In some countries, the number of people choosing to live alone is increasing rapidly. Why do you think this trend is happening? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
This is a double question or two-part question type of IELTS Writing Task 2 question. This means that it includes two separate questions in one prompt that you need to address in your essay.
The first question is "Why do you think this trend is happening?", which asks you to explain the reasons for the increase in the number of people choosing to live alone.
The second question is "Do you think it is a positive or negative development?", which asks you to express your opinion on whether this trend is beneficial or harmful.
To answer both parts of the question, you should address each question in a separate paragraph or clearly indicate your answer for each question within the same paragraph. It's important to avoid combining your answers to both questions into one paragraph or answer, as this can lead to a lack of clarity and organization in your essay.
How do I plan my answer?
Here's how you can plan your response:
Introduction: Start by paraphrasing the question and briefly mention the reasons why people choose to live alone.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the reasons why people choose to live alone, such as the desire for independence, privacy, or to pursue individual goals and interests.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the potential negative consequences of this trend, such as social isolation, loneliness, and the breakdown of traditional family structures.
Body Paragraph 3: Present your opinion and justify it with arguments and examples. Do you think this trend is positive or negative? Why? What are the possible solutions to mitigate the negative consequences?
Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.
Remember to use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, and to connect your ideas logically and coherently. You can use examples and statistics to support your arguments and illustrate your points. Additionally, make sure to manage your time well and allocate enough time for each paragraph. Good luck!
Show answer
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people who choose to live alone in some countries. While some argue that this trend may have negative consequences, others see it as a positive development. In this essay, we will explore the reasons behind this trend and discuss whether it is a positive or negative development.
The trend of living alone can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, with the rise of technology and the internet, people are more connected than ever before, and can easily maintain social connections online without needing to physically cohabit. Secondly, changes in cultural attitudes towards marriage and family life have contributed to this trend. More people are choosing to delay marriage, or to not marry at all, preferring instead to focus on their careers or personal development. Finally, economic factors, such as rising property prices and the increasing availability of affordable housing, may also be a contributing factor.
On the one hand, some argue that the trend towards living alone is a negative development. They suggest that it may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as a lack of social support. Additionally, living alone may lead to a lack of motivation and productivity, with individuals less likely to engage in activities that promote personal growth or self-improvement.
On the other hand, others see the trend towards living alone as a positive development. They argue that it provides individuals with the opportunity to live independently, take responsibility for their own lives, and develop self-reliance. Additionally, living alone may provide individuals with the freedom to pursue their own interests, hobbies, and goals without needing to compromise with others.
In conclusion, while the trend towards living alone may have both positive and negative consequences, it is ultimately a personal choice. It is up to each individual to determine whether living alone is the right choice for them, taking into account their own personal circumstances and values. As long as people have the ability to make this choice for themselves, the trend towards living alone can be seen as a positive development.
Why is this a good answer?
This is a good answer because it fully addresses the topic, presents both sides of the argument and provides a clear and logical thesis statement. The essay is well-structured and cohesive, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point and using appropriate linking words to connect ideas.
The essay is also well-supported with specific examples. For example, the writer provides reasons behind the trend of living alone, including the rise of technology and changes in cultural attitudes towards marriage and family life. These examples help to illustrate the factors that contribute to the trend.
Additionally, the writer uses specific examples to support both sides of the argument. For instance, when discussing the negative consequences of living alone, the writer notes that it may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and provides evidence to support this claim. Similarly, when discussing the positive aspects of living alone, the writer mentions that it provides individuals with the freedom to pursue their own interests and goals, and provides examples to illustrate this point.
Overall, the essay is well-written and provides a balanced and thoughtful discussion of the topic. It is clear that the writer has a strong understanding of the topic and is able to express their ideas in a clear and concise manner, therefore a good IELTS Band 9 Sample Answer Essay.
Advanced Vocabulary List
This essay contains some advanced vocabulary:
attributed to: to suggest that something is caused by a particular thing or person
cohabit: to live together and have a sexual relationship without being married
personal development: the process of improving your skills, abilities, and personal qualities
self-reliance: the ability to do things and make decisions without needing help or support from others
compromise: to find a solution to a problem in which both sides agree and give up something they wanted
consequences: the results or effects of something that has happened
delay: to postpone or put off until a later time
isolation: the state of being separated from others, or feeling alone or disconnected from society
productivity: the ability to produce or create something efficiently and effectively
affordable: able to be afforded or paid for without causing financial difficulty
personal circumstances: the individual factors or situations that affect a person's life
cultural attitudes: the values, beliefs, and behaviors of a particular society or group
motivation: the reason or reasons why someone does something, or the level of desire to achieve a goal
These words and phrases demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary and language use, which is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam.
