Today, I’ll be discussing an IELTS essay from June 2020 test. In addition to that, I’ll show you how to frame an essay response (answer) in the quickest possible way. The question that we will cover was reported to have appeared in an IELTS test during the month of June 2020.
This post is not just a sample IELTS essay. Instead, it will help you in five different ways.
- Learn how to write the perfect IELTS essay.
- Learn the IELTS essay format.
- Learn the IELTS Essay structure using a recent IELTS essay topic 2020.
- Sample IELTS Essay from June 2020 test.
- Score a band 9 in your IELTS Writing task.
Understanding The IELTS Essay Question
Let’s look at the question (IELTS essay topics 2020) –
Question: Advances in air travel are focussed only in first-class and this seems to have left others with no benefits at all. Do you agree or disagree?
The first step to writing a band 8 IELTS essay is to understand the question. Begin by picking out the keywords in the question.
Advances in air travel – Focussed – First class – Others – no benefit.
So, the first thing you need to understand is that the question revolves around the advancements in Air Travel. Second, it claims that this development is only beneficial for first-class passengers and brings no benefits to other passengers. Finally, it asks if you agree or disagree with the statement.
The IELTS Essay Format
Before answering this IELTS Essay, let us learn the format of an IELTS essay. Your IELTS Essay question response should have at least 4 paragraphs. An Introduction, Body paragraphs (2 or more) and a Conclusion.
Your first paragraph in the essay is the INTRODUCTION paragraph. You need to include two elements here –
- Paraphrase the question – In simple words, you need to present the question in your own words.
- A Thesis statement – Write your opinion. But, make sure you write it as a third person.
Next, the BODY paragraphs. I would recommend you write at least two body paragraphs for your IELTS Essay. A body paragraph is made of four elements.
- The Topic sentence – The main idea that you would discuss
- The Argument – The points or arguments you would put forward
- Supporting Ideas – The explanation (or examples) you provide for the argument
- Close – Think of this as the conclusion of a paragraph.
Finally, the CONCLUSION paragraph. This is where you state your opinion and put an end to the discussion. Usually, one or two clear and precise sentences are enough.
Now that you know the format, lets move onto building our response to the IELTS Essay Question from June 2020. The one we discussed in the beginning.
The IELTS Essay Structure
Question: Advances in air travel are focussed only in first-class and this seems to have left others with no benefits at all. Do you agree or disagree?
While framing your essay, the first thing you need to do is build a structure (framework) on which you would build your essay. Think of this as building a house.
Introduction Paragraph
The first part of an essay is the introduction paragraph. Again, think of this as the base or foundation for the house. It needs to be strong and you cannot afford to have any imperfections. So, when you write an introduction paragraph, try to be clear and accurate.
As discussed earlier, the introduction paragraph is built with two elements. The paraphrase and the thesis statement. You may scroll up to know what they mean.
Let’s start with a paraphrase: Some people say that improvement in Commercial Aviation is concentrated in the first-class, neglecting other classes.
Thesis Statement: As aviation is one of the most technically advanced domain, it would be right to claim that any advancement would be beneficial for all passengers.
That’s it, these two lines are all you need for an introduction paragraph.
Body Paragraph 1
I want you to think of the body paragraphs as two pillars (of the house) on which everything else rests. So, let’s go back a step and look at the essay format. The first element in the body paragraph was the Topic sentence or the main idea of the paragraph.
In my first body paragraph, I would like to state that – certain luxuries are offered in the First class which is not available to others.
So the Topic sentence can be written like this: Business-class flyers have access to certain opulence which is not available in the economy class.
Now, let’s add a few arguments or points. Building over from our topic sentence, our first argument should be about the services available in the premium class.
Argument 1: Firstly, more space is offered in the first-class cabin.
Now, let’s add a supporting statement. I’ll be using an example for this:
Supporting Statement 1: For instance, a first-class passenger gets access to wider seats and better legroom. Meanwhile, an economic class flyer would be offered a cramped leg space and a pinched seat.
