Points for IELTS Essay: Some parents grow their children in strict discipline while others leave them free to learn lessons of lives on their own...

Some parents grow their children in strict discipline while others leave them free to learn lessons of lives on their own. Which is one of these is a better approach and why? Give your own opinion in not less than 250 words.

As the Bible tells us: "He who spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes" (Proverbs 13:24) and "Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell." (Proverbs 23:13-14)

1. The topic of child discipline causes heated arguments.
2. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 90 percent of U.S. parents spank, and about 59 percent of pediatricians in a 1992 survey said they support the practice. According to the academy, effective discipline has three key components: first, a loving, supportive relationship between parent and child; second, use of positive reinforcement when children behave well; and third, use of punishment when children misbehave.
3. Some professional organizations of physicians and psychologists have suggested that spanking is detrimental and leads to family violence and child abuse. They have suggested that spanking teaches physically aggressive behavior which the child will imitate. But does the research support these assertions? According to the National Institute for Healthcare Research, more than 80 percent of the professional publications attacking spanking were reviews and commentaries, rather than quantitative research.
4. The fact is, child discipline is an important and emotional issue. Parents worry about our child's misbehavior and how to handle it. Parents become angry and frustrated with ongoing behavior problems. Parents dislike having to punish our children.
5. Effective discipline helps our child develop empathy and self-control.
6. A spoiled or harshly-disciplined child is at risk for numerous emotional and behavioral problems.

References:
http://www.tldm.org/news6/child.discipline.htm
http://childparenting.about.com/cs/discipline/a/childdiscipline.htm

Points for IELTS Essay: Computers can easily do all the basic and advanced calculations....

Computers can easily do all the basic and advanced calculations. Do you think your children should spend more time learning basic mathematics or advanced computer technology. Give your views in not less than 250 words.

Originally, the term "computer" referred to a person who performed numerical calculations (a human computer), often with the aid of a mechanical calculating device.

1. Computers are manmade machines; they need logic (program) to be fed to them.
2. Study of mathematics involves study of logic. Basic calculations help a person to develop logic.
3. These basic skills are required in life; man cannot be dependent on machines for these basic skills.
4. All electronic gadget comes at a cost and everyone cannot afford it, neither it will be always accessible.
5. Computer technology is moving at breathtaking pace. The field is too vast and varied; but basic concepts are similar throughout. It is better to learn the basics and then later to move to advanced stage.
6. Previously calculators, now computers, who knows what is in store tomorrow!

Points for IELTS Essay: Working and living abroad helps us to know other cultures well...

Working and living abroad helps us to know other cultures well. How far you think working abroad has good or bad impacts on our cultural lives?

A person goes abroad for better opportunities or in order to explore the world.

Pros

1. A person working and living abroad gains broader perspective of life.
2. He learns to understand and appreciate other cultures.
3. He learns tolerance of different cultures.
4. It also makes him ponder over the strengths and weakness of his culture.
5. He can become a pioneer to eradicate certain social evils.
6. Globalization will be preferred over Nationalism. He may see the world as one nation or global unit.

Cons

1. He may find it difficult to adapt to new culture and thus be under tremendous stress.
2. He may start looking down on his own culture.
3. He may adopt certain features of other cultures that may not be accepted by his own culture.
4. There is a possibility of losing his culture and identity.

Points for IELTS Essay: Most criminals are set free once they finish their jail terms.

Most criminals are set free once they finish their jail terms. Is the re-introduction of criminals in societies is justified? Place your views in no less than 250 words.

A criminal should be given an opportunity to repent and mend his ways.

For

1. Jail term is a punishment that the criminal is given after careful and elaborate process and is what he justly deserves.
2. The purpose of jail terms is to make a person realize his mistakes and give him an opportunity to improve.
3. Many rehabilitation programs are carried out. He learns skills that will be useful to him after he returns back.
4. Society is the place where he belongs.
   

Against

1. Some may not be accepted by society and he may face lot of hardships.
2. He may be tempted to return to his old ways.
3. Some criminals do not change after the jail term and may be threat to society.

Points for IELTS Essay: Some authors believe that urbanization is a ‘Modern Disease’.

Some authors believe that urbanization is a ‘Modern Disease’. In not less than 250 words explain if you agree with this view and give your own opinion.

Urbanization (or urbanisation) is the increase in the population of cities in proportion to the region's rural population

Impacts

1. The urban areas have become concrete jungle.
2. Approximately 10% of the farmers provide for 90% of the population which is huge load on the farmers.
3. Pollution is on the rise and affects global warming.
4. Deforestation(the conversion of forested areas to non-forest land use such as arable land, pasture, urban use, logged area, or wasteland) takes place.
• Deforestation affects the amount of water in the soil and groundwater and the moisture in the atmosphere.
• Shrinking forest cover lessens the landscape's capacity to intercept, retain and transport precipitation. Instead of trapping precipitation, which then percolates to groundwater systems, deforested areas become sources of surface water runoff, which moves much faster than subsurface flows. That quicker transport of surface water can translate into flash flooding and more localized floods than would occur with the forest cover.
  

