HOW TO MASTER THE IELTS
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Writing section (B)
The following writingtask answers have been written by the author.
The method
used is explained at the end of each task. There are no right or wrong answers but
you must cover all parts of the question. Marks are lost for mistakes in grammar,
punctuation and spelling, as well as repetition of words. A higher mark is awarded for
wellconstructed sentences that communicate a clear message using sufficient
vocabulary.
Writing task
1
Sample answer
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Christopher Thompson and I am a new internet customer. On Monday
I purchased a DVD player from your online shop with a view to playing MP3 discs,
CDs and DVDs only to find that it will not play MP3 discs.
The web page stated that the DVD player was a new
model capable of playing
MP3 discs but this is clearly not the case. I have tried to play MP3 discs but was
unable to do so. The user manual states quite clearly that it will only play CDs and
DVDs and not MP3 discs.
I wish to exchange the model for one that will play MP3 discs. I do not wish to
spend any more money so the replacement model must not be more expensive.
If you do not have a suitable replacement, then please contact me by email so I can
return the item for a full refund, including postage and packaging costs. Please let
me know your postal address for returns.
I look forward to your early response by email, and I trust that you will update your
web page so that it contains the correct information.
Yours
faithfully
Christopher Thompson
Method
The letter deals with each of the three bulleted points in turn. The author introduces
himself in the first paragraph, and then states briefly what the problem is (what the
letter is about). The second paragraph explains the problem in more detail. The third
paragraph states clearly what the author wants the shop to do. The final paragraph
ANSWERS
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covers how and when the author expects a reply, and makes a suggestion about
how a similar problem can be avoided in the future.
Writing task
2
Sample answer
There are arguments both for and against children having to wear a school uniform.
Some people favour uniforms simply because they look smart. However, uniforms
do more than this because they identify you with a particular school which can help
to maintain discipline and reduce truancy. Uniforms also promote safety and security
by making it easier to identify intruders in the school. On a practical note, a uniform
makes choosing clothes straightforward and problemfree for parents. Contrast this
with the difficulties faced by parents with limited means (for example, living off state
benefits) when a child wants to wear expensive designer clothes, mainly to impress
friends. In this circumstance, children from poorer backgrounds can find themselves
disadvantaged.
On the other hand, some people would argue that wearing a school uniform is an
unnecessary restriction on personal freedom and expression. Instead, pupils should
be allowed to choose their own clothes
as suits them as individuals, rather than
having to conform to a fixed dress code. Many pupils do not like a school uniform
that means wearing the same clothes every day.
Personally I see nothing wrong with wearing a uniform to school because there is
plenty of opportunity to wear your own clothes outside the school gates. Also, some
restrictions are always necessary to stop people from dressing inappropriately whilst
at school. There are strict dress codes and uniforms for adults in certain occupations
so children might as well get used to the idea of having to wear a uniform of some
type. I do not think it is a good idea to let young people have everything their own way
too soon otherwise they will have problems with authority later on. (260)
Method
In
the first paragraph, the author introduces the topic without copying from the
question and then continues by explaining the benefits of wearing a school uniform.
The second paragraph describes some disadvantages of wearing uniforms. The
third paragraph covers the author’s personal opinion on the topic, as required by
the
question, and includes more reasons to support the author’s conclusion.