Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Writing Task 2: Essay 11

Nowadays, travelling by air is much cheaper than before and brings freedom, but it also brings some environmental problems. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.


In today’s world, people are in a position to enjoy cheaper air flights than in the past. Not surprisingly, there are concerns about how this trend impacts our environment, with some people claiming that pollution has dramatically worsen as a result of increasing air travel. However, those in favour of travelling by air argue that this phenomenon has provided individuals with more liberty to travel around the globe. Both sides will be discussed in this essay before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, the advent of cheap air fare makes it possible for people the world over to travel regularly, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Earlier, only the affluent could afford it, but now it is within the pocket of an ordinary man. In fact, a range of discounted tickets are fairly economical and flying abroad is no longer a dream for many.

In addition to this, the reduction in air travel fares can be seen as a positive event as it promotes intercultural understanding and global harmony, while boosting tourism. For instance, many Middle Eastern states have opened their doors and embraced tourism over the last twenty years and this has helped shed prejudiced views internationally that all Middle Eastern countries are dangerous. Thus, it is comprehensible why escalation in air travel industry is supported by many people.

On the other hand, however, some others contest the above and argue that travelling by air causes severe air pollution, thus affecting the environment negatively. Aeroplanes consume a vast amount of fuel as well as the gas emission generated by an airplane is colossal. If introduction of low-cost air tickets is not controlled, the environmental impacts would only get worse in the long run. Hence, when seen in this light, it is explicable why many people gravitate towards the idea that surge in air travel would have detrimental effect on the atmosphere.

Following this discussion, it is felt that although both point of views have indispensable virtues, proliferation of air travel brings more positive ramifications and enables the individuals to explore the world to a greater extent. However, it is also expected that some measures will be adopted to reduce the pollution caused by aeroplanes.

Monday, October 8, 2012

General Vocabulary for IELTS



To indicate more information
  • Besides - Making an additional point; anyway
  • Furthermore
  • In addition
  • Moreover
  • Likewise
  • Indeed – In truth
  • In fact
  • Also
  • As well
  • Foremost - Ranking above all others; Preceding all others in spatial position
  • First, Second, Third, Finally
  • Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly

To indicate an example
  • For example
  • For instance
  • In particular
  • Particularly - Specifically or especially distinguished from others
  • Specifically
  • To illustrate
  • To demonstrate

To indicate a cause or reason
  • Since
  • Because
  • Because of
  • Due to
  • For
  • For the reason that
  • As
  • Inasmuch as - Since
  • Whereby - As a result of which, By which, "the means whereby we achieved our goal"

To indicate a result or an effect
  • Accordingly - because of the reason given
  • Consequently
  • Hence
  • So
  • Therefore
  • Thus
  • Thusly - In the way indicated
  • Thence - From that fact or reason or as a result
  • Therefrom - From that circumstance or source
  • Thereof - Of or concerning this or that, From that circumstance or source
  • Corollary - A practical consequence that follows naturally, "blind jealousy is a frequent corollary of passionate love"

To conclude
  • For the aforementioned reasons
  • For the aforementioned reasons, there is no doubt that
  • To sum up the foregoing,
  • Given these facts
  • In conclusion
  • In closing
  • To conclude

To express an opinion
  • In all due fairness
  • With good judgment, (one/we may)

To describe or make
  • vivid
  • portray
  • depict
  • exhibit
  • illustrate
  • expose
  • present
  • paint a portrait
  • limn - Trace the shape of, make a portrait of
  • delineate
  • represent
  • demonstrate
  • constitute - Form or compose
  • embodied - (adj) Expressed by
  • embody - (v) Represent or express in tangible form
  • embodiment

To prove
  • manifest - Provide evidence for; stand as proof of
  • attest - Provide evidence for
  • testify - Provide evidence for
  • certify - Provide evidence for
  • endorse, indorse - Give support or one's approval to
  • shew - Establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment
  • establish
  • instance - (v) Clarify by giving an example of
  • exemplify - (v) Clarify by giving an example of

To compare or contrast
  • Whereas
  • In comparison
  • In contrast
  • However
  • Although
  • On the other hand
  • Likewise
  • Similarly
  • But
  • Yet
  • Withal - Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
  • Withal - Together with this
  • Nevertheless - Despite anything to the contrary
  • Nonetheless - Despite anything to the contrary
  • Notwithstanding - Despite anything to the contrary
  • Even so - Despite anything to the contrary
  • All the same - Despite anything to the contrary

To indicate time
  • After
  • Before
  • Currently
  • During
  • Eventually
  • Finally
  • First, Second, etc.
  • Formerly
  • Immediately
  • Initially
  • Lastly
  • Later
  • Meanwhile
  • Next
  • Once
  • Previously
  • Simultaneously
  • Soon
  • Subsequently
  • Subsequent - Following in time and order
  • Hitherto, Heretofore - Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time, “The sun hasn’t rose hitherto.”
  • In due time
  • Henceforth

