Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 & Task 2 | How to Answer

Authentic writing practice for IELTS exam preparation.

IELTS 15 Test 1

• Writing Task 1 | Chart: coffee and tea buying and drinking habits, five Australian cities
• Writing Task 2 | Essay: Owning a home rather than renting one

IELTS 15 Test 2

• Writing Task 1 | Graph: Number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island
• Writing Task 2 | Essay: Printed newspapers, books, replaced by reading everything online

IELTS 15 Test 3

• Writing Task 1 | Diagram: Instant noodles manufacturing process
• Writing Task 2 | Essay: Advertising is successful at persuading us to buy things/advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it

IELTS 15 Test 4

• Writing Task 1 | Chart: Activities of Anthropology graduates after finishing their undergraduate degree course
• Writing Task 2 | Essay: Children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 (Test 1)

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows the results of a survey about people's coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

Coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five cities in Australia

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 | Writing practice for IELTS: Summarising information, selecting, reporting main features, making comparisons

Cambridge IELTS 15 Test 1 Writing Task 1 Sample Answer

The bar chart shows information about the coffee and tea purchasing and consumption habits of residents in five cities in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart. The data presented depicts the percentage of residents that either (1) purchased fresh coffee, (2) purchased instant coffee, or (3) visited a café to purchase and drink coffee or tea in the last 4 weeks.

The most popular habit in 4 out of 5 cities was visiting a café to purchase/drink coffee or tea, except in Adelaide. In all 5 cities, more people bought instant coffee than fresh coffee.

In Melbourne, 63% of residents purchased or drank tea or coffee at a café, while slightly fewer residents, about 61%, went to a café to purchase or drink tea or coffee in Sydney and Melbourne. Around 45% of residents in Sydney and Melbourne bought instant coffee during the period in question, almost equal to the number of residents who purchased fresh coffee in the same cities, 44% and 43%, respectively.

Similar to Melbourne, in Hobart, almost the same proportion of residents visited a café to purchase or drink coffee or tea, about 62.5%. Instant coffee sales in Hobart were also the highest among the 5 cities. But purchasing fresh coffee was the least popular activity. Residents in Brisbane and Adelaide had very similar consumption habits, with purchases of instant coffee far exceeding those of fresh coffee. Slightly more people visited a café to purchase/drink coffee or tea in Brisbane (55%) than in Adelaide (49%).

Overall, visiting a café to purchase/drink coffee or tea was the most popular option, followed by purchases of instant coffee, and, the least popular option in all 5 cities was purchasing fresh coffee.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 1 / Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 Test 1 / Book 15 Test 1 Writing Task 1

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 2 (Test 2)

Cambridge IELTS 15 Test 1 Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Cambridge IELTS 15 Test 1 Writing Task 2 Sample Answer

Many people desire to purchase a home of their own, for various reasons. It is commonplace, as it represents stability, social status, and commitment. Owning and renting property both have advantages and disadvantages, and which is best depends on the specific circumstances of the individual.

First, owning a house or apartment means that people do not have to worry about or waste time finding a place to live when their rental agreement; they can focus on other more important things in life. Second, many people today buy a home with a mortgage and so they know exactly how much money they owe and have to pay off regularly. This allows people to create a sense of personal security in their lives, as well as a degree of financial security for the future.

However, this is not always the case, as many people who value home-ownership are in reality cash-poor, which means they cannot easily exchange their property for cash. As a result, people who are still paying off their mortgage may not be able to spend their money on other, larger investments.

If a person makes an ill-advised decision to rent an apartment or house, which they later regret, they have the choice to move once the lease ends. In extreme cases, a tenant can terminate the lease early and find a new apartment or house if they are not satisfied with their current property. This is something which can be very difficult for a homeowner to do, as such a decision requires arranging the sale of their property and refinancing a new purchase.

Overall, the common belief that owning property is better than renting is neither a positive nor a negative situation. The reality is that both types of real estate market exist for a good reason – different people have different priorities and housing needs, and any market will always respond to consumer needs.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 2 / Cambridge 15 Test 1 Writing Task 2

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 (Test 2 )

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Number of tourists visiting a Caribbean island (2010-2017)

Cambridge 15 Test 2 Writing Task 1

Cambridge IELTS 15 Test 2 Writing Task 1 Sample Answer

The line graph shows the number of tourists who visited a Caribbean island during the period 2010-2017. The two categories of tourist are (1) those who stayed on the island, and (2) those who visited the island but stayed on cruise ships.

Over the seven years, the number of cruise ship visitors grew by almost ten times, from 0.25 million to 2 million. Meanwhile, the number of visitors who stayed on the island only doubled, from 0.75 million to 1.5 million. The total number of visitors grew from 1 million to 3.5 million during the period in question.

In general, more visitors stayed on the island than on cruise ships (except in 2016). There was a steady growth in tourists on cruise ships (except 2011-2012), and the number of tourists staying on the island experienced some growth initially and then plateaued in 2013 at 1.5 million before dropping slightly in 2015, and then recovering in 2016.

The total number of visitors grew steadily until 2015 when it reached a peak of 2.5 million before increasing dramatically in 2016-2017, to 3.5 million.

Although the number of tourists visiting the island increased steadily over the period, the most notable change was that initially more tourists stayed on the island, but by 2017 more tourists chose to stay on cruise ships while visiting the island.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 1

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS 15 Test 2 Writing Task 2

Sample Answer

The debate about the obsolescence of newspapers and books has bee ongoing for many years now. There is no evidence to show that people will relinquish reading print media any time soon. This essay will discuss some of the reasons why books and newspapers will continue to exist in the foreseeable future.