Points for IELTS Essay: Some people believe that only pupils of similar interests ...

Some people believe that only pupils of similar interests should be given admissions in schools. Others are of the opinions that schools should be open to all children with varied interests. How far you agree or disagree with the above views. Give your opinion in not less than 250 words.

The purpose of education is an all-round development of the child, and schools should cater to it.

Pros

1. When students of similar interests are put together they will become a homogenous mass.
2. Teachers and mentors will find easy to plan the training and the courseware.
3. Competition will be sharper and their skills related to their interests will be highly polished.

Cons

1. Student will not learn to appreciate and respect people with other interests.
2. He will not learn tolerance of people with other interests.
3. His skills related to other interests will not be developed.
4. The environment will be monotonous and boring.
5. It will not favor all-round development.

IELTS Tips

Below are the few tips you can follow in reading and listening section of IELTS.

Reading

1. Scan in seconds (not more than 5 seconds) to get gist of the content.
2. Questions (a minute or two).
• Scan the questions
• Grasp as much as you can
• Underline keywords
3. Skimming
• Skim through the entire section,
• Understand and grasp the content
• Underline keywords
4. Read instructions carefully.
5. Answer the questions that you know quickly.
6. Do not spend more time on tough questions.
7. Check the question numbers when writing the answer.
8. Keep an eye on the time…..
9. Be cool about questions that you cannot answer
• Refer and check passage before answering.
• Do not depend on memory.
• Check the context also.
10. Re read instructions and try to get clue form instructions in question when there is confusion
11. Use $ technique. In questions where you have an 3 or more options eliminate only those that you are sure that they are incorrect and you can bet a few dollars in it.
12. When writing answers for diagram check the question

Listening

1. Read the instructions carefully.
2. In the time given to read questions
• Read the questions
• Grasp the content
• Underline keywords
3. In the 30 seconds, read the questions of the other section
4. Concentrate on present section. Forget about the questions in the previous section.
5. If you miss questions just be cool

An essay for IELTS: Some think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged while others think that cooperation is better

In the present fast moving world, no man can escape competition. Healthy competition pushes a person forward and rise above his limitations. How appropriate is it to encourage it in children! Co-operation builds team spirit and brotherhood. Hence, a healthy competition with co-operation is lesson that every child has to learn.

Competition is a must in every walk of life. Consequently, sports, advertisements, marketing all have the ingredients of competition. Competition propels a person to stretch himself and expand his boundaries. He will know his standing and also, what he needs to do to further his progress. But, competition at times tempts a person to use unfair means; he might easily fall prey to jealousy. This can cause a number of issues like bitterness, guilty conscience which might not serve the purpose of competition. Therefore, a healthy competition needs to be encouraged in children which will not prick their conscience.

Co-operation on the other hand is a virtue which does not come with much negative effect, and if nurtured well will be boon to the society. Co-operation is the essence of brotherhood and team spirit. A society based on this principle is bound to progress and flourish. Major hurdles and issues will be resolved collectively. Hence, children should be taught the virtue of co-operation. Co-operation inculcated in children will go a long way in the progress of the individual and the society as a whole.

Hence, children should be taught both the essential virtues: Healthy competition and co-operation; both cannot be neglected. A child mastering both the virtues will be an asset to the society as a whole.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Young people are encouraged to travel or work for a year before starting university studies

Young people are on an important threshold of life when they move from high school to university. A clear picture of what they want to do in life is quite important as it will give them a direction in life. It is quite appropriate to embark on a travel or work before they start university studies. But, this comes with its temptations and it is worthwhile to have a look at these before endeavoring on such a project.

Bible rightly quotes, “Without lack of vision people perish.” Everyone needs to have a vision. How true it is with youth! A clear picture of what one wants to become is quite important. A firsthand experience will stand in a good stead for a long time. All this is possible if he ventures in the world of uncertainties. Hence it is advisable if he takes a job or travel. He will know what is in store for him, and will gain wisdom to take the right decision and course in life.

Every coin has two sides; so also, this comes with its disadvantages. It is quite easy to fall into vices and bad company. The taste of money has driven many a person to forget the importance of education. Also, the gap can divert his attention and he may lose interests in studies. The person will need to be forewarned of all these so that he is not lost in the world.

It is good and goes in the favor of the individual if he takes a year of travel or work before he joins the universities, but he has to focussed and exert extreme self control so that he does not fall prey to the temptations of the world.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: The advantages and disadvantages of students of full-time courses doing part-time work

The purpose of a full-time course is that the students concentrate on their study rather than any other activity, but students doing part-time work along with full-time course is becoming a trend.