To indicate certainty
  • Truly
  • Sincerely
  • Genuinely
  • Surely
  • Rightfully
  • Absolutely
  • Indubitably
  • Certainly
  • Without doubt
  • Needless to say

To indicate doubt
  • Most likely
  • More likely
  • Possibly
  • Probably
  • Dubitable - Open to doubt or suspicion
  • Dubious - Distressed with uncertainty or doubt

To summarize
  • Overall
  • To summarize
  • In summary
  • To sum up
  • Paraphrased
  • Briefly
  • In brief
  • Summing up
  • To put it briefly
  • prĂ©cis - A sketchy summary, Make a summary (of)
  • synopsis - A sketchy summary
  • apercu - A short synopsis

To provide a condition
  • provision, proviso - A stipulated condition
  • stipulate - Specify as a condition or requirement in a contract
  • given
  • if
  • whether
  • whenever
  • when
  • while

To express positive words
  • magnificent
  • grandeur - The quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand, the quality of being exalted in character or ideals or conduct
  • magnanimous - The quality of being exalted in character or ideals or conduct
  • fantastic
  • fantastical
  • phenomenal
  • wonderful
  • extraordinary
  • marvelous
  • superb
  • good
  • fine
  • great
  • avid - Emotionally desirable
  • avid ambition to succeed
  • excellent
  • spectacular
  • prodigious
  • grand
  • brilliant
  • glorious - Bringing great happiness and thankfulness
  • illustrious - Widely known and esteemed
  • notable - Worthy of notice
  • respected
  • impressive
  • splendid
  • splendiferous - Having great beauty and splendor
  • resplendent - Having great beauty and splendor, Richly and brilliantly colorful
  • flamboyant - Elaborately or excessively ornamented, Richly and brilliantly colorful
  • redoubtable - Having or worthy of pride
  • formidable - Extremely impressive in strength or excellence
  • prowess
  • superior
  • terrific
  • tremendous
  • wondrous - Extraordinarily good
  • wonderful
  • sublime - Inspiring awe, Lifted up or set high
  • flair - natural talent
  • knack - A special way of doing something
  • outshine - Attract more attention and praise than others
  • paramount - Having superior power and influence
  • predominant
  • preponderating
  • prevailing

To show intelligence
  • profound
  • shrewd – hardheaded (practical experience and observation) intelligence
  • astute
  • acumen - Shrewdness shown by keen insight
  • insightful
  • savvy - The cognitive condition of someone who understands
  • cognition - The psychological result of perception, learning and reasoning
  • genius
  • smart
  • sharp
  • keen
  • mastermind
  • Einstein - Someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
  • work of art
  • fine art
  • maven - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • mavin - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • adept - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • whiz - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • wizard - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

To intensify
  • incredibly
  • exceedingly
  • toppingly - extremely well
  • extremely
  • extraordinarily
  • truly
  • really
  • very
  • utterly - Completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers, With sublimity; in a sublime manner
  • absolutely
  • perfectly
  • sublimely
  • dramatically
  • sheer - (adj.) Complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as an intensifier; (adv.) Directly "he fell sheer into the water"

Said
  • enounced, enunciated - Speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
  • pronounced - Speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
  • articulated - Express or state clearly
  • vocalized - Express or state clearly
  • posited - Put firmly
  • stated
  • expressed
  • reported
  • alleged - Declared but not proved
  • averred - Report or maintain, To declare or affirm in a grave manner and formally as true
  • affirmed, asserted
  • wrote
  • composed
  • indited - Produce a literary work
  • penned - Produce a literary work
  • spelt - Indicate or signify
  • voiced, sounded - Give voice to
  • demean - Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally

Noted (said)
  • remarked
  • denoted - Be a sign or indication of, "Her smile denoted that she agreed"
  • observed
  • commented
  • mentioned
  • referred
  • announced
  • noticed

Precisely
  • explicitly
  • accurately
  • expressly
  • exactly
  • incisively

Numerous
  • innumerable
  • many
  • various
  • several
  • diverse
  • umpteen
  • umteen
  • myriad (noun and adj.)

Praise
  • extol - (v) Praise, glorify, or honor
  • exalt
  • glorify
  • laud
  • proclaim
  • revere
  • idolize
  • worship
  • venerate

Call Forth
  • evoke - Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • arouse - Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • elicit - Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • enkindle - Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • provoke - Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • inflame - Arouse or excite feelings and passions
  • awake - Stop sleeping
  • conjure - Evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic
  • invoke - Evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic
  • summon - Gather or bring together
  • instill - deposit gradually

Friday, October 5, 2012

Writing Task 2: Essay 10

Celebrities such as actors, athletes, and musicians earn large salaries compared to other professionals. Some people consider this unfair, while others think that celebrities deserve to be paid a lot for the work they do. 
Discuss both points of view and give your opinion on the subject.


