Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TAST 2：REPEATED OFFENSE [2]

Research suggests that many prisoners commit crimes again after being released. What are the causes of this? What should be done to change it?

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Sending to prison is the most common punishment for people who are found guilty in serious crimes. However, some research shows that prisoners tend to re-offend after the sentence is up. In my opinion, the main reason for this is the failure to serve the right purpose of imprisonment.

It seems that many prisons are built for the sole aim of punishment. Criminals are deprived of freedom for certain period of time to ensure the safety of other citizens. During this process, the nature of criminals is not necessarily changed towards a good direction. On the contrary, the fact that all kinds of criminals are put together gives them easy access to other offenders. As a consequence of this mutual influence, they are likely to develop a more vicious attitude towards life and society, and to commit crimes again after being released.

The solution to this problem is to make prisons fulfill the function of rehabilitation. The psychological reason for people to commit offense is their lack of sense of security in economy, relationship and other aspects of life. In order to reduce the odds of re-offense, their sense of insecurity should be diminished to the greatest extent. On the one hand, positive values of life should be imparted to them by giving educational lessons and psychological treatment. When they are properly taught how to be good citizens, they will be too self-disciplined to re-offend. On the other hand, they should receive vocational training so as to gain specific job skills. In this way, they will be better able to find a job by due means and less likely to have criminal motivations.

In conclusion, repeated offense should be attributed to the inappropriate application of punishment. Only by rehabilitation can they be reformed to be better and wiser individuals and integrated back into society.

Writing Feedback / IELTS: PROBLEMS AND BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM [2]

International tourism has become a huge industry in the world. Some people think that the problems caused by international tourism outweigh benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Along with the advancement of long-distance transportation, international tourism has boomed in the last few decades. Some people believe that this has brought more problems than benefits. I disagree with this view.

I admit that tourism can have a negative impact on the natural environment. In order to meet the needs of tourists, local governments are likely to build more facilities and infrastructures around tourist attractions, which may result in the destruction of natural habitats. Tourism also creates more pollution and waste, including growing emission of greenhouse gases, dumped leftovers and overuse of water, power and other kind of energy in luxurious hotels. Based on these grounds, it seems that tourism puts great pressure on ecosystem and local resources, and it should not be encouraged.

However, flourishing tourism in a place can be very rewarding in terms of local economy. Holiday makers flocking to other countries are not only bound to spend on tickets of attractions, but also pay for food, accommodation, transportation and entertainment. Both local people and governments can make a large amount of money through these services, and more employment opportunities can be created as well. I also believe the revenue earned form tourism can be used in turn to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Furthermore, the increasing development of tourism is a boon to travelers as well. The provision of direct airlines makes it possible for them to travel conveniently and comfortably. With adequate local facilities and services available, they can spend more of their holidays having fun and relaxing. In addition, both locals and tourists can experience more cultures than ever before, and they can be more open-minded to eliminate preconceptions and deepen mutual understanding among nations.

In conclusion, the prosperity of tourism can provide benefits for people on a global scale. Although there are some inevitable problems, they are outweighed by advantages and can be tackled if proper measures are taken.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: PAYING TAX OR NOT [6]

Some people think we should keep all the money we earn and not pay tax to the state. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Paying tax is made compulsory for citizens in every country, but some people argue that it is not our responsibility. I disagree with this opinion.

Opponents of paying tax may base their argument on the ground that all private properties should be respected in democratic countries. As long as people earn their money through hard work, they should have complete ownership of it. Governments should not take part of their income away against their free wills. According to their views, the practice of taxation counters the ideals of democracy and liberty.

Unfortunately, these ideals cannot be fully realized without effective governance of the country, which is mainly funded by revenues from taxation. A democratic country does not only need hardworking individuals who contribute to the growth of economy, but also requires being arranged, maintained and controlled as a whole, including infrastructure construction, law enforcement, market regulation and so on. Without sufficient funding from taxes paid by people, they are unlikely to enjoy a well-facilitated and organized life.

Furthermore, taxation is an important way to close social divide between the rich and the poor. People are born with different abilities and brought up in different environments, thereby earning different levels of income. If governments levy high rate of tax on rich people, the money can be used to support the life of disadvantaged ones through social welfare programs. This will help to achieve greater social equality, which is one of the essential goals of democracy.

In conclusion, it is narrow-sighted to keep all the money by ourselves. Everyone should fulfill their tax obligations in order to live in an ordered and equal society.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: TO PROTECT ANIMALS OR TO TACKLE PROBLEMS OF HUMAN BEINGS? [2]

There are many extinct species in the world nowadays. Some people say we should protect these animals from dying out, while others say we should concentrate more on problems of human beings. Discuss both opinions and give your personal view.

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Many animals today are in danger of extinction owing to various reasons. While some people believe it is important to protect these endangered species, others argue that problems of human beings deserve more attention. In my opinion, we should give priority to our own issues.

Animal protectionists may base their argument on the ground that biodiversity is essential to maintain the balance of ecosystem. If certain species are absent from this system, such kind of balance is likely to be disrupted and other species, including human beings, will come under threat. Therefore, it is our responsibility to keep as many species on the Earth as possible.

However, I think species extinction is quite natural according to the theory of evolution. The environment on the Earth has been transformed many times since the first species came into being. A great number of plants and animals died out because they were unable to fit into the new environment. On most occasions, the process of extinction of some species is irrevocable and we can do nothing about it.

Furthermore, human beings nowadays are still faced with many urgent problems such as starvation, disease and wars. When these problems are taken into account, extinction of some animals recedes greatly in importance and it is not sensible to devote our limited resources to animals that have been past help. We should put our own survival and sustainment in order first before considering the conservation of other species.

In conclusion, more emphasis should be laid on human beings other than animals, and it is better to let nature take its course with regard to species extinction.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: WOMEN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE PROFESSION [2]

Some people think that women should have the same right as men to choose profession. Others, however, believe that women are less able than men to do certain jobs. Discuss both those views and give your own opinion.

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People have discrepant views about women's right to choose profession. In my opinion, though men are more suitable than women in some jobs, it does not deprive women of their equal status in the job market.

It is true that some professions tend to be more popular with one gender than the other. For instance, men are more likely to become software programmers and drivers, while women are more likely to become fashion models and nurses. This is due to their different characteristics. Men are better at logical thinking and physically stronger, while women do better in arts and delicate work. Although opportunities of education have been provided equally for both sexes in recent years, we cannot deny that males and females still appear to have different preferences when picking majors. Therefore, it is natural for some people to think that women are less able than men in some areas.

However, accepting the difference between male and female is not the same as sex discrimination. I believe people should be recruited according to their ability and qualifications, and gender is unlikely to be included as a job requirement on most occasions. Furthermore, a considerable number of women have proved that they can also be excellent in men's traditional fields. Examples of female scientists and generals can often be found in history books. Therefore, we cannot deny women's right to be successful in certain fields in their own ways.

In conclusion, it seems to me that profession should be chosen on the basis of gender equality, despite the fact that men and women are sometimes talented for different jobs.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: AIR TRANSPORT USED TO EXPORT FOOD [3]

Nowadays air transport is used to export a wide variety of food to countries where the food is out of season. Some people think this is a positive development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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People in many countries today can enjoy various kinds of food from other places of the world due to the advancement of transport, especially airplane. I agree with the view that this is a positive development.

First, people's lives are greatly enriched owing to the increase in the variety of food. In the past people's dinner was restricted to the local seasons. Especially in cold districts, very few kinds of food were available in markets and people could only put food in storage by freezing or curing them. The nutrition and freshness were consequently reduced. With the help of air transport, fresh food can be delivered to any corner of the Earth, and people can eat the food out of season without worrying about the quality of the food.

Furthermore, transport of food between countries is also a nice way to promote economic and cultural exchange. Food corporations, airline companies and governments can all make money through international trade, air fare and duties. For consumers, it is also a chance to learn about another culture, which may arouse their interests in travelling to the country where the food are produced.

However, some people may argue that there are other alternatives to provide people with out-of-season food. For example, advancement in agriculture technology has made it possible to simulate the climates in other seasons in greenhouses so that many kinds of food do not exclusively belong to one particular season any more. But in my opinion, compared to the rapidity and convenience of air transport, more time and space are supposed to be consumed by this approach.

