Volunteering and community development are popular topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this theme has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a common subject in future tests. Let’s explore some relevant essay questions that have been seen in recent IELTS exams:
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Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Volunteering to help others in the local community is becoming less common these days. Why is this happening? What can be done to encourage more people to volunteer?
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Some people think that the government should provide financial assistance to all types of community organizations. Others believe that only the most essential community organizations should receive government funding. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
For this article, we will focus on the second question, as it directly addresses the role of volunteering in community development and has a high likelihood of appearing in future IELTS exams.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Volunteering to help others in the local community is becoming less common these days. Why is this happening? What can be done to encourage more people to volunteer?
This question consists of two parts:
- Reasons for the decline in volunteering
- Solutions to encourage more volunteering
To fully address this question, you need to:
- Provide at least 2-3 reasons for the decrease in volunteering
- Suggest 2-3 ways to promote volunteering
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Ensure a balanced discussion of both parts of the question
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of people volunteering to assist others in their local communities. This essay will explore the reasons behind this trend and propose measures to encourage greater participation in volunteer work.
Several factors contribute to the decreasing prevalence of volunteering. Firstly, the fast-paced nature of modern life leaves many individuals with limited free time. Long working hours, commutes, and family responsibilities often take precedence over community service. Secondly, the rise of individualism and a focus on personal goals have led to a reduced sense of community obligation. Many people prioritize their own career advancement or leisure activities over unpaid work for the benefit of others. Lastly, a lack of awareness about volunteering opportunities and their positive impacts may deter potential volunteers from getting involved.
To address this issue and promote volunteering, various steps can be taken. One effective approach would be for educational institutions to integrate community service into their curricula. By making volunteering a mandatory part of high school or university programs, young people would be exposed to the value of community engagement early on, potentially fostering a lifelong commitment to service. Additionally, employers could offer incentives for employees who volunteer, such as paid time off or recognition programs, thereby making it easier for working adults to participate in community activities. Finally, local governments and non-profit organizations should launch awareness campaigns highlighting the personal and societal benefits of volunteering, using social media and community events to reach a wider audience.
In conclusion, while the decline in volunteering is a complex issue rooted in modern lifestyle changes and shifting societal values, there are several promising strategies to reverse this trend. By implementing these measures, we can cultivate a stronger culture of community service and reap the numerous benefits that come from a more engaged and supportive society.
(Word count: 309)
The role of community service in building stronger local communities is significant, and this essay effectively addresses both parts of the question while providing thoughtful insights and solutions.
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the question, warranting a high band score of 8-9. Here’s why:
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Task Achievement: The essay thoroughly discusses both reasons for the decline in volunteering and solutions to encourage it, providing a balanced and well-developed response.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Lastly,” “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “noticeable decline,” “fast-paced nature,” “take precedence,” “foster a lifelong commitment”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “By making volunteering a mandatory part of high school or university programs,” “while the decline in volunteering is a complex issue rooted in modern lifestyle changes”).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-explained and supported with relevant examples or elaboration.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, fewer people are volunteering to help others in their local communities. This essay will discuss the reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions to encourage more people to volunteer.
There are several reasons why volunteering is becoming less common. One reason is that people are busier now than before. Many people work long hours and have to take care of their families, so they don’t have much free time for volunteering. Another reason is that some people don’t know about volunteering opportunities in their area. If they don’t know how to get involved, they can’t volunteer. Also, some people might think that volunteering is not important or that it won’t make a difference.
To encourage more people to volunteer, there are some things that can be done. First, schools could teach students about the importance of volunteering and give them chances to try it. This could help young people develop a habit of volunteering. Second, companies could give their employees time off work to do volunteer activities. This would make it easier for busy people to find time to help their communities. Finally, local governments and charities could do more to advertise volunteering opportunities. They could use social media or put up posters to let people know how they can help.
In conclusion, while there are reasons why volunteering is becoming less common, there are also ways to solve this problem. If we take these steps, more people might start volunteering and help make their communities better.
(Word count: 261)
Volunteering for community development can have a significant impact, and this essay addresses the key points of the question while providing some basic insights and solutions.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and addresses all parts of the question, warranting a band score of 6-7. Here’s why:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses both parts of the question, providing reasons for the decline in volunteering and suggestions to encourage it. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices (e.g., “One reason,” “Another reason,” “First,” “Second,” “Finally”), but could use a wider range.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “volunteering opportunities,” “develop a habit”). However, there is some repetition and the range could be broader.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is supported with some explanation, but the ideas could be more fully elaborated with specific examples or deeper analysis.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowdays, less people do volunteer work in their areas. This essay will talk about why this is happening and how to make more people volunteer.
There are some reasons why volunteering is not common now. First, people are very busy. They work a lot and have family to take care of, so they dont have time to volunteer. Also, some people dont know where to volunteer. They might want to help but dont know how. And some people think volunteering is not important.
To make more people volunteer, we can do some things. Schools can teach kids about volunteering. This will help them know its important. Companies can give workers time to volunteer. This will help busy people do volunteer work. And the government can tell people about volunteer chances. They can use Facebook or make posters.
In conclusion, there are reasons why less people volunteer, but we can fix this problem. If we do these things, more people might volunteer and help their communities.
(Word count: 159)
The role of volunteerism in community development is crucial, and while this essay addresses the basic points of the question, it lacks the depth and language sophistication of higher band scores.
Essay Analysis (Band 5-6)
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills and addresses the main parts of the question, warranting a band score of 5-6. Here’s why:
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Task Achievement: The essay covers both parts of the question but in a limited way. The ideas are present but underdeveloped.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are some errors in word choice and spelling (e.g., “Nowdays,” “dont”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mainly uses simple sentences with limited complexity. There are some grammatical errors (e.g., “less people” instead of “fewer people”).
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Development of Ideas: The main points are presented but lack detailed explanation or examples. The ideas are basic and could be more fully developed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Volunteer (noun, verb) – /ˈvɒlənˌtɪə(r)/ – a person who does work without being paid; to offer to do something without being forced
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Community service (noun phrase) – /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈsɜːvɪs/ – voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area
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Altruism (noun) – /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ – the attitude of caring about others and doing acts that help them although you do not get anything by doing these acts
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Civic engagement (noun phrase) – /ˈsɪvɪk ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community
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Non-profit organization (noun phrase) – /nɒn ˈprɒfɪt ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – an organization that uses its surplus revenues to further achieve its purpose or mission, rather than distributing its surplus income to the organization’s shareholders
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Philanthropy (noun) – /fɪˈlænθrəpi/ – the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes
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Social responsibility (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – the obligation of an organization toward the welfare and interests of the society in which it operates
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Grassroots movement (noun phrase) – /ˈɡrɑːsruːts ˈmuːvmənt/ – a movement or initiative that originates among the general public, often in contrast to actions by large organizations
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Outreach (noun) – /ˈaʊtriːtʃ/ – the extent or length of reaching out; an organization’s involvement with or influence in the community
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Empowerment (noun) – /ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/ – the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights
These vocabulary items are particularly relevant to the topic of volunteering and community development, and using them accurately can enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
Conclusion
The role of volunteering in community development is a significant topic that is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of a high-scoring essay and practicing with different prompts, you can improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the exam.
Some additional prompts you might encounter on this topic include:
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Some people believe that teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their communities. Do you agree or disagree?
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In some countries, it is becoming increasingly common for people to volunteer abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
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To what extent do you think individuals have a responsibility to contribute to their local communities through volunteering?
To practice effectively, try writing your own essay responses to these prompts and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and gain valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
Should students be required to participate in community service? This is another interesting aspect of the topic that you might want to explore further as you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.