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How to get a high IELTS writing score

Guia IELTS Writing Task 1 e 2: lições com exemplos de IELTS Writing de banda 9 para os testes Academic e General Writing

Neste guia vai aprender a redigir ensaios com pontuação elevada para o IELTS writing task 1 e para o IELTS writing task 2. Independentemente do exame que vai realizar, academic ou general training, temos tudo o que precisa. Este guia inclui exemplos de IELTS Writing, temas e lições detalhadas para o general writing task 1 e 2 e para o academic writing task 1 e 2.

Receba redações de exemplo gratuitas de writing do IELTS após concluir um teste prático de writing do IELTS.

Teste de General Writing do IELTS Teste de Academic Writing do IELTS

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Índice

Informação sobre o exame de IELTS Writing

O exame de writing é composto por 2 tarefas e dispõe de um total de 60 minutos para concluir ambas. Pode realizar as tarefas pela ordem que preferir; só tem de gerir bem o seu tempo e dedicar cerca de 20 minutos à tarefa 1 do IELTS Writing e 40 minutos à tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing.

IELTS Academic Writing vs. IELTS General Writing

O IELTS oferece duas versões do exame. A versão Academic destina-se a quem procura ingressar no ensino superior, enquanto a versão General Training se destina a quem pretende, sobretudo, emigrar ou prosseguir um nível de ensino inferior. Existem outros critérios em ambas as versões, pelo que deve contactar o apoio ao cliente do IELTS para saber qual o exame mais adequado para si.

Então, qual dos exames é mais difícil? O exame Academic, como já deve ter imaginado, é mais difícil do que o exame General Training. A diferença entre os dois está na dificuldade da tarefa 1 do writing. Felizmente, apenas a tarefa 1 é diferente. A tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing é igual nas duas versões. A tabela abaixo resume os dois tipos de exame de IELTS Writing.

Tipo de exame Tarefa 1 Tarefa 2
Academic Writing IELTS Academic Writing – Tarefa 1

Na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, é apresentado um gráfico, tabela ou diagrama e pede-se-lhe que descreva, resuma ou explique a informação por palavras suas.

IELTS Writing – Tarefa 2

Na tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing, terá de escrever uma redação de estilo tradicional em resposta a uma questão. Deve escrever, no mínimo, 250 palavras

General Writing IELTS General Writing – Tarefa 1

Na tarefa 1 do IELTS General Writing, pede-se-lhe que escreva uma carta sobre uma determinada situação. Esta carta será de um dos seguintes tipos:

- Formal (cartas formais são enviadas a pessoas que não conhecemos ou que nunca conhecemos pessoalmente.)
- Semiformal (cartas semiformais são enviadas a pessoas que não conhecemos bem.)
- Informal (cartas informais são enviadas a pessoas que conhecemos bem, como amigos)

Vídeo de apresentação do IELTS Academic Writing


Vídeo de apresentação do IELTS General Writing

Em breve!

Como é classificado o IELTS Writing

No exame de IELTS Writing, a sua pontuação é atribuída com base em quatro categorias, conhecidas como Task Achievement/Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, e Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Consulte os descritores de banda que os examinadores do IELTS usam para classificar a secção de writing:

- Descritores de banda da tarefa 1 do IELTS Writing
- Descritores de banda da tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing

Note que os critérios de classificação de ambas as tarefas incluem:

  • Task Achievement/Task Response  - Respondeu integralmente à pergunta e apresentou uma resposta plenamente desenvolvida?
  • Coherence and Cohesion  - A sua argumentação ou análise faz sentido? Está bem pensada e apresentada de forma completa?
  • Lexical Resource – Utilizou um vocabulário variado, com um tom natural e formal?
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy – A sua redação está praticamente isenta de erros? Conseguiu utilizar uma ampla variedade de estruturas gramaticais?

A tarefa 1 e a tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing valem a mesma pontuação? Tal como vai passar o dobro do tempo a escrever a tarefa 2, esta vale também cerca do dobro dos pontos. Não é exatamente o dobro. Outra forma de olhar para isto é somar a pontuação da tarefa 2 duas vezes. Tomando como exemplo as pontuações 7 na tarefa 1 e 4 na tarefa 2, fica com a seguinte fórmula para calcular a sua pontuação de IELTS Writing:

(7 + (4 x 2))/3 = 5.

