IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answers

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Topic: Society would benefit from a ban on all kinds of advertising because it serves no useful purpose and can be damaging.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Advertisements have long been an effective marketing tool. However, in recent years
people have started questioning the significance of them, asserting that they are not only
useless but harmful too. While this concern can be justifiable, I believe that advertisements
still play an important role in informing the public. Therefore, not all advertising should be
eliminated.

A key concern regarding many advertisements is that they sometimes promote harmful
products. In recent years, it has become common to see advertising for alcohol, tobacco
and junk food, which generally contributes to the prevalence and consumption of such
products. The advertisements targeted at children are even worse. Artificially sweetened
food items and video-games containing violence are some of the pertinent examples for
such potentially damaging products.

Deceptive practices of advertisers are another reason why some support the elimination of
advertisements. Oftentimes, advertising contains misleading claims and exaggerated
product benefits. Weight-loss advertisements are a good case in point, often promising
instant results, claiming the effectiveness of the product, when, in fact, this is almost always
untrue. Such cases can erode public trust in advertising.

In my opinion, however, as long as advertising is socially responsible and transparent, it
should be allowed. Firstly, it is one of the most efficient ways to reach out to the public.
Such honest and trustful advertisements often inform customers about the availability,
price and utility of a particular product, which in turn can help people save time, compare
and make informed purchasing decisions.

On a broader level, a ban on all types of advertising can lead to reduced turnover for
companies. As the alternatives to promoting a product as effective as advertising are
practically unthinkable, it is natural that many manufacturers, commercial center and even
marketers may struggle to find customers. This goes to show that banning all
advertisements is not a logical course of action.

In conclusion, some advertisements do have detrimental effects on people but this cannot
be a strong enough ground for the prohibition of all advertisements. Instead, only those
that can be damaging should be targeted because there are many advertisements that
serve the public interest and contribute positively to society.

Topic: In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Question: Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

Revolution has gathered pace in the transport sector. It is even predicted that automated
cars will replace conventional ones, eliminating the need for drivers. While this
development brings about(=cause) a number of challenges, they are outweighed by the
benefits.

Gaining public trust is one difficulty that driverless cars need to overcome. The reason for
this reluctance to accept such cars is that the technology is still in its infancy while
traditional cars have been in use for over a century, which is enough to convince people of
their benefits. This means that automated cars may not be embraced universally.

Additionally, driverless cars will entail some changes to the law enforcement. When the
computers are full control of the vehicle and there is an accident, deciding who will be
responsible for the damages can create a dilemma. So, policy makers should consider these
before these cars appear on the roads.

In my opinion, however, the positives associated with the introduction of self-driving cars
are more significant. One major benefit has to do with(=related to) the safety. Human error
is usually shown to be the reason behind the majority of road accidents, and with
automated cars, which are more accurate and rarely break traffic rules, the human factor
can be eliminated, increasing safety for both passengers and pedestrians.

Moreover, car owners can enjoy greater autonomy offered by driverless cars. When the
system is responsible for operating the vehicle, a person can now engage in other activities
such as reading a book, socializing or simply relaxing. These are, however, almost
impossible when people themselves drive as they need to be fully focused.

In conclusion, the problems with the driverless cars include initial public mistrust and the
changes they bring to law enforcement. Once these challenges are overcome, automated
cars are only advantageous as they improve safety and offer freedom.

Topic: In the future, it is expected that there will be a higher proportion of older people in some countries.

Question: Is this a positive or negative development?

With the advancements in medicine, life expectancy has increased in many parts of the
world. It is predicted that the number of older people will rise significantly in near future.
While I admit the benefits older people can bring to society, this is an unfavorable change
overall.

There are a number of positive effects associated with the higher number of elderly people
in society. One is the opportunity for them to pass on their knowledge, experience, wisdom
and expertise to the next generation. Older people often possess a wealth of life
experience, which may be valuable for guiding younger generations. Apart from this, in
many cultures, older people play a crucial role in providing support to their families. For
example, they can take care of grandchildren, which may allow parents to focus on other
responsibilities.

In my opinion, however, the ever-increasing number of older people in many countries
brings about several problems. Firstly, they can become a major financial burden on a
county’s budged. Most of them are unable to work after a certain age and the government
should provide financial assistance to them in the form of pensions. Another issue is that as
most old people require constant medical attention, the government has to allocate
resources to maintaining quality health care. This can put a strain on the government’s
resources in the long run.

In conclusion, although older people help younger generations in many ways, the
increasing number of them is a negative trend as they can strain the government’s budged.

Topic: Many cities are now turning parks and farmland into new housing developments.

Question: Is this a positive or negative development?

Cities these days tend to prioritize offering more housing to people and these
developments often come at the expense of farmlands and parks. While this trend brings
some positives, it is an undesirable turn of events overall.

The creation of housing opportunities can help meet the growing needs of the public for
housing. In recent years, rural-to-urban migration has increased, with many people
choosing cities to live in. With this come housing shortages. When there are enough living
quarters in the form of apartment blocks and multi-storey buildings not only can people
purchase a house of their choice but it can also reduce the rental prices.

Additionally, urban developments often contribute to higher standards of living in an area.
This is because the introduction of housing usually accompanies with the creation of a
range of public amenities such as schools, hospitals, playgrounds, supermarkets, shopping
malls, and entertainment facilities. By contrast, where such developments are not
facilitated, people may not have access to most of these opportunities.

In my opinion, however, the disappearance of farmland and, especially, parks in favor of
creating houses has two-fold implications. For one, it can have a detrimental effect on
people’s mental well-being. The city life has long been associated with the increased levels
of stress and anxiety due to the fast-paced nature of life. Having access to green areas
usually serves as a counterbalance to this stress and if people are deprived of this
opportunity, the life in urban areas may remain even more stressful.

Along with this, a range of other problems may arise from urbanization. As the influx of
people to cities in search of better life increases noise and air pollution, traffic congestions
and overcrowding may become common. These changes can negatively affect the quality
of life for city-dwellers.

In conclusion, the positive effects of expanding living spaces even at the cost of parks and
farmlands, include meeting the public demand for housing, coupled with higher living
standards. However, I still view this trend negatively because it heightens the stress linked
to urban living and brings undesirable consequences for the residents.

Topic: Film stars and celebrities often share their views on public matters that have little to do with their profession.

Question: Is this a positive or negative development?

It is common to see celebrities expressing their opinions on matters that are not directly
linked with their expertise. While this can help raise awareness of some important issues, I
believe this development is a negative one, as their message can be misleading and they
may also oversimplify complex issues.

Famous people talking about social matters can help raise awareness of a problem. As they
often have a huge following and influence, their message can reach millions, if not billions,
of people. This can ensure that a necessary course of action is taken to deal with the
problem faster than when a politician talks about the same issue. For example, the
deforestation of Amazon rainforests has long been neglected by government bodies until
celebrities such as Leonardo Di Caprio – an Oscar winning actor – took interest in the issue.
With his influence, he drew public attention to the problem, saving millions of acres of land
as a result.

Except such cases, celebrities discussing problems that are not related to their profession is
a negative development. One major concern is they may mislead the public. Usually when
people idolize a particular celebrity, they tend to believe what they say without ever
questioning their credibility. This can even encourage the public to ignore reliable sources,
which may prevent them from reaching sensible conclusions. During the COVID-19
pandemic, for instance, many celebrities spoke against vaccines, which somewhat led their
followers to reject vaccines even though multiple organizations emphasized the benefits of
such preventive measures.

Moreover, when celebrities voice their opinions on matters they do not fully understand,
this may lead to the oversimplified portrayal of those issues. As they usually lack in-depth
knowledge of the situation, they may contribute to the spread of misinformation and
misunderstanding among the public. For example, many celebrities often criticize
governments for ignoring some pressing issues such as housing shortages, without
recognizing the intricacies involved in finding solutions. Housing shortages are not simply
solved by providing houses; numerous factors such as urban planning, infrastructure, and
economic policies play crucial roles. Consequently, their followers may fail to grasp the full
complexity of the problem, resulting in a limited understanding of the issue at hand.

In conclusion, in some cases, celebrities can help solve problems by informing people on a
larger scale than government bodies ever could. However, this does not necessarily mean
that they should express their opinions on public issues because this can lead to confusion
among the public. Therefore, I believe this is an undesirable change.

Topic: Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a question of luck.

Question: Do you agree or disagree?

What contributes to a person’s success and achievements has been a topic of many
discussions and some attribute it to luck. While luck has its fair-share contribution to what
people can achieve, other factors such as a person’s financial background and persistence
play a much bigger role.

Accidental success and achievements have occurred frequently throughout history. In other
words, there are instances where individuals unintentionally accomplish something
significant by being in the right place at the right time. The discovery of North America by
Christopher Columbus serves as a notable example. Despite intending to sail to India,
Columbus accidentally arrived in America. Nevertheless, this achievement is celebrated,
and Columbus is praised as the first person to explore the other side of the Atlantic.

In my opinion, however, attributing most success stories to luck appears to be simplistic as
there are more important factors at play. One is a person’s financial background. People
who are born into affluent families are better positioned to achieve success than those
from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. This advantage stems from the easy access to
education and networking opportunities that wealthy individuals typically have, which
greatly increases their likelihood of succeeding in various aspects of life.

Persistence is another important element. Those who possess this trait often work tirelessly
towards their goals even when they are faced with obstacles and setbacks. By contrast,
people who easily give in hardly achieve success. Take J.K Rowling – the author of the
much-loved series of Harry Potter. Despite being rejected by twelve publishers, she
persisted in her efforts, which eventually led to her well-deserved success and fame.

In conclusion, I acknowledge that people’s achievements can be due to good fortune.
However, I believe the main drivers behind the success of many people are not luck but
rather financial security and persistence.

Topic: People nowadays tend to have children at older ages.

Question: Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Many parents these days opt for later parenthood. While this demographic shift entails
several drawbacks, they are outweighed by the benefits.

Generation gap can be the main concern for parents who have children at older ages.
When parents and children have a significant age difference, parents may find it difficult to
relate to or understand their children. This difficulty in connection may lead to conflicts,
misunderstanding, and emotional distance, ultimately impacting bonds within the family.
The increased health risks can be another disadvantage. Older mothers, in particular, may
face challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. This can even lead to other age-related
complications as older parents may struggle to have energy and stamina required to raise a
child.

However, the advantages of having children at older ages are far greater. One main upside is
parents tend to be more emotionally mature and experienced. Such parents are better
positioned for conflict resolution compared to younger parents, who often tend to be
reactionary due to their lack of life experience. This can contribute to the stability of the
family.

Additionally, many people are likely to achieve financial independence at older ages. The
reason why most people choose to postpone parenthood is that they focus on personal
development and career advancement. Naturally, most of these people have a stable
career into their thirties. This financial stability enables parents to raise their children with
confidence, knowing they can adequately provide for their needs.

In conclusion, there are a number of negatives to having children at older ages such as the
considerable age difference and health risks. However, these are not as significant as the
positives, including emotional maturity of parents and financial security.

Topic: Some people think the qualities a person needs to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or similar academic institutions.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

University education has long been considered an important element of a person’s success.
This conventional notion, however, is now challenged by people who think that what
contributes to the success of a person, such as the necessary qualities, cannot be gained
through education at universities or schools. In my opinion, formal education still remains
an important determinant of a person’s success as it teaches people a range of skills.

The university education is mostly theoretical. This excessive focus on theoretical concepts
without the opportunities for practical application creates a gap between what is learned in
the classroom and the skills needed in professional settings. Take my country – Uzbekistan.
Most university students have to study around 10 subjects during an academic year,
without hands-on and practical experiences. Therefore, most of the students feel they are
not ready to start their career after their graduation. This often leads people to question
the relevance of university education altogether.

Despite this concern, I tend to think academic education equips students with a number of
skills that contribute to their success in the long term. Firstly, when students deal with the
load of tasks at university, whether it be completing their assignments or preparing
presentations, they learn how to effectively manage their time. Being able to juggle
multiple tasks is an important skill, especially in today’s fast-paced job market as it can
increase productivity.

Additionally, university education promotes collaboration and teamwork. When students
work with each other as part of their studies in universities, they can understand the
importance of dividing tasks equitably, taking turns, and making unanimous decisions. Such
skills can prove useful once students enter the workforce since successful career often
involves co-operation.

In conclusion, academic knowledge gained in universities may not be what it takes to
become successful. However, this does not negate the significance of formal education in a
person’s success as it plays a pivotal role in helping students acquire essential skills, such as
time management and collaboration.

Topic: Some think that Interviews are not reliable way for hiring employees. It is important to apply other methods for this.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Interviews have been a vital part of the hiring process in recent decades. However, some
people now question its reliability, advocating for the exploration of alternative approaches.
In my opinion, interviews have several limitations and I believe other methods, such as skill
testing and continuous evaluation of a candidate, should be adopted.

Interviews have numerous shortcomings. One is that many books and websites now detail
standard interview questions and how to answer them. These books and websites often go
beyond mere question lists and delve into detailed explanation of the reasoning behind
each question, highlighting what qualities and skills that employers are seeking when they
pose these questions. While the availability of these resources can be beneficial for the job
seeker, it makes it more challenging for interviewers to assess the genuine qualifications of
a candidate and their fit for a particular role.

Another problem associated with interviews is that many candidates experience
nervousness, which can lead to underperformance. Interviews are often placed greater
importance than other aspects of the hiring process and this creates extra pressure for
candidates. Under this pressure, candidates may stumble over their words or have
difficulties concentrating, leading to underrepresentation of their actual skills and abilities.
In my view, companies should explore alternative or complementary methods to enhance
their hiring process. For example, employing the skill testing method is more likely to assess
the qualities of a candidate. Skills testing not only assesses the candidate's competence for
a specific role but also allows for the evaluation of a range of other skills, including problem
solving, communication, and technical abilities.

Additionally, assessing an employee’s performance and progress that extends beyond
traditional one-time assessment is another approach that can guarantee a successful hire.
This method involves ongoing monitoring of a new or would-be employee during the
probationary period. This approach to hiring is also fair and objective. In other words, it
focuses on the observable and measurable aspects of performance, reducing the potential
for bias that can be present in one-time assessment.

In conclusion, interviews have a number of drawbacks, including a higher chance for hiring
mistakes due to the availability of interview questions and the pressure that can prevent a
candidate from performing well. Therefore, other approaches should be explored, such as
testing the actual skills of candidates, and ongoing evaluation of their performance before
hiring them.

Topic: Some people argue that parents of children who break the law should be punished in some way, because they are responsible for their children’s actions.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is a view that parents should be held accountable for the crimes their children
commit. On the face of it, this argument seems valid given that parents are a major catalyst
in most children’s lives. However, it has some flaws as parents do not have as much control
over their children as once they used to and punishing parents is just a means of shifting
the blame, which does not seek to address the problem.

Parents, no doubt, play an important role in shaping their children’s behavior and outlook
on the world. This process usually starts in early childhood when parents provide their
children with a secure and nurturing home environment and form close bonding with
them. As children mature, it is generally the parents who lay the foundation for moral
development in their children, teaching them to distinguish between right and wrong. It is
true that children who lack these positive influences or grow up in an environment
characterized by trauma and negativity may be more prone to misbehavior or even
engaging in criminal activities.

That said, I would argue that the argument that parents have complete control over how
their children behave is not as compelling as initially assumed. There are a number of other
factors at play, one of which is the internet. Firstly, the internet provides children with easy
access to content including violent, explicit, or illegal material. This prolonged exposure can
desensitize children, influencing their attitudes and behavior. This increases the chances of
children engaging in crimes.

Apart from this, holding parents accountable through punishments can be viewed as a way
to shift the blame from other contributing factors. Sometimes children break the law
despite being taught good morals by their parents. This only makes it easier for children to
engage in misdemeanor as they know that their parents will take the blame.

In conclusion, while parents’ role in instilling good morals in their children is significant, I
believe punishing parents for children’s wrongdoings is not the most logical course of action
as there are other important factors that need to be considered and it is merely a way of
deflecting responsibility. Therefore, other options should be explored.

Topic: Some people think that movies should only be for entertainment. Others think that they should also have educational values.

Question: Discuss both views and give your opinion.

There is a debate over the purpose of movies, with some saying it is to entertain the viewer
and others arguing they should educate people. While education through movies would be
beneficial, I believe the ultimate purpose of movies is to entertain people.

Some people argue that incorporating education into movies can be a wise move. Certain
subjects, like history, can be effectively conveyed through a movie, offering a more
accessible alternative to traditional learning methods. For example, studying a particular
historical period in a conventional way often involves reading and analyzing several books
but with movies the same period can be covered in a two-hour movie. The inclusion of
elements such as wars, romance, dramas, and special effects also helps to retain the
viewer’s attention, which can increase the effectiveness of the learning process through
movies.

This argument, however, entails several flaws. Firstly, there is question over the accuracy of
educational content that is conveyed through movies. Producers usually misrepresent or
exaggerate scientific facts in order to increase the appeal of the movie. In historical movies,
for instance, the historical accuracy is often met with criticism by experts. This goes to show
that education through movies is not always the optimal approach.

Therefore, I would argue that movies should function as entertainment rather than an
educational tool. The emergence of movies in the first place can support this argument.
They were a form of visual storytelling designed to captivate audiences and provide them
with immersive experience. This foundational role of movies is still relevant as many of us
watch movies primarily to unwind and socialize with others instead of learning something.

In conclusion, integrating educational content into movies can be a strategic decision but
there is a doubt over the accuracy of educational information in movies. So, I tend to
believe that the ultimate aim of movies is to amuse audiences rather than educate them.

Topic: In the past, people stored knowledge in books. Nowadays, people store knowledge on the internet.

Question: Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Several decades ago, knowledge was mainly stored in books but today people rely on the
internet to store information. While there are some drawbacks to this, they are outweighed
by the benefits.

One disadvantage of storing books and information online is there is a risk of viruses. If a
book or file is affected with a virus, it will be difficult or impossible to use it. This can not
only prevent people from gaining important knowledge but it can also create problems for
people’s devices. Reliability is another issue. By this I mean, information stored online can
be easily changed and this can lead to misinformation. One notable example is Wikipedia –
a website that provides a huge source of information. This website allows its users to edit
information and as a result of this, there is a great deal of false information.

In my opinion, however, the positives of storing information and knowledge on the internet
are more significant. One major advantage is information becomes more accessible. This
means that anyone with the internet access can use a countless number of books, which is
not possible with traditional physical books. Another convenience of storing knowledge
online is there will no limit to how many books or how much information people can use.
While people seek knowledge in conventional ways , such as by visiting libraries and reading
newspapers and magazines, it is not always possible to find what they search. However,
using the internet can help people to access any information they want.

In conclusion, there are some downsides to storing knowledge online, such as the risk of
viruses and reliability issues. However, these are not as significant as the advantages, which
include easy and unlimited access to information.

Topic: International tourism has brought enormous benefits to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment.

Question: Do the advantages of international tourism outweigh the disadvantages?

Many countries benefit from international tourism yet it can also cause a number of
problems to the locals and environment. While there are several drawbacks to international
tourism, they are outweighed by the advantages.

One concern over international tourism is it can lead to overcrowding. When there is an
increased influx of tourists to an area, this can create problems such as noise pollution and
traffic congestions. These issues can have an impact on the quality of life for local residents.
Air pollution is another problem associated with international tourism. This is because the
most popular means of transport is planes due to their convenience and speed and this
type of transport runs on fossil fuels and emits toxic gases into to the air. This can
contribute to climate change.

In my opinion, however, the benefits of global tourism are more significant. One major
advantage is that it creates employment opportunities. For example, if a place attracts
tourists, there will be a need for service industry, such as hotels and restaurants. This
opportunity can allow people to generate regular incomes. Moreover, tourism can lead to
cultural exchange. When people learn about each other’s cultural values, this can promote
mutual understanding and respect between nations. This can lead to a more harmonious
world.

In conclusion, there are several downsides to international tourism, such as its negative
impacts on the quality of life for local inhabitants and climate change. However, they are
not as significant as the upsides, which include the creation of jobs and exchange of culture.

Topic: The way children spend their free time has been changed by technology.

Question: Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Today children spend their leisure time differently due to technology. While there are some
benefits to this, they are outweighed by the drawbacks.

One advantage of children using technology in their free time is it provides access to
information. When children use the internet, for example, they can learn several skills,
which are not typically covered in schools. Coding, languages, and content creation can be
notable examples. Improved computer skills can be another benefit. When children actively
use computers and the internet, they can learn how to use search engines, fast typing, and
working with files. These skills can come in handy in the future.

