ielts_trainer_2_academic_six_practice_tests

Writing TASk 2
Training
Before you write
A Reading the question
1 40 minutes
2 In many parts of the world there are now more multigenerational
households, e.g. where grandparents
live with parents and children, than in the past.
3 Two
4 More multi-generation households.
5 No – when there is a plural in the task you must write
about more than one.
6 ‘Do you think’ – i.e. your opinion about whether it is
positive. You do not have to write about the reasons
for the opposite view. The second question requires
an opinion, whereas the first question requires a
discussion of causes.
7 Reasons for your answer.
8 Relevant examples from your own knowledge and
experience.
9 At least 250 words because you will need this number
of words to cover all that is required in the task.
B Planning your answer
a Stage 3
b Stage 4
c Stage 1
d Stage 2
C Developing a clearly structured essay
1 d
2 c
3 e
4 b
5 a
Suggested answers
6 this
7 when
8 Furthermore
9 because
10 also
11 e, c, d, a, b, f, g
Paragraphing
There are approximately the same number of words for
the ‘reasons’ section as for the ‘opinion’ section.
Useful language: academic vs colloquial language
2 Suggested answers
1 kids
2 – I’d say they do it more and more. . .
3 it works out cheaper
4 more and more
5 it’s
6 it’s nice to have people about to help if they need it
3 Suggested answers
1 Extended families
2 trend
3 may
4 many, generally
5 Generally, people are living longer and because
of this they increasingly need more help from
younger family members with practical matters
such as cooking or health care.
6 ‘It is’ rather than ‘It’s’
Useful language: impersonal structures
1 ‘It is generally accepted that . . .’
a It is generally agreed that / Lots of people think
aerobic exercise is beneficial.
b People think that / One widely held opinion is that
higher taxes lead to more equality.
c Research suggests / I’ve heard that interactive
learning is more effective.
Useful language: giving opinions
1 1 a I feel strongly that this is a positive trend. ✓
b I am of the opinion that this is a positive trend.
2 a My feeling is that all theatres should be
supported by the state. ✓
b I beliefve that all theatres should be supported
by the state.
3 a In my views it is crucial to pay females the same
as males.
b I assert it is crucial to pay females the same as
males. ✓
Useful language: cause and effect
1 b . . . rents are rising rapidly so it is more difficult to
find anywhere cheap . . .
c People are living longer and because of this they
need more help . . .
d . . there is often distrust between generations and
I therefore feel that it is important for people of
different ages to spend time together . . .
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