Por isso, a band score total de Writing situa-se entre 4,5 e 6. Como vê, não conseguimos dar um número exato porque o IELTS não tornou pública a sua fórmula de classificação, mas a fórmula apresentada aqui é razoavelmente fiável, com uma diferença máxima de cerca de 0,5 pontos.

IELTS Academic Writing – Tarefa 1

Na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, é apresentado um gráfico, tabela ou diagrama e pede-se-lhe que descreva, resuma ou explique a informação por palavras suas. Pode pedir-se-lhe que descreva e explique dados, descreva as etapas de um processo, como algo funciona ou que descreva um objeto ou evento.

Independentemente da informação visual apresentada, o seu trabalho é escrever um resumo da informação visual, descrevendo as principais tendências, diferenças gerais, principais alterações, ou os principais componentes de um sistema ou as principais fases de um processo. Deve escrever, pelo menos, 150 palavras e dedicar cerca de 20 minutos a esta parte do exame. A estrutura da redação pode ser a seguinte:

  1. Introdução: parafraseie a pergunta
  2. Visão geral: descreva a tendência global ou apresente uma visão geral dos principais agrupamentos
  3. Parágrafo de desenvolvimento 1: descreva em detalhe o primeiro agrupamento, de forma lógica
  4. Parágrafo de desenvolvimento 2: descreva em detalhe o segundo agrupamento, de forma lógica

Os passos para redigir o relatório desta tarefa são, portanto, bastante simples:

  1. Analise o(s) gráfico(s) e planeie como agrupar a informação
  2. Escreva a redação seguindo a estrutura recomendada
  3. Reveja a redação

Vejamos os diferentes tipos de gráficos, tabelas e diagramas que pode encontrar no exame de IELTS Writing:

Gráficos de linhas

Neste tipo de tarefa, ser-lhe-ão apresentados um ou mais gráficos de linhas. Cada gráfico de linhas terá 1 a 8 linhas que mostram como os valores variam ao longo do tempo. O período de tempo pode ser o passado, o presente ou o futuro, ou uma combinação dos três. A sua tarefa é escrever um resumo, destacando os pontos mais importantes e sustentando a sua descrição com dados.

Sample Question
The chart illustrates consumption of three kinds of fast food by teenagers in Mauritius from 1985 to 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

The line graph depicts the consumption of three types of fast food, (hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken) over a 30 year period by Mauritian teenagers. Units are given as the number of times each kind was eaten per year.

Overall, hamburgers and fried chicken had become the most popular foods by 2015 with the biggest increase in numbers eaten, while pizza that was the most widely-eaten at the start, declined precipitously in popularity.

With regards to hamburgers, consumption showed a steady upward trajectory from 10 times eaten per year to over 70 times. Likewise, teenagers in Mauritius ate fried chicken only 5 times per year in 1985 before rising dramatically to a plateau in 2005, then increased slightly at the end of the period to finish as the second most popular food.

On the contrary, although pizza was the most popular food with Mauritian adolescents in 1985, its consumption fell continuously from 60 times a year to just 10 pizzas by the last year.

Para aprender a abordar gráficos de linhas na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, consulte a nossa aula IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs.

Gráficos de barras

Neste tipo de tarefa, ser-lhe-ão apresentados um ou mais gráficos de barras. Os gráficos de barras podem mostrar a variação dos valores ao longo do tempo (dados dinâmicos), as diferenças entre valores num determinado momento (dados estáticos) ou os resultados de um inquérito ou questionário. A informação pode dizer respeito ao passado, ao presente ou ao futuro, ou a uma combinação dos três. A sua tarefa é escrever um resumo, destacando os pontos mais importantes e sustentando a sua descrição com dados.

Sample Question
The chart below gives some of the most reported issues among people living in UK cities in 2008 (%).
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

The chart illustrates several important living issues faced by inhabitants of seven major UK cities (Newcastle, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, and London) in 2008. Units are given in percentages.

Overall, health services proved to be the most important living issue in most cities, with education and training a close second. Least worrisome of all to UK residents was air pollution that year which on average seems around 5 times less important to city populations there.