In conclusion, people, companies and governments can all benefit from air transport of food, and this kind of business should be encouraged in a world-wide range.

Writing Feedback / IELTS: SCIENTISTS VS POLITICIANS - Who have the greatest influence on our lives? [5]

Some people think scientists have the greatest influence on our lives. Others, however, believe that politicians have the greatest influence. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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In modern society, people's lives are inevitably involved in both science and politics. The influences that scientists and politicians have on us are sometimes compared by people.

The way that scientists transform our lives is often more visible. Almost everything we use in our lives has close link to science and technology, ranging from the oven used for cooking to the vehicle used for travelling and the computer used for processing information. If it were not for scientists, we would never have discovered and harnessed so many principles of the nature, and we might still live in the primitive age.

Politicians affect our lives in a different way, which is less easily to be noticed. They establish budgets to provide public facilities and services; they make and enforce laws to maintain equality and justice; they build up armies to defend national security. If it were not for them, the society would be in a mess, and we could not have been living in an organized way.

While I acknowledge that scientists and politicians are both essential to a well-developed society, I tend toward the opinion that scientists have deeper and longer influence. For example, although paper was invented over two thousand years ago, it is still a necessity in our life. However, the political system built at that time is unlikely to be missed by people today.

In conclusion, scientists and politicians influence our lives in their own ways, but it seems to me that the influence of the scientists is more direct and powerful.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: DISTANCE EDUCATION AND CLASSROOM-BASED EDUCATION [3]

Distance education delivered via the Internet or television has more advantage than classroom-based education. Do you agree or disagree?

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Some people prefer distance education to classroom-based education because they believe the former approach can bring more benefits. I am opposed to this opinion.

Those who are in favor of distance education may base their argument on following reasons. Firstly, information delivered via the Internet or television is as much as that in classroom with regard to the main content of the subjects. Communications through instant messaging tools are so smooth today that students will not miss any words or scenes due to long distance. Secondly, such kind of class is more convenient to have, both for teachers and students, who do not have to go out of their doors and travel a long way to the school. Finally, the cost of education can be greatly cut down because both parties of the education do not have to pay for transportation and facilities in school.

However, I believe that traditional method of teaching in the classroom can make education more productive. This is because the interaction between teachers and students arranged in the classroom are much richer in forms. For example, some science experiments are supposed to be presented through smell and touch rather than vision and hearing. Since the transference of these two senses via the Internet is still unachievable today, such kind of class can only be delivered in the classroom. In addition, classrooms are more likely to give students a sense of group, where they will feel more motivated to compete and co-operate. Students who are educated in such environment will be more proficient in socializing skills.

In conclusion, although distance education has many advantages, we should not abandon classroom-based education for the sake of them, because the latter approach is more practical and effective.

Writing Feedback / Child is like a piece of white paper available for anything to be written on [2]

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

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It is common to see parents today send their children to learn foreign languages at early ages, especially when it comes to English, the most popular language in the world. Some educationists believe that it is better to do so before they enter secondary schools. I completely agree with them.

Human beings acquire most of their language abilities when they are children because their brains have not been occupied by too much knowledge and are always ready for new things, just like a piece of white paper that is available for anything to be written on. Early exposure to foreign languages can make learning easier, and adults cannot expect to learn as effectively as children do. The reason is that each language has its own logic to follow when used, which is formed during early ages. If one person has been a proficient user of his or her mother tongue, the way of thinking and expressing has been restricted to it and is hard to be changed. Consequently, he or she will have greater difficulty in adapting to another type of logic of language than those who are in their formative period of life. In my case, I started learning English at secondary school and had to take more efforts than my peers who began much earlier.

However, it is a fact that learning a foreign language early has its drawbacks. Primary school students have had plenty of courses to study and tests to pass, and foreign language classes may put more stress on them. Furthermore, teaching foreign languages requires certain approaches and techniques that can arouse and maintain students' interests and make classes more productive, as well as teachers who are good at them. In schools where such a sophisticated education system has not been established, it is not advised to introduce foreign language lessons.

