LOOK AT HOW THE IDEAS ARE LINKED. CAN YOU SEE THAT THE WORD "TH...

It's a good idea to practise writing short, fast introductions. If you can write the

introduction quickly, you will have more time to focus on the main paragraphs - these

are the key to a high score.

Here's a question that someone asked me about:

In many cities, security measures, such as the use of video cameras in public places,

are being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these

measures restrict our individual freedom.

Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

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Here's my short, fast introduction:

It is true that the security in many cities has been tightened in recent years. Although I

agree that some security measures can feel restrictive, I believe that there are more

benefits than drawbacks.

Note:

- In reality, it might not be true that security has been increased in most cities, but I

think we have to accept this in order to answer the question.

- The question gives us an example of increased security (video cameras), so we can

definitely use that example in a paragraph about the drawbacks.

- Notice that my introduction paraphrases the question. I've used some of the words

from the question, but there are some nice changes too (e.g. tightened, feel

restrictive).

Following on from yesterday's listening lesson, here is a paragraph explaining some

of the benefits of nuclear power:

There are several benefits to building more nuclear power stations. Firstly, nuclear

power is a relatively sustainable energy source, meaning that it can be used to produce

electricity without wasting limited natural resources like coal, oil or gas. Secondly,

nuclear power stations are cleaner than fossil fuel power stations, and could help to

reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming. With improvements in nuclear

technology, the risks of accidents are being reduced. As a result, many countries are

now considering nuclear power as a solution to high oil and gas prices, increasing

demand for electricity, and worries about pollution and climate change.

Read, analyse and use the paragraph:

How many sentences are there, and what does each sentence do?

Note the main ideas and collocations (e.g. sustainable energy source).

Try to rewrite the paragraph using only your notes.

PS. If you have my

power' in the environment chapter on page 19.

Here is a question that a lot of students ask:

Is it acceptable to use "I" or "my" in IELTS writing?

As an ex-examiner, my advice is that you should use phrases like "I believe" or "in

my opinion" when the question asks for your opinion e.g To what extent do you

agree or disagree?

Some teachers tell students not to use "I" in academic essays, but this advice is really

for university academic writing, not IELTS

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Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they

argue, leads to a more satisfying working life.

To what extent do you agree with this view?

What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?

In today's lesson I just want to look at how to write an introduction for this type of

question. My simple rules for task 2 introductions are: