IELTS 3

Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

The 21st century has often been referred to as The Information Age. People move fast, talk fast and learn fast. It goes without saying that the Internet has been instrumental in shaping the way we handle information now. But it is my belief that the Internet, like all things, has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.

A few decades ago, if we wanted a list of the world's tallest mountains, we would most likely have had to visit a library or consulted somebody of that respective field. Now, all we have to do is type whatever it is we want to know into an Internet search engine to get information. What's more, with the myriad of information just a click away, we are able to discover new things even if weren't looking for them in the first place. This means that people will be able to discover and foster new interests. Another major advantage of the Internet is the ease of communication. It has never been easier to keep in touch with friends and family, near or far, thanks to emails, social networks, Skype etc.

However, when considering the disadvantages brought upon by the Internet, the number is certainly significant. Cyber crime is one of the leading problems caused by the Internet, affecting banks, government agencies etc. Counter-measures need to be employed in order to guard important information from hackers. Another weighty problem is pornography, readily available for anyone with an Internet connection. Most people, especially parents, are quick to point out the damaging effects of such content on younger Internet users. This issue can be dealt with by introducing safe-browsing software or by addressing the problem directly with the users.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the advantages of using the Internet far outweigh its disadvantages. It is up to us and us alone to use it wisely.

Number of words: 312

Personal comments: I took up too much time writing this one. Also, I'm not too sure I got my point across very well in the end.

[Hoppie's Top 5] Guns N' Roses Songs

So a few millenia back, I tried to get to into metal music, albeit to impress a boy but hey! I was only 14! Smack right in the middle of The Awkward Years.

One band I got interested in was Guns N' Roses. Although I discovered Linkin Park just about the same time (to this day, they remain as my favourite band), Guns N' Roses struck a special chord in me (pardon the cheese) and I've developed a healthy appreciation for them ever since.

Also, it doesn't hurt that their lead, Axl Rose, used to look like this:

                                          

Without further ado, here's a list of my top 5 Guns N' Roses songs:

5) You Could Be Mine

4) Welcome To The Jungle

3) Sweet Child O' Mine

2) Don't Cry

1) November Rain

PS: I was listening to all the songs on my list and by the end of this post, I was feeling rather blue. Oh well, goodnight.

Since my IELTs are coming up next month (January 19th 2013), I have decided to publish my Writing task answers. Hopefully, this might motivate me to practice writing more often. But please do bear in mind that these answers are rather rudimentary as I will be relying on self-studies for this exam. So far, I have come to realize that writing about a singular topic is definitely not my forte. I probably might cringe in the future when I read my answers again (in fact, I already do). Anyway, I don't really have much to report other than that so...that's all folks!

PS: I'm nervous.

IELTS 2

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you concerning an issue about my current accommodation. For the past two months, I have been sharing a room with another student from my college. Since we'd only met each other for the first time as roommates, I had no clue as to what her personality would be like.

I laid some ground rules in the beginning. For instance, no loud music or other distractions when either one of us is studying. Unfortunately, my roommate decided not to heed these rules after a week and proceeded to play her music loud. Furthermore, our room was almost in constant disarray with half her wardrobe strewn on the floor. Despite my attempts to keep a tidy environment, it stubbornly remains in a chaotic state.

I feel that my studies are starting to get affected from this chaotic environment. It's highly stressful for me to come back to a loud and messy room after a long day of lectures. I have tried discussing these issues with my roommate but to no avail.

Therefore, I would highly appreciate if you would be able to find a non-shared single room for me so that I can properly focus on my studies. I hope you will be able to understand my predicament and respond to this letter soon.

Yours sincerely,

ADB

Number of words: 224

Personal comments: Vocabulary terribly needs improving! My reasoning sounds pretty ridiculous and the whole thing just ended up like a dying balloon, didn't it? 

IELTS 1

The graph illustrates the usage of water globally during the time period 1900 to 2000. The agriculture sector shows the most prominent rise during this period from 500 km3 to 3000 km3. Meanwhile, the industrial and domestic sectors too increased their water usages from 1950 onward, though not as strikingly as the agriculture sector. Domestic usage only reached 300 km3 at the start of the 21st century whereas industrial usage surged further till it reached 1000 km3. Using this graph, we can conclude that the global water usage has increased as time went by.

The table summarizes the correlation between the two countries, Brazil and Congo, and their water consumption for the year 2000. Firstly, we can see that Brazil has a population almost 30 times greater than Congo. Similarly, the irrigated land and water consumption of Brazil is vastly greater than Congo; Brazil has irrigated 26,500 km2 of it's land while by Congo, only a mere 100 km2. This explains why the water consumption per person in Congo is low, considering it's only 8 m3 which is a far cry from the 359 m3 consumed per person in Brazil. From these statistics,we have reached the conclusion that there is a positive correlation between the area of irrigated land and water consumption per person.

Number of words: 214

Personal comments: I suppose I ended up sounding rather mediocre but it is a first try, after all. Anyway I really have to buff up on my vocabulary and pick my words properly without rambling on so much.

Bad news. I'm going to have to do IELTS.

I thought I wouldn't have to because a) I studied at international schools all my life and b) I have a pass grade in O Level English. But oh no, I still have to do an English proficiency exam. How annoying.

After a cursory glance through the modules, Speaking in particular, I realized I will have to start harboring opinions about mundane things like sports...and healthy living. Why can't I discuss about something cool like anime, for instance?

I'm also feeling slightly anxious as I have to get an overall result of 7 and an average of 7.5 (out of 9). My last proper English exam was 2 years ago and my complete ineptitude at handling social situations aren't really helping out.

Anyway, I've been reading quite a lot lately. I'm trying to get back into my old pace and well improve my vocabulary. If anything, I should reread the Harry Potter series. They helped me out so much during my English O Level exam.

Although I've bought tons of books from thrift shops recently, I've compiled a list of books I want to order along with my textbooks from Amazon. It mainly includes all the works of E. L. Konigsberg, Lynn Flewelling and R. D. Wingfield. Just the thought of reading The Bone Doll's Twin, The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler and A Touch of Frost absolutely fills me with excitement!

I should stop now; I'm starting to sound like a massive bookworm. Goodnight!