Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing. This is a writing task 2 health/obesity topic, agree/disagree essay example.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing. This is a writing task 2 Social Media/Internet topic, problem/solution essay example.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing. This is a writing task 2 Environment topic, cause/effect essay example.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing. This is a writing task 2 Government topic, agree/disagree essay example.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing. This is a writing task 2 health topic, problem/solution essay example.
Studying real student essays at different band levels is one of the most effective ways to understand what IELTS examiners look for. These examples demonstrate the practical difference between band levels.
How to Use These Examples
Read the question first: Before reading the essay, consider how you would answer it yourself.
Identify strengths: Note what the essay does well — clear structure, specific examples, varied vocabulary.
Spot weaknesses: Identify areas for improvement — underdeveloped ideas, grammatical errors, repetition.
Compare across bands: Read essays at different bands for the same topic to understand the scoring progression.
Write your own version: After analysing, write your own response to the same question under timed conditions.
Common Patterns in High-Scoring Essays
Clear thesis statement in the introduction
Each body paragraph focuses on one main idea
Specific examples support general claims
A range of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)
Topic-specific vocabulary used accurately
A conclusion that reinforces the main argument without introducing new ideas
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published May 2020. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the common topics that are seen again and again in the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practicing writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
WRITING TASK 2 COMMON TOPICS
The list below shows you the common topics that are seen every year.
There is quite a range of writing task 2 topics, with many subtopics. Take a look at the list below and look for questions in each area when you are completing your IELTS preparation >
Environment
Government legislation
Environmental problems
Climate Change
Animals
Health
Obesity
Hospitals
The elderly
Funding
Poor countries vs rich countries
Health education
Exercise
Education
The rise of technology
Subjects/curriculum changes
Uniforms
The role of teachers
Discipline
Funding
Rules
Government
Change to laws
Rules that affect groups of individuals
International laws
Benefits to individuals and society
Funding
Society
Poverty
Overpopulation
Homelessness
Modern lifestyles
Funding
Public services
Crime
Youth crime
Punishment
Repeat offenders
Major vs minor crimes
Prisons
Technology
The role of technology in our lives/in society
The internet
Social media
Children online / safety measures
Hacking/data protection
Economics
World spending
Cash vs credit cards
Economic progress and success
Communication
Technology
Family
Social media
Types of personalities
Characters in society
Work
Women in the workplace
The role of the employee
Employer vs employee issues
Types of jobs
Salary
Equality
Family and Children
Family roles
Family size
Role models
Discipline (parents to children)
Education
Transport
Different forms of transport
Comparisons
Problems
Environmental issues
Travel
Culture differences
Travelling benefits/drawbacks
Meeting people
Forms of travel
There are many other topics that you can also prepare for, including art, business, marketing, sport, reading, language and food/diet.
TOP TIPS FOR PREPARATION
TIP >> When you are preparing for your IELTS writing task 2 test, practice answering questions on topics that you find difficult, as this is really good practice.
TIP >> Learn vocabulary associated with the topic. Make word lists and learn the meanings of those words.
TIP >> Read around the topic, take a look at news websites or journals and read about these topics. What is happening in the news? Can the news stories give you ideas for examples that you can use in your essay?
TIP >> Listen to TED Talks, podcasts, the news or documentaries related to the common topics and develop ideas, vocabulary and your opinions.
TIP >> Practice talking about these topics with a friend. Ask them their opinion about something you have seen in the news and give them your opinion, discuss the latest news and events related to the common topics.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published May 2020. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (The Environment) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘The Environment‘ >>
Q. What causes environmental problems?
A: I think that there are many things that are harming the environment, including greenhouse gases, fossil fuels and pollution. One of the main causes that I have an interest in is pollution caused by plastic. This is a huge issue that is making the environment suffer, on beaches, in the sea and in other places. People not choosing to use reusable shopping bags is having a huge effect on the amount of plastic that is going to waste.
Q. What should the government do to protect the environment?
A: In my opinion, they should make more incentives for people to learn about how they can help at an individual level. If they could educate people and make more rules about recycling or using plastic bags, then perhaps we would see a difference. I read in the news recently about how Kenya has passed a law, making it illegal to use plastic bags. In the UK they have a price for a plastic bag. But maybe this type of law, making them illegal should be implemented everywhere. The governments should unite and work together to combat these problems before it is too late.
Q. What should we do to protect the environment?
A: Obviously we all have a responsibility to do something to prevent the deterioration of the environment. Ever little bit that we can do as individuals could help, for example by recycling our household waste, donating clothes to charity, going on litter clean-ups and using reusable shopping bags. I always use cotton bags for my grocery shopping instead of plastic bags and recycle as much as I can.
Q. What other measures can you think of to protect the environment?
A: We can all do something to help, for instance, get together with groups of friends to collect litter from beaches or other public places. We can also walk or cycle more, rather than driving, use less electricity, recycle waste and limit the use of plastic bags. On a wider level, the government should impose more laws that protect the environment.
Q. How should we educate children to protect the environment?
A: Children should be taught in school about the effects of things we do that can be harmful to the environment. They can complete projects and work together to learn about how to recycle and the importance of it. They could also complete work outside, looking at how to preserve wildlife, plants and flowers. It is really important that they learn about this at an early age so that they can grow up with some awareness of the impact their actions can have.
Q. What’s the difference between the old and the young as regards environmental protection?
A: In my view, I think that older people seem to be more aware and have a larger concern about protecting the environment, whereas younger people are very self-obsessed nowadays. They are more interested in looking at their social media apps and taking selfies, than about caring for the environment. Older people run groups that meet and pick up litter, clean beaches of plastic waste and run charity events. Some younger people may also do these things, but most are too self-involved to actually do something that can make a difference.
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-26, which are based on reading text 2.
Robotics in Healthcare – Get ready!
While there are concerns about machines replacing people in the workforce, the benefits are tempting. Imagine how a machine that doesn’t need sleep or food, doesn’t have prejudices that we humans so often have could change the way we treat people who are sick and vulnerable. With some preparation and forethought, we can make sure the human touch stays relevant in medicine while taking advantage of our metallic allies. For this reason, here are some interesting examples of robotics in healthcare.
Surgery is an unpleasant experience at best. The waiting lists can be long depending on available manpower and resources. daVinci helps alleviate the problem. It has been used in a wide variety of fields from head and neck to urologic surgery. The surgeon is in complete control of the system at all times, however as the machine has greater reach and flexibility, smaller incisions made with more precision are enough to access the problem areas.
During a hospital stay, patients interact with nurses the most. They draw blood, check your vital signs, check on your condition and take care of your hygiene if needed. They are often overwhelmed by physically and mentally daunting tasks, and the result is often an unpleasant experience for everyone involved. Robotic nurses will help carry this burden in the future. They are designed to be able to carry out repetitive tasks. This way the staff has more energy to deal with issues that require human decision-making skills and empathy. Certain robots can even take your blood sample.
But robotics in healthcare is so much more than drawing blood. With a remote controlled robot, such as the ones developed by Anybots Inc caretakers can interact with their patients, check on their living conditions and the need for further appointments. This would help efficiency a great deal by eliminating the time-consuming home visits. Companies producing and the ones maintaining the system will have to make great efforts to alleviate privacy concerns. As with every such device, it must be near impossible to access for non-authorized personnel. With the proper safeguards in place, these robots can greatly improve the lives of caretakers and patients alike.
Chances are you have been in a situation before where, if an accident were to happen, medical professionals would not have been able to reach you in time. To some of us in the developed world, it’s a rare occurrence. But even in 2016 billion live outside of the reach of conventional emergency services. With InTouch Health, patients in remote areas have access to high-quality emergency consultations for stroke, cardiovascular, and burn services. On the patient’s side, it can be accessed on a tablet or personal computer, and clinicians can also use the same type of devices as best suits their needs.
