Working hard: two-part question

In education and employment, some people work harder than others.

Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard?

See essay plan

Introduction: Briefly answer both questions – various reasons, hard work is usually (but not
always) a good thing

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: three factors that influence how hard people work

2. First factor: parental pressure
3. Example: medical students who want to make families proud
4. Second factor: work hard to escape poverty, create a new life
5. Third factor: some people simply love their work

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: being hard-working is usually a positive trait

2. In education: work hard, achieve good grades
3. In employment: hard workers rise to the top, become leaders
4. However: hard work can be driven by an unhealthy obsession
5. Explain: hard workers may neglect family and suffer from stress

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise my overall answer

My model answer:
It is true that some people are hard-working and diligent while others prefer not to push
themselves, and there could be various reasons for these different attitudes. In my view, a
positive work ethic is desirable up to a point, but too much hard work can be counterproductive
and even unhealthy.

In my experience, there are three main factors that influence how hard people study or work. One
key factor that drives people and makes them more studious and goal-oriented is parental
pressure. Some medical students, for example, are motivated to study hard because they do not
wish to disappoint family members who expect them to graduate successfully and become
doctors. On the other hand, there are people who see hard work as a means to escape poverty or
create a completely new life for themselves. Finally, it seems to me that some people are more
driven and persistent as students or workers simply because they have found a subject or job that
they truly enjoy; people who love their work describe it as effortless rather than hard.
When a person is described as hard-working, this is almost always seen as a positive trait or
attitude. In the realm of education, we expect hard workers to diligently follow instructions, pass
their exams, achieve good grades and take their first steps on the path to a successful career.
Similarly, in an employment setting, we expect the most motivated, industrious and committed
individuals to rise to the top and become leaders or experts in their fields. However, I believe
that in some people the desire to work hard can become an unhealthy obsession with perfection,
outcompeting others or being the best. When people work so hard that they neglect family and
relationships or become stressed and irritable, a positive trait has surely become detrimental.

In conclusion, there are a range of motivations that may explain a person’s work ethic, and I
believe that industriousness is usually, but not always, a good thing.

Vocabulary review
Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

 hard-working and diligent

 push themselves
 a positive work ethic
 is desirable up to a point
 can be counterproductive
 one key factor that drives people
 studious and goal-oriented
 parental pressure
 a means to escape poverty
 create a completely new life
 driven and persistent
 a job that they truly enjoy
 effortless rather than hard
 a positive trait or attitude
 in the realm of education
 diligently follow instructions
 take their first steps on the path to
 in an employment setting
 motivated, industrious and committed
 rise to the top
 leaders or experts in their fields
 the desire to work hard
 an unhealthy obsession with perfection
 outcompeting others
 neglect family
 stressed and irritable
 has become detrimental
 Measuring a country’s success: two-part
question
Economic progress is often used to measure a country’s success. However, some people
believe that other factors are more important.

What other factors should also be considered when measuring a country’s success? Do you
think one factor is more important than others?

See essay plan

Introduction: Introduce the topic and briefly answer both questions – several factors, education
is the most important

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: 3 factors – education, health, human rights

2. Education: responsible for the quality of future workers
3. Healthcare: life expectancy and availability of medical services
4. Human rights: levels of equality
5. Example: whether women have the same rights as men

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: education is the main indicator of a country’s success

2. Explain: education affects the other factors
3. Health: medical professionals need education / training
4. Economy: a well-educated workforce means better companies
5. Human rights: educated citizens are tolerant and open-minded

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise my overall answer

My model answer:
The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are
several other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my
opinion education is the most important of all.

Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be considered when
measuring a country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any
nation, with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality of future
generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within
a country, and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability of
medical services. Furthermore, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account.
For example, a country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be
considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.

In my view, a country’s education system should be seen as the most important indicator of its
success and level of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the
other factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need
to be trained and scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out
medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will
allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries, and
increased wealth. Finally, educated citizens are more likely to be tolerant, open-minded
supporters of equality and improved human rights.

In conclusion, nations can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that
the standard of a country’s education system is the best measure of its success.