Part-time work provides a person with finance that can help him to pay their fees. This reduces the financial load that he has to bear while doing full-time course. Moreover, if the part-time work is in the field similar to that of the course, it can give a person the additional knowledge that will boost his study. It will also be included in his work experience and can boost his job prospects. Thus, part-time work has its set of benefits which cannot be overlooked.

Full-time course is prepared with an assumption that the student is able to devote his maximum time for studies. Hence, it demands more time and effort from the student. A person doing part-time work will be sacrificing his time meant for studies to his work. His schedule will be hectic and strenuous, he will not be able to perform to his maximum potential, and he will not do justice to his course. This will hamper his progress and his results, and can affect even his health.

Hence, it is better if a full-time course is treated as a full-time course. It will stand in the favor of individual if he refrains from part-time work and devotes his time for studies.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Universities should accept equal number of males and females in each subject

Democracy is a norm in most countries; and equality of sexes is the important pillar of democracy. Hence, it seems obvious that universities should accept equal number of males and females in each subject. But, demography of a region especially with distribution of sexes as parameter is never constant. Also, interests of men and woman vary. These serve as deterring factors to the above solution.

In the modern world, many countries are now propagating democracy and equality of sexes. The feminist movement is gaining wider recognition. Gone are the days when women lived in the confines of their homes; women are competing with man in all areas of life, but still proportion of males in the field of education and work places is higher at times. Hence, to boost the confidence and morale of women, it seems ideal that universities reserve equal seats for both males and females.

The demography with distribution of sexes as parameter varies from region to region. In some places the number of male population is higher than female population. In such circumstances giving equal seats for both will deprive some while benefit others. Moreover, interests of men vary from that of females. For example, more number of women may prefer home science while less number of women may prefer engineering fields. Again this will result in certain seats being vacant due to lack of interest of certain sexes.

Though reserving equal seats for males and females looks like an ideal solution, considering the demography and the variable interests of males and females, it is better we refrain from implementing this policy.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Some people argue that drugs should be legalised.

Drugs are a taboo to the society. Drugs have been cause of number of social problems. Drug trafficking is a crime in most countries and the crime rate in drug trafficking is ever increasing. Legalizing drugs will surely reduce the crime rate in drug trafficking, but the consequence will be disastrous as drugs will be easily accessible.

There is no doubt that drug trafficking is ever on the rise. Since these drugs are illegal, they fetch a lot of money and many people resort to selling of these drugs to make quick money. Legalizing these drugs seems to be good solution to reduce the crime rate, as the cost of drugs will go down and it will no longer be the means to earn quick money.

Cigarettes and alcohol have been legalized in many countries. The consequence is that there are not many illegal businesses involved in selling these products, but the use of these products has not decelerated. It is ever on the rise! Legal business making huge profit and many people falling prey to it. Legalizing these products has reduced the crime rate but not the use of the products. Hence legalizing drugs will just reduce the crime rate and not the use of it.

Drugs are more dangerous than cigarettes and alcohol. A person addicted to it will have to pay heavier consequence than cigarettes and alcohol. Making them legal means common man will have easier access to it and will serve dangerous to the user in the long run.

Though legalizing drugs will reduce the crime rate, it is not possible to reduce the number of users. Moreover, it will endanger their lives. Hence, drugs should not be legalized.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Modern medicine helps to live long life. Do you agree?

Science and technology has taken wings, and has been advancing at a greater pace. It had drastically affected many areas of life and medicine is not an exception to it. The advances in medical sciences have ensured a longer life span for man.

Medical science has matured with time. Extensive researches have been carried out that has ensured advancement in the field of medicine, medicinal equipments and medicinal treatments. New drugs are continuously being released and better medical treatments are being introduced. Many sophisticated tools are at the medical professional’s disposal. All these have helped in the quick identification of illnesses and better, quicker solutions to health related issues and illnesses. Consequently, it has resulted in better health and longer life.

Most of the Governments are also pumping in a lot of money into research and to ensure that their citizens enjoy better health. State run hospital and other medical facilities have given better medical provisions for both rich and the poor. Insurance Companies have propped up providing health insurance. The common man is also well educated and informed of all these facilities. This has greatly influenced his health and further increased the average life span.

But even today there are poorer countries which still lack the basis health facilities. Thank God! There are still organizations like UNICEF, Red Cross, etc which run to the help of these poorer nations. No doubt, these organizations cannot totally cater to their needs but they do relieve some tensions and provide a smaller helping hand.

Medical science has truly advanced and has had a greater positive influence on the general health of the individual. To a greater extent we can conclude that modern medical science has increased the average life span of man.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not essentially my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Animal testing - there is no alternative

Medicines, drugs are a boon to mankind. Many a drugs are released after carefully testing on animals. Some are of the opinion that animal testing of drugs is mandatory, while others are of the opinion that animal testing is cruelty on animals and so should be banned. Unless there is a better approach, it is not practically possible to release drugs prior doing animal testing.