In my opinion, however, the downsides of using technology are greater. One major
disadvantage is it can lead to health problems. Children who frequently use technology
such as phones and computers may suffer from eyesight deterioration. Also, these devices
can lead to sedentary lifestyle, which may result in overweightness. Addiction to technology
is an even bigger problem. If children become addicted to technology, this may distract
them from more important tasks, such as doing homework and exercise. This may affect
the overall development of children.

In conclusion, there are some positives associated with using technology in children’s free
time, such as access to information and change to improve their computer skills. However,
these are not as significant as the negatives, which include health-related issues and
addiction.

Topic: Many old people do not do exercise.

Question: What are the reasons? What can be done?

The majority of elderly people avoid doing physical exercise. While this can be attributed to
a high risk of injury and lack of sporting facilities, the situation can be alleviated by hiring a
personal trainer and offering more opportunities to do sports.

The fear of injury is one factor that may prevent old people from doing sports. As people
age, they tend to become weaker and susceptible to injuries. If they pick up an injury, it may
take a long time for them to recover. So, old people often think they are better off without
any exercise. Inadequate sporting facilities can be another reason. Many neighborhoods do
not offer basic opportunities for doing sports, such as gyms, football pitches, or swimming
pools. People may feel reluctant to take up sports, if these facilities are far away from where
they live.

However, there are several ways by which the issue can be resolved. Firstly, people should
consider hiring a personal trainer. When a professional coach creates exercise regimes and
works together with old people, this can reduce the chances of exercise-related injuries.
This can encourage the elderly to do sports more frequently. Providing enough
opportunities for sports in neighborhoods can also be effective. If there are gyms, tennis
courts, swimming pools, and football pitches nearby, many old people are likely to grow
interest in doing sports.

In conclusion, the main reasons why many old people do not do sports are a high risk of
injury and insufficient sporting facilities. However, working with a personal trainer and
access to sporting facilities can encourage elderly people to do exercise.

Topic: Many students find it difficult to focus or pay attention at school nowadays.

Question: What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?

Paying attention to the lessons at school has become challenging for many students. While
this can be attributed to distractions such as phones and teacher-centered lessons,
imposing restrictions on phones and organizing more interactive lessons can alleviate the
situation.

Phones can be the main culprit behind the lack of concentration in students. Students
frequently use social media applications and other platforms to socialize with their peers,
stay updated with current affairs, or watch entertaining content. Even during the lessons,
students often receive notifications and send messages to each other, which can definitely
divide their attention. Outdated teaching methods are another factor. In many countries, it
is the teacher who speaks the most during the lessons while student involvement remains
very low. This often results in boredom and lack of attention.

However, there are many ways by which the problem can be addressed. Firstly, the
exposure to phones should be restricted. To do this, parental supervision is crucial as
parents have more control over their children. Schools can also contribute to limiting phone
usage by banning electronic devices in their premises. Apart from this, teachers should start
implementing contemporary teaching techniques in their lessons. The lessons would be
more engaging if the they were more student-oriented and teachers made use of modern
technologies.

In conclusion, the main reasons behind the lack of attention during the lessons are phones
and boring lessons but the situation can be improved by restricting phone usage and
offering more interactive lessons.

Topic: There is too much noise in many public places in cities.

Question: What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve the problem?

People often complain about noise pollution in public places in cities. While this can be
attributed to increased levels of traffic in cities and construction, encouraging people to use
public transportation and relocating urban developments can alleviate/mitigate the
problem.

One major driver of noise pollution in public places is the sheer number of private cars. This
is because many people opt for such vehicles because of the comfort they provide: they are
fast, convenient, and allow people to travel wherever they want. Alternative options, such
as buses, mini buses, and subways are often overcrowded and not so well maintained.
Overpopulation is another contributory factor. In recent years, rural-to-urban migration has
increased, which resulted in an increased demand for housing. In order to meet this
demand, a large scale of construction is taking place in urban centers, leading to excessive
noise levels.

