Charts redrawn from the reference diagrams. Numeric labels are estimates, not exact underlying data.
0 / 150 words20:00
Model Answer
The chart shows that Britain, among the four European countries listed, has spent most heavily on the range of consumer goods included. In every case, British spending is considerably higher than that of other countries; only in the case of tennis racquets does another country, Italy, come close.
In contrast, Germany is generally the lowest spender. This is most evident in photographic film, where Germany spends much less than Britain. Germany only spends more than another country, France, in two cases; tennis racquets and perfumes.
Meanwhile, France and Italy generally maintain middle positions, averaging approximately similar spending overall. Specifically, France spends more on CDs and photographic film but less on tennis racquets than Italy does. Italy and France show very similar spending on personal stereos in this approximate redraw, while spending on toys is equal between the two.
It is clear from the data given that there are some significant differences in spending habits within Europe.
Writing Task 2Suggested: 40 min · At least 250 words
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
"When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive."
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
0 / 250 words40:00
Model Answer
Overall, I disagree with the opinion expressed. I would like to begin by pointing out that traditional skills and ways of life are not automatically of one country, but of a culture or community.
In many ways, the history of civilisation is the history of technology: from the discovery of fire to the invention of the wheel to the development of the Internet, we have been moving on from previous ways of doing things. Some technologies, such as weapons of mass destruction, are of negative impact. Others, such as medical advances, positively help people to live better or longer, and so very much help traditional ways of life. Surely, few people would seek to preserve such traditions as living in caves!
Interestingly, technology can positively contribute to the keeping alive of traditional skills and ways of life. For example, the populations of some islands are too small to have normal schools. Rather than breaking up families by sending children to the mainland, education authorities have been able to use the Internet to deliver schooling online. In addition, the Internet, and modern refrigeration techniques, are being used to keep alive the traditional skills of producing salmon; it can now be ordered from, and delivered to, anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, without suggesting that all technology is necessarily good, I think it is by no means 'pointless', in any way, to try to keep traditions alive with technology. We should not ignore technology, because it can be our friend and support our way of life.
Self-Check Checklist
Task 1
I wrote at least 150 words
I described the chart for all 6 goods and 4 countries
I used comparative language (higher, lower, equal to)
I included an overview of the main trend
I did NOT give my opinion
Task 2
I wrote at least 250 words
I clearly stated my position
I gave at least two well-developed arguments
I used examples to support my points
I finished with a clear conclusion
Submit your attempted test
Enter contact details when you finish. Writing is saved for review and receives no automatic band score.
About this practice test
How long does this practice test take?
Allow 60 minutes: about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
What details are required to submit?
Enter your name and email at submission. Phone and marketing consent are optional.
Will Writing receive an automatic band score?
No. Writing responses are saved for review; no automatic IELTS band score is provided.
Is this an official IELTS website?
No. IELTS Practice Jai is an independent practice website and is not affiliated with IELTS or Cambridge.