6 more IELTS Essay Questions from 2021 broken down!
6 more IELTS Essay Questions from 2021 broken down!
Yes! Nick and I are back with one of our most popular episodes – breaking down IELTS essay questions that have been reported in recent exams! Today, we look at 6 that I think are interesting because they either
- introduce a new topic that we have never seen covered in the exam before OR
- are a common essay question format that students often find difficult
As always, the questions that we are looking at today are questions that have been posted online by students who have recently taken the test. Although I am employed as a professional exam writer (you can read more about this here), it is impossible for me to recreate the questions perfectly (after all, I did not see the question!)
Therefore, I strongly recommend that you only use these questions for self-study.
In particular, I recommend that you focus most on the topics currently being used so that you can make sure that you have good ideas if a similar one appears in your test. After all, it is hard enough trying to come up with arguments when the topic is familiar, but it can be impossible if it is one you know nothing about!
Below, you can find a summary of the episode, which includes all of the links to useful materials and the times of each part of the discussion (so you can go directly to the part you want to listen to) 🚀
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6 more IELTS Essay Questions from 2021 broken down!
Our essay breakdown episodes are designed to be interactive. Yes, it is great to listen to Nick and I discuss how we would approach each of the essays, but you will only get maximum benefit from the episode if you spend some time considering the questions yourself.
Scroll down now and attempt to brainstorm ideas for each question BEFORE you listen so that you can participate actively in the lesson
As you look at each essay prompt, ask yourself the following questions:
- If you are asked to agree with a side, which one would you agree with? Why? Try to come up with two or three separate arguments. Then, consider the other view. What arguments would somebody with the opposite view offer?
- If you are asked to agree or disagree with a statement, which position would you take? Why? Can you come up with two strong but different arguments that support your position? How would you present your view so that it could be understood most clearly? Do you have any examples that could make your arguments clearer?
- If you are asked to evaluate a trend, what factors have led to this change? What effects could the trend have in the future? Are those positive or negative? Can you think of wide arguments that consider society as a whole rather than individuals?
Once you have your plan, tune in to listen to see if Nick and I would approach the essay in the same way or a different way.
- Did we have similar ideas or were there some that you had not considered?
- Did you listen to any lexis that you could use to improve your essay once you write it?
Remember, these episodes are provided for free but that does not mean that they are not valuable! You are listening to two ex-examiners giving their views! Take the time to think of yours as well so that you can compare to them!
The 6 IELTS Essay Questions from 2021 that we will break down!
1. Some people think that criminal behaviour has genetic causes. Others argue that it is circumstances that lead people to commit a crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people believe that women should be able to join their country’s army and police forces. Others believe that only men should be allowed to work in these areas. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. In some countries, there are not enough medical or educational facilities in rural areas. Therefore, some people believe newly graduated teachers and doctors should be sent to work in rural areas for some time. Others believe that people should be free to choose where they work after graduation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. Eighteen is the appropriate age for children to finish school. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
5. Some people argue that thanks to the widespread accessibility of the internet, libraries are no longer necessary. Do you agree or disagree?
6. In many countries today the proportion of older people in the population is higher than the proportion of younger people. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Do you struggle coming up with ideas? Then learn about three powerful generation techniques here