Although newspaper circulation figures are undoubtedly not what they were ten years ago, the argument that readers can access everything online for free is not valid. Many big publications like the New York Times, Financial Times and others now offer subscription models for full access to all the latest stories and reports. This is an obvious transition to a different business model, one in which the reader still pays from premium content.

Concerning books, despite the popularity of e-readers and mobile devices, many people still prefer the feel and smell of a conventional book. There is also a health argument that reading a book is better for you than reading text on a screen. For example, a book does not emit electromagnetic radiation, as is the case with computers and mobile devices. Another distinct advantage of books is their lack of need for a power supply to use them.

In conclusion, the most likely change in reading habits is the wider adoption of the online subscription model, which helps fund high-quality journalism and research by authors. However, over time, there will no doubt come the day when books and newspapers become no more than collector's items. For now, there are enough people who prefer newspapers and books to support them for many decades to come.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 2 / Cambridge 15 Test 2 Writing Task 2

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 (Test 3)

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows how instant noodles are manufactured.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Manufacturing instant noodles

IELTS 15 Test 3 Task 1

Sample Answer

The illustration shows the eight stages of manufacturing instant noodles. The production process involves a conveyor belt and various machines which transform the raw materials into a finished food product.

Pre-production, the dry ingredient, flour, is stored in large silos. The first step in the manufacturing process is to transfer the flour from the silos to the mixer, which mixes the flour with water and oil. The resulting mixture then passes between several rollers, producing sheets of dough that are then cut into thin dough strips. Then, a machine changes the dough strips into dough discs before cooking them in oil (frying).

After cooking, the noodles are dried and moved to the packaging stage of the process. A machine packs the noodles into cups and adds vegetables and spices. The cups are then labeled and sealed to maintain freshness before leaving the production line ready for distribution to food retailers.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 1

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. 

Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS 15 Test 3 Writing Task 2

Sample Answer

The first view dominates the academic literature on advertising and consumer behavior. However, people's opinions on this topic also vary between different cultures.

Some people believe that advertising companies carefully craft advertisements to make their messages more appealing. Advertisements have become so embedded in our culture that most people grow up seeing them throughout childhood. As a result, we have become accustomed to the most common advertising techniques. This familiarity has led to a lack of attention paid towards them.

Studies have shown that an overwhelmingly large proportion of adults do not recall seeing most advertisements to which they are exposed. Moreover, they are unable to identify brand messages within them. Regardless, the advertising industry spends billions of dollars annually, and it has the power to affect decisions and actions. Why do they do this? There is ample evidence that advertising helps build brand awareness and convince consumers to buy products.

Despite its apparent success, consumers now have more choice over whether they see advertisements or not. For example, many companies offer ad-free premium options such as Spotify Premium. Also, independent ad-blockers are available, which people can use to block ads when browsing online.

Overall, I think that both views are correct about advertising. The belief that advertising can impact what we buy is true since advertising companies spend billions of dollars on it. But as consumers, we are also oblivious to many ads, although some become famous for being funny or controversial.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 2 test 3 / Cambridge 15 Writing Task 2 / Cambridge 15 Test 3 Writing Task 2

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 (Test 4)

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows what Anthropology graduates from one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course. The table shows the salaries of the anthropologists in work after five years.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Destination of Anthropology graduates (from one university)

IELTS 15 Test 4 Writing Task 1

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 (Test 4)

Sample Answer

The data presented in the pie chart and table illustrate what Anthropology graduates did post-graduation and their annual earnings five years after graduating.

Most of the graduates, 52%, went directly into full-time work, while 15% worked part-time. The remainder were in full- or part-time postgraduate studies, unemployed, or no data was available. Of those who graduated in Anthropology, 23% pursued part-time or full-time postgraduate courses.

The data on annual earnings shows that 50% of Anthropology graduates made more than $100,000 after five years of work. Only a small proportion, 20%, made less than $50,000.
The highest salaries earned were in public sector positions, with 50% of graduates employed in government positions. The lowest salaries were in the private sector, with 30% of graduates working for private companies. The remaining graduates worked as freelance consultants.

Overall, graduates working in the public sector or as consultants earned more by the end of the period in question.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 1 / Cambridge 15 Writing Task 1 Test 4

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Cambridge 15 Writing Task 2 (Test 4)

Sample Answer

What are the advantages and disadvantages of telling children they can achieve anything if they try hard enough?

The advantage of giving children this message is that it encourages them to strive for their goals. Children learn not to give up on something because they are not naturally good at it, and it is challenging. This philosophy also teaches children to persevere when things get tough instead of quitting, which benefits them in academic pursuits and future personal ventures. Furthermore, having the mindset that failure may occur but is not permanent prevents disappointment during trying times. This positive mindset also promotes resilience and determination through often life-changing obstacles.

However, a possible problem is deciding what others can achieve based on our expectations or experience. One of the disadvantages of telling children that they can achieve anything with effort is the possibility that they expect to always excel at something. For example, a child who believes they can become a professional football player may not prepare for failure by developing other skills necessary for success in life. The pressure to meet high expectations might be too much for some children to handle and thus create unrealistic expectations that inhibit well-being.

The two advantages of telling children that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough are the empowerment and resilience they learn through encouragement. Moreover, children with this belief can experience failure without becoming discouraged since any setback is temporary rather than permanent. However, there are possible drawbacks involved with believing that whatever someone wants is achievable without possessing the necessary skills. This message can lead to a child becoming paralyzed by their expectations and failing to accomplish anything. In addition, this mindset may sap the enjoyment from an activity if the child cannot achieve the desired result. Lack of achievement may lead them to develop a distorted self-perception that they are incapable of doing much. Therefore, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with cultures encouraging a "you can do anything" attitude.

IELTS 15 Writing Task 2 / Cambridge 15 Test 4 Writing Task 2