IELTS Writing Test 4 from Cambridge IELTS 14 with Band 8 Sample

IELTS WRITING TASK 1

The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park today. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

MODEL ANSWER

The plans show differences of a public park between 1920 and now. Overall, there is a replacement of most of structures and a rearrangement of gardens and seats in the park.

In 1920, visitors entered the park via 2 entrances on Arnold avenue and Eldon street. Nowadays, there are no changes for 2 main entrances, but there is a new entrance for an underground car park.

In the middle of the park there were a fountain which then was demolished, and there was a stage for musicians with 2 rose gardens and several seats surrounding on the right side. The stage was replaced with an amphitheater for concerts while 1 rose garden and seats was rearranged to the middle of the park.

On the left side, a glasshouse was built alongside Eldon street, but now it was replaced with water feature. A rose garden and a pond for water plants next to Arnold avenue were converted into a cafe and a children’s play area.

164 words by Duc Thang Bui

IELTS WRITING TASK 2

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

Band 8 Sample

It is a tendency that less people want to work for a company or organisation as they choose to be self-employed. In this essay, I will examine reasons behind this and point out how self-employment could be disadvantaged.

There are many reasons why self-employment become more popular. I think the most important reasons is that it is easier to set up a company than before. In some countries, company registration can be done quickly, and there are many opportunities to do business when the Internet provides a global marketplace. In addition, self-employment offers greater freedom than working for a company. For example, while employees are obligated to follow a fixed working schedule set by their employers, self-employers have the freedom to work at times that best fit their needs.

However, there are risks to starting a new business. Firstly, self-employed people may face financial difficulties. For most people, self-employment seems to be a good opportunity to make a good fortune, but they did not see a fact that many businesses fail to make a profit. Secondly, having a permanent job and a monthly paycheck are the only factors for career success especially in my country. In contrast, being self-employed means that there is a variety in the income, rather than a regular pay from a company or organisation. There are no benefits like pensions, sick pay and holiday pay. There is less stability in self-employment. Another problem of self-employment is that it involved hard work, long hours and total responsibility.

In conclusion, self-employment is a rising trend at a global scale as its advantages. However, its disadvantages should be considered before choosing to be self-employed.

275 words by Duc Thang Bui