In five of the seven cities, health and safety was the biggest concern with over 50% of city residents stating it as their number one living issue. This was especially true in Belfast and Cardiff where almost 60% of residents were worried. Education and training fell a close second in those same cities with a less than 10% difference between the two results, with the exception of Glasgow (53%) and London (52%) where it had become the biggest problem.

Regarding air pollution, only Manchester (16%), London (14%) and Cardiff (12%) had more than ten percent of their inhabitants concerned. Least of all worried about air pollution were those in Newcastle of whom only 5% of people stated this as an issue.

Os gráficos de barras são bastante comuns na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing. Existem três cenários diferentes que pode encontrar numa tarefa com gráficos de barras:

  1. Um gráfico de barras com categorias no eixo dos x
  2. Um gráfico de barras com datas ou anos no eixo (funciona como um gráfico de linhas)
  3. Dois gráficos de barras apresentados em simultâneo

Cada cenário exige uma forma diferente de redigir o relatório. Inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias para aceder às seguintes aulas sobre gráficos de barras:

- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 1
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 2
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 3

Gráficos circulares

Neste tipo de tarefa, ser-lhe-ão apresentados um, dois ou três gráficos circulares. Os gráficos circulares podem mostrar percentagens de um total. Se tiver um único gráfico circular, este representará um determinado momento (dados estáticos). Se tiver dois ou mais gráficos circulares, estes poderão representar a variação das percentagens ao longo do tempo ou a comparação entre diferentes países ou grupos. A sua tarefa é escrever um resumo, destacando os pontos mais importantes e sustentando a sua descrição com dados.

Sample Question
The pie chart below shows the native languages spoken by students at Bakersfield Senior College over two separate years.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

The pie chart depicts the proportion of attorneys using four kinds of smartphone operating systems, Iphone, Android, Blackberry and Windows, in the US in a given year.

Overall, a clear majority of attorneys prefer using the Iphone operating system on their smart phones, though other systems are also regularly used.

Iphone usage accounts for almost two thirds of total smartphones with 62% of all attorneys using the system. This is in stark contrast to the other three operating platforms, namely Android, BlackBerry, and Windows, which together only comprise 28% of all US attorneys total smartphone use.

After the Iphone platform, Android is the second most widely-used system at 20% while Blackberry and Windows struggle to make up the remainder at 5% and 3% respectively, proving that very few if any attorneys use those platforms. Particularly of note are the 10% of US attorneys who use no smartphone in their day-to-day business or chose not to declare in this survey.

Para aprender a abordar gráficos circulares na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e aceda à aula IELTS Academic Writing Task - Pie Charts.

Tabelas

Neste tipo de tarefa, é-lhe entregue uma tabela com dados. Pode apresentar números dinâmicos que variam ao longo do tempo ou dados estáticos para um determinado momento. Muitas vezes há demasiada informação, pelo que não poderá incluir todos os pormenores. A sua tarefa é escrever um resumo, destacando os pontos mais importantes e sustentando a sua descrição com dados.

Sample Question
The table below shows a survey of the percentage of adults in California by age group who enjoyed different types of leisure activities in 2011.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

The table displays the percentage of different types of leisure activities enjoyed by four different age groups in California in 2011.

Overall, social pursuits like watching TV and spending time with family and friends were the most enjoyed leisure activities by all age groups, though there were clear differences between ages for some. The least popular activities in general were individual-based such as gardening and playing video games for all survey respondents.

Regarding social activities, watching TV was a popular activity for the entire adult population increasing from 76% of 18-30 year olds to 89% for the over 60s. On the contrary, spending time with family or friends rapidly declined with age from 58% of those under30 to under a third of those over 60 as people spend more time alone.

Of the other activities, whereas reading declined from 22% for the youngest age group to 16% for the eldest, the amount of time spent gardening increased greatly over the four age groups from 7% to 26%. Playing video games and listening to music showed the greatest decline with age, with over 40% of young people 18-30 engaged in these activities, yet only 2% of those over 60 doing the same.

Para aprender a abordar tabelas na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e aceda às seguintes aulas:

- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 1
- IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 2



Diagramas de processo

Neste tipo de pergunta, é-lhe apresentado um diagrama que mostra como algo funciona. O diagrama pode representar uma máquina, um sistema ou um fenómeno natural.

Muitas vezes, não existem dados ou existem poucos dados. A sua tarefa é resumir a informação apresentada no diagrama.

Sample Question
The diagram below shows the process of milk production.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

The diagram illustrates the way by which milk, cheese, cream and butter are produced, processed and packaged to be sold. Overall, there are eight stages shown from grazing to cows to the sale of milk to supermarkets and shops.

Initially, cows are grazed in the field then brought to a milking machine where they are milked twice a day. Following this, the milk is moved into large refrigeration tanks for storage, before being transferred to a milk tanker for transport to the Dairy where it will be processed further. This process occurs on a daily basis.

Once at the factory, the milk is subsequently processed into its various ancillary products: milk, cheese, cream and butter. To make it safe to drink, the milk undergoes pasteurization to remove any bacteria and pathogens. When the latter process is complete, it is ready to be packaged. As soon as packaging is complete, the final product is shipped off to supermarkets and shops for customers to purchase.

Para aprender a abordar diagramas de processo na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e aceda à aula IELTS Academic Writing Task - Process Diagrams.



Mapas

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-ão apresentados um, dois ou três mapas. Os mapas podem representar uma vila, cidade, ilha ou outra zona geográfica. Em geral, os mapas mostram as alterações ocorridas numa zona ao longo de um determinado período. Estas alterações podem dizer respeito a construção (por exemplo, urbanização de uma zona para turismo) ou a destruição (por exemplo, o impacto de uma catástrofe natural, como um terramoto, numa zona).

A sua tarefa é escrever um resumo das alterações ocorridas e abordar os pontos mais importantes.

Sample Question
The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilites.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.




Sample Essay

Overall, the island’s coastal features, which were largely untouched in the past, have been developed for tourism with significant infrastructure and building development in land.

In the past, the island remained mostly undeveloped except for a small pier and scientific research station on the east coast. A few trees occupied the island’s interior, with a small beach and rocks in the north and a natural spring in the west.

Today the island has changed considerably. The small scientific research outpost has been replaced with a large hotel complex and swimming pool. In order to accommodate large cruise ships, the small pier has been extended, and a minor road built to the hotel. To the west of the complex, an open restaurant with BBQ area has been established. From there, several paths connect to the rest of the island’s features.

Along the coast, a bike path circumnavigates the island connecting new tourist features including a scenic lookout next to the rocks, and swimming area by the beach. A café has also been newly constructed alongside the natural spring.

Para aprender a abordar mapas na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e aceda à aula IELTS Academic Writing Task - Maps.



Dados mistos

Neste tipo de tarefa, ser-lhe-ão apresentados dois conjuntos de dados. Os dados serão de tipos diferentes. Por exemplo, um conjunto pode mostrar uma variação ao longo do tempo, enquanto o segundo é estático. Em alternativa, um conjunto pode apresentar percentagens, enquanto o outro apresenta números. Pode também ser-lhe apresentada uma ilustração (p. ex., um diagrama ou um mapa) e um conjunto de dados (p. ex., um gráfico de barras, gráfico de linhas, gráfico circular ou tabela)

A sua tarefa é resumir ambos os conjuntos de dados.

Sample Question
The bar chart below shows the preference for different types of Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among US adults in 2007. The table lists which therapies where the most popular over two years.

Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

- Write at least 150 words.
- You should spend around 20 minutes on this task.





Sample Essay

The bar chart illustrates the top ten Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies preferred by the proportion of all adult US citizens in 2007. The table lists how the popularity of four of those therapies increased over five years in percentages.

Overall, deep breathing and massage therapies increased the most in popularity over the five year period, while natural products was the clear favorite among U.S. adults in 2007.

Between 2002 and 2007, certain alternative therapies showed higher gains than others. Deep breathing and massage saw the biggest gain in use of approximately 4%, while meditation and yoga rose by a less significant 1.9% and 2% respectively.

Of the ten most common CAM therapies, around 1 in 5 adult Americans preferred to use natural products, substantially greater than the second most widely-used technique of deep breathing which stood at 12%. Following these, around a tenth of Americans were likely to do either meditation, chiropractic, massage or yoga, whereas a significantly smaller proportion of under 3% of American adults did the remaining four CAM approaches shown.

Para aprender a abordar dados mistos na tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing, inscreva-se no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e aceda à aula IELTS Academic Writing Task - Mixed Data.



Vocabulário para a tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing

Para conseguir uma pontuação elevada nesta tarefa, terá de aprender a utilizar palavras e expressões adequadas para apresentar os dados de um gráfico circular, de barras, de linhas ou misto. Sugerimos que se inscreva no período de teste gratuito de 7 dias e que conclua as seguintes aulas:

  1. Aula da tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing - como escrever sobre números
  2. Aula da tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing - como escrever sobre percentagens
  3. Aula da tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing - como escrever sobre alterações em dados

Exemplos da tarefa 1 do IELTS Writing

Esta secção apresenta uma lista de exemplos de redações para a tarefa 1 do IELTS Academic Writing.

  1. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Chart Questions
  2. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Questions
  3. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Questions
  4. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map Questions
  5. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagram Questions
  6. IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data Questions

IELTS General Writing – Tarefa 1

Na tarefa 1 do IELTS General Training Writing, ser-lhe-á apresentada uma situação e terá de escrever uma resposta pessoal sob a forma de uma carta informal, semiformal ou formal, com pelo menos 150 palavras. As situações sobre as quais lhe é pedido que escreva são comuns no dia-a-dia, tais como:

  • escrever ao responsável pelo alojamento universitário relatando problemas com o alojamento,
  • escrever a um novo empregador sobre dificuldades de gestão de tempo,
  • escrever a um jornal local sobre um plano para desenvolver um aeroporto local,
  • escrever a uma agência de arrendamento para resolver problemas com o sistema de aquecimento da casa.

Em relação à situação, ser-lhe-á dada informação sob a forma de três tópicos que deverá incluir na sua resposta. Pode ser necessário pedir ou fornecer informação e/ou explicar uma situação. Para o fazer, poderá ter de:

  • pedir e/ou prestar informação factual de carácter geral,
  • expressar necessidades, vontades, gostos ou desagrados,
  • expressar opiniões ou queixas,
  • apresentar pedidos ou fazer sugestões/recomendações.
Estilo no IELTS General Writing

O estilo de escrita a adotar depende de a quem lhe é pedido para escrever (ou seja, o destinatário) e do nível de proximidade que se espera ter com essa pessoa. Tem de escrever num estilo adequado ao destinatário e que o ajude a cumprir o propósito da carta, por exemplo, escrever a um amigo (informal) ou escrever a um gestor (semiformal ou formal). Não precisa de incluir moradas no cabeçalho das cartas.

Como evitar perder pontos na tarefa 1 do IELTS General Writing

Como mencionámos, não dedique mais de 20 minutos a esta tarefa e certifique-se de que escreve, pelo menos, 150 palavras, caso contrário será penalizado. Embora não seja penalizado por escrever mais de 150 palavras, lembre-se de que uma resposta mais longa na tarefa 1 pode significar menos tempo para a tarefa 2, que contribui o dobro para a band score de Writing.

Lembre-se também de que será penalizado por falta de relevância, se a resposta estiver fora do tema ou não estiver escrita como texto contínuo (p. ex., utilizando tópicos em qualquer parte da resposta, ou em forma de apontamentos, etc.). Será fortemente penalizado por plágio (ou seja, por copiar de outra fonte).

Exemplo de pergunta da tarefa 1 do IELTS General Writing
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

- give contact details for when you are away
- give instructions about how to care for your pet
- describe other household duties



Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear .....................,

IELTS Writing Sample Essay

Dear Carolyn,

Thank you for agreeing to house-sit for me. If you need to contact me during my holiday, I’ll be staying at the Imperial Hotel in Bundaberg. If it’s urgent, however, please ring my mobile phone, which I’ll keep with me at all times. I’ve written the numbers on a sticky note which I’ve left on the fridge.

My cat needs to be fed twice daily so each morning and evening put a handful of cat biscuits in his dish. You will find these in the kitchen pantry. Also, please check throughout the day to make sure he has fresh water. You can give him a small bowl of milk in the evening.

I would like you to water my plants, too. The indoor ones in the lounge only need water once every few days but the plants on the balcony need to be watered daily unless there has been heavy rain. Finally, for security, please clear my mail box every day and keep the outside lights on at night.

