101Helpful Hints for IELTS

Appendix 6
MODEL ANSWERS
ACADEMIC MODULE - WRITING TEST FOUR
The model answers below are given as examples only. This standard of written English can only
be achieved with much practice.
Task 1
The graph shows the four quarters of the 2000 financial year and the monthly profit of Acme Sports Cars
and Branson Motors for 12 months. The former was making almost twice the profit at the beginning than
at the end of the financial year. There was a three-fold increase in the latter's monthly profit over the
same period.
During the first quarter, Acme Sports Cars' monthly profit decreased slightly from £70,000 to £60,000,
but rose sharply to £80,000 by the end of June. Branson Motors' monthly profit, however, doubled from
£20,000 to £40,000.
Due to the introduction of a luxury goods tax, Acme Sports Cars' monthly profit fell dramatically during
the second quarter from £80,000 to only £10,000, whereas that of Branson Motors continued to rise,
peaking at just over £60,000 by the end of September.
In the third quarter, Acme Sports Cars' monthly profit increased steadily to £20,000 and remained stable,
while Branson Motors' monthly profits fluctuated between just over £60,000 and £40,000. At the
beginning of the last quarter, a boost in the economy meant the monthly profit of both Acme Sports Cars
and Branson Motors gradually increased to £40,000 and £60,000 respectively by the financial year's end.
(200 words)
Task 2
These days, many people are afraid of nuclear technology because of the dangers associated with its use.
In my opinion, although it is true that nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to life, the use of nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes also carries some serious risks.
Nuclear power stations provide an important source of cheap power for many industrialised nations and
some developing countries. However, there is always the danger of radiation leaking from these plants.
Even though safety precautions are taken, there have been numerous disasters such as the explosion of
a nuclear plant in Russia not long ago.
Nuclear technology is even used to help cure some diseases such as cancer. Radiation can be applied
to the body to burn away cancerous cells. This is, however, a dangerous procedure, and the application
of radiation is almost always painful and not always successful.
The most worrying aspect of nuclear technology, though, is its use for military purposes. Enough atomic
bombs have already been built to completely destroy the planet, and the real danger is that one day some
country will start a war with these weapons. Too many countries now have the technology required to
make such bombs, and there is currently much debate about how to control the situation.
In conclusion, nuclear technology certainly has positive uses, but is, nonetheless, dangerous. However,
it would have been better if it had never been used to create nuclear weapons. If life on Earth is to
continue, all the nuclear nations of the world should agree to disarm as soon as possible.
(261 words)
169