However, there are many steps that can be taken to address the problem. Firstly, people
should be encouraged to rely on public transportation rather than private cars. If there
were more frequent public transport, with improved comfort for passengers, they would be
more likely to take those modes of transports. As a result, noise generated by private cars
would be reduced. Another effective solution is to move constructions to other areas.
When these developments are relocated away from densely-populated areas of the city,
such as the outskirts, this can drastically reduce the amount of noise in city centers.

In conclusion, the main reasons behind the increased noise in cities are the traffic and
construction but investment in public transportation and relocation of some developments
can resolve the issue.

Topic: Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is a view that the most effective approach to improve road safety is to increase the
legal age when people become eligible for driving cars or riding motorbikes. While this can
contribute to safety on roads, I believe there are far better ways to achieve this.

Immature drivers are one of the main reasons for the increase in traffic accidents. These
people often have characteristics that may make them break traffic rules. For example,
younger drivers have a tendency for reckless driving, speeding, and being involved in illegal
races. If the minimum legal age for obtaining driver’s license was increased, this would
prevent many road accidents resulting from immature behavior.

However, other more effective approaches should be explored. One is offering regular
education to drivers. This is because young drivers are not the only ones who commit traffic
violations. So, instead of targeting one demographic, all the drivers should be educated
even after they obtain their license. This would ensure that drivers have the chance to
update their knowledge on operating vehicles and further improve their skills, which can
contribute to road safety.

Imposing stricter punishment is another solution. Oftentimes, it is due to lenient penalties
that some drivers break traffic rules and these mild punishments somewhat encourage
such a behavior as the consequences of a traffic violation are not harsh. If traffic offenders
face more severe punishments, such as hefty fines, license suspension, and jailtime, these
can serve as a deterrent to potential law-breakers, potentially improving the safety of both
drivers and passengers.

In conclusion, increasing the minimum driving age is not the most sensible way to make our
roads safer. Instead, governments should educate drivers on a regular basis and introduce
harsher punishments.

Topic: People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times.

Question: Do you agree or disagree?

There is a view that people today have a higher quality of life than in the past. While
modern life has its problems, people are living much better life than in previous times.

One main threat we face today is environmental disasters. Due to factors such as rapid
industrialization, deforestation, and increased production, air pollution and global warming
have become major problems. These human-induced issues have resulted in the loss of
biodiversity and emergence of several health issues, affecting millions of people around the
world. In the past, however, people tended to enjoy richer biodiversity and cleaner
environment.

Despite these problems, life today is much better for the majority. Firstly, recent years have
seen major advancements in medicine. Some of the recent breakthroughs in this field
include antibiotics, vaccines, and technologies that allow for effective diagnosis. Thanks to
these developments, many deadly diseases, such as smallpox, measles, and polio have
been eliminated, which resulted in healthier life and longer life expectancy in many parts of
the world.

A better work-life balance is another factor that contributes to happier life. Technological
revolution now means that people are less physically involved in their jobs and house
chores as well as having more opportunities for entertainment. Reduced physical workload,
easy access to leisure activities, and increased connectivity significantly have improved the
quality of life for many people.

In conclusion, life today is not without its drawbacks. However, the problems are
insignificant compared to the comforts of modern life thanks to developments in medicine
and technology.

Topic: Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising.

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is a view that all forms of advertisements should be removed. While banning
advertising can bring some benefits, I do not think we should forgo all advertising.

One argument against advertisements is they usually promote harmful products. It is not
uncommon to see commercials advertising products high in sugar, junk food, alcohol, and
even tobacco. Even worse, these advertisements are often targeted at young people and
sometimes children. Regular exposure to such advertising can encourage them to buy
those potentially harmful products.

However, most advertisements are too useful to ban. Firstly, they can be informative. They
often inform the public about the availability, price, and quality of a particular product or
service. This advantage offered by advertising is especially helpful for people with busy
schedules as they can learn about their potential purchase at their own convenience
without having to leave their home.

Businesses would suffer even more from the complete ban on advertisements. Since their
emergence, advertisements have become the most effective tool to reach out to
customers. While businesses can employ other marketing tools, such as discounts, word of
mouth, and event marketing, most companies and producers would likely see a downturn
in business if they did not rely on advertising. This highlights the significance of advertising
for businesses.

In conclusion, I do not disregard the potential harm which advertising can cause but
banning all types of advertising would be an unreasonable course of action because they
inform the public and help businesses to attract customers.

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