To summarize, I side with the experts who are in favor of teaching foreign languages at primary schools. Although there are disadvantages in some sense, they fall far short of the benefits it will provide.

Writing Feedback / IELTS equal numbers of male and female students; equality is not always possible [3]

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Some people believe that the numbers of male students in every subject of a university should be the same as those of females. In my opinion, this is impractical and unnecessary.

This argument may be based on the belief in sex equality. Nowadays, women in most countries have gained equal rights and opportunities as men in many areas, including education. According to people in favor of this view, sex equality will be challenged if male students outnumber female ones in a subject, and vice versa.

The equality they try to promote, however, is not likely to be achieved all the time. This is because the ratio of sexes in a subject is determined by many factors. Most importantly, it is the scores students achieve in the college entrance examinations that decide who are eligible for the subject, regardless of genders. That means the numbers of males and females are unpredictable when requirements are set solid. Meanwhile, males and females tend to have different interests in different subjects, and there are some majors more suitable for one sex than the opposite one. For instance, it is unrealistic for universities to expect to enroll same number of males and females in nursing, which is obviously favored much more by the latter.

Furthermore, there will be drawbacks if this policy is implemented. As I mentioned above, it is not always a case that an equal number of males and females could meet the requirements of a subject. Therefore, universities have to set different requirements for each sex in order to realize this equality. In this sense, the fairness of the examination system will be undermined and students with better capabilities will consequently be demotivated.

In conclusion, sex equality in education is not the same as accepting equal numbers of male and female students, which is not achievable and justifiable in reality.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: TAKE A YEAR OFF BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY [5]

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

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Traditionally, high school students go to college immediately after graduation. However, some people believe it is better for them to work or travel for a year before starting university studies.

I think it is a good idea, which can bring great benefits to high school students. Firstly, high school graduates often have trouble in deciding what subjects to study in college because many people do not know whether a job fits them until they do it by themselves. Trying to work before choosing a major can help them make right decisions about what they really want to do in the future. Even for students who have had clear aspirations, a year of practice in relevant areas can provide them with better understandings of their majors so that their ensuing studies will be more productive. Secondly, universities are more like a real society than high schools, and college students are more likely to live independently and have more chances to socialize with different kind of people. The changes will be too great and abrupt for some students to be instantly adapted to. If they could live in the society for a while, their daily living skills and senses of responsibility would be enhanced and better equip them for university lives.

However, we cannot deny that it is risky to leave them working or travelling alone because young people are essentially inexperienced, immature and under-skilled. The dangers include contacting with bad people, developing bad habits and losing interests in studies. But I believe the drawbacks will be diminished if proper measures of instruction and protection are taken by parents.

To conclude, advantages outweigh disadvantages if young people have a break between high school and university studies, and experiences with positive influence should be encouraged since they will prepare students better for the future.

Writing Feedback / IELSTS WRITING TASK 2: COMPETITION OR CO-OPERATION [5]

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 our own opinion.

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It is sometimes debated which is more important for children, the sense of competition or co-operation. In my opinion, both of them should be given importance and they are not mutually exclusive.

On the one hand, children who are motivated to compete will have great advantages in their development in terms of the fulfillment of potentials. This is because they can only fully realize the levels they can reach by being compared with their peers, and the comparison can just be made in competitions. When children are ready to compete, they always have the desire to emulate the ones who are currently better than them, and their potentials will be maximized through their harder-working.

On the other hand, children who know well how to co-operate will be more successful as well. No matter in which aspect of life, people usually play parts in different kind of groups, such as a class, a company or a family, and in order to survive in a group, they have to team up with others for mutual benefits. Good members of a group, who are better at co-operating, are bound to improve the group, and will thus be rewarded more through their contributions.

However, I believe competition and co-operation are not in conflict with each other. On the contrary, members in a group can be rivals and partners at the same time. They can contest for the best in the group as individuals while work toward a common end as a whole. Therefore, children do not have to give up playing one role because they have played the other.

In conclusion, children should be taught to be competitive as well as co-operative, and they are likely to be more useful adults with both of the two qualities.

Writing Feedback / IELTS: nature outweighs nurture regarding the role it play for people [2]

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?

