Write about the following topic: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things

and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words. IELTS Exam Preparation 2007 Taken from IELTS Sample section in http://www.ieltsexam.net

Over the last half century the pace of change in the life of human beings has increased beyond our wildest expectations. This has been driven by technological and scientific breakthroughs that are changing the whole way we view the world on an almost daily basis. This means that change is not always a personal option, but an inescapable fact of life, and we need to constantly adapt to keep pace with it. Those people who believe they have achieved some security by doing the same, familiar things are living in denial. Even when people believe they are resisting change themselves, they cannot stop the world around them from changing. Sooner or later they will find that the familiar jobs no longer exist, or that the safe patterns of behaviour are no longer appropriate. However, reaching the conclusion that change is inevitable is not the same as assuming that change is always for the better. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that new things are promoted because they have good impacts for the majority of people. A lot of innovations are made with the aim of making money for a few. This is because it is the rich and powerful people in our society who are able to impose changes (such as in working conditions or property developments) that are in their own interests. In conclusion, I would say that change can be stimulating and energising for individuals when they pursue it themselves, but that all change, including that which is imposed on people, does not necessarily have good outcomes.

Write about the following topic: Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

As a result of constant media attention, sports professionals in my country ha celebrities, and those at the top are paid huge salaries. Just like movie stars, th lifestyles with huge houses and cars. Many people find their rewards unfair, especially when comparing these supe top surgeons or research scientists, or even leading politicians who have the r governing the country. However, sports salaries are not determined by consid

to society a person makes, or the level of responsibility he or she holds. Instea public popularity of sport in general and the level of public support that succe generate. So the notion of fairness is not the issue. Those who feel that sports stars salaries are justified might argue that the nu with real talent are very few, and the money is a recognition of the skills and d needs to be successful. Competition is constant and a player is tested every tim their relatively short career. The pressure from the media is intense and there the spotlight. So all of these factors may justify the huge earnings. Personally, I think that the amount of money such sports stars make is more ju earnings of movie stars, but at the same time, it indicates that our society plac sport than on more essential professions and achievements

You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter introduce yourself explain what is wrong with the furniture say what action you would like the landlord to take Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write and addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear

Dear Mr Smith, I am your tenant from Flat 3 on Riverside Street. We met each other when I signed the re agreement in your office. I have lived here for 6 months now and I am writing to complain about some of the furnit may remember, the dining table is in very poor condition and has uneven legs. It also doe match the dining chairs as these are too low to be comfortable for a table of that height. pointed this out to you, you agreed to provide a brand new dining set. However, you have so and I would really like to resolve this matter as soon as possible. If it is more convenient for you, perhaps you could simply replace the table by finding one suitable height for the chairs. This would solve the problems without too much cost, so I h agree to this proposed solution. Looking forward to hearing from you, Yours sincerely, M.M. Egil

Write about the following topic: Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your children. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too much time spent on computer every day. This is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too long can be d to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child, regardless of what they are us computer for. However, the main concern is about the type of computer activities that attract children. often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is usua hero of the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be selfcentred and insensitive to others. Even when children use a computer for other purposes, such as getting information or em friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other children and s experiences is an important part of a child's development that cannot be provided by a computer. In spite of this, the obvious benefits of computer skills for young children cannot be denie adult world will be changing constantly in terms of technology and the Internet is the key knowledge and information available in the world today. Therefore it is important that ch at an early age to use the equipment enthusiastically and with confidence as they will nee skills throughout their studies and working lives. I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers. Pare ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds of activity and not simply sit at home live in a virtual world.

In order to understand a reading passage, you need to understand the context of a passage. You need to have a clue about th

A passage on the IELTS is given to you; you did not choose to read it. There are few clues. You do not know what it is about. It When you look at a passage, you must make some predictions about the passage. What is the passage about? What is the main idea? Who are the characters? When are things taking place? Where is it happening? Why is it important? You wanr to know who, what, when, where, and why. In this section you will learn how the following can give you the answers to: Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Using the first paragraph Using the topic sentences Using specific details Using the questions and answers

Using the First Paragraph to Make Predictions

The first paragraphs of a passage can help you make predictions about the context of a passage. The first paragraph often contains the topic sentence (a summary of the main idea of the passage) a definition of the topic the author's opinion clues to the organization of the passage

If you understand the first paragraph, you will understand the topic, the author's opinion (if any), Read this first paragraph of a passage on the illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Topic Sentence Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. Definition of Topic

People who suffer from this debilitating disorder have distressing and obsessive thoughts, which usua Author's Opinion None given. Organizational Clues The author may discuss Obsessive behavior, Stress of sufferers, and/or Treatment

practise1

Read these introductory paragraphs to other passages. Make predictions about the topics using these first paragr

