[ACE THE TEST] Giải đề IELTS Writing ngày 07/10/2023 

Nhiệm vụ IELTS Writing số 1

The chart below shows the results of three surveys on absenteeism in a particular European country in the years 2000, 2005 and 2010. The results show the reasons people gave for not going to work.

Step 1: Develop an outline 

Overview paragraph: Despite varying rates of absence due to stress, personal needs, and unexpected issues increasing, there has been a decline in illnesses and family responsibilities. Nevertheless, illness continues to be the primary cause of work absenteeism, with stress being the least cited reason according to survey participants.

Step 2: Complete the essay

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of individuals absent from work due to five different reasons in a European nation over a decade from 2000 to 2010. 

In summary, while absenteeism rates due to stress, personal needs, and unexpected issues rose, there was a decrease in absenteeism related to illnesses and family responsibilities. However, illness remained the predominant reason for work absenteeism, whereas stress was consistently the least mentioned factor according to survey respondents. 

In the year 2000, just under 45% of surveyed individuals cited illness-related reasons for their absenteeism from work. Despite a gradual decrease thereafter, this category maintained its top position, ending at 35% by the end of the period. Similar but less pronounced trends were observed in employees fulfilling family responsibilities, with a decrease from around 27% in 2000 to nearly 25% five years later, followed by a period of stability until 2010. 

Personal needs, such as appointments, showed consistent growth across each 5-year period, increasing by approximately 10%, from about 13% to 23%. Conversely, the proportion of respondents facing unexpected issues causing work absences, which started at around 8% in 2000, rose to just under 15%, maintaining this level until the end of the decade.

Notably, absenteeism due to stress was consistently reported in relatively low numbers, starting just above 5%. Although there was a slight decline to about 4% in 2005, it subsequently increased sharply, reaching around 12% by 2010. (282 words) 

Step 3: Vocabulary

1. The ___________ at the company significantly increased during the busy season, with many employees taking time off.

• Answer: absenteeism rate

2. She refused to attribute her success solely to luck; she believed her diligent effort played a significant role.

• Answer: attribute

3. The unexpected and abrupt change in weather caught us off guard, and we were unprepared for it.

• Answer: unanticipated

4. He consistently made it to the office at 8:30 AM every day, demonstrating great commitment to his work.

• Answer: consistently

5. Stress was consistently cited as one of the main reasons for absenteeism from work.

• Answer: the least state

IELTS Writing task 2

Some people believe that the newspaper is the best way to learn about news, while others believe that a more effective way is through other media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Step 1: Analyzing the prompt 

• Từ khoá: Newspaper, the best way, learn about news, a more effective way, through other media.
• Câu hỏi: Đây là dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu bàn luận 2 ý kiến và đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân. Bài luận sẽ khám phá tính hiệu quả của báo giấy như một nguồn thông tin so sánh với các phương tiện thay thế, cuối cùng ủng hộ ý kiến rằng việc tiếp cận tin tức qua phương tiện thay thế, đặc biệt là các nền tảng trực tuyến, là một lựa chọn hợp lý hơn.

Step 2: Planning the essay

Main Idea of the Essay:

The paper examines the effectiveness of newspapers as an information source compared to other methods, ultimately supporting the notion that accessing news through alternative media, particularly online platforms, is more practical

Step 3: Completing the essay

Example Essay 1 (Band 6.0)

Some individuals believe that newspapers are crucial for news, while others argue that obtaining news through alternative means is superior. This essay will explore both viewpoints, and I side with the latter.

There are compelling reasons to view newspapers as a reliable source of news. They employ skilled editors and journalists who ensure the accuracy of news before publication. This ensures that newspaper content is trustworthy and less prone to inaccuracies. Moreover, newspapers exercise control over the news they publish, which helps shield readers, especially children, from negative or violent content. Finally, newspapers often provide in-depth news coverage, enhancing readers' comprehension of current events.

However, I believe it is wiser to seek news from other sources, such as online platforms. People are becoming more adept at verifying the truthfulness of online news content. One drawback of newspapers is their lengthy production and delivery process, resulting in potentially outdated news. In contrast, online news is more immediate, often featuring the latest updates from citizen journalists and websites. Additionally, online news covers a wider range of topics, including politics, entertainment, and scandals, making it more engaging.