You have seen them in movies, taken advantage of them in video games and now they are here for real: exoskeletons. With the help of these devices paralysed people can walk, rehabilitation of stroke or spinal cord injury patients. They can enhance strength in order to allow a nurse to lift an elderly patient. While they have many exciting uses, it’s important to remember that currently, they are costly to make and power, so at least at first they will not be available for everyone. Although, in some cases, insurance companies had to cover the costs. Because of this, it has the potential to deepen already existing social and economic inequalities. Decision makers have to lay the groundwork to regulate the use of such devices. They will have to stay up to date on their capabilities to prevent misuse.
The great thing about robots is that they can be built to be so durable that they can overtake tasks that for humans would be simply too dangerous. Take Petman for example: designed for testing chemical protection clothing. It moves freely and can even adjust suit temperature and simulate sweating to provide realistic conditions.
Such solutions not only minimise the risk to human testers, in the long run, mechanisation of the supply chain makes production cheaper as well. Robots don’t need vacations, to eat or sleep. With a new generation of them more sturdy, agile and flexible than ever they increase productivity in all kind of factories.
Hospital acquired infections (such as MRSA) are among the leading causes of death in the US. According to CDC statistics used by Xenex show that in the United States, 1 in every 25 patients will contract an HAI. Of those, 1 in 9 will die. In addition to the human cost, it takes its toll financially as well. These infections cost more than $30 billion dollars a year. Xenex, a Texas-based company produces a unique robot. It uses high-intensity ultraviolet light to disinfect any space in a health care facility quickly and efficiently. The Xenex Robot is more effective in causing cellular damage to microorganisms than other devices designed for disinfection. It reduces the number of hospital-acquired infections. It’s yet another example of how robotics in healthcare helps hospital staff to decrease workload and will lead to a much friendlier environment.
As with nurses, pharmacists are burdened with tasks that could be eliminated by utilising the advancing robotics in healthcare. Heavy lifting, as always, is a big help, but a robot could process information much faster and much more accurately than humans. This way it could make more precise recommendations after sifting through the patient’s available medical data. Pharma dispensers could work as an ATM does, so no matter time of day patients can get access to their prescriptions. If robots were used for such tasks, pharmacists would have the time and the incentive to participate in the social aspect of healing: educate people of preventive measures, give practical advice and therefore make sure that healthcare truly becomes caring.
Questions 14-17
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in text 2?
In boxes 14-17 on your answer sheet, write
YES – if the statement agrees with the views or claims
NO – if the statement contradicts the views or claims
NOT GIVEN – it is impossible to say what the writer’s views/claims are
14. Governments should do more to ensure that Robotics are readily available in the hospital systems.
15. Surgical procedures can be enhanced.
16. In the future, the healthcare system will increase its dependency on robots.
17. Hospitals in the United States reported that infections caught in hospital care cost the nation over 50 billion each year.
Questions 18-21
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 18-21 on your answer sheet.
18. In the future, medical robots will provide many ………………………… in the health care system.
19. Some machines or robotics will use data to increase …………………………………
20. With help from ………………………………… many people can walk.
21. Many robots can perform tasks that people cannot because they are too ………………………….
Questions 22-26
Look at the following names and list of statements below.
Match each name with the correct statement, A-H.
Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 22-26 on your answer sheet.
22. daVinci
23. Anybots Inc
24. InTouch Health
25. Petman
26. Xenex
List of Findings
A. Can perform autonomous head and neck surgery.
B. Provide specialist equipment for surgical procedures that give accurate lacerations.
C. Develop robots that can take blood.
D. Make health care workers that can investigate on patients easily.
E. Can offer healthcare services to those who live in remote places.
F. Can assist in lifting patients with spinal cord injuries.
G. Can perform jobs that are too risky for humans.
H. Ensures that spaces are kept clean, safe from the spread of epidemic particles.
If you need help to answer these questions with extra practice please read the posts below >>
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during September 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help writing answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – September 2018
Agree/Disagree
Parents think that children reading entertainment books are a waste of time and they should read serious educational books instead. To what extent do you agree?