1. The spread of wildfire is a natural phenomenon that occurs throughout the world and is especially c

2. The term "bird brain" has long been a common means of expressing doubts about a person's intellig

3. In 1834, a little girl was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts. She would grow up to become one of

Using the Topic Sentence to Make Predictions

Every paragraph has a key sentence called a topic sentence. This topic sentence explains what a par

Read the second paragraph of the passage on OCR. The first sentence happens to be the topic se

OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act a
Topic Sentence

OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constan Questions to Ask Yourself What are unreasonable worries? What are excessive worries?

practise2

Read these paragraphs. Underline the topic sentence. Ask one or two questions about the Topic sente

1. To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers perform certain repetitive rituals t

2. OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and continue indefinitely until a perso
3.Reserch

on ocr

sufferers has found certain physiological trends. In particular, many studies sh

Looking for Specific Details

When you read, you first want to know the general idea. Next you read for specific ideas. The author

When you identified the topic sentences in Practice 2, you found the general idea of the paragraph. e Read the second paragraph of a passage. The specific details follow the topic sentence

OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant
Topic Sentence

OCD sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a consta Questions to Ask Yourself What are unreasonable worries? What are excessive worries? Supporting Details Fear of dirt and contamination

 The obsession with orderliness and symmetry Persistent doubts Impulses

practise 3

Read these paragraphs again. Pay attention to the topic sentence. Underline the details th

1. To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers perform certain repet

2. OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and continue indefinitely

3. Research on OCR sufferers has found certain physiological trends. In particular, many s

Analyzing the Questions and Answers

You made predictions about the content based on the first paragraph, the topic sentences, and the s

To help you answer the questions in your Reading test booklet, take a few seconds to look over the q

As you look at the question or statement and answer options,. look for the key words. Key words ma Questions 1-8 Complete the summary of the reading passage below.

Choose your answers from the box below and write them in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. There a

checking treatment obsession

doctor

upbringing

inherited

reduce

cause

throw away control

unreasonable diagnosis counting

compulsive

1 .......... thoughts, doubts, and fears that they cannot 2 .......... OCR sufferers develop certain ways of a

First identify the key words. (These with red background.) Then look for these words in the passage. Yo Notice the words close to the circled words in the passage. Do they help you complete the summary a

practise4

Identify the key words in these questions and circle them in the questions and in the reading passage o
Questions 9-16 Do the following statements agree with the information in the reading passage? In boxes 9-16 write TRUE FALSE NOT GIVEN if the statement is true according to the passage if the statement contradicts the passage if there is no information about this in the passage

9 OCR often results from the way a child is raised. 10 Stress can have an effect on OCR. 11 OCR sufferers are deficient in serotonin. 12 Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins after the age of 17. 13 Many OCR patients prefer psychotherapy to medication. 14 OCR is very difficult to treat. 15 Many OCR sufferers keep their problem a secret. 16 Antibiotics can be used to treat OCR.

You should spend 20 minutes on Questions 9-16, which are based on the reading passage below. Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

in word ielts 4 the rest part is saved

however, think

or experience.

gs has increased beyond our ific breakthroughs that are his means that change is not to constantly adapt to keep

the same, familiar things are emselves, they cannot stop hat the familiar jobs no longer

same as assuming that se that new things are . A lot of innovations are made and powerful people in our s or property developments)

ng for individuals when they sed on people, does not

other important

knowledge or experience.

s professionals in my country have become stars and e salaries. Just like movie stars, they live extravagant

ally when comparing these super salaries with those of eading politicians who have the responsibility of es are not determined by considering the contribution

ponsibility he or she holds. Instead, they reflect the evel of public support that successful stars can

ustified might argue that the number of professionals s a recognition of the skills and dedication a person nt and a player is tested every time they perform in m the media is intense and there is little privacy out of y the huge earnings. such sports stars make is more justified than the huge , it indicates that our society places more value on achievements

untry. You are not

each other when I signed the rental

omplain about some of the furniture. As you and has uneven legs. It also does not rtable for a table of that height. When I first ew dining set. However, you have not done

y replace the table by finding one of a ems without too much cost, so I hope you

knowledge or experience.

cted by too much time spent on the of a screen for too long can be damaging d, regardless of what they are using the

er activities that attract children. These are ather violent. The player is usually the e children to be selfcentred and

uch as getting information or emailing g time with other children and sharing nonvirtual t that cannot be provided by a

r young children cannot be denied. Their ology and the Internet is the key to all the Therefore it is important that children learn with confidence as they will need these

n do not overuse computers. Parents must tivity and not simply sit at home, learning to

You need to have a clue about the topic. When you pick up a paper to read, you scan the headlines and choose an article that interests y

u do not know what it is about. It may or may not interest you. Yet in order to understand it, you need some clues to help you understand

hen? Where? and Why?

