Writing Feedback / IELTS- capital punishment..necessary or not? [5]

question-
Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of
violent increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?

answer

Crime is always punishable. Retribution is the method for countering criminals. Some countries have stringent rules, like capital punishment, while other have a lot of flexibility in the judicial system. However, strict laws, like capital punishment, are essential in a society.

Capital punishment is given only in the " rarest of the rare" cases. Its first and foremost objective is safety of other human beings. When a criminal becomes a threat to the society, such that they can commit heinous crimes, then they are given capital punishment. Thus, capital punishment protects the society from hardcore criminals.

Moreover, capital punishment curbs the inspiration and prospects of other hateful crimes. When a criminal mind knows the quantum of punishment, they will fear and not commit such crimes. Thus, the rate of crime and violence is effectively decreased.

Importantly, capital punishment saves a lot of government funding which is wasted in maintenance of these hardcore criminals. Criminals who don't have any chance of improvement or who have a past record of such crimes are, therefore, given capital punishment.

However, the jury giving the verdict are also humans. They have the life of a person at their discretion. They can make mistakes which can sometimes affect an innocent, circumstantially marred criminals. The jury must therefore, take into account the circumstances of committing a crime. For example, if an individual murders someone for self-defence, then such a crime is not heinous. Only deserving criminals, who commit such hateful crimes in their proper senses are subjected to capital punishment.

Capital punishment is essential to control violence in the society. I firmly believe that psychopaths, terrorists or any other criminal who lacks empathy for other human lives deserve capital punishment. Capital punishment helps to safeguard human rights in a strict and effective manner. However, it should be considered as the last option by the jury and all circumstances must be taken into account before pronouncing the final verdict.

Writing Feedback / IELTS-most effective media for communication [3]

Q: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information.
comics
books
adio
television
film
theatre
State which you consider to be the most effective. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples for you own knowledge or experience.

answer-

The developments in the field of science and technology have significantly accelerated the growth of communication field. From the old age method of sending messengers to the modern age internet and electronic media, the means of communication have evolved exponentially. The three very effective media for communicating information today are- books, televisions and films.

Books are one of the oldest and most traditional method. People still like to read books to enhance knowledge and understand different perspectives. Books written on various social issues, effectively creates awareness among the people.However, books have some limitations too. Firstly, they require time investment and peaceful ambience, which is hard to find in the rapidly moving modern life. Books also have a very limited reach and can't connect to a large mass. Still, with all the disadvantages, people who read books really gain a lot of knowledge.

Another very effective media is television. Televisions are the most sought after method of communication. They can communicate to the largest mass and every strata of the society. Right from an entrepreneur to an illiterate person, everyone can understand and absorb information through television. Most importantly, television can even give life feed of events, so that one can watch anything happening across the globe while sitting at home. Any last minute changes can also be made before delivering the information. Unfortunately, commercialisation has degraded the quality of information. Televisions , nowadays show a lot of vulgar, irrelevant and fictional shows which do not help the society in any way.

The modern society also likes the films made on various issues. Films amalgamate entertainment and social lessons effectively. A lot of films made on social issues effectively impact the common opinion. However, commercial films which are made on useless themes, promoting vulgarity are detrimental. They don't serve any purpose , instead they are just produced with profit maximisation as the sole objective.

The effectiveness of a media depends on the mass it connects to, the time and the ease with which information can be given. I believe that television is the most effective media with a reach to every strata of the society and rapid fast delivery of information. However, the shows broadcasted should be more beneficial and fact based instead of all the useless commercial spicy shows, which serve no purpose.

WRITING TASK 1

The table below shows the proportion of different categories of families living in poverty in Australia in 1999.

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

You should write at least 150 words.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Family type --- Proportion of people from each household type living in POVERTY

single aged person --- 6% (54,000)
aged couple --- 4% (48,000)
single, no children --- 19% (359,000)
couple, no children --- 7% (211,000)
sole parent --- 21% (232,000)
couple with children --- 12% (933,000)
all households --- 11% (1,837,000)

The given table illustrates the proportion of various kinds of families in Australia, living in poverty in the year 1999. The different family types considered are- single person, aged couple, single couple without children, couple without children, sole parents and couples with children.

The table clearly indicates that out of all the households, 11% people lived in poverty, exactly 1,837,000 people. The maximum number of people, that is 933,000, living in poverty were couples with children (12% of this category). This was followed by single person with no children. 19% people (359,000) fell in this category of poverty stricken families. Sole parents were the third most affected family type which comprised 21% (232,000) people. Couples without children living in poverty were 7% people in this section (211,000 people). 4% (48,000) aged couple and 6% single aged people (54,000), were living in poverty in this year.

Thus from the table, it is clearly evident that couple with children feel the maximum financial burden followed by single (without children) people. Single aged persons and aged couples are the most prosperous family types.

