IELTS Reading Course # President

Defying(to challenge the power of)predictions (foretell a future), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, the A.K.P., won a conclusive (convincing)victory (a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war)in Sunday’s national elections in Turkey, freeing it from the need to form a coalition (a combination or alliance, especially a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.)to stay in power. Mr. Erdogan proclaimed (to announce or declare in an official or formal manner)it a vote “in favor of stability,” and that is what it apparently (readily seen)was — though it was Mr. Erdogan who churned (to be changing rapidly or be in a confused state)up much of the turmoil (a state of great commotion, confusion, or disturbance; tumult;agitation)that frightened (afraid)voters back into his camp.

reading is the key of learning

reading is the key of learning

Though the A.K.P. won about half the vote, it did not gain enough seats in Parliament to enable Mr. Erdogan to change the Constitution to create the strong executive (pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs)presidency he has sought since he assumed the office last year. But the A.K.P. majority will mean a continuation (extension or carrying to further point)of 12 years of one-party rule, and most probably a continuation of Mr. Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian (of or relating to a governmental or political system, principle, or practice in which individual freedom is held as completely subordinate to the power or authority of the state, centered either in one person or a small group that is not constitutionally accountable to the people)domination (the act or instance of dominating)of the Turkish government.

Mr. Erdogan engineered (a person who operates or is in charge of an engine)Sunday’s vote after the last elections, on June 7, not only failed to secure the seats he needed for his presidential scheme, but cost the A.K.P. its majority and allowed a pro-Kurdish coalition, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, to enter Parliament for the first time. Instead of helping to form a coalition government after that vote, Mr. Erdogan called for new elections.

In the intervening (to come between disputing people, groups, etc.)time Turkey resumed (to take up or go on with again after interruption) bombing attacks on Syrian Kurds and violence flared (to start up or burst out in sudden, fierce activity, passion, etc.)in the country’s volatile southeast. Opposition politicians were assailed (to attack vigorously or violently)and the government’s longstanding (existing or occurring for a long time) harassment (the act or an instance of harassing, or disturbing, pestering, or troubling repeatedly; persecution)of the news media reached new levels. On the eve of the election, the police raided (a sudden assault or attack, as upon something to be seized or suppressed)the last television channels critical of Mr. Erdogan, which had belonged to an Islamic movement that had gone from support of Mr. Erdogan to fierce opposition.

In the early years of A.K.P. rule, Mr. Erdogan had been hailed (to cheer, salute, or greet)in Europe and the United States as the face of moderate Islam. Turkey’s economy (the management of the resources of a community, country, etc.,especially with a view to its productivity)bloomed (to flourish or thrive), human rights improved as Turkey sought membership in the European Union and Mr. Erdogan achieved a cease-fire with Kurdish rebels (a person who refuses allegiance to, resists, or rises in arms against the government or ruler of his or her country). But much of that has been undermined (to weaken or cause to collapse by removing underlying support, as by digging away or eroding the foundation), and Mr. Erdogan has come under increasing criticism (the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything)in the West, as he has turned steadily toward authoritarian (favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom)rule, assisted by his ally (to associate or connect by some mutual relationship, as resemblance or friendship)and prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu.

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IELTS Writing Sample Answer # Lack Of Water

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

A serious problem affecting people right across the globe is lack of water for drinking, washing and other household purpose.

Why do many countries face water shortage, and what could be done to solve the issue?

SAMPLE ANSWER

Water, in present times, has come up as a great issue, with most of the countries across world facing shortage of water. Although in present times, most people do have water, the day when one will have to fight for water are not far.

One of the major reason for the water shortage is, people often tend to waste water. For instance, it is a common sight to see people leaving the tap open while brushing teeth or cleaning face. Even more, some people tend to wash their clothes in river water leaving the water dirty and of little use in later. To solve this problem, the government could bring more awareness among people regarding the importance of water. Even more, the people in their daily routine, must take steps to save water.

lack of water

lack of water

Another reason for the scarcity of water is the unequal distribution of water. It has been seen that, the water supply to the minister and other celebrities is more regulated than to the common person. As a result, the poor is often left with no water or very little water for day to day use. The problem could be addressed by supplying more water to the poor, equalising the amount of water among all.

To sum up, although it is clear the world is facing an acute problem, it is undoubtedly possible to start to tackle these issues, and improve the quality of life. Governments and local councils must take the lead in dealing with the issue, otherwise life will only get worse in the future.

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IELTS Writing Sample Answer # Ban Smoking

In recent years, many governments have brought in laws to ban smoking in public places, such as bars, restaurants and offices.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with banning smoking in public places?

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ANSWER

The world has changed and so has the way people live. In present times, with increase in industries and expansion of cities, people are migrating towards cities in search of dreams and better life. To fulfil their wishes, men and women often take up tiring jobs leaving them under stress. This has caused an increased level of smoking among individuals, giving rise to different health problems. Certain governments, to avoid the scenario, have banned public smoking. I agree with this viewpoint, but simply banning won’t solve the issue.

Banning smoking at public places certainly has many benefits. Firstly, it saves the passive smokers from the harm of smoking. For instance, a person who himself or herself is not smoking but inhaling the smoke gets affected leading to diseases. Banning public smoking prevents the person from the harm caused by smoke.

BAN SMOKING

BAN SMOKING

Secondly, smoking causes irritation among people; if done in closed spaces like car it causes suffocation. Even more, for some people the constant nagging of the smoke is a source of stress. A ban on smoking in public, in my opinion, is a great initiative taken.

However, a ban always brings with it the feeling of lost democracy. Many people argue that it is their wish to smoke and they must be allowed to smoke whenever they want to. Even more, for some addicted smokers, not being able to smoke causes urgency, irritation and increased stress.

Overall, in my opinion, the government has taken the right step towards banning public smoking. However, there must be some smoking zones where people can go and smoke, allowing the freedom for both.

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IELTS Writing Sample Answer # Friendship

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
It is often believed that borrowing money from friend can harm the friendship.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Although with the world becoming materialistic, people have become more self-centric and often the feelings of friendship and love are forgotten. But it cannot be denied that some people have set examples for friends and brother hood. Most people believe that money plays a very important role in friendship and if people don’t bring it in between, the friendship is more likely to blossom.
The sharing of money amongst friend is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it brings in the feeling of trust between friends. For instance, when a person is in financial trouble, it is the people who help him/her during that time become part of the closer circle. Secondly, lending money brings in the feeling that one is not self-centred. With people focusing more on “I”, helping a friend not only gives satisfaction, but also creates a circle of people one is close to and can rely on.

friendship and money
However, if the borrowed money is not returned on time it can even damage a friendship and the perspective of an individual forever. For example- if a person lends money to his/her friend but the friend never returns the money; after some time, the person might want to get in contact but the friend will ignore. This creates ruffle among friends and often the friendship changes into enmity. Even more, borrowing money before understanding the situation of a friend can develop a crack in friendship.
Overall, in my opinion, lending money surely brings in the feeling of trust but it must be made sure that the money is returned on time; else distrust and anger can overshadow the friendship.

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