Kazakhstan – Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 – July 2024 (Academic)

WRITING TASK 1

The Graph below shows the sales of 5 types of items in four different seasons in a US department store in 2011.

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

Write at least 150 words (You should spend 20 minutes on this task).

Sample Answer

The bar graph illustrates the sales of five types of items—women’s clothes, men’s clothes, sports equipment, cosmetics, and jewelry—across four seasons in a US department store in 2011.

Overall, women’s clothes consistently had the highest sales in every season, with a significant peak in autumn, where it reached nearly $120,000. Men’s clothes also showed strong sales, particularly in summer, where they reached just over $60,000. Sports equipment sales were highest in summer, peaking at around $50,000, indicating a seasonal preference for outdoor activities.

Cosmetics and jewelry had more moderate sales compared to clothing and sports equipment. Cosmetics sales remained relatively stable across the seasons, with slight increases in spring and autumn, while jewelry sales were the lowest overall, though they experienced a slight uptick in autumn.

Autumn was the most profitable season, particularly for women’s clothes, while winter had the lowest sales across all categories. The sales trends suggest that clothing items, especially women’s, are the most significant revenue drivers for the department store, with seasonal variations influencing customer preferences.

WRITING TASK 2

More and more people today wear fashionable clothes. Is it a positive or negative trend? 

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

Sample Answer

The growing trend of wearing fashionable clothes has sparked a debate on whether it is a positive or negative development. While fashion can serve as a form of self-expression and boost confidence, it also has potential downsides, such as promoting consumerism and social pressure. Overall, this trend has both positive and negative aspects.

On the positive side, fashion allows individuals to express their personalities and creativity. Wearing stylish clothes can enhance self-esteem and create a sense of identity. For example, a person might choose clothing that reflects their cultural background or personal values, thereby communicating who they are to the world. Moreover, fashion can be a source of joy and inspiration, allowing people to experiment with different looks and styles.

However, the emphasis on fashionable clothing also has negative consequences. The pressure to keep up with the latest trends can lead to excessive consumerism, where people frequently buy new clothes, often discarding perfectly good items. This not only strains personal finances but also has environmental implications due to the waste generated and the resources consumed in the production of new clothes. Additionally, the focus on fashion can create social pressure, where individuals feel judged based on their appearance. This can be particularly harmful to those who cannot afford the latest styles, leading to feelings of inadequacy and exclusion.

In conclusion, while wearing fashionable clothes can be empowering and enjoyable, the trend also carries risks of consumerism and social pressure. It is important for individuals to find a balance between enjoying fashion and being mindful of its broader impacts.