In some countries where there is a huge percentage of unemployment, some pupils are only offered primary education and not secondary education as it is said to be unnecessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The international community must act immediately to ensure all nations reduce the consumption of fossil fuels (oil and gas). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some say that the most important thing about being rich is that one has the opportunity to help others. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world spend high amounts of government funding on this. The money should be used for developing new housing and roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
People in developed countries are buying more and more cars. Do the advantages for the individual outweigh the disadvantages for the environment?
Discussion
Some people think that money is the best gift to give to young people, while others think that selecting and giving a precious gift is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Human activity has had a negative effect on pants and animals all over the world. Some people think that it is too late to do something about it, while others think that there is still time to take effective actions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Direct
There is so much research into new medicines and treatment of diseases – who do you think should be funding these studies, the research companies, the government or private individuals?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during August 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help to write answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – August 2018
Agree/Disagree
Some people feel that the companies and individuals who cause mass pollution should pay to clean this up and not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Billions of dollars are being wasted on space research. The money could be used in better ways, here on earth to improve people lives and their living conditions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Traffic and housing problems can be solved if moving large companies, factories and their employees out of cities into more rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
In some cities, there are fewer controls over the design and construction of new houses and office buildings. Should people build their own houses in whatever style they want? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Positive/Negative
In many countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicants because of their age. Is this a positive or negative development?
Cause/effect
The demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the main cause of this? What measures could the international community take in order to improve this situation?
Problem/Solution
The quality of life in some big cities is becoming worse every year. What is the main cause of this problem? What solution could you suggest?
Discussion
Some people believe that the latest technology, when used in the workplace, can enhance the lives of the workers, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that a good way to reduce crime is to have longer sentences, while others think that there are alternatives to this problem. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Direct
Many people think that having more money will make them happier. How important is money in relation to happiness?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published August 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during July 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help to write answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – July 2018
Agree/Disagree
1. Some physiologists recommend that it is important to overcome daily stress by spending time doing nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. The education of young people is the main priority in most countries around the world. Some people believe that educating adults who cannot read or write is essential for society and more funding should be made available for it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. The only way to solve the increasing crime rate of young offenders is to teach parents better parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. Some people think the government should be responsible for solving the pollution problems that appear from the heavy flow of traffic in the cities around the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
1. Some people believe that having a great difference in age between parents and children is more beneficial. Do you think that there are more advantages in having older parents? Do they outweigh the disadvantages?
2. Some people think that to reduce traffic and air pollution, the government should increase the tax levied on petrol (gas). Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Discussion
1. Some people think that modern technology is making people more sociable, while others think it is making them less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people argue that formal education should start for children as early as possible, while others think that it should not start until 7 years of age. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Some people believe that teachers have an important role to play in the educational success of the students’ lives, while others think it is the students’ attitude that matters. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. Some people believe that universities should only offer places to students with high marks, while others believe that people of all ages should be allowed a place even if they don’t reach those high grades. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
5. The world of work is forever changing at a fast pace. Working conditions today are not the same as before and people no longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and give your suggestions for how people should prepare themselves for work in the future.
6. Some people find it beneficial to send young children to nursery school before they go to primary school, while others think that it’s good to keep children at home with their family. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
7. Some people believe that educational success depends on you having good teachers, while others think that it depends on the attitude of the students. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
8. Some people think that advancements in technology is encouraging more social behaviour, while others think that it is making people less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Direct
1. Online people write product reviews and give their opinions about services. Is this a good or bad thing?
2. Scientists have been warning for many years about the importance of protecting the environment and that we must limit the use of energy in our daily lives. Despite the warnings, many people do not do this. What are the reasons for that and how can people be encouraged to take an interest in protecting the environment?
3. People are less fit and active nowadays than in the past. What are some of the reasons for this? What measures can be taken to fix this?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
WEBER only uses special impact-resistant polyethylene (HDPE) from major suppliers for manufacturing mobile garbage bins from plastic. This means that quality variations of the finished products can be avoided. All raw materials have been tested for outdoor use and are sufficiently UV-stabilised. The employment of these high-quality raw materials allows using our mobile waste containers over an extremely wide temperature range from -40 °C to +80 °C.