I look forward to seeing you on my return.

Yours,
Katie

Sample essay source: IELTS British Council Sample Answer

Para mais informações sobre a tarefa 1 do IELTS General Writing, consulte The Ultimate Guide for the IELTS General Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing – Tarefa 2

Na tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing, terá de escrever uma redação de estilo tradicional em resposta a uma questão. Deve escrever, pelo menos, 250 palavras. Se não escrever o número mínimo de palavras, será penalizado. Existem 6 tipos diferentes de perguntas na tarefa 2. Vejamos exemplos de perguntas e redações-modelo para cada tipo de redação.

Causas e efeitos

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-á apresentado um problema ou uma situação. A sua tarefa é descrever as causas dessa situação e alguns dos seus efeitos.

Sample Question
The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

Obesity among children has risen sharply over the last decade in western countries. Such a trend is largely the result of a tendency towards convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to children’s long-term mental and physical health.

The prime causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle. In recent years, there has been a surge in the consumption of convenience foods among modern families. Busy parents with no time to cook rely on prepared meals to feed their families. Such foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to obesity. In addition, children these days spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games than playing outside with friends resulting in insufficient physical activity each day. For example, studies show that children in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to 75 minutes 30 years ago.

The possible effects of obesity are a range of health issues. Regarding physical health, diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight children than their peers. These put a child’s life in danger, and may further affect mental health growing up. When children are obese, they are more likely to be bullied and ostracized by classmates because they look or behave differently. This has been known to cause low self-esteem and depression in many, and thus shun friends in favor of time alone.

In conclusion, through poor diet choice and inactivity, obesity is a growing problem that can cause lasting damage to a child’s mental and physical development. However, by addressing this problem while young, much can be done to aid a child in becoming a healthy functioning adult.


Discutir os dois pontos de vista e dar a sua opinião

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-ão apresentados dois pontos de vista opostos sobre um determinado tema. Normalmente, os dois pontos de vista surgem em frases distintas, ligadas por uma palavra de transição como «however», para indicar que se opõem. A sua tarefa é escrever uma redação dissertativa, contrapondo ambos os lados da questão e apresentando o seu próprio ponto de vista.

Sample Question
Some people think that exercise is the key to health, while others feel that having a balanced diet is more important.Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

According to some, good health goes hand in hand with regular exercise, yet others feel that it is more important to maintain a balanced diet. In my opinion, I believe that exercise is more essential for the majority of people.

There are several benefits to a balanced diet for good mental and physical health. For one thing, eating well lifts moods. Simple foods that are varied in color and type can lift mood and lower the risk of depression. Eating more fruits, colorful vegetables, proteins, and whole grains helps the body run efficiently. This makes dieters feel good, and as a result more willing to be active which thus makes them healthier. For another thing, eating well makes people less prone to getting sick by building a body less susceptible to disease. Vitamins and minerals in diet boost immunity, which protects the body against certain diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

On the other hand, I believe that exercise is more effective at improving health since it encourages long-term health habits from the beginning. Exercising not only burns calories, but makes people feel good. While starting a diet is never a pleasant experience, cardiovascular exercises like cycling, walking or swimming trigger endorphins in the brain that immediately decrease stress levels, and enhance our sense of well-being. Once people start feeling good from exercise, they are more likely to continue. Moreover, exercise doesn’t have to be for long periods to achieve instant benefits. Doctors usually advise exercising for 20 minutes three times per week, a sufficiently short enough time to make a habit of, and fit into busy schedules.

In conclusion, while good diet is necessary, exercise offers greater convenience, flexibility, and by making people feel good, encourages good health habits in the long run.


Vantagens e desvantagens

Neste tipo de pergunta, é-lhe pedido para discutir os aspetos positivos e negativos de uma situação, solução ou tendência. Pode também ser-lhe pedido que dê a sua opinião sobre qual dos lados considera mais importante.

Sample Question
It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

More and more students are taking a year away from their studies between graduating from school and beginning university. Students can save for and think about their future during this period, though there are several drawbacks to consider.