Famous film stars, popular singers and sports people are often paid a lot more than the people in other professions. While this may not seem fair and justifiable to many, for some others it is entirely reasonable for the celebrities to earn prodigious paychecks  Both the sides of this argument will be discussed before a cogent conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, it is believed by many that the renowned celebrities do not deserve the colossal wages awarded to them for their job. This is because celebrities as compared to other important professionals make trivial contribution towards the society, if any. For instance, professionals like doctors, lawyers, and teachers serve the society in pivotal fields by making sure that the healthcare, legal system and the education of the nation runs smoothly. Thus, if seen in this light, it is understandable why this view has garnered support.

On the other hand, however, many others consider the large salaries of famous stars are fair and they are completely worthy of what they earn. Most of the film stars, musicians and athletes have worked hard for achieving grand success in their own respective fields, and gain public fame. This stardom is not usually limited to earning huge money, as many superstars are involved in charity works like giving donations, for example.  In this way, the wealth earned during their career is used for the betterment of the less-advantaged members of the society. Hence, it is clear why many people gravitate towards this point of view.

In conclusion, although both sides have indisputable virtues, I personally think that the celebrities deserve the money they earn for the hard work they put in their job. However, it is also expected that the salaries paid to other important professionals will be improved.

Writing Task 2: Essay 9



Some people think that schools should select pupils according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have pupils with different abilities study together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Children are put in a particular grade according to age in our education system. It is obvious that all children are not of the same intelligence level and sometimes it becomes difficult for educators to teach them in the same class. Therefore, some people feel that there should be separate teaching for intelligent students and weak students.

If we look at the benefits, then yes, intelligent students can be taught at their pace and the sessions can be made more interesting for them and the same thing applies to the weak students. Thus, both the categories of students would enjoy learning. Moreover, different teaching tactics can be adopted in each group to give students maximum benefits. In a mixed group, many times weak students cannot cope up with the pace of studies and so come under high pressure and get de-motivated. When they are separated, teachers can handle them tactfully and bring them back the lost confidence.

Furthermore, it has been seen that sometimes the more intelligent students show disruptive behaviour. They can grasp things very soon and then disturb the others. It can become very difficult for the teacher to maintain discipline in the class.

On the other hand, weak students would automatically develop an inferiority complex if they are made to realise that they are weak in studies by separating them. In addition to that, the other group might not treat them well, which can have a direct effect on their psyche. On the contrary, when the students study in a mixed group, a sense of competition develops and weak students are motivated to study. Even intelligent students can help weak students in studies and the bond can be strengthened. This way, even weak students would not feel belittled.

In my opinion, children should not be separated as only academic abilities are not enough to judge the intelligence of the students. I would rather suggest what I had in my school, and that is extra coaching to weak students. It serves the purpose best as teachers save their time and energy and yet maintain the effectiveness.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Health


Health problems:

• addiction (addictions)
NOUN - Addiction is the condition of taking harmful drugs and being unable to stop taking them.
long-term addiction to nicotine

• allergy (allergies)
NOUN - If you have a particular allergy, you become ill or get a rash when you eat, smell, or touch something that does not normally make people ill.
Food allergies can result in an enormous variety of different symptoms.

• cancer (cancers)
NOUN - Cancer is a serious disease in which cells in a person’s body increase rapidly in an uncontrolled way, producing abnormal growths.
a cancer research charity

• dehydration
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN - You are suffering from dehydration if you lose too much water from your body.
Cholera causes severe dehydration.

• disease (diseases)
NOUN - A disease is an illness that affects people, animals or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection.
the rapid spread of disease in the area

• infection (infections)
NOUN - An infection is a disease caused by germs or bacteria.
Ear infections are common in pre-school children.

• obesity
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN - Someone suffering from obesity is extremely fat.
The excessive consumption of sugar leads to obesity

• stroke (strokes)
NOUN - If someone has a stroke, a blood vessel in their brain bursts or becomes blocked, which may k ill them or make them unable to move one side of their body.
He had a minor stroke in 1987, which left him partly paralyzed.


Verbs associated with treatment:

• administer (administers, administering, administered)
VERB - If a doctor or nurse administers a drug, they give it to a patient.
Paramedics are trained to administer certain drugs.

• admit (admits, admitting, admitted)
VERB - If someone is admitted to hospital they are taken into hospital for treatment and kept there until they are well enough to go home.
She was admitted to hospital with a soaring temperature.

• diagnose (diagnoses, diagnosing, diagnosed)
VERB - If someone or something is diagnosed as having a particular illness or problem, their illness or problem is identified.
Almost a million people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year.

• discharge (discharges, discharging, discharged)
VERB - When someone is discharged from hospital, they are officially allowed to leave, or told they must leave.
He has a broken nose but may be discharged today.

• examine (examines, examining, examined)
VERB - If a doctor examines you, he or she looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are.
Another doctor examined her and could still find nothing wrong.
  
• screen (screens, screening, screened)
VERB - To screen for a disease means to examine people to make sure that they do not have it.
Men over 50 are routinely screened for prostate abnormalities.

• vaccinate (vaccinates, vaccinating, vaccinated)
VERB - A vaccine is a harmless form of the germs that cause a particular disease. If a person or animal is vaccinated, they are given a vaccine, usually by injection, to prevent them getting that disease.
Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper.