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2019

IELTS test in New Zealand – November 2019 (General Training)

Our friend A took the IELTS test in New Zealand, and remembered the Writing and Speaking questions as follows:

Writing testIELTS test in New Zealand

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have recently stayed at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager about a helpful staff member of the hotel. In your letter

– Describe the situation.
– Explain how the staff member was helpful to you.
– Suggest a form of appreciation for that staff member.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that competitive sports have advantages for people from different groups and countries, while others believe that competitive sports only create problems between people. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you do?
– Do you like your job?
– Let’s talk about patience.
– Do you think it is good to be patient?
– Do you consider yourself a patient person?
– Can patience help in life? How?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe someone who travels a lot by plane. Please say

– How do you know him/her?
– Why does he/she travel a lot?
– Where does he/she travel to?

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you like to travel by plane?
– What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
– Can you compare it to other means of transport such as the bus, train or a car?
– Why do people travel by plane?

IELTS essay, topic: Many people support animal testing while others believe it isn’t appropriate (discuss)

Many people support use of animals for testing medicines for humans. Others believe it isn’t appropriate to use animals for such experiments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Essay

Approval of the medicines for human use is a tedious process which involves a series of tests often performed on animals. While some people support this idea because it makes drugs safer for human consumption, others believe that it is an unethical practice. Personally, I am in favour of the idea that medicines should be tested in all possible scenarios before being released to the public.

Those against animal experimentation argue that animals have the same rights as human beings because they are the outcome of the same evolution process through which humans came into existence. Infecting them with viruses and exposing them to bacteria, to create a conducive environment to test a chemical substance may cause excruciating pain to these lab animals. Any failed test can mean that the subject either loses its precious life or suffers for the rest of its existence, and understandably, some people are against what they consider an immoral practice.

Nonetheless, if a drug is released into the market without a thorough end-to-end testing, it could cause severe damage to anyone who may consume it. Every day a large number of animals are being mercilessly killed by humans for their mere flesh and skin. There isn’t a big difference between killing an animal for food and sacrificing its life for testing a chemical composition, because both actions are helping the human race to survive. What’s more, the life of one animal used to test a life-saving drug could help many people live. This is why a large number of people believe that testing drugs on animals is a matter of survival.

To sum up, there are valid reasons why animal testing seems cruel and unacceptable to some, and crucial to others. In my opinion, even though animals subjected to testing may suffer, it is a necessary step to ensure the healing power of a drug.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8