To begin with, by taking a year after high school, students can avoid costly mistakes of starting a degree that they are not interested in. A year is a good time to consider options and decide what subject is best to study. Secondly, a gap year is excellent for character development. When graduating high school at 18, most people still don’t know what life direction they wish to take. Studies show that students who take a gap year doing something constructive like travelling do better in at university later on than those who do not. Finally, a year away from studies provides the chance to save money. That way, at university, students may focus more on classes, and less on debt.

However, spending such a long time away from studying may cause some students to lose good study habits, and gain bad habits instead. After 12 years of continuous schooling, many teenagers may be distracted by the prospect of earning money, and lose the motivation to continue their studies. Furthermore, individuals without a constructive plan for their education-free year may be tempted to procrastinate and waste time. Lastly, travelling overseas can be expensive, and there is a real possibility that students may end up in more debt by the start of the university year.

To sum up, although students who take a year out can save money and achieve greater life-direction, this time may also be wasted, lead to greater debt, or cause unintended life decisions that may later be regretted.


Problemas e soluções

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-á apresentado um problema ou uma situação. A sua tarefa é descrever as causas dessa situação e algumas soluções para o problema. A pergunta pode pedir soluções gerais (por exemplo, «How could this problem be solved?») ou perguntar como determinados grupos podem resolver o problema (por exemplo, «What steps can governments and individuals take to address the problem?»). Não precisa de mencionar os efeitos em pormenor, basta fazê-lo brevemente.

Sample Question
More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can be extremely difficult. Explain some of the difficulties of living in a city. How can governments make urban life better for everyone?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

Before as now, emigration from the countryside to the city continues apace worldwide as people seek a better standard of living. However, life in the big city is often hard on new immigrants. There are several reasons for this as well as solutions for governments to handle them.

Most difficulties emerge since rural folk are unaccustomed to city life on moving there. For a start, the cost of living is much greater than in a town or village. City residents must pay more for utilities, housing, transportation and food, which causes many immigrants to share overcrowded housing in a bid to save money. Secondly, unemployment in the city is a major challenge for new arrivals. Many immigrants are unprepared for the fierce job competition when arriving in a city. This inevitably drives unemployment up, which may quickly lead to poverty. Finally, healthcare costs are often high in the city, and if made sick, many immigrants often lose meagre savings to pay for their medical care.

To solve these challenges, and improve life for all inhabitants, city governments have several options available to them. Firstly, ensure an adequate housing supply to prevent overcrowding. Developing low-end, cost effective housing for migrants would reduce living expenses and provide a base for first-time inhabitants starting a new life. Secondly, establish job schemes and professional training programs for new city residents. This would help them to find reliable work and figure out their next step. Finally, make affordable healthcare available to all. Guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare provides a social safety net for new city citizens as they adjust to city life.

In conclusion, given the diverse challenges faced by city immigrants, ensuring decent accommodation and healthcare, as well as creating job programs, can help many hit the ground running and begin contributing to city life.


Pergunta em duas partes

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-ão apresentadas duas perguntas e terá de responder a ambas. As duas perguntas serão diferentes. Por exemplo, pode ser-lhe pedido para avaliar a importância de uma ideia ou ação (por exemplo, «How important is it?») e dizer se concorda ou discorda (por exemplo, «Do you agree or disagree?»).

Sample Question
Art and music are considered some of the fundamental elements of society. Do you think art and music still have a place in today’s modern world of technology?Should children spend more time learning art and music at school?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

Some people regard the arts as fundamental pillars of society, and even in today’s technology-dominated world, art and music are still important. More than ever before, I believe it is necessary to teach children such subjects in school for the many benefits they bring society.

Art and music are central to life in developed civilisations. For a start, they help society to reflect on what it has become. As society advances, artists help to interpret the changes and problems created by progress in unique ways. Artists use their creativity to draw attention to key issues such as the increasing mountains of trash produced or the rich-poor divide. Secondly, artists make people more humble by helping them remember their humanity and their connections to the world around them. Pictures of nature, society, tribal scenes, past and present make people think about their roots and consider where they’re heading. Finally, music gives joy and inspiration to many people. It helps to express emotion and lift mood when feeling down.

