Cambridge IELTS 2 · Task 1: about 20 minutes, at least 150 words · Task 2: about 40 minutes, at least 250 words
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Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table below shows the figures for imprisonment in five countries between 1930 and 1980.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.
Self-check before you finish
Write an overview: the main trends or the most striking features.
Select the key features and support them with figures — do not describe every number.
Make comparisons, and use the correct units (%, thousands, hours).
Report only what the data shows: no personal opinion or invented reasons.
Check you have at least 150 words.
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Model Answer (examiner-written)
The table shows that the figures for imprisonment in the five countries mentioned indicate no overall pattern of increase or decrease. In fact there is considerable fluctuation from country to country.
In Great Britain the numbers in prison have increased steadily from 30,000 in 1930 to 80,000 in 1980. On the other hand in Australia, and particularly in New Zealand, the numbers fell markedly from 1930 to 1940. Since then they have increased gradually, apart from in 1980 when the numbers in prison in New Zealand fell by about 30,000 from the 1970 total. Canada is the only country in which the numbers in prison have decreased over the period 1930 to 1980, although there have been fluctuations in this trend. The figures for the United States indicate the greatest number of prisoners compared to the other four countries but population size needs to be taken into account in this analysis. The prison population in the United States increased rapidly from 1970 to 1980 and this must be a worrying trend.
Length: 171 words.
Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.
The position of women in society has changed markedly in the last twenty years. Many of the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency, arise from the fact that many married women now work and are not at home to care for their children.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
You should write at least 250 words.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Self-check before you finish
Answer every part of the question and keep a clear position throughout.
One main idea per paragraph, supported with an explanation or an example.
Link your ideas naturally; avoid repeating the same linking words.
Finish with a short conclusion that matches your position.
Check you have at least 250 words and leave two or three minutes to proofread.
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0 / 250 words (250 to go)
Model Answer (examiner-written)
It is certainly true that the position of women in society has undergone a dramatic change in the past twenty years but I do not feel that this is a direct cause of the indisputable increase in juvenile-related problems during this period.
It is now accepted that young women should find work on leaving school; indeed to rely totally on their parents' financial support is no longer an option in many families. Likewise, once they get married, the majority of women continue working since the financial pressures of setting up a house and establishing a reasonable standard of living often require two incomes.
Twenty years ago it was common for women to give up work once they had children and devote their time to caring for their children. This is no longer the general rule and the provision of professionally-run child care facilities and day nurseries have removed much of the responsibility for child rearing that used to fall to mothers. However, these facilities come at a cost and often require two salaries coming into a family to be afforded.
I do not believe that the increase in the number of working mothers has resulted in children being brought up less well than previously. Indeed it could be argued that by giving mothers the opportunity to work and earn extra money children can be better provided for than previously. There is more money for luxuries and holidays and a more secure family life is possible. Of course there are limits as to the amount of time that ideally should be spent away from home and the ideal scenario would be for one of the parents (often the wife) to have a part-time job and thus be available for their children before and after school. It is important to establish the correct balance between family life and working life.
Length: 308 words.
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What is included in Book 2 Writing Test 4?
Two Academic Writing tasks with original source figures where applicable and device-local response saving.
