less than a quarter of their 1989
level. Only Mining, where profits had been steady during 1986-89, showed a significant rise in profits in 1989-
90.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 5 TASK 1(Practice test for IELTS)
It is commonly said that men and women see things differently. The information in Table 1 tends to support
this view, as the perceptions of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and their spouses or partners show significant
differences on a number of issues.
The three main sources of stress as far as CEOs were concerned were: time pressures and deadlines
(52%), the demands of work on private life (48%) and the demands of work on the relationship with the family
(45%). The four main sources of stress nominated by their spouses and partners were: work overload (62%),
long working hours (62%), time pressures and deadlines (60%) and work-related travel (57%). Time pressures
and deadlines are tangible factors that both groups were very aware of. However, spouses tended to be more
specific in identifying work overload, long working hours, and work-related travel as problems, compared to

customers for companies, not to mention loss of wages for the striking employees. In some cases striking
employees also put their own jobs at risk, either directly through possible dismissal by their employer, or
indirectly through weakening the competitive position of the company they work for.
Strikes are an exercise in power, and do not get to the underlying cause of industrial disputes, which is a
conflict of interests between employer and employee. However, both sides must also realize that they need
each other, and must be prepared to negotiate a compromise solution in situations where conflicts arise. It has
been shown in many case studies of strike situations that strikes tend to increase conflict and to hurt both
parties through the economic damage they cause.
There are better ways than going on strike to resolve industrial conflict. Employers should realize that their
employees are an invaluable resource. They should use every avenue to encourage employees to contribute
their ideas to improving the work environment. Employees should realize that they have more to gain by
working constructively with employers than by opposing them. Where communication is encouraged at every
level. relations will be better. and strikes much less likely to occur.
Practice WRITING TEST 8 TASK 2(Practice test for IELTS)
All people should have access to adequate health care. It is difficult to argue against this proposition. In
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theory most people would agree with it. But in practice it is more difficult to find countries where it is actually
true.
Health care systems. such as in the United States. where a large proportion of the population cannot afford
health insurance. are most undesirable in social terms. People are not cared for properly if they suffer a
serious accident or become seriously ill. Yet in the same country the very best in medical services are
available to those with the capacity to pay. Are we at the point where we accept that the life of a rich person is
worth more than that of a poor person?
Governments have a responsibility to provide basic health services to all the population. However,
governments always have limited resources. and they have a responsibility to use these in an efficient and
effective manner. for example. it is difficult to justify governments spending money on expensive medical
procedures such as cancer research, if this diverts resources away from the primary objective of equal access
to health care for all. The argument then turns on what kind of health care system should be supported by
governments.
Preventive health care is one area where government needs to take the lead. Money spent on preventing

States spends $1500m. The next highest spenders are France, Japan and China spending $1400m, $1300m
and $1200m respectively. Middle range spenders include Germany, Italy, Sweden and Russia, spending in the
$700-$1000m range. Among the lowest spenders are Ireland, Australia, Pakistan and Israel spending under
$100m. The remaining countries spend between $ I 00 and $300m.
Overall, the trends in the table show the wealthy, developed countries as being foremost in space
application spending, while countries classed as developing, or those with very small populations, spend the
least. There are some exceptions, like China, which is developing fast and has obviously made space
technology a priority. Thus the main reasons for the differences may include wealth, size, political and eco-
nomic stability and the chosen priorities of each country. (159 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 11 TASK 2 (IELTS practice test now)
Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic:
Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its
disadvantages should not be overlooked.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with
examples and relevant evidence.
Faster planes and cheaper flights are making it easier than ever before for people to travel. In most
'developed' societies, visiting exotic places is a sought-after status symbol. The tourism industries of both
developed and developing countries have recognized this fact and are learning to take advantage of it.
There are, however, some problems associated with this new industry. Firstly, there is the increasing crime
rate. Some locals see tourists as easy prey because, not only are they in unfamiliar territory and therefore less
able to take care of themselves, but also they carry visible items of wealth, such as cameras and jewellery
which can be disposed of quickly for a profit.
Another major problem is health. With greater mobility comes greater danger of spreading contagious
diseases around the world. One carrier returning home could easily start an epidemic before their illness was
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diagnosed. Moreover the emergence of many more diseases which resist antibiotics is causing scientists to be
increasingly concerned about this issue.
Also to be considered is the natural environment, which can be seriously threatened by too many visitors.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef, for example, is in danger of being destroyed by tourists and there are plans to
restrict visitors to some of the more delicate coral cays.

percentage of GDP which they produced. The main economic sectors are natural resources, industry and
services. The second graph shows movements between 1986 and 1995.
The first graph reveals that although 77.4% of the population worked in nature resources in 1992, they
produced only 19.2% of GDP. However, the 3.6% of the population who worked in industry produced 15.4% of
GDP, and the 15.2% who worked in the service sector produced 58% of GDP.
The second graph shows that services as a percentage of GDP have been falling steadily. In 1986 natural
resources provided more than 25% of GDP, but this declined to less than 20% in 1992, recovered in 1993 but
fell below 20% in 1995. Industry earned less than 10% of GDP in 1986, but rose almost to 20% in 1995.
The two graphs reveal that GDP is earned primarily by the service sector.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 15(4) TASK 1 ( Prepare for IELTS )
The table shows consumer preferences in four different European countries.
In the United Kingdom (UK) and France consumer prefer 34" and narrow shells, in Germany and Sweden 34"
and wide shells. The load capacity varies slightly between 5 and 6 kilos. The preferred spin speed ranges from
850 rpm (Germany), 800 rpm (Sweden), 700 rpm (UK), to 600 rpm (France).
The preferred chum material is enamel in the UK and France, stainless steel in the other countries.
Consumers in every country except the UK prefer front loading to top loading machines. The British and the
Swedes want a water heating system, but this is not so elsewhere.
Each country has a different preference for styling features, the British favoring an inconspicuous appearance,
the Germans requiring a machine which looks indestructible, the French an elegant machine and the Swedes
a strong-looking machine. The final feature, the washing action, sees a division between the UK and France
where consumers prefer an agitator, and the other countries where a tumble action is preferred.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 16(1) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS )
A wide range of medical treatments is available today. Patients may wonder which will be the most effective,
and whether their own mental attitude to the type of treatment might affect its success. This essay will consider
the second of these questions.
Many people visit their doctor or go to hospital with complete trust in the expert care offered by conventional
services. However, some people do not get a satisfactory result. For example, the drugs they are prescribed
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may have unpleasant side-effects. Their initial positive attitude towards their treatment does them little good.
Similarly, those patients who trustfully choose alternative treatments over traditional medicine may find

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services while others should be provided by the private sector. In fact, both government and private groups
can share in the provision of most services.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 18(3) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS )
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, any area which requires a student to memorize basic facts through repetition is
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 why. It cannot find out why a student is making
mistakes, and then re-present important 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 the
final answer is wrong. Tasks involving reasoning cannot be taught by computers, as there are too many
variables for a computer to deal with successfully.
Thus, while computers may be useful as a tool for practising simple skills, they are not an essential feature of
modern education, because they cannot monitor a student's grasp of concepts, nor evaluate a student's
reasoning. Until further developments in computers are made the human teacher will remain indispensable.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 19(4) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS )
The private motor vehicle has given us a freedom our ancestors could only dream about. We can travel swiftly,
and usually safely, over the roads which have been built to accommodate our cars. People can display their
wealth by driving a car which may cost as much as another person's home.
Sadly the car has become a disadvantage as well as a boon. The car pollutes the atmosphere, may be
involved in serious accidents, and by its very numbers blocks roads and chokes cities. How can we reduce its
use?
The car is only desirable if we can use it easily, so we might begin by reducing access to parking spaces in the
cities and simultaneously increasing the quality and availability of public transport. Cars could be banned from
certain parts of the city, thus forcing people to walk or to use public transport.

Acceptable rules of behaviour can vary greatly from one country, to another, with factors such as age and
family values influencing what is deemed to be acceptable in that particular society. Even the sex of a child
can greatly influence these rules.
A basic factor that must be considered is the age of the child. Theoretically a child is anyone aged zero years
to approximately eighteen. A pre-school child is incapable of making independent decisions and is necessarily
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dependent on his/her family to determine and impose rules of behaviour. As the child's age increases, the
every day rules that were instilled at an early age should become automatic. As a child moves into
adolescence, he/she is often expected and encouraged to negotiate some rules of behaviour with parents and
other adults.
Age is not the only factor that will determine the severity or laxity of rules. A child's level of maturity and
personality will also influence these rules, and even though some rules will be standard in a household where
there is more than one child, a wise parent will allow a certain degree of flexibility with each child.
Whatever the situation, rules of behaviour do need to be imposed on children. In all societies rules are an
integral part of life and if imposed from an early age a child will develop a more disciplined approach to life and
as a result develop into .a well balanced adult able to deal with an ever more complex world.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 22(3) TASK 2 ( Prepare for IELTS General )
Most countries in the world are experiencing difficulties as populations increase and resources become more
scarce. In many ways Australia is a lucky country as it has many resources and so the standard of living is
high. However, even in Australia there are problems.
Firstly in Australia we are not sure of our identity. Should we remember our past and our British heritage or try
to define ourselves as part of Asia? It would be impossible to try to forget our past; however, it is more
important to look to the future. Only through free open debate in newspapers, on television and on radio will
we be able to better understand what we wish to represent.
On the level of the economy there is another big problem for Australia. In order to survive we must do business
with the other countries in our region. Our neighbours are Asian. Most Australians do not speak Asian
languages and so we are at a disadvantage when we try to deal with Asian businesses. If more Asian
languages are offered at school this problem would be minimized.
In religion and culture too there are many differences that can present problems for Australia. What may be
acceptable in one country may not be allowed in another. Only through more contact and communication will

Women also made gains in both the finance banking industries and in the defence. related public sector.
Whereas some 125000 women worked in finance and banking institutions in 1975, the number increased to
450000 by 1995. The number of men grew only marginally from 425000 to 480000 over the same period. In
defence, the number of men declined from 225000 to 200000, while the number of women rose from 25000 to
over 100000.
Two sectors that retained stable employment numbers for both men and women were manufacturing, which
had about 300 000 women and 650000 men in both surveyed years, and the public sector (non-defence),
which employed 650 000 women and 850000 men.
Thus, women appear to have made gains in the Freedonian work force but not at the expense of men.(243
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words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 25(2) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success )
Anyone who has visited a dentist has been told that eating excessive amounts of sweets risks harming the
teeth. This is because sweets lower pH levels in the mouth to dangerous levels.
When the pH level in the mouth is kept above 5.5, acidity is such that teeth are unlikely to be in danger of
decay. Sweet foods, however, cause pH in the mouth to drop for a time, and the longer pH levels remain
below 5.5, the greater the opportunity for decay to occur.
By comparing fruit sugar, cane sugar and honey, which are all common ingredients of sweet foods, we find
that cane sugar lowers pH levels for the longest period, thus producing the greatest risk of the three.
Approximately five minutes after consuming cane sugar, pH levels drop to as little as pH 3.5. They then begin
to rise slowly, but do not rise above pH 5.5 until at least 30 minutes have elapsed. By contrast, fruit sugar,
which causes the mouth's acidity to fall to just above pH 4, poses a danger for a shorter period: tooth decay is
unlikely 20 minutes after consumption. Honey appears an even less risky substance. Though acidity falls to
about pH 4.75 within five minutes of consumption, it returns to above pH 5.5 in under fifteen minutes.
The implications, then, are that people who insist on eating sweet foods should be aware of the ingredients,
and that fruit sugar or honey appear preferable to cane sugar. (242 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 26(3) TASK 2 ( IELTS to success )
Mandatory retirement age varies from society to society, perhaps a reflection of economics, population
pressures or simply value systems. Indeed, retirement at 50 can probably be as easily justified as that at 70. It
is my belief, however, that the longer an able person is allowed to work, the better for both the individual