Writing Feedback / IELTS-Happiness- factors,definition and importance - Prosperity makes individuals complete [2]

Question-
Happiness is considered very important in life.
Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?

answer-

Happiness is a feeling of contentment and pleasure. Every individual wishes to achieve happiness in life, but happiness is such a complex feeling which can't be defined in just few lines. Every person has different description of happiness and thus, it can't be generalised.

Why is happiness so difficult to define? The only possible reply to this question is that, different people have different perspective and thus different meanings of happiness. For instance, for a poverty stricken labour, getting two meals a day is a happy moment, while for an industrialist, a profit of millions is a reason to be happy. A small child is happy getting a candy while an adult gets happy getting a job. Thus, happiness is a feeling which varies from person to person.

Though happiness is difficult to define, but it is hugely dependent on various factors. A person's expectations is the most important parameter. Expectations sometimes lead to disappointment and when they are fulfilled, one always feels happy. Another very essential factor is self-satisfaction. Without having satisfaction, an individual would feel uncomfortable in their present life and can never be happy. Satisfaction eventually makes a person happy.

Nevertheless, happiness is achieved when there is prosperity. Prosperity makes an individual complete. Prosperity is the availability of the necessities in abundance. Success, achievements, praise, recognition, financial security etc. are some other factors essential for achieving happiness. However, in the society, greed, corruption, selfishness, anger, lust etc. are detrimental to achieve happiness.

Therefore, achieving happiness is an easy and difficult task, both at the same time. If people want to find happiness, they will find it by watching their pets playing. On the other hand, nothing can make a person happy if they are full of greed and selfishness. Happiness is an ultimate feeling of self-contentment which depends on an individual's nature and attitude towards life. Happiness depends how we think our life is and thus its indefinite, undefined and completely abstract.

Writing Feedback / IELTS-competition or co-operation-which is better? [7]

Question- some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Answer-

The modern society is full of cut-throat competition. Some people think that inculcating co-operative approach in a child is essential while some think that competing is the best way to succeed. However, co-operative approach always helps a child to become a responsible adult with good moral values and a friendly social circle.

Co-operation is essential for teamwork. Educational systems emphasize on encouraging co-operative approach in children. We live in a social setup and mutual help and sharing only leads to success. A person can not learn or achieve everything by oneself. For instance, lions hunt in a team. It is only due to their teamwork that they are able to catch a prey and make task easy. In the same way, co-operative approach will save time, energy and will have a higher success rate.

Nevertheless, co-operation helps to understand other's perspective and learn by their mistakes. It helps to identify one's strengths and weaknesses as compared to others. A co-operative approach can create inspirational and motivational feeling seeing other people's achievements. However, competition is also as important as co-operation.

Unfortunately, the meaning of competion has been modified in a wrong direction. An individual must compete with oneself only, instead of trying to beat others. Competition has helped the development of science and technology. Competition helps in improvement and evolution. For example, every other day, new cars are developed by companies which are more efficient than others. This kind of competition gives customers more options.

However, blind and selfish competition is detrimental. 'Your loss, my gain' kind of competition can never be fruitful in the long run. Competition should be always based on self-improvement rule. A healthy competition which involves raising one's own level above others is the best approach.

Thus, competition and co-operation go hand in hand. These are two sides of the same coin which can't be seperated. I firmly believe that children should be taught co-operation complimented with a healthy competition. They must be made aware of the demerits of selfish competition. When co-operation and healthy competition is followed together, success, achievements, recognition and any goal becomes easier.

Writing Feedback / IELTS-experience or born traits?which is more effective? [6]

Topic-Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Answer-

Personality is a very important trait which accelerates the development of an individual. It is said that the first impression is the last impression. Personality gives that first impression to anyone we meet. Personality is often thought as physical appearance, but it includes the attitude,aptitude,behaviour and physical appearance, all amalgamated in one term. Some researchers believe that the born characteristics are more important for the development of personality than the real experiences of life. However, real experiences in life is the driving force which can have both, good or bad, effects on an individual's personality.

Most importantly, experience helps in learning and sharpening of one's skills. Experience aids in identifying the weaknesses and turning it into strength. Exposure determines the effect on an individual. When a person has a good social circle, comprising intelligent, skilled and dedicated people, it will inspire the individual and they will also learn new things. Thus, exposure and the experiences gained from it will affect the approach and overall skills of an individual.

Nevertheless, personality development depends on the determination,efforts and the experiences gained from it. Education systems have included personality development classes to let the students share their thoughts and have new learning experiences. For instance, Arnold Schwarznegger was born in a farmer family, in Austria. It was due to his efforts and the experiences he gained which made him the world known body-builder and then the Governor of California.

However, some people think that born characteristics are enough for the development. But this is a myth, far from reality. A diamond is a very precious stone. But without proper polishing, it will remain as black as the coal along with which it is found. In the same way, experience is the polishing which is required to develop the skills and personality of an individual.

