IELTS Model Questions


**Writing Task 2 Topics:**
1. Some people believe that our personalities are mainly determined by our genes, while others argue that our upbringing and environment play a more significant role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2. The debate between nature and nurture has been ongoing for centuries. While some argue that our genetic makeup is the primary factor in shaping our personalities and abilities, others believe that our environment and experiences have a greater impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

**Speaking Questions:**
1. Do you think that people's personalities are more influenced by their genes or their upbringing? Why?

2. Can you think of any examples where someone's environment or experiences have had a significant impact on their development?
What were the circumstances, and how did it affect them?

3. In your opinion, is it possible for people to change their personalities or abilities through hard work and determination, or are they largely predetermined by their genetic makeup? Provide an example to support your argument.
Note: These questions are designed to elicit a range of responses and opinions, and are meant to be starting points for discussion rather than definitive answers.

🇺🇸Классное выражение на английском

🇺🇸To fall on deaf ears
- Быть проигнорированным / Остаться без внимания

🇺🇸- And all our internal reports are falling on deaf ears.

- И все наши внутренние отчеты остаются без внимания.

🔵 posterity

♦️all future generations

🗯 Example:
-"the victims'names are recorded for posterity."

Model Writing Answer

Some people believe that our personalities are mainly determined by our genes, while others argue that our upbringing and environment play a more significant role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer
The debate surrounding the influence of genetics versus environment on personality development has been a longstanding one. While some argue that our genetic makeup is the primary determinant of our personalities, others believe that our upbringing and environment play a more significant role. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and present my own opinion.

On one hand, proponents of the genetic influence argue that our genes determine our personality traits, such as introversion or extroversion, and that these traits are largely fixed from birth. Research has shown that identical twins, who share the same genetic makeup, tend to exhibit similar personality traits, suggesting a strong genetic component. Furthermore, studies have identified specific genes that are associated with certain personality traits, such as the serotonin transporter gene, which is linked to anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, proponents of the environmental influence argue that our upbringing and environment shape our personalities. They contend that our experiences, social interactions, and cultural background all contribute to the development of our personality. For example, a child who grows up in a nurturing and supportive environment may develop a more optimistic and resilient personality, while a child who experiences trauma or neglect may develop anxiety or depression.

In my opinion, I believe that both genetics and environment play a role in shaping our personalities. While our genetic makeup may predispose us to certain traits, it is our environment and experiences that shape the expression of those traits. Ultimately, I believe that our personalities are the result of a complex interplay between our genetic and environmental factors.

🇺🇸Запоминаем полезное выражение на английском

🇺🇸Get off smb's chest
- Облегчить душу / Снять камень с души / Сбросить ношу с плеч / Признаться (в чем-либо)

🇺🇸- You need to get off your chest.

- Тебе нужно снять камень с души.

🔵 dilettante

♦️an mature who engages in an activity without serious intentions

🗯 Example:
-"a wealthy literary dilettante."

Model Speaking Answer
Question Part 3:
In your opinion, is it possible for people to change their personalities or abilities through hard work and determination, or are they largely predetermined by their genetic makeup?


You know, I think that's a really interesting question. (pause) I mean, on one hand, I do believe that people can change their personalities or abilities through hard work and determination. (pause) I think that's because, you know, our brains are capable of reorganizing and adapting throughout our lives, right? (pause) So, if someone is willing to put in the effort and make changes, I think they can definitely develop new skills or overcome certain personality traits.
On the other hand, (pause) I also think that our genetic makeup does play a role in who we are and what we're capable of. (pause) I mean, research has shown that certain personality traits and abilities are linked to specific genes, so it's not like we're completely in control of our own destiny. (pause) But, at the same time, I don't think that means we're completely stuck with who we are. (pause) I think there's a balance between nature and nurture, and that with the right mindset and support, people can definitely make positive changes in their lives.
(pause) So, to answer your question, I think it's possible for people to change their personalities or abilities, but it's not always easy and it's not always possible. (pause) It depends on a lot of factors, including our genetic makeup, our environment, and our own motivation and determination.

🇺🇸Классное выражение из «Sex Education» на английском

🇺🇸Give someone a leg up
- Помочь кому-то

(значение этой идиомы заключается в том, чтобы оказать поддержку или помощь кому-то в достижении цели)

🇺🇸- Could you give me a leg up?

- Не могли бы вы помочь мне?

🔵 plummet

♦️drop sharply and quickly

🗯 Example:
-"The stock market plummeted."

Daily Slice of IELTS Vocabulary
Here are some useful vocabulary and collocations from the model writing answer, along with their definitions and examples:
1. Longstanding (adjective)
Definition: Having been in existence for a long time; established.
Example: "The company has been operating for a longstanding period of time, and has built a strong reputation in the industry."
2. Proponents (noun)
Definition: People who support or advocate for a particular idea or cause.
Example: "The proponents of the new policy argue that it will improve the economy and create jobs."
3. Determine (verb)
Definition: To decide or settle something.
Example: "The jury determined that the defendant was guilty of the crime."
4. Fixed (adjective)
Definition: Unchangeable or permanent.
Example: "The company's policy is fixed, and it will not be changed without a vote from the board of directors."
5. Research (noun)
Definition: A systematic investigation into a subject or topic.
Example: "The scientists conducted extensive research on the effects of climate change on the environment."
6. Identical (adjective)
Definition: Exactly the same; having the same characteristics or features.
Example: "The identical twins were born at the same time and have the same physical characteristics."
7. Exhibit (verb)
Definition: To show or display something.
Example: "The museum exhibits a collection of rare and valuable artifacts."
8. Contend (verb)
Definition: To argue or claim something.
Example: "The lawyer contended that the defendant was innocent of the crime."
9. Nurturing (adjective)
Definition: Providing care and support.
Example: "The nurturing environment at the daycare center helped the children feel safe and secure."
10. Resilient (adjective)
Definition: Able to withstand or recover from difficult situations.
Example: "The company's resilient employees were able to adapt to the changes in the market and continue to thrive."
11. Interplay (noun)
Definition: A complex or intricate relationship between two or more things.
Example: "The interplay between the company's marketing strategy and customer demand led to a significant increase in sales."
12. Complex (adjective)
Definition: Difficult to understand or analyze.
Example: "The complex issue of climate change requires careful consideration and analysis."
These vocabulary and collocations can be used in a variety of contexts, including academic writing, business communication, and everyday conversation.

🇺🇸Полезное выражение на английском

🇺🇸Doze off
- Задремать / Отключиться / Вырубиться

🇺🇸- I just didn't sleep very well last night so I just dozed off.

- Я просто плохо спала прошлой ночью, поэтому задремала.

🔵 morale

♦️the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.

🗯 Example:
-"their morale was high."