only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas contacts in later professional life.
Finally, living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and, perhaps most
important, of one's own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new culture, the student slowly
begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On returning home, one inevitably sees one's
own country in a new, often more appreciative, light.
In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for university study is certainly understandable, it is
important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it well worthwhile. (301 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 28(5) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success )
Most consumer goods go through a series of stages before they emerge as finished products ready for sale.
Raw materials and manufactured components comprise the initial physical input in the manufacturing
process. Once obtained, these are stored for later assembly. But assembly first depends upon the production
planning stage, where it is decided how and in what quantities the stored materials will be processed to create
sufficient quantities of finished goods. The production planning stage itself follows the requirements of the
goods' design stage that proceeds from extensive research. After assembly, the products are inspected and
tested to maintain quality control. Those units that pass the inspection and testing stages are then packaged,
15
dispatched and offered for sale in retail outlets. The level of sales, which is the end point of the manufacturing
process, helps determine production planning.
A product's design is not only the result of product research, but is also influenced by testing and market
research. If the testing stage (after assembly and inspection) reveals unacceptable problems in the finished
product, then adjustments will have to be made to the product's design. Similarly, market research, which
examines the extent and nature of the demand for products, has the role of guiding product design to suit
consumer demands that may change with time. Market research, while influenced by product sales, also
serves to foster future sales by devising suitable advertising for the goods.
Thus the reality of consumer goods manufacturing goes well beyond a simple linear production process.(246
words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 29(6) TASK 2( IELTS to success )
The view that women are better parents than men has shown itself to be true throughout history. This is not
to say that men are not of importance in child-rearing; indeed, they are most necessary if children are to
appreciate fully the roles of both sexes. But women have proven themselves superior parents as a result of

bed to wake at 6 a.m.,but nap for two hours or so in the early afternoon.
Thus the influence on one's sleep pattern is worthy of consideration when choosing an occupation.(239
words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 31(8) TASK 2 ( IELTS to success )
The mass media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have come to depend on them for
information and entertainment, and in doing so we let them affect important aspects of our lives.
The undeniable usefulness of the media in almost instantly providing information about events around the
world is largely taken for granted. But in our dependence on the media we have allowed them to mould our
notions and opinions of events, places and people. Though few of us probably think about it, our conceptions
of, say, our elected officials spring from television images and newspaper stories. Most of us will never meet
prime ministers or presidents, but anyone who is regularly exposed to the media will have an opinion of them.
When it is time to cast our vote, we will make our decision based on how the media portray the candidates. We
are similarly swayed by coverage of wars. The media, representing the values of their owners, societies and
governments, tend to report wars with a bias; which is the 'good' side and which the 'bad' is determined for us
by reporters, editors and commentators, and sure enough the public begins to form opinions that reflect the
coverage they see, hear and read in the major media.
The media are also influential in the way they facilitate the spread of culture and lifestyle. The so-called
'global youth culture', in which one finds young people around the world displaying a common interest in
music, clothing styles and films, is an example of the media's enormous sway in this regard. A popular figure
such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media's extensive reach into every
society on the globe.
Thus I would argue that the mass media's influence is certainly great. Indeed, with technological
advancements such as the Internet bringing even more forms of electronic media to our homes and
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workplaces, it is likely the media's influence will grow even stronger.(333 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 32(9) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success )
A glance at four indicators of economic and social conditions in four countries, Canada, Japan, Peru and Zaire,
in 1994 reflects the great differences that exist between wealthier and poorer nations.
The table shows that Japan and Canada had annual incomes of $15760 and $11100 per person,
respectively. These figures were overwhelmingly greater than the corresponding figures of $160 in Peru and

