196 How to Master the IELTS

Test B

Reading section (B)

Section 1

Use the right type of fire extinguisher!

361TRUE

362TRUE

363NOT GIVEN

364TRUE

365FALSE

366TRUE

367TRUE

Contract of employment

368viii

369v

370i

371iv

372ix

373ii

374vi

Section 2

How to create a blog

375blogging service

376guest users

Answers 197

377dialogue boxes

378text

379interest

380delete

Print, copy and scan

381A

382C

383D

384A

385B

386B

387C

Section 3

Can an old dog learn new tricks?

388FALSE

389TRUE

390TRUE

391FALSE

392NOT GIVEN

393D

394A

395B

396C

397to 400  H D B E (any order)

198 How to Master the IELTS

Writing section (B)

The following writing-task answers have been written by the author. The method used is explained at the end of each task. There are no right or wrong answers but you must cover all parts of the question. Marks are lost for mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling, as well as repetition of words. A higher mark is awarded for well-constructed sentences that communicate a clear message using sufficient vocabulary.

Writing task 1 Sample answer

Dear Sir/Madam

My name is Christopher Thompson and I am a new internet customer. On Monday I purchased a DVD player from your online shop with a view to playing MP3 discs, CDs and DVDs only to find that it will not play MP3 discs.

The web page stated that the DVD player was a new model capable of playing MP3 discs but this is clearly not the case. I have tried to play MP3 discs but was unable to do so. The user manual states quite clearly that it will only play CDs and DVDs and not MP3 discs.

I wish to exchange the model for one that will play MP3 discs. I do not wish to spend any more money so the replacement model must not be more expensive. If you do not have a suitable replacement, then please contact me by e-mail so I can return the item for a full refund, including postage and packaging costs. Please let me know your postal address for returns.

I look forward to your early response by e-mail, and I trust that you will update your web page so that it contains the correct information.

Yours faithfully

Christopher Thompson

Method

The letter deals with each of the three bulleted points in turn. The author introduces himself in the first paragraph, and then states briefly what the problem is (what the letter is about). The second paragraph explains the problem in more detail. The third paragraph states clearly what the author wants the shop to do. The final paragraph

Answers 199

covers how and when the author expects a reply, and makes a suggestion about how a similar problem can be avoided in the future.

Writing task 2 Sample answer

There are arguments both for and against children having to wear a school uniform. Some people favour uniforms simply because they look smart. However, uniforms do more than this because they identify you with a particular school which can help to maintain discipline and reduce truancy. Uniforms also promote safety and security by making it easier to identify intruders in the school. On a practical note, a uniform makes choosing clothes straightforward and problem-free for parents. Contrast this with the difficulties faced by parents with limited means (for example, living off state benefits) when a child wants to wear expensive designer clothes, mainly to impress friends. In this circumstance, children from poorer backgrounds can find themselves disadvantaged.

On the other hand, some people would argue that wearing a school uniform is an unnecessary restriction on personal freedom and expression. Instead, pupils should be allowed to choose their own clothes as suits them as individuals, rather than having to conform to a fixed dress code. Many pupils do not like a school uniform that means wearing the same clothes every day.

Personally I see nothing wrong with wearing a uniform to school because there is plenty of opportunity to wear your own clothes outside the school gates. Also, some restrictions are always necessary to stop people from dressing inappropriately whilst at school. There are strict dress codes and uniforms for adults in certain occupations so children might as well get used to the idea of having to wear a uniform of some type. I do not think it is a good idea to let young people have everything their own way too soon otherwise they will have problems with authority later on. (260)

Method

In the first paragraph, the author introduces the topic without copying from the question and then continues by explaining the benefits of wearing a school uniform. The second paragraph describes some disadvantages of wearing uniforms. The third paragraph covers the author’s personal opinion on the topic, as required by the question, and includes more reasons to support the author’s conclusion.

200

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