IELTS Writing Ideas – 2

Ideas in Writing Task 2 can be a major deterrent in IELTS. Ideas have been complied below and can be very helpful.

6. Environment

Global Warming

• Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun.
• This causes global temperatures to rise.
• This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
• Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases.
• Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes.
• Many developing countries are becoming industrialised.
• The number of cars on our streets is growing.
• Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly.

Effects of Global Warming

• Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet.
• Rising temperatures will cause melting of the polar ice caps.
• Sea levels will rise.
• We can expect more extreme weather conditions.
• Flooding and droughts may become more common.

Impact of Humans on the Environment

• The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources.
• Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out.
• We are destroying wildlife habitats.
• We have cut down enormous areas of rainforest.
• This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants.

Solutions to Environment Problems

• Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories.
• They should invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power.
• They could impose “green taxes” on drivers and airline companies.
• Government campaigns should promote recycling.
• Natural areas and wild animals should be protected.
• Individuals should also try to be greener.
• We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays.
• We should take public transport rather than driving.
• We should choose products with less packaging.
• We should recycle as much as possible.

Waste / Rubbish

• The amount of waste we produce has increased.
• This problem is a result of our consumer culture.
• Products are not made to last.
• If something breaks, we throw it away and buy a new one.
• Advertisers encourage us to buy the newest fashions.
• Packaging is an important part of selling.
• Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastic packaging.
• The amount of household waste is growing.
• This waste ends up in landfill sites.

Litter

• People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish.
• They assume that somebody is paid to clean the streets.
• Plastic packaging does not break down easily.
• Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging.

Recycling and Other Solutions

• Companies should make goods that last longer.
• They should not use so much packaging.
• Governments should be stricter about waste produced by companies.
• They should put legal limits on packaging.
• Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products.
• We should recycle and reuse useful materials.
• There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles.
• Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste.
• Recycling saves energy and raw materials.

Nuclear Power: Positives

• There are several benefits to building more nuclear power stations.
• Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out.
• Nuclear power is a relatively sustainable energy source.
• It can be used to produce electricity without wasting natural resources.
• It could replace the use of natural resources like coal, oil or gas.
• Nuclear power stations are cleaner than fossil fuel power stations.
• They could help to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming.
• The risks of accidents are being reduced.

Nuclear Power: Negatives

• Opponents of nuclear power worry about the safety of power stations.
• The building of new nuclear power stations is unpopular.
• Nobody wants to live near one.
• Nuclear waste disposal is a significant problem.
• There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive material.
• People worry that terrorists could steal radioactive materials.
• It is safer to produce energy from solar, wind or water power.

7. Family

Family Size

• Families in many countries are not as large as they used to be.
• We tend to live in small nuclear families rather than large extended families.
• Parents tend to have fewer children.
• Young children are no longer expected to work.
• Nowadays both parents often work.
• It costs so much to bring children up.
• It is more difficult to raise a large family.

Working Parents (also see “Gender” topic)

• Children and their parents seem to be less close nowadays.
• Parents spend less time with their children.
• Women traditionally stayed at home to cook, clean and look after children.
• Nowadays both parents often work full time.
• Children may be left alone, or with nannies or babysitters.
• Busy parents have less contact with their children.
• Many families no longer eat meals together.
• Children spend more time with friends or surfing the Internet.

Negative Effects on Children

• The lack of closeness in families can have a negative effect on children.
• Many parents have no idea how their children spend their time.
• Friends, television and the Internet become the main influences on children’s behaviour.
• Teenagers are influenced by peer pressure.
• Some of them join gangs.
• Juvenile delinquency is on the increase.
• Parents should be more involved with their children’s upbringing.
• Young people need positive role models.

Divorce

• In the past, divorce was unacceptable.
• It was considered to be embarrassing for a family.
• People stayed together for religious or family reasons.
• Divorce is more socially acceptable nowadays.
• It has become much more common.
• Divorce can be extremely stressful.
• Lone parents may face financial difficulties.
• Many single parents have to rely on benefits paid by the state.
• Divorce can have a negative effect on children.
• Children from single-parent families are more likely to get lower grades or drop out of school.
• The rise in divorce rates may be connected to some social problems.

Care for Old People

• Caring for elderly people was traditionally the responsibility of families.
• Adults had to look after their elderly parents.
• A woman’s job was to stay at home taking care of her family.
• Nowadays, fewer elderly people are looked after by their relatives.
• Residential homes provide care for large numbers of elderly people.
• Some families are unable to look after elderly relatives.
• Families tend to be smaller these days, and women often have full-time jobs.
• Care homes provide a professional service for senior citizens.
• Nurses are better trained than family members.

Care for Old People: Opinion

• The best form of care for the elderly depends on the family situation.
• It depends on whether family members have the time and resources.
• We all have a responsibility towards the older people in our society.
• Governments should invest money in facilities and training for care workers

8. Gender (Males and Females)

Gender and Education

• Men and women should have access to the same educational opportunities.
• Males and females should be accepted onto courses according to their abilities.
• It is wrong to discriminate against students because of their gender.
• Gender should be irrelevant in education.
• Students’ achievements should depend on hard work and individual merit.
• In the UK, there are similar numbers of male and female students in higher education.

