Fill in the gaps below with the correct linking words. This is useful practice for your IELTS writing task 2 essay. Using linking words requires you to be careful with the grammar structure of your sentences – this lesson will review your ability to do that.

Questions

Choose the correct letter to complete each sentence. It is possible to have more than one letter for an answer.

1. ……………. the government building more homes in city centres, there is still a lack of housing.
   1. Answers: A) Although   B) Despite   C) So
2. ………….. the government is increasing the amount of money spent on dealing with environmental pollution, individuals must still play their part.
   1. Answers: A) But    B) Although  C) Despite
3. People should eat a balanced diet ……………..  avoid serious health problems.
   1. Answers:  A) due to    B) so     C) in order to
4. …………… there are children who may not find it easy to live abroad, for others it can be an experience that helps them mature and become more independent.
   1. Answers: A) While  B) In spite of  C) Even so
5. ………………….. more and more people moving to the city to find jobs, housing has become a serious problem in city centers.
   1. Answers A) Consequently   B) As a result  C) As a result of  D) Owing to

Answers

Answers are now available:

Click here:  Answers Linking Word Lesson

All the best

Liz

Below is a list of IELTS Essay Questions July 2018 reported in writing task 2.

Will these questions be repeated?

• IELTS often repeat topics but change the questions and instructions.
• To prepare for IELTS writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for the topics below and common topics which you will find on this page: 100 IELTS Essay Questions.
• No one can predict the question you will get in your test. So, prepare as many common and recent topics as possible.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions July 2018

The questions below have been reported by IELTS candidates and may not be accurately remembered.

1. Some people think that modern technology is making people more sociable, while others think it is making them less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Online, people write product reviews and opinions about services. Is it a good thing or bad thing?
3. Some people argue that formal education should start for children as early as possible, while others think that it should not start until 7 years of age. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
4. Some people believe that teachers have a important role to play in the educational success, while others think it is the students’ attitude that matters. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
5. Some physiologists recommend that it is important to overcome stresses by spending time do nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
6. The education of young people is the main priority in countries around the world. Some people believe that educating adults who cannot read or write is essential for the society and more funding should be made available for it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
7. The only way to solve the increasing crime rate of young offenders is to teach parents better parenting skills. To what extent do you agree?
8. Scientist have been warning for many years about the importance of protecting the environment and that we must limit the use of energy in our daily lives. Despite warnings, many people do not do this. What are the reasons for that and how people can be encouraged to take an interest in protecting the environment?
9. Some people believe that a great difference in age between parents and children is more beneficial. Do you think the advantages of a greater difference in age between them outweigh the disadvantages?
10. Some people think the government should be responsible for solving the pollution problems which result from heavy traffic. To what extent do you agree?
11. Some people believe that universities should only offer places to students with high marks, while others believe that people of all ages should be allowed even if they don’t do well in school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
12. People are less fit and active nowadays than in the past. What are the reasons for this? What measures can be taken to fix this?
13. The world of work is changing rapidly. Working conditions today are not the same as before and people no longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and give your suggestions for how people should prepare for work in the future.
14. Some people find it beneficial to sent young children to nursery school before they go to primary school, while others think it is good to keep children at home with their family. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
15. Some people think that to reduce traffic and pollution, the government should increase tax on petrol (gasoline).  Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
16. It is believed that young people are more interested in international pop singers and movie stars than in history and historical people. Why is this? (June)
17. Nowadays, culture is more or less the same around the world compared to in the past. Is this a positive trend or negative trend? (June)