While in school, there are key advantages to learning art and music. For one, both give children the creativity to express themselves. Children live in a world of adults; however, art and music classes allow all to be themselves which is good for their mental development. For example, while older children are less inclined, younger children often find singing, dancing and painting to be among their favorite classes. In turn, studying music has proven beneficial in helping children connect more with their emotions. This produces more rounded adults able to connect with their knowledge through science and their emotions through art and music.

In conclusion, for adults and children, the arts bring not only joy, but inspiration, and helps both to remember who they are really are in a world dominated by science.


Opinião

Neste tipo de pergunta, ser-lhe-á apresentada uma pergunta que contém uma opinião. A sua tarefa é escrever uma redação em resposta a essa opinião. Este tipo de pergunta costuma perguntar se concorda ou discorda dessa opinião.

Sample Question
Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on society.To what extent do you agree? Do you agree or disagree?

- Write at least 250 words.
- You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.


Sample Essay

It is said by many that social networking websites like Facebook are negatively influencing society. Although I believe this the effect of social media on society is somewhat negative, there are also clear benefits to individuals from using it.

Regarding society, social networks are causing a decline in meaningful relationships. Firstly, people spend less time having good conversation with each other face-to-face. Most people spend more time having short conversations with dozens of people online, and less time having longer, meaningful conversations with friends face-to-face. This erodes close relationships over time and may be creating a more socially disconnected society as a result. Additionally, there is some evidence that social media sites like Facebook have created a more socially awkward and antisocial society. The average European spends four hours per day chatting online, yet this familiarity with the screen is causing many to become more anxious talking with others in person as a result.

However, there are distinct advantages to the individual from using social media. For one, it is very easy to find work when online. Through group functionality on sites like Facebook, job seekers can easily find a job they desire in the right field, thus increasing job satisfaction when at work. Finally, social networks bring like-minded people together in an unprecedented way. Whether it is friends looking to organize an event, or people looking to meet others with similar interests it is extremely easy to find people online. For example, just take the explosion in minor hobbies like board games clubs that have become popular due to the interconnected nature of social media.

In conclusion, in my opinion, although there is some evidence to show social networking may affect society badly in the long run, in the short term, its effects on individuals seem more positive.


Exemplos e estratégias para a tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing

Em geral, existem 4 passos para abordar a tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing:

1. Ler e compreender - Embora este passo possa parecer evidente, muitos candidatos deixam-se dominar pelo nervosismo e não compreendem totalmente a pergunta em causa. Por isso, a primeira coisa a fazer na tarefa 2 do Writing é compreender plenamente a pergunta e sublinhar palavras-chave. Além disso, pense nestas duas coisas:

  1. Que tipo de redação terei de escrever? (Por exemplo, pode ser uma redação do tipo Problemas e soluções).
  2. Até que ponto estou familiarizado com este tema? (Esta pergunta é importante, pois pode influenciar o esquema que vai escolher.)

2. Planear o esquema - Agora que percebeu o que a pergunta está a pedir e qual o tipo de redação que terá de escrever, está pronto para esboçar o seu esquema. Não salte este passo. Esta etapa deverá demorar apenas 2 ou 3 minutose servirá de referência para o restante trabalho. Além disso, o esquema será diferente consoante o que a pergunta lhe pede. Para aprender a analisar a pergunta e a planear o esquema para cada tipo de redação, consulte as nossas aulas da tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing

3. Tomar notas no esquema - Agora que escolheu e esboçou o seu esquema, faça anotações no esquema com palavras-chave das principais frases de cada parágrafo. Isto ajudá-lo-á a «mapear» a sua redação e a ter uma visão geral do seu aspeto final. Nesta fase, já deverá conseguir perceber os tópicos principais de cada parágrafo.

4. Começar a escrever -
Depois de planear o esquema, comece a escrever pela introdução e prossiga a partir daí. Lembre-se de utilizar um tom formal (não use contrações, escreva por extenso os números inferiores a 10, etc.) e de avançar parágrafo após cada secção.

As publicações de blogue seguintes ensinam-lhe a abordar cada tipo de pergunta e contêm mais de 100 perguntas e redações-modelo da tarefa 2 do IELTS Writing. Sinta-se à vontade para as utilizar na sua preparação para o IELTS.

  1. How to Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  2. How to Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  3. How to Answer Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  4. How to Answer Problem and Solution Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  5. How to Answer Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  6. How to Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2