Vocabulary review
Here’s a list of the ‘less common’ collocations and phrases in the essay above:

 the relative success of

 is usually defined in economic terms
 standards of education
 individual human rights
 measuring a country’s status
 bearing the responsibility for
 future generations of workers
 healthcare provision
 an indicator of the standard of living
 average life expectancy rates
 availability of medical services
 levels of equality
 could be taken into account
 gender equality
 indicator of its success
 level of development
 in the sense that
 educated to the highest levels
 carry out medical research
 a well-educated workforce
 allow companies and industries to flourish
 tolerant, open-minded supporters of
 ‘Home history’ essay
In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the
history of the house or building they live in.

What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?

Essay plan:
Introduction: Topic and quick answer to both questions – two main reasons, variety of ways to
research

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: two main reasons why people research their homes’ history
2. First reason: curious about when the house was built, who lived there before, any changes
made
3. Explain why: feel a connection to the property
4. Second reason: for design and renovation
5. Example: people who live in Victorian houses in the UK

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: various ways to find information

2. First: ask previous owners or neighbours
3. Example: elderly neighbours told me about the path next to my house
4. Second: official sources – solicitor, land registry
5. Third: search online or in local library

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise my overall answer

My model answer:
It is becoming increasingly common for people to want to learn more about their homes’ past. I
believe that there are two main reasons for this trend, and there are a variety of ways for people
to shed light on the history of a house or building.

In my opinion, there are two main reasons why people research the history of their homes.
Firstly, many homeowners are simply curious about when and why their houses were built, who
lived in them previously, and how they have changed over the years. Knowing such details can
help people to feel a deeper connection to a property and its past. Secondly, it has become
popular for people to think about their homes’ histories for design and renovation purposes. Here
in the UK, for example, many people live in Victorian era houses and wish to know whether
features such as fireplaces or ceiling cornices are original.
Information about the history of a property can be gathered in various ways. An obvious
approach is to question the previous owners or speak to neighbours. For example, my elderly
neighbours told me that the overgrown path next to my house belonged to a local church, and
they remembered the vicar walking along it every Sunday morning. As well as asking local
people, we can also consult official sources, such as solicitors or the land registry office, when
researching a property. A third possibility would be to search online, or perhaps in a local
library, for historical records about the building, the street address, or the wider local area.

In conclusion, people may look into the history of their homes out of curiosity or for
refurbishment reasons, and there are a range of research routes that they can take.

Useful phrases:
 it is becoming increasingly common for… to…
 to shed light on
 homeowners are curious about
 feel a deeper connection to
 a property and its past
 their homes’ histories
 for design and renovation purposes
 Victorian era houses
 features such as fireplaces or ceiling cornices
 to gather information
 an obvious approach is
 to question the previous owners
 my elderly neighbours
 consult official sources
 solicitors or the land registry office
 a third possibility would be
 historical records
 the wider local area
 out of curiosity
 for refurbishment reasons
 can take a range of routes
 Two-part question: Owning or renting
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why
might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

Essay plan:
Introduction: Introduce the topic, then give a brief answer to both questions – there are several
reasons, I believe it is positive

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: two main reasons to own a home

2. First reason: more security than renting
3. Explain why: no landlord who can evict you
4. Second reason: the home is an asset / investment
5. Example: my own house has gone up in value

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: positive from a personal and an economic perspective

2. Personal: owning is aspirational, owners take pride in their homes
3. Example: UK home owners spend huge amounts on their gardens
4. Economic: home ownership is motivation to work hard
5. Result: a workforce of hard-working people is beneficial for society

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise my overall answer

My model answer:
It is true that many people prefer to buy their own homes, instead of paying rent as a tenant.
There are several reasons why people make this choice, and I believe that the desire to own a
home is something positive.

In my opinion, there are two main reasons why someone may want to own rather than rent a
house. The first reason is the security that home ownership gives people. Whereas renters are at
the mercy of landlords who can evict tenants at short notice, owners have no such worries, and
may feel a greater sense of long-term stability. Another good reason to buy instead of rent a
home is that properties can be seen as an asset and an investment. My own house, for example,
has risen in value since I bought it, and I have paid off a proportion of my mortgage, which
means that I could potentially sell the house and make money or move up the property ladder.