B
Optimised design for many years of use: Sustained quality and ruggedness of the domestic waste bins must prove itself in practice. The manufacturer Weber optimises its products with this intent. Optimally dimensioned wall thicknesses and optimised design of the areas exposes to stresses and loads ensure ruggedness and long service life of the WEBER recycling bins.
C
Certified two 2 and four 4 wheel mobile garbage bins with guaranteed quality All mobile waste containers are certified by an independent testing agency. Certification includes the criteria of the European Mobile garbage bins Standard EN 840 and the additional requirements of the RAL quality mark RAL GZ 951/1. Not only a type sample is certified here but the production of the wheeled refuse bins is regularly monitored, to ensure that series products consistently meet the certified requirements as well.
D
All mobile two 2 and four 4 wheel wheelie bins have received the German GS symbol for Tested Safety without exception. The regulations of the GS symbol are legally stipulated in the Federal Republic of Germany. For example, it includes compliance with AfPS GS 2014:01, i.e. testing and assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) when awarded the GS symbol. The regulation was created by the Committee for Product Safety (AfPS) and specifies limits for these carcinogenic substances.
E
ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 Certified Company Abfallbehälter & Container Weber GmbH & Co. KG operates a Quality Management System according to ISO 9001 and Environmental Management System according to ISO 14001. Integrated production checks and product examinations ensure consistent high quality and numerous environmental aspects with the production of our domestic waste bins. Quality and environmental management systems are monitored regularly by external certifying agencies.
F
Robustness and durability through high-grade materials and solid wall thicknesses. High-quality domestic waste bins and recycling containers from Weber, directly from the manufacturer.
Questions 1-7
Look at the six advertisements above, A-F
For which facts are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
1. They have both household bins and recycling receptacles.
2. The mobile waste storage bins can withstand a wide range of conditions.
3. They have been tested for safety.
4. They will last a very long time.
5. They are checked by outside agencies.
6. They meet many requirements.
7. They are made from strong materials and are protected from the suns rays.
The Act provides for a basic annual paid leave entitlement of 4 weeks, although an employee’s contract could give greater rights.
It is for your employer to decide when annual leave may be taken, but this is subject to a number of conditions. Your employer must take into account your family responsibilities, opportunities for rest and recreation that are available to you and to consult with you (or your union) at least one month before the leave is to be taken. In addition, annual leave should be taken within the appropriate leave year or with your consent, within 6 months of the relevant leave year. Further holding over (also known as carrying-over) of annual leave at your wish is a matter for agreement between you and your employer.
Holiday pay: Pay in respect of annual leave is paid in advance at the normal weekly rate. If your pay varies because, for example, of commission or bonus payments, your pay for your holidays is the average of your pay over the 13 weeks before you take holidays.
Calculating Annual Leave
Under Section 19 (1) of the Act you are entitled to a basic annual paid leave entitlement of 4 weeks. There are 3 different ways of calculating your annual leave entitlement:
Based on the employee’s working hours during what is called the leave year, which runs from April to March. An employee who has worked at least 1,365 hours in a leave year is entitled to the maximum of 4 working weeks’ paid annual leave unless it is a leave year in which they change employment. Many employers use the calendar year (January-December) instead of the official leave year to calculate entitlement
By allowing 1/3 of a working week for each calendar month in which the employee has worked at least 117 hours
8% of the hours worked in the leave year, subject to a maximum of 4 working weeks
An employee may use whichever of these methods gives the greater entitlement. When calculating the entitlement, employers should include all hours worked including time spent on annual leave, maternity leave, parental leave, force majeure leave, adoptive leave or the first 13 weeks of carer’s leave.
An employee who has worked for at least 8 months is entitled to an unbroken period of 2 weeks’ annual leave.
Part-time work: Generally, the annual leave for part-time workers is calculated using the 3rd method, that is, 8% of hours worked. If you work full time for some months and the rest of the year you work part-time, you should calculate the leave for the full-time and the part-time periods of work separately.
Questions 8-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text above?