In conclusion, while newspapers have their merits, I contend that online news is superior for acquiring information.

Example Essay (Band 8.0)

Although some argue that newspapers are an essential source of information, others believe that accessing news through alternative means ensures greater effectiveness. This essay will carefully examine both perspectives before concluding that I side with the latter. 

Certainly, there are valid reasons to argue that newspapers are the most effective means of obtaining news. Firstly, newspapers have dedicated editorial teams and professional journalists who are responsible for fact-checking, editing, and ensuring the accuracy of the content before publication. This is why news articles from newspapers gain a reputation for their credibility and trustworthiness, reducing the likelihood that newspaper readers will encounter misinformation and fake news.

Secondly, established newspapers rigorously regulate and censor news items before they are published or viewed by the public, thereby protecting news consumers, especially children, from sensitive and violent content. Thirdly, newspapers often provide thorough analysis and comprehensive coverage of news stories. They have the space to delve deeply into issues, potentially allowing readers to gain profound insights into events. 

On the contrary, I believe that consuming news through other media, particularly online platforms, is a more sensible choice. Although there are concerns about the potential for distorted information online, internet literacy is increasing, with readers and viewers sharpening their critical thinking and independently fact-checking reports before accepting and sharing them. Furthermore, one of the major drawbacks of newspapers is their extensive and time-consuming processes of editing, printing, and distribution, which do not meet the demand for up-to-date information.

In stark contrast, citizen journalists and open online platforms are breaking major stories, enabling the public to instantly stay informed about current affairs. Finally, due to stringent news censorship, newspapers are selective about what they publish, whereas online news consumers can access a wide range of sensational topics such as politics, entertainment, military affairs, corruption, and scandals, all of which cater better to public interests by adding variety to their lives. 

In summary, while there are advantages to obtaining news through newspapers, I believe that online news platforms offer better opportunities for learning about current events. 

Step 4: Vocabulary

1. Journalists must __________ news stories to ensure their accuracy before they are published.

• Answer: fact-check

2. The newspaper’s __________ was heightened when it covered the major event extensively and in detail.

• Answer: news coverage

3. Online platforms have expanded __________, as more people use the internet to access news.

• Answer: Internet literacy

4. The article was __________, containing many inaccuracies that misled the readers.

• Answer: distorted

5. It is __________ that news will adapt and evolve with the times, especially in the digital age.

• Answer: inevitable

6. To __________ current events, people often rely on news apps on their smartphones.

• Answer: keep abreast of

7. The newspaper chose to __________ certain sensitive information in the article.

• Answer: censor

8. His impressive reputation added to his __________ as a trustworthy source of information.

• Answer: credibility

9. Readers must cultivate their __________ to evaluate online information critically.

• Answer: Internet literacy

10. The investigative team worked with __________ dedication to uncover the truth.

• Answer: rigorous

11. To __________ the public's need for real-time news, online platforms provide instant updates.

• Answer: meet the quest for

12. The reporter was the first to __________ on the celebrity scandal, providing exclusive details.

• Answer: get the scoop

13. __________ of fake news is a common challenge in the era of digital media.

• Answer: misleading

14. Many individuals have transitioned their __________ from traditional newspapers to online news sources.

• Answer: news consumption

15. The breaking news was so __________ that it made headlines globally.

• Answer: sensational

Step 5: Grammar Structure

Admittedly, there are sound reasons to assert that newspapers are the most effective means through which news can be obtained.

The phrase 'through which' in this sentence is an English presentation format describing the way or method something is done or achieved.

In this sentence, 'through which' is used to specify the method or approach through which you can receive news information, and that is through using newspapers. It emphasizes that newspapers are the primary tool or medium to effectively obtain news information.

Combine the sentences below using the phrase “through which” 

1. The  internet is a vast network. People from around the world can communicate through it.
2. The history museum is a nice place. Visitors can travel back in time to learn about the past through this place.

Answer: 

1. The internet is a vast network through which people from around the world can communicate.
2. The history museum is a place through which visitors can travel back in time to learn about the past.