I would argue that the preference for buying a home can be seen as positive from both a personal
and an economic perspective. From a personal point of view, owning a home is aspirational, and
owner-occupiers are more likely to take pride in their properties and keep them in better
condition than a tenant would. For example, many British home owners spend huge amounts of
time planting flowers, mowing lawns and sculpting hedges to make their front gardens look
pleasant, but few renters do this. Home ownership is also positive from an economic perspective
because it motivates people to work hard to pay off their mortgages and own their homes
outright before retirement. A workforce of motivated, industrious and diligent people is clearly
beneficial for both companies and the economy as a whole.

In conclusion, I fully understand people’s desire to own their own homes, and I see this as a
positive aspiration.
 Two-part essay: Self-employment
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or
organisation.

Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

Essay plan:
Introduction: Introduce the topic, then give quick answers to the two questions: various reasons,
some drawbacks

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: two main reasons for self-employment

2. First reason: freedom, flexibility, own rules
3. Extend: ability to be creative, more interesting and enjoyable
4. Second reason: opportunities for greater success, grow the business
5. Example: become a successful business leader like Richard Branson

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: main disadvantages are responsibilities and risk

2. First disadvantage: responsible for everything from sales to accounting
3. Result: stress and being overworked, not seeing family
4. Second disadvantage: risk of failure, bankruptcy
5. Example: a friend who had to close his surveying business

Conclusion: Self-employment is attractive, but there are clear risks

My model answer:
It is true that increasing numbers of people are deciding to work for themselves instead of as
employees. There are various positive reasons for this trend, but we should also recognise that
self-employment has its drawbacks.

In my opinion, there are two main benefits that make being self-employed attractive. First,
people who choose this career path often do so because they desire freedom, which could mean
the flexibility to work when and where they want or the ability to make their own rules. Being
their own bosses may also give people the freedom to be creative, or to be more selective in
choosing work that they find deeply fulfilling. The second key attraction of self-employment is
that it may lead to opportunities for business growth and greater success. Many of us want to
emulate famous entrepreneurs, like Richard Branson of the company ‘Virgin’, who started with
nothing and built great companies and fortunes.
However, working for oneself has two significant disadvantages, namely responsibility and risk.
With regard to responsibilities, self-employed workers have to worry about everything from
sales and marketing to accounting and taxes. This can lead to overwork and high levels of stress,
and it becomes difficult for many entrepreneurs to switch off and spend time relaxing or with
family. The other main downside to going it alone is the risk of failure, with a large proportion of
small businesses going bankrupt in their first few years. For example, a friend of mine became
self-employed as a surveyor, but he was forced to close down his business when an important
client failed to make a large payment.

In conclusion, self-employment is an attractive choice for many people, but it comes with some
considerable risks.
 Two-part essay: Best time to be alive
Some people say that now is the best time in history to be alive.

What is your opinion about this? What other time in history would be interesting to live in?

Essay plan:
Introduction: Introduce the topic, then give quick answers to the two questions: disagree, late
20th century was better

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: this is not the best time, life is too stressful

2. Main reason: the high cost of living
3. Example: house prices, young adults living with their parents
4. Another reason: Internet and social media
5. Explain: young people feel inadequate

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: late twentieth century was better

2. Explain: fascinating cultural changes of the 1960s and 70s
3. Example: revolution in music in the UK
4. Extend: young people felt liberated and hopeful
5. Extend: they believed in wars ending, jobs for all, technological improvements

Conclusion: We are dissatisfied with modern life, twentieth century was happier and more
interesting

My model answer:
It is often said that we are lucky to be living in the best period in human history. I disagree with
this view, and I believe that the late twentieth century was a better ______ than the current one.