Repeat the last two steps ( argument 1and Supporting Statement 1), and add another argument with its own supporting statements
Argument 2: Secondly, meals offered in the business class are sumptuous and have more choices.
Supporting Statement 2: The menu offers a wider range of dishes from different cuisines, presented in the finest cutlery and accompanied by a gourmet presentation. Contrastingly, other sections of the aircraft are served pre-packed meals, in limited quantities.
Now, let’s close the Paragraph by adding a
Closing statement: Thus, air travel is more luxurious for anyone who pays a premium fare.
Body Paragraph 2
Now, let’s work on the second body paragraph. The process is similar to the first body paragraph. Begin with a topic sentence and end with a closing statement.
In my second body paragraph, I would like to state that – There are more technical advancements in Aviation and it would be advantageous for all.
Topic sentence: However, it is interesting to note that the recent advancements in air travel are more technical, in nature. They are advantageous to any frequent flyer.
Next, let’s add a few arguments or points. Building over from our topic sentence, our first argument should discuss some form of technical development in air travel.
Argument 1: In the last few years, improved aerodynamics and powerful engines have increased the speed and range of commercial jets.
Let’s support our argument with an example
Supporting with an example: For instance, a decade back there were no direct flights from Sydney to New York. But today, it is possible because of sleek aircraft designs and economical jet-engines.
Let’s repeat the last two steps, and add another argument with its own supporting statements
Argument 2: Besides, Air safety is another significant advancement which has bolstered confidence in all classes of airline customers.
Supporting statement 2: Improved electronics and radar, equipped in the latest aeroplanes have drastically reduced the number of aviation accidents.
Now, let’s close the Paragraph by adding a
Closing statement: Consequently, technical advancements have improved the quality of air travel, for everyone aboard an aircraft.
Conclusion Paragraph
Finally, let’s build our conclusion paragraph. Try and finish it off in one or two sentences. It would be better if you state your opinion first.
Opinion: In my opinion, I would disagree with the argument.
and write another sentence summarising body 1 and body 2.
Summary: Even though first-class has its own grandeur, recent advancements in Aviation have benefitted all passengers.
So, we have all the elements of our IELTS essay. Let’s put them together.
The Final Draft – IELTS Essay from June 2020
290 Words, Band 8-9, India
Some people say that improvement in Commercial Aviation is concentrated in the first-class, neglecting other classes. As aviation is one of the most technically advanced domain, it would be right to claim that any advancement would be beneficial for all passengers.
Business-class flyers have access to certain opulence which is not available in the economy class. Firstly, more space is offered in the first-class cabin. For instance, a first-class passenger gets access to wider seats and better legroom. Meanwhile, an economic class flyer would be offered a cramped leg space and a pinched seat. Secondly, meals offered in the business class are sumptuous and have more choices. The menu offers a wider range of dishes from different cuisines, presented in the finest cutlery and accompanied by a gourmet presentation. Contrastingly, other sections of the aircraft are served pre-packed meals, in limited quantities. Thus, air travel is more luxurious for anyone who pays a premium fare.
However, it is interesting to note that the recent advancements in air travel are more technical, in nature. They are advantageous to any frequent flyer. In the last few years, improved aerodynamics and powerful engines have increased the speed and range of commercial jets. For instance, a decade back there were no direct flights from Sydney to New York. But today, it is possible because of sleek aircraft designs and economical jet-engines. Besides, Air safety is another significant advancement which has bolstered confidence in all classes of airline customers. Improved electronics and radars, equipped in the latest aeroplanes have drastically reduced the number of aviation accidents. Consequently, technical advancements have improved the quality of air travel, for everyone aboard an aircraft.
In my opinion, I would disagree with the argument. Even though first-class has its grandeur, recent advancements in Aviation have benefitted all passengers.
P.S. – Knowing the structure of an essay is not enough!
You need to be able to use different grammatical styles, have an apt vocabulary, learn to build coherence and use natural linking between sentences. Let me stop here, the list is exhaustive.
If you do need to score above a band 7 + in IELTS writing, I would suggest you find yourself a trainer. If you wish, you can Join my IELTS training.
Justus Joseph