Drugs released needs to be tested. Testing drugs on animals ensures that harmful drugs are not released before trying them on humans. Testing drugs directly on patients can put them at risk and can endanger a person’s life. Moreover, it is difficult to get people who are willing to undergo such tests. Also, it is more cost effective and it serves as a consolation that the drugs have been tested giving a psychological benefit to the doctors and the end users.

It is true that many animals become victims of these tests. At times it is not required to test the drugs on animals. Many drugs released after careful testing are withdrawn from the market. This implies that the tests done were futile and the animals had to pay the price. Hence many are of the opinion that animal testing needs to be banned.

Computer testing is a good option. But technology has not so advanced that drug testing can be done using computers. Computers can generally be used to gather, and analyze the observations and results of the tests; they cannot be substitute to animal testing.

At present apart from animal testing, there is no better and safe method of testing. Though animal become victims of these test, it is not advisable to ban animal testing. Someone has to pay the price of the testing and it is safer to test them on animals than on humans.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not my opinion.

Wonderful IELTS preparation site

Though my entire education has been in English, I am concentrating on preparing thoroughly for IELTS. In my quest to do so, I came across a wonderful site http://www.writefix.com/.

I have read both the speaking and writing module and was tempted to include the references here. The speaking module is accessible at http://www.writefix.com/ieltsspkg/ while the writing module is accessible at http://www.writefix.com/argument/.

For tips you can follow the following links:

http://www.ieltsthailand.com/listening_test_tips.htm
http://www.ieltsthailand.com/reading_test_tips.htm
http://www.ieltsthailand.com/speaking_test_tips.htm
http://www.ieltsthailand.com/writing_test_tips.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?IELTS-Tips-and-Tricks---Mastering-the-Writing-Task&id=78635

To calculate the band score, click on the link below.
http://www.ielts-blog.com/Calculate-Ielts-Result-Reading-Listening-Band-Score.html

An essay for IELTS:Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have one

A teacher is addressed as Rabbi in Hebrew and guru in Sanskrit. Rabbis or gurus have been there from ages. Some people think that it not very practical to learn without a teacher. While there are others who think that they can be teachers of themselves. But, education without a teacher is a very difficult path to tread upon.

Teachers are people of experience. They have tread upon and seen many walk the same path. They are quite ideal to guide and lead people. They have a set plan and work according to the plan. The diversity of students and their diverse necessities, only a trained and experienced person can handle. A student can learn a lot from his teachers. Learning is enhanced when a teacher is by the student’s side. As one of my lecturers rightly quoted, “You can learn more even with the worst of worst teachers than when you learn by yourselves”.

But there are times when it is not possible to have teachers by your side due to some adverse reasons like a person is quite poor and cannot afford to go college or is working. Also there are instances where the specialized teachers are not available. In such scenarios distance education or learning without a teacher can greatly help. Abraham Lincoln in his quest for knowledge and education had exhausted every possible book in his area. He did quite a bit of learning by himself.

It is quite difficult to conclude whether learning with a teacher is right approach or without. I think that the right approach is a balanced approach. It is better not to reinvent the wheel. If it is possible to have education with teachers, than it is better to tread upon this path. If it is not practically possible to do likewise than man has to be his own teacher.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not my opinion.

An essay for IELTS: Without capital punishment our lives are less secure and crimes or violence increase.

Crime is on the rise. Violence is taking its toll on the present society. The sudden increase in the present day violence and the vagaries of crime has made the present generation to revisit the possibility of capital punishment. Only when the situation demands it and with extreme care, Capital punishment should be used as deterrent to prevent violence.

Common man no longer feels secure and is constantly affected by the violence around him. Life has to return to state where he feels more secure and protected. Reduction in crime is a must. A strong deterrent has to be used to prevent this. Life imprisonment or capital punishment seems appropraite in this situation. It is the severity of crime that should decide whether capital punishment is a must.

Capital punishment has a major loop hole. The person may be innocent and at the the present all the evidence is against him. But, tomorrow new evidence may come to light. In such scenarios capital punishment cannot be reverted. In fact one wise said that it is better for a 1000 criminals to be acquitted than one innocent person to die. How valid is the statement? Can you allow 1000 villains to be set free and prey on 10000 more? Is it not better that one die? Also capital punishment can be misused. Many innocent people have lost their lives when capital punishment was misused for political gain. This is one of the strongest deterrents not to have capital punishment.

Except for the misuse, if capital punishment is carefully used it can serve as major deterrent force to combat violence and crime. It is better that a second thought needs to given for capital punishment.

Disclaimer: This is just a sample essay written while preparing for IELTS and is not my opinion.