[MASTER THE EXAM] Solution to the IELTS Writing test on November 18, 2023 

IELTS Writing task 1

The maps below show a typical American and a Japanese office.

Step 1: Outline creation 

Overview paragraph: Japanese offices are characterized by an open layout and hierarchical structure, facilitating management oversight of subordinates.

Conversely, American offices are divided by partition walls into designated work areas related to job functions and rooms for managerial positions.

Step 2: Completion of the essay

The diagrams depict variances in office layouts between the United States and Japan.

In general, a Japanese office has the characteristic of being an open-plan and hierarchical workspace, allowing managerial oversight of subordinates. In contrast, an American office is divided by partition walls and segmented into various designated cubicles for work-related purposes and rooms for management positions.  

Starting with entrances and windows, an American office typically features twice as many doors and windows compared to its Japanese counterparts. Specifically, four entry doors for the American office are positioned at each of the four corners of its rectangular office layout, along with two expansive windows that largely span the western and eastern walls.

On the contrary, a Japanese office consists of only two entrance doors located in the front left and right corners, along with windows that cover one third of the northern wall. 

Regarding the interior layout, upon entering the American office through the northeast door, managers have access to two areas designated for section managers and one for a department manager. Desks and chairs are arranged in two rows in the central area of the office. On the left side, there is a room for printers and copiers, as well as a storage area. To the south of these areas, there are two conference rooms.

In contrast, the seating arrangement in a Japanese office clearly reflects the management hierarchy, with a long desk for the department manager positioned just behind the windows. Across from two sections reserved for managers, six workers share a common work table within each section, arranged to face each other and supervised by a section manager.

Step 3: Vocabulary

Gap-Fill Exercise:

• 1. The _______________ structure in the organization allowed for clear reporting lines.
  2. In the meeting, the manager discussed tasks and projects with the _______________ staff.
• 3. The windows in the office _______________ the entire length of the southern wall.
  4. This room is _______________ confidential meetings and discussions.
• 5. The _______________ in the conference room was carefully organized to facilitate communication.

Response: 

1. Hierarchical
2. Subordinate
3. Stretch along
4. Designated for
5. Seating arrangement

IELTS Writing task 2

Fewer and fewer people today write by hand using a pen, pencil or brush. What are the reasons? Is this a positive or a negative development?

Step 1: Analysis of the topic

• Từ khoá: Fewer and fewer people, write by hand using a pen, pencil or brush
• Câu hỏi: Đề bài yêu cầu thí sinh đưa ra lý do, và đưa ra quan điểm đây là khuynh hướng phát triển tích cực hay tiêu cực. 

Step 2: Planning for the essay

Step 3: Completing the Essay

Sample Essay (Band 8.0)

In today's society, the number of individuals opting to write by hand using traditional tools such as pens, pencils, or brushes has seen a gradual decline. This essay will delve into the reasons behind the decline of handwriting and then argue that this trend can be viewed from both positive and negative perspectives. 

The widespread integration of digital technology into daily life is one of the main factors contributing to the declining popularity of handwriting. The prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and computers, all equipped with applications that simplify tasks like note-taking, syncing notes across devices, spell-checking, or collaborative work on documents, has transformed how students learn and how employers and employees work.

Furthermore, time has become increasingly valuable in a world marked by a fast-paced lifestyle. With the ability to send messages and receive responses instantly, digital technologies meet the demands of a society that emphasizes swift interactions, while the slower pace of handwriting may be seen as time-consuming and potentially hindering productivity.  

From one perspective, the shift away from traditional handwriting can be viewed positively. Digital devices, which excel in fast typing, can enhance productivity in various aspects of life, from work tasks to personal communication. Another benefit is that the rise of digital technologies may lead to a reduction in paper usage, promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the need for tree felling for paper production.

Conversely, digital tools cannot convey the warmth, individuality, and authenticity of personal emotions from sender to recipient. While handwriting is labor-intensive, the effort involved in writing reflects one's care, affection, and deep emotions that advanced tools cannot replicate.

Furthermore, not all people, especially those from less developed regions, may have access to modern devices. Relying exclusively on digital communication technologies could exacerbate inequalities in educational and professional opportunities.

In summary, the declining preference for handwriting can be attributed to technological advancements and time constraints. While the benefits of efficiency and environmental protection are clear, it is important to consider potential drawbacks such as excluding marginalized populations and losing emotional subtleties.

Step 4: Vocabulary

Complete the blanks with the appropriate words/phrases from the box.

Gap-Fill Exercise:

1. The _______________ of smartphones has changed the way people communicate.
   Technological advancements have the potential to _______________ various aspects of our daily lives.
2. The rapid pace of life in modern society is often _______________ by constant connectivity.
3. The _______________ of the internet has brought about significant changes in information access.
4. Traditional crafts can be _______________ and require a lot of manual effort.
5. Scientists aim to _______________ the conditions necessary for life on other planets.
6. The luxury brand launched an _______________ collection available only to a select few.
   

Solution

1. Prevalence
2. Revolutionize
3. Characterize
4. Advent
5. Labor-intensive
6. Replicate
7. Exclusive