This essay question was reported in April 2015. It is about the employment of older people and the problems this creates.
IELTS Essay Question
Nowadays, more and more younger people need to compete with older people for the same jobs.
What problems does this cause? What would you suggest as a solution?
This essay question focuses on younger people. The instructions ask for problems and solution. Always note whether you are asked to give the causes or the problems.
IELTS Essay Ideas
Problems caused by young and old people competing for work
- young people will have to compete with older people who have more experience which might mean some young people fail to find work
- with greater competition for jobs comes more unemployment
- high unemployment in young people can cause unrest in society leading to problems such as crime
- if old people are not able to compete with young people, they may not be able to get a job
- without adequate financial means to support themselves, old people may be thrown into poverty
- with a growing world population of elderly people, this can be a huge financial crisis
Solutions for young people competing for work
- one effective solution could be to provide sufficient social benefits for older people to allow them to retire without loosing their standard of living
- by fixing a clear retirement age over which no one can be employed, it will ensure that the young do not need to compete against older people for work
- have a fixed quota of jobs set aside for people under a certain age and over a certain age to avoid so much competition
- another possible answer is to offer a job share between elderly and young people so that both groups can gain some form of employment
- alternatively, older people could be employed purely to pass on their knowledge and experience to the young rather than taking their positions at work
Alternative Essay Question
Nowadays, more and more older people compete with younger people for the same jobs.
What are the reasons for this? What would you suggest as a solution?
This essay question focuses on older people. You must provide the causes (reasons) why older people compete and also solutions for this situation.
Essay Ideas
Reasons why old people compete with young people for work
- older people continue being fit for work for longer so wish to continue working
- some older people do not have enough money put aside for their pensions so must work
- some elderly people do not want such a long tedious retirement and wish to continue working
- as older people work for longer, there are less jobs available for the younger generation
- increased life expectancy raise the proportions of working elderly people
Solutions :
The solutions are the same as given above.
Recommended
Main IELTS Pages
Develop your IELTS skills with tips, model answers, lessons, free videos and more.
Dear Liz, thank you for the amazing work!
Regarding these topics: What are the problems and give a solution
Is it ok the following text-structure?
Paragraph 1-Introduction
Paragraph 2- First problem
Paragraph 3 – Second Problem
Paragraph 4 – Solution
Pragraph 5 – Conclusion
Thank you in advance!
Sure, that’s one possible structure.
introduction
BODY PARAGRAPH 01 (PROBLEMS)
BODY PARA 2 ( SOLUTIONS)
CONCLUTION
Hi Liz😘😘
I wrote I beautiful essay by following your tips and I was highly commended.😍😍😍
Thank you so much.
Concerning the above essays, will I have to give my opinion?
Since the question says
“What problem does this cause? what would you suggest as solutions”
God bless you as you reply🤗🤗🤗
It is not asking you to decide which is best. But it asking for you to present suggestions.
Dear Liz,
Regarding this type of question, even if the question says” what would you suggest as a solution ? “, its a cause- solution essay and it doesnt require our opinion ?
The language of the question implies that I should give my opinion, like what would you personally suggest as a solution ?
I am really confused . 🙁
The examiner is will not have a problem if you express ideas which have been asked for as your opinion. In this case, the instructions clearly ask for your view and your suggestions. The only time the examiner has a problem is when you fail to give your opinion in an opinion essay. When the only instructions are “agree? / agree disagree?” and you fail to give your view, then it is a serious matter.
It is very clear now .
Thank you very much for answering.
❤❤❤
More and more people today spend a large amount of money to look younger. Why do you think people want to look you younger? Is this a positive or negative development?
I saw this posted in facebook page. This was the question writing task 2.
Hey Liz,
There are few problem/solution essay questions which say
“What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken ?”
Should I have to include “my opinion” in such cases or should I just approach this as a discussion essay type of question??
This is asking you to present the causes and solutions – you don’t need to give your opinion.
Thankyou so much 🙂
Hi Liz,
How would you end a topic with what has been written here I am having a hard time concluding my essay.
Regards,
Juan
On the whole, your conclusion is a paraphrase of your thesis statement. It is usually a single sentence which summarises your stance or main points. If you need detailed training in writing task 2, think about getting one or more of my advanced lessons: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Liz .. Thank you for your outstanding support and aid for all of us
Kindly post new or more essays ideas for writing task 2 >> I had taken ielts exam more than once None of which had same or close ideas from your blog
if your private writing take 2 will include many new topics and ideas rather than writing techniques which I know, let me inform
my score stick at 6
I plan to write essay ideas in the future, some free on my blog and some to be purchased in book form. However, it will take time. Meanwhile, you can research topics through debate websites online and from model essays. Getting stuck at band 6 is not just about ideas, it’s also about technique and the avoidance of errors in your grammar and vocab.