districts. In short, people will have less reason to travel to city centers from outlying areas. As more people
work and live in the same location, shops and cultural events will likely be relocated out of the city center.
In sum, telecommuting will serve to change not only the way we work but also the way we live. (306 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 34(11) TASK 1 ( IELTS to success )
The diagram reveals that the hours per week spent in unpaid work are unequally distributed between men and
women, and, to a lesser extent, between married and unmarried women.
In households without children, where the partners are married, women reportedly spend 30 hours per week
doing housework, gardening etc. Men's contribution to these tasks averages a considerably lower 18 hours.
When children enter the household, however, the inequality becomes even greater. In families of 1-2 children,
men maintain approximately the same number of hours of unpaid work as in childless households, but the
number of hours women work in the home rises to 52 per week - much of it, no doubt, due to childcare
responsibilities. Interestingly, when there are 3 or more children, men are found to work even fewer hours.
Whereas women's unpaid hours rise to approximately 56 per week, the corresponding figure for men, 16,
represents a decrease.
Comparing women according to marital status, wedded childless women work about 5 more unpaid hours
per week than their unmarried counterparts - perhaps explained by perceived marital obligations. In contrast,
unmarried mothers, regardless of number of children, work an additional 4 hours per week compared with
married mothers.(193 words)
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 35(12) TASK 2 ( IELTS to success )
Anyone who lives in a city is aware of the increasing number of cars on the road and the kinds of problems this
creates: traffic jams, air pollution and longer commuting periods. As economies grow and access to cars
spreads to increasing numbers of people, this trend is likely to worsen. The solution, it would seem, is for
government to encourage the use of public transport in urban areas, thus decreasing dependence on the car.
One way to stimulate public transport use is to make private car use more expensive and inconvenient. The
introduction of tolls along urban motorways has been success. fully employed in many cities. Other such
measures are high-priced permits for parking in urban areas and the restriction of parking to a limited number
of cars. Faced with high costs or no place to park, commuters would perhaps be more willing to abandon their
cars in favour of buses or trains.
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There are also less punishing ways of spurring public transport use. The construction of free car parks at

'Worker of the Week' to make people feel recognized. Such people are usually singled out with the help of
clients. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators may also allow staff to accept tips offered by clients who are
pleased with the service. However, tipping is a highly unreliable source of money and does not favor everyone.
Basically, employees want to be recognized for their contribution - whether through receiving more money or
simply some encouraging words. They also need to feel that their contribution to the whole organization is
worthwhile. Good management recognizes this need and responds appropriately.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 38 TASK 2 ( IELTS practice test plus )
By comparison with even the recent past. the choice of leisure activities on offer today is vast, so it is
reasonable to Find that some of these activities reflect the trends and fads of the day.
People have far more money and time than before to pursue their interests but the ever-increasing number of
activities does not automatically guarantee continuity. In fact new hobbies come and go. For example. sports
such as roller- blading lose their fascination after a few months. Similarly. although snow boarding has taken
over from traditional skiing it is doubtful whether its popularity will last. Other things like electronic games go
out of date almost as soon as you have bought them because the manufacturers promote the fact that only the
latest version is worth having, and so ensure continued sales.
On the other hand. not everyone is a victim of fashion in this way and people of all ages and backgrounds may
take up hobbies for social reasons. Traditional hobbies range from participation in active sports like tennis to
old favourites such as chess and stamp collecting. and these continue to be popular. By joining a club. people
can make friends and feel part of a group with whom they can share a common interest and leisure time.
Where sport is concerned. most people know what they like and participate out of love of the game, rather
than because it is currently fashionable.
I feel therefore. that while fashion may have an influence. particularly among the young. the majority of people
enjoy their hobbies for their own sake.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 39 TASK 1 ( focus on ielts )
The chart provides a breakdown of employment in a number of tourism-related industries over a ten-year
period. Overall. we can see that the total level of employment increased by about twenty per cent during the
period. However, there was some variation in the figures for the individual sectors. For example, while the
travel industry increased its workforce substantially over the decade. there was relatively little growth in that
associated with hotels and other tourist accommodation.
Travel represented the biggest area of expansion. having almost doubled its number of employees by 1999.

