Tag Archives: ielts direct question

IELTS Writing task 2. Direct question

Q:19. Is it more beneficial for individuals to pursue higher education or enter the workforce after completing secondary school? Justify your response.

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

In the dynamic landscape of post-secondary education and career choices, the decision between pursuing higher education and entering the workforce straight after secondary school is pivotal. While both paths have merits, prioritising the completion of academic studies before embarking on professional endeavours can yield manifold benefits, shaping individuals into well-rounded contributors to society.

Primarily, dedicating early years to education capitalises on the cognitive prime of youth. Scientifically, cognitive development peaks during adolescence and young adulthood, rendering this phase optimal for absorbing complex knowledge and fostering critical thinking skills. This was exemplified by luminaries, for example: Abdul Kalam, whose early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for ground-breaking achievements. By seizing this developmental window for higher education, individuals can harness their intellectual potential to its fullest extent, thereby enhancing their capacity for innovation and problem-solving in future professional roles.

Moreover, the competitive nature of contemporary job markets underscores the importance of holding advanced degrees. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancement and globalization, specialized knowledge and skills are increasingly valued by employers seeking to stay ahead in their respective industries. For instance, a study by the OECD revealed that individuals with tertiary education are more likely to secure employment and command higher salaries than their counterparts with only secondary education. By investing in higher education early on, individuals equip themselves with the specialized expertise demanded by employers, positioning themselves as indispensable assets in the workforce.

In conclusion, prioritising higher education over immediate entry into the workforce after secondary school provides unmatched long-term benefits. By leveraging youth’s cognitive prime and gaining a competitive edge in job markets, individuals develop the intellectual acumen and specialised expertise crucial for success in today’s complex world. Therefore, governments and educational institutions should uphold and promote access to higher education as a cornerstone of individual empowerment and societal advancement.

Vocabulary used:

  1. Dynamic – constantly changing or evolving
  2. Post-secondary education – education beyond the level of secondary schooling, typically referring to college or university education
  3. Pivotal – of crucial importance; central
  4. Merits – the inherent advantages or qualities of something
  5. Prioritizing – giving greater importance or precedence to something
  6. Manifold – many or various; multiple
  7. Well-rounded – possessing a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experiences
  8. Cognitive – relating to the processes of thought, perception, and understanding
  9. Adolescence – the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, typically characterized by physical, emotional, and cognitive changes
  10. Critical thinking – the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information logically and rationally
  11. Luminaries – distinguished or renowned individuals in a particular field
  12. Groundbreaking – pioneering or innovative; setting a new precedent
  13. Harness – to utilize or control something for a particular purpose
  14. Innovation – the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products
  15. Problem-solving – the process of finding solutions to complex or difficult issues
  16. Contemporary – existing or occurring in the present time
  17. Globalization – the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and regions economically, culturally, and politically
  18. Tertiary education – education beyond secondary schooling, typically referring to higher education such as college or university
  19. Specialized – focused on a specific area or field of study or expertise
  20. OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an international organization focused on promoting economic growth and development
  21. Indispensable – essential or necessary; cannot be done without
  22. Assets – valuable resources or qualities that contribute to success or effectiveness
  23. Uphold – to support or maintain
  24. Empowerment – the process of enabling individuals or communities to take control of their own lives and circumstances
  25. Societal – relating to society as a whole
  26. Advancement – progress or improvement, especially in a social or intellectual context.

IELTS direct question – Military

Do you think that countries should focus more on building strong military forces? Explain your reasoning.

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

In our contemporary world, where war and violence are an everyday phenomenon, the question of whether nations should primarily allocate their resources to defence forces becomes imperative. I firmly advocate that, rather than channelling exorbitant finances into bolstering military might, governments worldwide should prioritise the fundamental needs and well-being of their citizens. This essay will expound upon my position.

Firstly, the proposition that wars bring only catastrophe and suffering transcends mere rhetoric; it is a stark reality that resonates across the annals of history. The idea that there is ample space for everyone on this planet is not a utopian dream but a pragmatic vision. Instead of perpetuating an arms race, nations could redirect their energies and resources toward fostering diplomatic and humanitarian endeavours. The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel serves as a poignant example, illustrating the devastating toll of war on citizens, who find themselves scavenging for sustenance amidst the chaos.

Furthermore, the colossal amounts squandered on military endeavours stand in stark contrast to the glaring issue of global poverty and homelessness. It is a no-brainer that millions suffer from starvation and unmet basic needs. Governments, more often than not, turn a blind eye to this fundamental concern, allocating vast sums to the machinery of war. A judicious reallocation of these resources towards the underprivileged and homeless could, quite literally, transform the world into a paradise. The case of Costa Rica stands as a testament to the viability of nations without armed forces. Since abolishing its military in 1948, Costa Rica has channelled its focus into education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, fostering a stable and peaceful society.

To conclude, prioritising the provision of basic needs over military endeavours is not only morally imperative but also strategically sound for achieving global peace and prosperity. In our shared humanity, irrespective of nationality, colour, or faith, the collective pursuit of peace should transcend the pursuit of destructive power. The path to a harmonious world lies in the compassionate allocation of resources to address the fundamental needs of every individual. Only through such endeavours can we hope to transcend the shadows of conflict and usher in an era of genuine global collaboration.

IELTS Direct question essay – Alcohol consumption and youngsters

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

Question 26. Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised? Give reasons for your stance.

The enduring moral quandary surrounding the debate on whether to elevate or lower the legal drinking age elicits diverse perspectives. In my unwavering conviction, the age for alcohol consumption should unequivocally be heightened to a minimum of 21 years. In this discourse, I will elucidate the reasons that underpin my resolute stance.

Commencing with the premise that alcohol is an inherently addictive substance, once an individual embarks on that trajectory, the prospect of reversing course becomes a labyrinthine endeavor. In essence, one must be unequivocally resolute in deciding whether to initiate the journey into alcohol consumption. The role of maturity in this context is pivotal, as the susceptibility of youngsters to alcoholism often stems from peer pressure and a lack of discernment. Consequently, elevating the age limit to a minimum of 21 years would undoubtedly facilitate these individuals in drawing sagacious conclusions regarding their foray into the perilous path of alcoholism. Intriguingly, the primary cause of road accidents is frequently attributed to drunk driving, with a significant demographic comprising young individuals. For instance, Kerala state has adeptly mitigated accidents involving young drunk individuals by elevating the age limit from a mere 18 to 21 years in recent years.

Furthermore, the specter of alcoholism among young individuals casts a pervasive shadow, extending beyond physical health to encompass a myriad of psychological concerns. Primarily, its deleterious impact on academic pursuits is profound, rendering students addicted to alcohol seldom ascending the academic ladder as they lose cognitive focus. Secondly, crime rates among young alcoholics escalate to a degree far surpassing their non-alcoholic counterparts. Finally, exposure to alcohol at an early age often serves as a gateway to various other substances, including illicit drugs. Thus, it is perfectly justified to stipulate that individuals may embark on alcohol consumption only when they attain the age of 21. While certain Indian states like Mizoram and Nagaland have outrightly prohibited alcohol, establishing a uniform qualifying age as 21 nationwide would undoubtedly serve as a bastion, shielding our youth and fortifying their future.

In conclusion, in addressing the ethical dilemma surrounding youngsters’ access to alcohol, elevating the qualifying age to a minimum of 21 years not only enables these individuals to make judicious decisions regarding alcohol consumption but also contributes to a multifaceted reduction in accidents, psychological issues, academic failures, and drug abuses among the youth. Given that the youth embody the future promises of our nation, it is imperative that we employ all available means to safeguard and nurture their well-being.