Hi Liz
I’m a student from Japan. I found your web site is very useful. I’m having trouble with brainstorming and now trying to do some research topics on debate websites, but researching on the internet takes a lot of time and I have(maybe most students) a tight schedule for passing IELTS test. Also I think for the students who are from asian might be not good at thinking critial. So if you write a book about essay ideas, it would be very very very helpful. Thanks a lot!
I am in the middle of writing the book right now. But it won’t be ready for a few months 🙂
Dear Liz. The question here is about aged people. but you gave examples about young people. I am a bit confused.
The question is about young versus old.
Hi Liz,
Quick question the $19 for writing task 2 its that just for 1 video? or its for all paid videos? your quick reply will be most appreciated.
It is for each one hour lecture.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for sharing all the great ideas, its really been a great help. I have to re appear for IELTS on May 21 as I could score only 6 in writing rest all three were 7 and overall 7 band. Please help me understand supporting ides in writing 2. Thanks
See my advanced lessons to learn how to develop ideas for writing task 2: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Hi Liz.!!
Thank you for your invaluable lessons! Actually, I don’t miss your lessons. By the aid of your website I’m gathering a great amount of information! But here I have a question: doesn’t it influence on Writing exam results if we use “personal pronouns” in our writing task 2?! “I, We” for instance…!
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hello Liz
For this essay do i need to discuss and expand 2 problems and 2 solutions or i can mention all of them.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Liz,
I was able to improve my writing score from 6 to 7 with the help of your great lessons. But I got 6.5 in Reading and Speaking. I used to get 7 minimum in both of them.
Thanks a lot for your amazing lessons.
That’s really good news!! 🙂
Hi Liz,
I just want to commend you for your substantial and very useful site. Thanks for helping us understand more the IELTS and how are the essays are supposed to be answered. I will be taking IELTS for the third time, I need to meet the band score 7 in all areas. My only problem is the writing, I got 6.5 from my last exam. Hopefully, in the third time I will be able to meet my expected rating. Thanks again, Liz!
Carla from the Philippines
Hi liz,
I have a confusion regarding one of the ielts questions which came up recently.
We can learn a lot more from teachers than other sources (internet) do you agree or disagree?
So my question is that if I agree with the topic then I have to describe only the role of teachers in the whole essay or I have to write a separate paragraph regarding other sources as well? Looking forward to your reply
If you agree then you need to explain in your essay why you think that you learn more from teachers than from the internet. Don’t ignore the internet, it is part of your opinion that you think it is less useful.
Liz
Hi Liz,
Regarding my above question, still I cannot understand how’d I write the whole essay
Kindly give me idea of how to describe that Internet is less useful? I am short of ideas for this essay.
Thanks alot
The internet can’t give you feedback or correct your errors. Teachers are people who can give individual training which the internet can’t. Think more about the difference between people and computers.
Liz
Thanks alot Liz:-)
Hi liz, I just want to share my recent exam topic writing task 2 last Oct 31, 2015. Just take a look if you think it is useful for your lesson.
Some people say economic growth helps to solve poverty and hunger. While other believes it only contributes to environmental damages and it must stop immediately.
Discuss both views, give examples and cite your opinion.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Wejo,
can i ask please.. how did you paraphrase economy growth, or what u wrote exactly?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
With regards to the writing test can i use the abbrevation of the word “and” like “&” during the letter (both formal & informal) & essay?
You can’t use informal writing in your essay or in formal letters. You can use it in informal letters.
All the best
Liz
Many many thanks for your selfless effort. Will you recommended me any free writing correction source.
Sorry I don’t any any such contacts.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
Hope you are okay.
I have a question for you: can I rephrase the word ‘older people’ as veteran ?
No, definitely not. Check your dictionary for the meaning.
Liz
Is IELTS writing task 1 and writing task 2 Held by same question in entire world in same day or it’s take separate question for different country . please inform me.
I do not know. Please contact IELTS.
All the best
Liz
hi liz
thank you so much for your wonderful lessons
it is really helpful for me
You’re welcome 🙂
Hello Liz!
I got this question on your site and I’m going to start writing about it:
Companies spend millions each year on advertising online, in magazines and on billboards. These adverts can encouraged people to buy goods that they do not really need.
What are the positive and negative affects of consumerism?
>>>>on my first paragraph, should I just rephrase the question?
>>>>How many positive and negative should I mention? since I need to discuss both
>>>> in my conclusion, do I need to choose my stand between the two?
You can have as many effects as you want. It’s your choice. Plan the length of your paragraph and plan your ideas. The instructions don’t ask for a choice so you shouldn’t choose. See my adv disadv model essay to learn the essay structure and content.
All the best
Liz
Ms. Liz, I would like to clarify…consumerism is the belief of spending on goods. I am just confuse because in my essay I mentioned more on the positive effect of advertisement like people will be guided by some reviews they can read over the internet. and on the negative side, i mentioned that because of this advertisement people will be prompted to buy such product without thinking if it is necessary or not. Am I correct?