Without harnessing a field, crop can't grow to its full potential. Experience is that tool which harnesses an individual and affects their overall character. Companies in this modern era look for experienced employees because they know all the possible situations which can arise. Experience reduces mistakes and increases the overall efficiency. Thus, I firmly believe that experience is more important than any born talent. Without experience, one can not grow or learn and this will be eventually detrimental to the overall development. Experience is a lubricant which reduces friction while facing various situations in life.

Writing Feedback / IELTS- creativity-should it be given freedom or restrictions? [4]

topic-
Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. there should be no government restrictions on what they do. to what extent do you agree or disagree?

answer-

Creativity is the ability to think beyond the obvious. Many governments restrict the artistic works of the creative minds. Creativity originates in a free mind. Hence, creative artists must be given the freedom to express their ideas without any restrictions.

Time and again, creative artists like Michaelangelo, Picasso, Salman Rushdie, Shakespeare etc. have made artistic works which gave a social message. Right from sculptures to paintings, books to drama and movies, all these artistic works have reflected the contemporary social issues of different eras. Creative works help to create social awareness by giving a social message.

Nonetheless, innovative works makes people realise things in a peaceful way and peep into their own conscience. It helps to raise issues and criticise the wrong doings of the governments. For instance, Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin was accused of acting against the government, just because she raised a social issue. This type of approach is a hurdle in promoting creative minds. In addition, creativity also gives aesthetic charm.

Unfortunately, many governments restrict the artists. Frank Zappa once said, " Mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work if its not open." Restrictions would just curb the innovative ideas of the artists and would limit their brains. Like the media, artists should also be given the freedom to express their ideas freely.

However, artists should also know not to hurt the sentiments of the people. Many artists have been involved in controversies because of hurting the religious or social beliefs of the common people. Artists should have self-awareness not to create vulgar, hurtful or useless works which do not serve any purpose. I firmly believe that artists should be given the freedom of expression. Mind can not work when it is chained in boundaries. Imagination is at its best when the mind is relaxed and free from the fear of government or any restrictive laws.

Writing Feedback / IELTS- student behaviour- causes and solutions [7]

Question-
in many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

My essay-

Educating is a tedious task which needs meticulous efforts. Lately, there have been many incidents of student violence in educational institutions. A student is not the sole culprit in such cases. In fact, the circumstances and the society is also responsible for a young mind to go berserk.

Importantly, students face cut-throat competition in the modern world. The pressure of studies and the expectations enveloping a student's mind makes them vulnerable. Also, family pressure, like financial situations, problems with parents, disturbing and unfriendly family environment aggravates a student's problems. Moreover, lack of psychological and sociological understanding on part of school authorities creates new problems for students to face.

Nonetheless, bullying is a problem which many students face. Public embarassment makes them turn violent and vent their rage. According to many psychologists, violent movies, shows and videogames have a negative effect on student behaviour and their tender minds. All the mentioned causes and some other unknown reasons have a severe negative influence on students. Students tend to become either very inactive and scared or they turn very violent. For instance, my cousin studying in high school was recently scolded by his teacher. His friends were caught sniffing drugs, so he was also under suspicion. When the teacher's tried to ask him name of other students, he behaved in a very disrespecting and rude manner. Such behaviour is unsuitable in a school. Similarly, there have been cases of students carrying firearms and killing innocent people in schools of USA and many countries.

Tackling unruly student behaviour will require efforts from all- parents, society, school and the student themself. Proper counselling and guidance should be given to students to ease their inner turmoil. Parents should also have a friendly and understanding behaviour towards their child. They should refrain their child from watching too many violent movies or playing such games. In addition, proper surveillance systems should be in schools/colleges to not let students carry any firearm or guns. A proper guidance with love and understanding would be a better approach than punishing, threatening or disgracing students infront of their classmates.

Lastly, a student is like a clay which can be moulded in any shape. The society, parents and teachers should discuss problems of the students and the students should also complain freely about any problem they face. Young minds are very delicate and they need utmost proper care and guidance. Implementing the measures will make students curious for knowledge and motivate them them not to behave in an unruly manner.

Faq, Help / Moderators may only be able to comment... [6]

TO THE MODERATORS:
- Due to high volume of requests,
moderators may only be able to comment
once on each essay!

I read this note while posting my essays each time. But its my personal experience n observation that u all keep responding to the same threads again n again (manytimes) and dont even care to respnd to the unanswered threads until they start rotting in that section. Is there any sort of priority order which you all follow or is it just random? Kindly enlighten us so that we should know what we should expect? I know u all r humans and also have busy lives. But if u can get the time to reply to same threads again n again, then i feel u can also get it to respond to Unanswered ones to... do enlighten us? People who r not moderators,please dont answer it. Call this as complain or request or whatever....