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60% to 54%. North America, however, showed no change, remaining at 5% of world population both in 1900
and 2000. The Middle East and North Africa, a new category in 2000, represented 6% of world population. The
percentage of population in the remaining areas of the world . ('Others') rose slightly from 2.5% to 3%.
Overall, this represents a huge increase in the number of humans on the planet from 1,600 million to 6 billion
in just one hundred years. Most of this population growth has occurred in developing countries.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 42 TASK 2 (ielts on track )
People today are clearly more mobile than in the past. This is largely due to modern technology which makes
travelling and communicating easier and quicker: Why do people move? Often people re-Iocate to large cities
for employment; some people study in English-speaking countries. Whatever the reason, moving away from
home may create many challenges, - both practical and social.
Firstly there are practical problems such as finding accommodation, managing finances, shopping and so on.
These might present challenges to someone who has not lived independently before. In addition, adapting to
a new city environment includes understanding the public transport system, possibly in another language,
while trying not to get lost ! The best strategy for minimizing such anxious moments is to prepare In advance
as much as possible. Thus it might be helpful to get advice from someone familiar with the area. There are
also publications such as travel guides to overseas countries which give tips and useful information. A city
street directory is also very handy. Ideally, sharing; accommodation with someone who is familiar with the city,
or staying in a 'homestay' on arrival in a new country may overcome many of these problems. Homestay
families or 'sharemates' will provide company and be able to explain aspects of the new city or culture that
may seem strange at first.
There are also social and emotional issues to deal with, like loneliness or problems with the language.
Moreover, starting a new job or course may be stressful at first. Generally, however, there are organizations
such as overseas students' associations in an educational institution, or other sports or hobby clubs where it is
possible to meet people and make friends.
In conclusion, although there are many challenges when leaving home for a new city or country, planning in
advance can transform an ordeal into an adventure
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 43 TASK 1 (ielts on track )
The table shows the percentage of personal income devoted to savings in seven countries in 1970, 1990 and
2000.

PRACTICE WRITING TEST 45 TASK 1 (ielts on track )
The process of making chocolate begins with the grinding of the cocoa bean, to produce cocoa liquor and
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some waste products. The liquor is used in two ways. When pressed into powder it can be sold on to the food
industry. Alternatively when pressed into cocoa butter it is used, along with the liquor to make industrial
chocolate. This is combined with sugar and other ingredients and refined to produce chocolate bars.
How is the money from the retail price of a chocolate bar divided up? The pie chart indicates that the farmer,
who produces the cocoa bean, receives only 4% of the retail price. The supermarket, on the other hand
receives 34%. A rather small 10% goes to the chocolate company, while 15 % is taken by the government in
the form of taxes. The cost of ingredients and production, make up the largest proportion, 37% of the price of a
chocolate bar.
It seems unfair that the farmers, who do so much of the work, get such a small return for their efforts.
PRACTICE WRITING TEST 46 TASK 2 (ielts on track )
Dogs and cats can be wonderful companions but there are also a number of problems associated with pet
ownership, both for the animals and for the community.
In the best situations pets are fed, cared for and loved as part of a family. It is easy to see how much attention
is given to pets, by the range of products available in the pet section of supermarkets. In return, cats and dogs
contribute to the well being of the community in many ways. Dogs are useful for protection and serve as
guides for the disabled. People with pets are not only happier and healthier; but may even live longer. Thus the
animals benefit individuals and the community
There are, however; also negative aspects for the pets and for the community. The freedoms of both dogs and
cats are increasingly restricted. In Australia there is community pressure to force owners to keep cats inside at
night to protect native birds and animals. Dogs can no longer run free in parks and at the beach but must be
kept on leads. These restrictions have been imposed by the community to protect the public. In addition pet
owners are required to clean up after their dogs. Parks and beaches often provide plastic bags for this
purpose. The community also has to pick up the costs of dogs and cats that have been abandoned by
irresponsible owners.
So the relationship between pets and the community is a complex one. More and more the community is
intervening to force pet owners to restrict the activities and freedom of their pets. Still, responsible owners,
prepared to give adequate time and attention to their cats and dogs, can give them a good and happy life.(290