In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write
True – if the statement agrees with the information
False – if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given – if there is no information present
8. The employer can say when an employee can take their annual leave.
9. You can be paid double for any annual leave you take during quiet work times.
10. Leave is normally 4 weeks in one year.
11. You can have more leave if you ask through written permission.
12. Any employee who has worked for more than 10 months without a break, can have 3 weeks off uninterrupted.
13. Part-time employee leave is decided from 8% of the hours worked.
14. Part time workers are often invited to work for more hours during the year if they want to have more paid leave.
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1. An employer cannot fire a woman because she’s pregnant:
Sometimes, employers try to disguise the discrimination behind good intentions. They explain they’re worried about safety, for example. In other cases, the discrimination is more blatant. Either way, it’s illegal.
Take this example from a wings restaurant chain in the Houston-area. The company had a written policy to lay off female workers after the third month of their pregnancies. A federal investigation showed the company laid off eight pregnant employees. A manager told investigators that keeping pregnant employees at work any longer would “be irresponsible with respect to her child’s safety.”
But companies cannot fire employees for this reason. Exceptions are rare, even when a job entails being exposed to toxic chemicals or lifting heavy objects. Courts have ruled that decisions about the safety of the woman and fetus are up to the employee and her doctor, not her boss.
2. A company cannot refuse to hire a woman because she’s pregnant — or because she may become pregnant in the future:
Peggy Mastroianni, Legal Counsel in the EEOC, said this is very common, especially with workers applying for low wage jobs.
This problem occurs even at companies that rely on pregnant women as their customers.
A Philadelphia-based franchise of clothes retailer Motherhood Maternity paid $375,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination and retaliation suit in 2007 after the company allegedly refused to hire three qualified female applicants because they were pregnant.
It’s also illegal to not hire a woman because she may become pregnant in the future.
“There is still a stigma against hiring younger women for some jobs, where an employer wants to know somebody is going to be on a job for years without interruption,” said Vicki Shabo, vice president at the National Partnership for Women & Families.
3. New mothers have the right to pump breast milk at work in a safe place. A company cannot fire or discriminate against a woman because she’s lactating:
You can thank Obamacare for this protection.
The Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide reasonable breaks to new mothers to pump breast milk for up to one year after a child’s birth. Employers are also required to provide a safe and private place other than a bathroom, to do so.
But there is an exception for small companies. If a company with fewer than 50 employees can prove that offering breaks or a private space would cause “undue hardship” to the company, it may not have to offer this accommodation to their employees.
4. In some cases, pregnancy-related conditions may entitle women to special accommodations:
A normal pregnancy without complications is not considered a disability under federal law, and it does not entitle a worker to special treatment.
That said, women who have complications or temporary impairments related to their pregnancy must be treated the same as other workers with medical impairments.
If a company has a policy in place that, for example, offers a light-duty assignment for a few months to a worker who injured his back, the company is also expected to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a pregnant woman who requires light-duty due to her pregnancy.
Other examples of reasonable accommodations may include letting a worker sit on a stool rather than stand during her shift, changing her work schedule if she has severe morning sickness, or allowing her to keep a water bottle at her workstation.
The worker usually needs to provide a doctor’s note, establishing there’s a medical condition that may temporarily limit her work capabilities. In the case of a pregnancy, common impairments include severe morning sickness, back pain, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and complications that require bed rest.
There are some exceptions, but again, to avoid providing an accommodation, an employer has to prove that doing so would cause “undue hardship” to the company.
5. An employer cannot force you to take time off or change jobs if you’re still able to do your job:
Sometimes an employer thinks they’re acting in the best interest of the employee — or protecting itself from liabilities — when it decides to reassign a pregnant woman or new parent to a less strenuous job.
Employers cannot base employment decisions on assumptions about pregnant women’s capabilities and health concerns.
For example, a boss cannot prevent a pregnant worker from travelling on business trips, because he’s concerned about her health. A company cannot deny a pregnant woman a promotion, assuming once she returns to work after childbirth, she will be less committed to her job. Employers also cannot reassign workers to less desirable jobs, even temporarily, due to concerns about a pregnancy.