Gender and Work

• Men and women should have access to the same professional opportunities.
• Both men and women should be able to pursue a career.
• They should earn equal salaries.
• They should be employed according to their abilities, qualifications and experience.
• Traditionally, women have been restricted to certain roles.
• They were often employed as secretaries or receptionists.
• Nowadays, a range of occupations is available to both sexes.
• Career success depends on individual merit.

Women’s and Men’s Role in the Family

• Some people argue that a mother should not work.
• She should stay at home and bring up her children.
• The father should be the breadwinner of the family.
• Others believe that both parents should share these responsibilities.
• Working women can take maternity leave during and after pregnancy.
• Many mothers continue to work after this period.
• Many fathers and mothers share their parenting and domestic responsibilities.
• They contribute equally to childcare, cooking and cleaning.
• Some women may have better career prospects than their husbands
• Paternity leave and “househusbands” are becoming more common.
• Traditional gender roles are gradually changing.
• Families can divide roles and responsibilities in the most convenient way.

9. Genetic Engineering

Positives of Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism.
• It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases.
• Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly.
• Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering.
• It may become possible to change humans’ genetic characteristics.
• Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure diseases.
• Inherited illnesses would no longer exist.
• Genes could be changed before a baby is born.
• It could also be possible to clone human organs.
• We could all have replacement body parts.
• Humans could live longer, healthier lives.

Negatives of Genetic Engineering

• There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering.
• Parents might want to choose their children’s characteristics.
• This would be unnatural.
• It would be unacceptable in most religions.
• Soldiers could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people.
• Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs.
• Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements.
• Society and human evolution would change completely.
• Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited.

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Advantages

• Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster.
• Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects.
• This could be important for food production in developing countries.
• Faster growing cereals, fruit and vegetables will mean more profit.
• GM foods can be modified to look perfect.
• They may be more attractive to customers.

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Disadvantages

• There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of foods.
• GM crops might change whole ecosystems.
• Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators.
• Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification.
• Organic farming may be slower and more expensive.
• However, the environment is not damaged by fertilisers or pesticides.

10. Global Issues

Problems in Developing Countries

• Developing countries face a range of problems.
• Standards of healthcare and education are low.
• Life expectancy is usually lower than in developed countries.
• There is a lack of infrastructure, employment and good quality housing.
• Many people are forced to live in poverty.
• Food, drinking water and basic medicines are in short supply.

How to Help Developing Countries

• The best form of help for developing countries is development aid.
• Richer nations can help by investing in long-term projects.
• Governments and charities can help by building new houses and schools.
• Globalisation may also help developing countries.
• Multi-national companies are creating jobs in developing countries.
• On the other hand, many people emigrate to find work in richer countries.
• They often send money back home to their families.
• This money helps to improve the standard of living in developing countries.

Immigration

• Some people move to another country in search of a better life.
• Many immigrants come from less developed countries.
• Richer, industrialised countries may offer opportunities for employment.
• Free healthcare and schooling are available in some developed countries.
• Other people migrate to a foreign country to improve their academic qualifications.

Positives of Immigration and Multi-Cultural Societies

• From an economic perspective, immigration can be extremely positive.
• Many immigrants have skills that are needed in the country they move to.
• Immigrants who find work contribute to the economy of their new country.
• Many immigrants send money home to help family members.
• Immigration also creates cultural diversity.
• People of many different nationalities learn to live together.
• This can help people to become more open-minded and tolerant.

Negatives of Immigration

• Some people believe that immigrants take jobs that should go to local people.
• Some immigrant workers work longer hours for less money.
• Companies might pay lower salaries to immigrant workers.
• Unemployment rates could rise if there are too many immigrants.

Opinions about Immigration

• Immigration can help the economy of a country.
• It can create multi-cultural societies.
• However, immigration needs to be controlled.
• In many countries, immigrants need visas or work permits.
• Governments should stop companies from exploiting immigrant workers.
• Foreign and local workers should have the right to equal pay and conditions.

Positives of Globalisation

• Business is becoming increasingly international.
• Multi-national companies do business across the world.
• Companies like MacDonald’s can be seen on high streets in most cities.
• Goods are produced in one country and sold in many others.
• A global economy means free trade between countries.
• This can strengthen political relationships.
• Globalisation can also create opportunities for employment.
• It encourages investment in less developed countries.
• It could reduce poverty in the developing world.

Negatives of Globalisation

• Globalisation is not always beneficial to everyone.
• Companies can move to countries where labour is cheap.
• This creates redundancies, or job losses.
• Employees cannot be confident that they have stable jobs.
• Companies sometimes exploit their employees in developing countries.
• Global trade creates more waste and pollution.

The Future of Globalisation

• There should be global regulations for salaries and working conditions.
• Governments should impose laws to protect the environment.