IELTS Writing Task 2 Ideas and Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering various IELTS Writing Task 2 topics including advertising, environment, education, crime, and health, based on lecture notes by ielts-simon.com.

What are two primary economic benefits of the advertising industry mentioned in the text?

It is a creative industry that employs many people and helps avoid higher unemployment.

According to the negatives of advertising, how do advertisers persuade people to buy products?

They aim to persuade people that buying a product will make them happier and focus on selling a brand image using glamorous, successful people.

What specific recommendation is made regarding advertising aimed at children?

It should be controlled or even banned, particularly for unhealthy foods.

What is a major argument in favor of animal testing for medical research?

It is necessary for testing new drugs and helps advance medical and scientific knowledge.

What are some potential health benefits of a vegetarian diet?

It is possible to have a healthy diet without eating meat and it may reduce the risk of diseases like cancer.

What role do zoos play in wildlife conservation?

They help to protect endangered species and allow scientists to study animals and their behaviour.

Why do people typically migrate from the countryside to cities?

In search of job opportunities, greater employment possibilities, and a higher standard of living.

What are some common social problems found in cities?

Homelessness, poverty, a gap between the rich and poor, traffic congestion, and crime.

To whom should the police focus their education and prevention efforts according to the notes?

Young people who have dropped out of school, as they may become involved with gangs.

What is a common negative outcome for prisoners after they are released?

Many prisoners re-offend, partly because a criminal record makes finding a job more difficult.

What is the primary goal of rehabilitation in prisons?

To make prisoners better citizens through education or vocational training so they are less likely to re-offend.

What is a major argument against capital punishment regarding the legal process?

Innocent people could be wrongly convicted and executed.

How can community service benefit the prison system?

It could be a solution to prison overcrowding and avoids the cost of imprisonment.

What are the social benefits of schools mentioned in the text?

They teach moral values like tolerance and sharing, and prepare children to be members of a society.

What are the advantages for students who study abroad?

They gain qualifications from prestigious universities, broaden their horizons, are exposed to different cultures, and become more independent.

What is a potential disadvantage of relying too much on technology in education?

Young learners may not become proficient in basic skills, and their handwriting and spelling may suffer due to spell-checkers.

How can developed countries help education in developing nations?

By providing money to build schools, paying for teachers, investing in technology, and donating computer equipment.

Why do home-schooled children potentially face social disadvantages?

They miss out on the social experience that school offers and may lack social skills because they do not learn how to get on with each other.

What are some causes of bad behaviour in schools?

Lack of structure and discipline, large classes that are difficult to manage, and unstable family backgrounds.

What is a major environmental effect of rising global temperatures?

The melting of the polar ice caps and a rise in sea levels.

What are "green taxes"?

Taxes imposed by governments on drivers and airline companies to limit emissions.

Why is nuclear power considered a sustainable energy source by its supporters?

It can produce electricity without wasting natural resources like coal, oil, or gas, and it is cleaner than fossil fuel power stations.

What is the main concern regarding nuclear waste disposal?

There is currently no way to decontaminate radioactive material.

How has family size changed in many countries?

Families are smaller, typically consisting of nuclear families rather than large extended families, with parents having fewer children.

What are the consequences of professional care for the elderly in residential homes?

Nurses are better trained than family members, but fewer elderly people are looked after by their relatives.

What does the text suggest regarding gender and salaries?

Men and women should have access to the same professional opportunities and earn equal salaries.

What are the potential medical benefits of genetic engineering?

It can be used to produce vaccines, cure diseases, and potentially clone human organs for replacements.

What is a significant risk for the environment involving GM crops?

They might change whole ecosystems or break food chains if the crops are resistant to predators.

How does globalisation benefit developing countries economically?

Multi-national companies create jobs, and emigrants send money back home to improve the standard of living.

What is a primary drawback of globalisation for employees in developed countries?

Companies can move to countries where labour is cheap, creating redundancies or job losses.

What is the purpose of CCTV in public places?

To protect the public and deter criminals.

How could smart cards help the police?

They could hold personal information, such as DNA or fingerprint data, making it easier to identify people and catch criminals.

What is one argument against the ownership of firearms?

The risk of accidents and the fact that suicide rates tend to rise when guns are available.

What are the basic dietary requirements mentioned for a healthy body?

A balanced diet and regular exercise to burn calories and build healthy bones and muscles.

What specific recommendation does the British Government make regarding diet?

Eating $5$ portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

How do private hospitals differ from state hospitals?

They have shorter waiting lists, faster treatment, and provide a more personal service with comfortable facilities.

How many times a week do doctors advise exercising?

At least $3\,\text{times}$ a week for $20\,\text{minutes}$.

What is the value of historic buildings in cities?

They are part of a country's heritage, give character to cities, and attract tourists.

Why is English considered a global language?

It is the dominant language of technology, science, international business, and most textbooks and journals.

What are the negatives of English becoming a dominant second language?

Other languages and cultures may disappear or be damaged.

How do some people define success differently from wealth?

Some define it as raising a family, while others see it as achieving personal or professional goals through hard work.

What is the "nature vs. nurture" debate regarding personality?

The debate over whether personalities are determined by genetics (nature) or education and upbringing (nurture).

What is a negative aspect associated with professional sports stars?

Some take drugs to win at any cost and may be selfish or rude, making them poor role models for children.

How can the Internet help solve traffic problems?

It allows people to work from home and hold meetings via video conferences, reducing the need for commuting.

What is a major disadvantage of public transport mentioned in the transcript?

It is often slow, unreliable, dirty, or crowded, making people feel like "sardines in a can."

Why is poor water quality a critical issue in developing countries?

It is a major cause of disease and death, as they often lack the means to treat and supply water.

What is an argument for why water should not be free?

If it is free, people take it for granted and waste it, whereas paying for it encourages responsible use.

What are the benefits of staying in the same job for life?

A stable career, a good pension, increasing salary, and building trust with the employer.

What are the risks of self-employment?

Financial difficulties, less stability, and a lack of benefits like sick pay or holiday pay.

What did the text say about child labour in developing countries?

Children are often exploited in agriculture and factory work for low pay, and governments should prioritize their education instead.