ut the context of a passage.

pic, the author's opinion (if any), and where to look for information within the passage.

ompulsive disorder.

nxiety disorder.

d obsessive thoughts, which usually cause them to perform repetitive behaviors.

he topics using these first paragraphs.

hout the world and is especially common in forested areas of North America, Australia, and Europe. Locations that receive plenty of rainfa

g doubts about a person's intelligence. In reality, birds may actually be a great deal more intelligent than humans have given them credit f

would grow up to become one of the richest women in the world. Per name was Petty Green, but she was known to many as the Witch of

ic sentence explains what a paragraph about. It is the general idea of a paragraph. If you understand the general idea, you can look fo

ence happens to be the topic sentence.

able and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress. Fear of dirt and contamination are very common obsessive though

cessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.

questions about the Topic sentence.

rform certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety. These compulsions can be either mental or behavioral in nature

ontinue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment. A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder, though str

ds. In particular, many studies show an overactivity of blood circulation in certain areas of the brain. As a result of this increase in blood fl

ad for specific ideas. The author suplies specific details to support his or her ideas. Knowing where to look for these supporting stateme

general idea of the paragraph. en you asked your questions about the topic sentence, you expected the specific details would be the an

ow the topic sentence

essive and that act as a constant source of internal stress. Fear of dirt and contamination are very common obsessive thoughts. The obses

cessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.

entence. Underline the details that support the topic sentence.

R sufferers perform certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety. These compulsions can be either mental or behavi

and 24 and continue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment. A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorde

ical trends. In particular, many studies show an overactivity of blood circulation in certain areas of the brain. As a result of this increase in

, the topic sentences, and the specific tails. Now let's look at how the questions or statements in your Reading test booklet can help yo

a few seconds to look over the questions or statements. Sometimes the questions are before the passage; sometimes they come after

or the key words. Key words may give you a clue to the context. They may help you predict what the passage is about. Look at these ty

8 on your answer sheet. There are more words than spaces so you will not use them all.

fferers develop certain ways of acting in order to 3 .......... their fears. For example, being afraid of dirt is a common 4 .........., which may le

or these words in the passage. You will know where to look because you have made predictions using topic sentences and specific details elp you complete the summary above?

ions and in the reading passage on the next page. Notice the words close to the circled words in the passage. Do they help you complete

d on the reading passage below.

part is saved

choose an article that interests you. The clues in the newspaper (headlines, graphics, photos) catch your eye and give you a context.

ome clues to help you understand the passage. Without the clues, you will not understand it very well. To score welt on the IELTS, you sh

ations that receive plenty of rainfall but also experience periods of intense heat or drought are particularly susceptible to wildfires. As plan

n humans have given them credit for. For a long time, scientists considered birds to be of lesser intelligence because the cerebral cortex, t

as known to many as the Witch of Wall Street.

the general idea, you can look for the specific details which support the idea.

re very common obsessive thoughts. The obsession with orderliness and symmetry is also common. In other cases, persistent thoughts ar

her mental or behavioral in nature. Common rituals include excessive checking, washing, counting, and praying. Over time, OCR sufferers

e cause of the disorder, though stress can make the symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly and p

a result of this increase in blood flow, the serotoninergic system, which regulates emotions, is unable to function effectively. Studies have

ook for these supporting statements will p you answer questions on the IELTS.

e specific details would be the answers.

mon obsessive thoughts. The obsession with orderliness and symmetry is also common. In other cases, persistent thoughts are centered o

ns can be either mental or behavioral in nature. Common rituals include excessive checking, washing, counting, and praying. Over time, O

be part of the cause of the disorder, though stress can make the symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched

rain. As a result of this increase in blood flow, the serotoninergic system, which regulates emotions, is unable to function effectively. Stud

Reading test booklet can help you narrow these predictions and choose the correct answer.

age; sometimes they come after the passage. Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? and Why? By looking for the answers to these

passage is about. Look at these typical IELTS comprehension questions.

a common 4 .........., which may lead to excessive hand washing. Or, an OCR sufferer who worries about a locked door may engage in exce

opic sentences and specific details.

sage. Do they help you complete the questoils below?

ur eye and give you a context.

To score welt on the IELTS, you should determine what you know and what you need to know.

rly susceptible to wildfires. As plant matter dries out, it becomes brittle and highly flammable. In this way, many wildfires are seasonal, ign

nce because the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that humans and other animals use for intelligence, is relatively small in size. Now sc

ther cases, persistent thoughts are centered on doubts, such as whether or not a door is locked or a stove is turned off. Impulses, such as

praying. Over time, OCR sufferers attach strict rules to their compulsions. For example, a woman who is obsessed with cleanliness might w

ave been researched greatly and point to a number of different genetic factors. While studies show that OCR and its related anxiety disor function effectively. Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less serotonin than the average person. This type of abnormality is

ersistent thoughts are centered on doubts, such as whether or not a door is locked or a stove is turned off. Impulses, such as the urge to s

ounting, and praying. Over time, OCR sufferers attach strict rules to their compulsions. For example, a woman who is obsessed with cleanl

ses of OCR have been researched greatly and point to a number of different genetic factors. While studies show that OCR and its related

nable to function effectively. Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less serotonin than the average person. This type of abnor

looking for the answers to these general questions, you will discover what you know and what you need to know. When you read the p

a locked door may engage in excessive 5 .......... Some OCR sufferers keep things that other people would 6 .......... Research shows that O

y, many wildfires are seasonal, ignited by natural causes, most specifically lightning. However, human carelessness and vandalism also acc

e, is relatively small in size. Now scientists understand that birds actually use a different part of their brain, the hyperstriatum, for intellige

ve is turned off. Impulses, such as the urge to swear in public or to pull a fire alarm, are other types of OCR symptoms. In order to be diag

obsessed with cleanliness might wash her hands three times before having a meal in order to get the thought of the dirty dishes or silverw OCR and its related anxiety disorders are often passed down through families, the specific symptoms for each family member are rarely

erson. This type of abnormality is also observed in Tourette syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. People who developed

off. Impulses, such as the urge to swear in public or to pull a fire alarm, are other types of OCR symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with O

oman who is obsessed with cleanliness might wash her hands three times before having a meal in order to get the thought of the dirty dis

ies show that OCR and its related anxiety disorders are often passed down through families, the specific symptoms for each family memb

verage person. This type of abnormality is also observed in Tourette syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. People who de

ed to know. When you read the passage, you can test the predictions you made.

d 6 .......... Research shows that OCR may be a disorder that is 7 .......... though members of the same family don't always show the same s

arelessness and vandalism also account for thousands of wildfires around the globe each year. To gain a clear understanding of how wildfi

in, the hyperstriatum, for intelligence. Observations of different species of birds, both in the wild and in captivity, have shown a great dea

OCR symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with OCR, a sufferer must exhibit obsessions and/or compulsions that take up a considerable am

ought of the dirty dishes or silverware out of her mind. However, in many cases, the compulsions aren't related to the obsession at all. A

or each family member are rarely the same. For example, a mother who is obsessed with order may have a son who can't stop thinking ab

e Disorder. People who developed tics as children are found to be more susceptible to OCR as well. Many reports of OCR point to infection

s. In order to be diagnosed with OCD, a sufferer must exhibit obsessions and/or compulsions that take up a considerable amount of time

to get the thought of the dirty dishes or silverware out of her mind. However, in many cases, the compulsions aren't related to the obses

symptoms for each family member are rarely the same. For example, a mother who is obsessed with order may have a son who can't sto

peractive Disorder. People who developed tics as children are found to be more susceptible to OCR as well. Many reports of OCR point to

mily don't always show the same symptoms. It is also possible that certain infections may 8 .......... the disorder.

clear understanding of how wildfires spread, it is necessary to analyze what it takes to both create and control these fires. captivity, have shown a great deal of evidence of high levels of avian intelligence.

ns that take up a considerable amount of time (at least one hour per day).

related to the obsession at all. A man obsessed with the image of dead animals might count silently up to 500 or touch a specific chair ov

e a son who can't stop thinking about a single word or number.

y reports of OCR point to infections that can trigger the disorder, namely streptococcal infections. It is believed that a case of childhood st

up a considerable amount of time (at least one hour per day).

ulsions aren't related to the obsession at all. A man obsessed with the image of dead animals might count silently up to 500 or touch a spe

rder may have a son who can't stop thinking about a single word or number.

well. Many reports of OCR point to infections that can trigger the disorder, namely streptococcal infections. It is believed that a case of chi

control these fires.

to 500 or touch a specific chair over and over in order to block the images. Holding onto objects that would normally be discarded, such a

elieved that a case of childhood strep throat can elicit a response from the immune system that produces certain neuropsychlatric disord

nt silently up to 500 or touch a specific chair over and over in order to block the images. Holding onto objects that would normally be disc

ns. It is believed that a case of childhood strep throat can elicit a response from the immune system that produces certain neuropsychlatr

ould normally be discarded, such as newspapers and empty containers, is another common compulsion.

es certain neuropsychlatric disorders, such as

bjects that would normally be discarded, such as newspapers and empty containers, is another common compulsion.

t produces certain neuropsychlatric disorders, such as OCR.

ocr

compulsion.