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When it comes to the personality and development of a person, it is often debated which is the key factor that contributes to them, nature or nurture. In my opinion, the characteristics we are born with are more important.

On the one hand, our dispositions and talents have strong links with the genes we inherit from our parents. That is why some people are extrovert while some are introvert, and some people are better at arts while some do better in science. Those qualities are predisposed before we are born, and it is unlikely to transform them toward the opposite ones on most people's occasions.

On the other hand, experiences also have big impact on people's character and achievement. A considerable number of examples can be found to substantiate this argument, such as a silent child who may become talkative after going to social occasions for a while, or a slow student who may ace in a class through hard work. Even children with the same nature that they appear to have may grow into different kind of adults due to their different experiences.

However, I have to point out that the function of experience is not to help to determine, but to discover who they really are. People are not often what they are supposed to be, and we should not simply owe their changes to their experiences. For instance, I think that introverts turn into extraverts just because their outgoing sides are detected, and that those with low intelligence quotient become successful just because their high emotional quotient is given enough importance, even if these findings are made through experiences. Therefore, experience is only a tool by which people can find out their true natures and reach their actual potentials.

In conclusion, nature outweighs nurture regarding the roles they play in people's personality and development, though the significance of the latter also cannot be neglected.

Writing Feedback / IELTS WRITING TASK 2: IS IT GOOD TO CHANGE? [5]

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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There is always some time in life when people have to decide about changes. Some people believe it is always better to experience something different while others believe not. In my opinion, both attitudes have their benefits and drawbacks.

People in favor of change may argue that it is very boring to do the same things throughout their lives. Routine jobs and life styles are more likely to make people less passionate and creative, resulting in lower efficiency and productivity. At the same time, people do not always make right decisions in the first place. If they choose a life or a career which does not suit their personalities or skills, they may lose chances to reach their potentials by remaining at the same status. On the contrary, changes do not only mean new experiences, which tend to have positive effect on people's motivations to live and work, but also mean progress in salaries, positions and living conditions. For skilled workers who have been stuck in a position for a long time, it is very sensible to seek other employers who may provide better opportunities.

On the other hand, there are still many people who prefer not to change, especially when it comes to their jobs. The first reason is that doing a job for years can make people some kind of specialists, who are more likely to be promoted in the same company. Secondly, some companies attach great importance to the loyalty of employees. Those who change jobs frequently may have difficulty in gaining their trust and being employed again. Thirdly, to change a job means a fresh beginning on many occasions. It is not easy for some people to give up what they have had and start from scratch in a different place, especially for those who prefer a steady income.

To recapitulate, the advantages of change are the disadvantages of being stable, and vice versa. People can just make their choices according to their own aspirations and situations.

Writing Feedback / Responsibility of both visitors and the host to respect culture differences [6]

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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Cultural difference is a problem many people will encounter when they travel to other countries. Some people think that local customs are more important while others think not. In my opinion, respects should be given by both sides.

The arguments in favor of local customs are based on the following reasons. Firstly, it is very natural for guests to obey the rules of the host. When people are in the territory of others and enjoying the foods, facilities and services provided, they should be responsible to watch their words and behaviors so as not to contradict what local people are used to thinking and doing, especially in religious countries. Take Muslim countries for example, it is not suitable for people to eat pork in front of Muslims because it may be considered as a blasphemy against God. Secondly, one of the most significant reasons for people to travel is to learn about and experience different cultures. If visitors do not follow local customs, which is a crucial part of a culture, the uniqueness of the culture will not be well preserved and is less likely to be appreciated by them. As a result, their purposes of travel will not be fully served.

On the other hand, the host country should also be tolerant to visitors' inappropriate behaviors as concerned with their customs. That is because it is unrealistic for visitors to know all about the particular practices and taboos of the host country. They should not be blamed if they have no idea about local culture and unintentionally offend local rules. Local people should give visitors some time to learn about their customs and to get used to them. Furthermore, revenues of local governments boosted by tourism may be spent on the protection and development of local culture. If tourists are kept out due to culture differences, their wishes to come will be reduced and they will contribute less to the host country.

To recapitulate, it is the responsibility of both visitors and the host to respect culture differences, which can be handled properly if greater tolerance can be developed.