Questions 15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answer in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15. An employer cannot ………………………….. a pregnant worker from the company.
16. It is against the law not to hire a woman because she may become ………………………….. in the future.
17. A new mother is able to pump breast ……………………………. in a safe place.
18. The worker must provide a ……………………….. note if they have complications that impact their daily work activities.
19. An employer cannot give a pregnant woman a less …………………….. job.
20. A company cannot withold a ……………………………… just beacuse the employee is pregnant.
Questions 21-27
Answer the questions below.
Choose ONE OR TWO WORDS ONLY AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
21. Who decides if the workplace is safe for a pregnant employee?
22. What is very common, when pregnant women are applying for low earning roles?
23. What can new mothers do in the workplace in a safe place?
24. What can a pregnant worker keep at her workstation?
25. What does the worker have to provide if they have a medical condition related to pregnancy?
26. What do some new mothers have the chance of losing after returning to work?
27. What do some employers want to stop pregnant workers from doing?
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The name nuthatch is derived from nut hacker, reflecting the bird’s method of opening up nuts by jamming them into a crevice then hammering at them. Old country names include mud dabbler and mud stopper, both of which note the bird’s curious habit of plastering mud around the entrance hole to its nest.
B
Unlike the treecreeper, which only moves up the trunk of a tree, nuthatches will move both up and down. Once a bird restricted largely to south-eastern England, the 20th century witnessed a spread to the north, with breeding in Scotland first confirmed in 1989. Studies have shown that large gardens with oak trees provide the optimum habitat for this species. One of the reasons for the expansion seems to be the nuthatch’s increasing use of bird feeders and bird tables.
C
As anyone who has nuthatches visiting their feeders will know, they are bold and aggressive, able to stand their ground when larger birds such as starlings attempt to intimidate them. They will take food from the bird table to store elsewhere: this can lead to sunflowers sprouting in expected places. Pairs are strongly territorial throughout the year. The fact that food is stored within the territory strengthens the need to defend it.
D
Though they will readily adopt nest boxes, they cannot resist plastering mud around the entrance hole, even if the latter is already the right size. The most favoured natural site for a nuthatch is the old nest hole of a great spotted woodpecker. Nuthatches are one of the nosiest woodland birds in the early spring but are relatively silent when breeding.
E
There are 24 different species of nuthatches in the world: our bird has much the widest distribution, as it breeds continually from Portugal to Korea and Japan. The nuthatch has never been recorded in Ireland. Most nuthatches are highly sedentary, seldom moving far from where they hatched. The average distance travelled by a ringed adult nuthatch is less than a kilometre.
F
No British-ringed individuals have ever been recovered abroad, while similarly no birds ringed on the Continent have been found here. Individuals breeding in Sweden and Norway have distinctive white underparts, unlike the peachy buff of our birds. Remarkably, a red-breasted nuthatch from North America spent nearly seven months at Holkham in Norfolk from October 1989 to May 1990.
G
Perhaps surprisingly, the nuthatch has received little in the way of study in Britain, and most of our knowledge comes from work carried out in Sweden and Belgium. Numbers are known to fluctuate quite widely from year to year, probably reflecting the availability of seed during the winter.
Questions 35 – 37
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 35-37 on your answer sheet.
As people who regularly see nuthatches will know, they are very confident and can be quite (35)……………………………., so that they are able to defend themselves when larger birds come and try to scare them. They will take food from bird tables and feeders to store, this can lead to many flowers including (36)………………………………….. growing in many places. They often travel two together, and are tied to their dwelling place, because their food is housed here, they (37)………………………… their territory.
Questions 38-40
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet.
Nuthatch Birds
The name nuthatch comes from nut hacker, which reflects the bird’s method of opening up nuts by jamming them into a crevice then (38)………………………….. at them.
Old country names include mud dabbler and mud stopper, both of which note the bird’s curious habit of plastering mud around the entrance hole to its nest.
Unlike the (39)……………………………., which only moves up the trunk of a tree, nuthatches will move both up and down.
Studies have shown that large gardens with oak trees provide the best (40)…………………………. for this species.
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If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