Your ideas are relevant.
Liz
Hi, I used to take ielts for second time and still I ended up my writing by 5.5 score. Any possible idea that could I improve my writing test so I can get my desire score. I hope you can help me with my problem..
It is probably due to your level of English. Many students think that if they practice enough and learn tips, they will get a high score. But it isn’t so simple. Your English must be the right level for the band score you want. Spend time working on developing a deeper understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Once your English is stronger and more accurate, then review your IELTS skills.
Liz
Thank you for your time, I’m sure this help me pass my writing test.:-)
Hello Liz
Your website and ielts tips are simply amazing. I find it very much useful to prepare myself to do better in ielts. In fact I gain confidence too. I gotta doubt, can you please clarify? Is it fine to include points or to list out when I write essay task 2.
Thank you
With regards
Dass
Can you give me an example of what you mean by “list out”. If you give me a clear example, I’ll let you know if it is advisable for IELTS.
All the best
Liz
Hi liz
Thank you for your excellent work. Your website is very much useful. Can you please clarify my doubt? While writing essay task 2, is it fine to list the message as points by points (numbering one by one) instead of writing in a paragraph. Your response is very much appreciated.
Thank you
Regards
Dass David.
No, definitely not. You are being marked on your ability to write complex sentences, not to write lists. Any lists you give will reduce your score a lot. The only list you could give is: “Many people believe that skilled professionals, such as doctors and nurses, should earn more money.” In this sentence there is a list of two examples. That is the only time you can do it. No list of examples should be more than three in length.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
Thank you for your quick response. I will prepare myself better for my Ielts ,with the help of your blog.
With regards
Dass.
Thank you Liz for all the tips. I haven’t tried taking the IELTS before. My upcoming exam is scheduled on the 3rd week of October.
I just have one question. If I put a lot of complex sentences in my writing task 2 with the use of clauses, will I have a big chance of scoring a higher band?
To get band score 7 and above, you need to produce predominantly complex sentences in your writing. However, the band score is also based on accuracy. So, if you produce lots of complex sentences but they are full of errors, you will get a lower score. Always aim for accuracy above anything else in writing.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz
Thank for sharing very usefull information about IELTS. So mu story is , I took IELTS exam in last month. my exam results are L 5.5,W.5.0, R 5.0 S 5.0.Now I am confusing and I don’t have idea what I have to do.So my IELTS target is 6 for all brands.If you can give some guide to improve my IELTS 5 to 6, It would be a great help.
You must improve your English. Your English contains too many mistakes to get band score 6. Develop your English to a higher level and then think about taking the IELTS test.
Liz
Dear Liz,
While surfing the internet I found link of your website. I really appreciate all the resources you are providing for to prepare well for IELTS exam. Writing is major hindrance for me, I do many spelling mistakes as well. Please suggest some wise approach which I must follow. Currently my score is 3.5 to 4 out of 6.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks In advance 🙂
Regards
Jas
All tips are given in the writing sections. For spelling practice see my IELTS Extra section and the Useful Website page.
All the best
Liz
Thanks for quick reply and pointers !
Hi Liz,
I’m from India -Punjab and I’m Very Impressive from your Lessons.But One thing I’m not able to understand .How i can strong my vocabulary .Any kind of books u May suggest to Me.
Buy the Vocabulary for IELTS books from Amazon or from your local educational store.
Liz
Thank you so much for your sharing.
I am going to take the IELTS exam next weekend. Fortunately i found ur useful website last month. It is just a short time but i’ve learnt so much. Now i am quite nervous about my writing and speaking skill. My aim is at least 6.5 score. Could you kindly give me some advise?
Read through the band score tips for your writing: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-band-scores/ and https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/. For speaking, practice adding more to each answer, prepare vocabulary for topics and practice using the vocabulary. Also practice adding a range of grammar tenses – put past tense in your answer (I remember when …) or future forms (I really hope to…) or conditionals (If I could …, I would …).
Good luck!
Liz
Thank you so much Liz.
Hope that i can share a good news with you next 2 weeks. 🙂
hi liz..
Thank you very much for your valuble web site..
I would like to know if you teach IELTS course ..and if yes in where?
all the best
I have just started making my online course and there are some writing task 2 lessons available at present: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore I will add another lesson this month.
Liz
Dear Liz ! thanx a lot for your sharing and posting useful informations regarding Ielts i have no appropriate words to appreciate your this great and noble efforts .this is your greatness and politeness that mostly poor and helpless people are availing your site and posts.plz continue your these effort for the benefit of the whole humanity and specially for poor and needy segment.
Thanks for your support. I’m glad my lessons are useful 🙂
Liz
Dear Liz,
Thank you for this useful website. I really appreciate your effort to help students preparing IELTS, and i am taking advance of your meaningful work. Thank you so much.
Kind regards,
Tung
You’re very welcome 🙂