In my opinion, this is not the best time in history because modern life has become too stressful.
Perhaps the main cause of stress is the cost of living, which is far higher than it was even two
decades ago. House prices, for example, have soared in recent years, meaning that many young
adults struggle to get on the property ______ and are forced to continue living with their parents.
Another key stressor in today’s world is the Internet, and social media in particular. Platforms
like Instagram display the seemingly ______ lifestyles of famous ‘influencers’, and it is common
for young people to experience feelings of ______ and unhappiness as their own lives seem far
less appealing.
I would argue that life was better in the second half of the twentieth century. It must have been
fascinating and exciting to witness the cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s. In the UK, for
example, the 1960s saw a ______ in music, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
inspiring a generation of teenagers. Young people at that time felt liberated and full of ______
for the future, rather than anxious and angry as many of them do now. They believed that wars
would end, everyone would have a job, and technology would improve every ______ of our
lives.

In conclusion, it seems to me that many of us are dissatisfied with the modern world, and that the
final ______ of the last century were both happier and more interesting.

Study task: Fill each gap in my essay with one word.

Answers:
1. era (period)
2. ladder
3. glamorous (perfect, wonderful, lavish, luxurious, happy etc.)
4. inadequacy (anxiety, self-doubt, dissatisfaction, frustration etc.)
5. revolution (‘boom’ is fine, but ‘revolution’ fits better)
6. hope (positivity, expectation)
7. aspect (part, area)
8. decades (years) – this must be a plural word
 Two-part question: Music and arts
The quality of vocabulary in the following essay is particularly high (above band 9).

Music and other arts seem to be features of every society. In what ways are music and other
arts important for societies and for individuals?

Essay plan:
Introduction: Paraphrase the topic statement, then state that two main ways or reasons will be
given

Main paragraph 1

1. Topic: music and arts are important because they entertain us

2. Explain: provoke powerful emotions, create shared experiences
3. Personal example: how I enjoy guitarist John Williams
4. Extend: others like live events, release of emotions through dance etc.
5. Concluding: arts are the highest form of entertainment

Main paragraph 2

1. Topic: arts are important for cultural identities

2. Explain: artists belong to specific eras and places
3. Examples: French painters, American blues musicians
4. Extend: these art forms are a source of pride and national identity
5. Concluding: arts are part of history and heritage, binding people together

Conclusion: Repeat / summarise my overall opinion

My model answer:
It is true that art forms, from music to sculpture, are present in all human cultures. In my opinion,
there are two main reasons why the arts are essential for societies and individual people, and
these will be explained below.

Perhaps the most basic and essential role of the arts is to entertain people. Humans enjoy music,
literature, dance, theatre and other art forms because they provoke powerful emotions, such as
joy and empathy, and because they connect us through shared experiences. For example, when I
listen to a guitarist like John Williams, my spirits are lifted and I am amazed by the beautiful
musicianship. Other people prefer live music, theatre and art events, where they can enjoy
artistic performances together, and which encourage the release of emotion through dance,
applause, cheering and laughter. In my opinion, the arts are the highest form of entertainment,
offering much more than the simple pleasures of sports and games.
The second key reason why the arts are so important is their contribution to cultural identities.
All artistic works are created by humans living in specific eras and within particular socio-
cultural contexts. Impressionist painting, for example, is associated with 19th century French
artists, while blues music originated in African-American communities in the United States at
roughly the same time. Both art forms have become part of the global image of their respective
nations, and are a source of pride and national identity for many French and American citizens.
In a similar way, music, works of art and literature are part of the history and heritage of all
countries, providing a cultural foundation that binds individuals to each other and to their
ancestors.

In conclusion, I believe that the arts are an indispensable source of entertainment and identity for
all people and societies.

Useful vocabulary:
 art forms
 are present in all human cultures
 the most basic and essential role
 provoke powerful emotions
 joy and empathy
 connect us through shared experiences
 my spirits are lifted
 beautiful musicianship
 enjoy artistic performances
 encourage the release of emotion
 dance, applause, cheering and laughter
 the highest form of entertainment
 simple pleasures
 contribution to cultural identities
 specific eras
 socio-cultural contexts
 is associated with
 originated in
 the global image
 a source of pride
 national identity
 the history and heritage
 a cultural foundation
 binds individuals to each other
 their ancestors
 an indispensable source of