Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of

school subjects. Others people think that it is a waste of valuable school time. Give reasons
for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. 18

Band 8.0 Sample Essay

The importance of global media appears to increase year after year, so much so there have been
calls to introduce news channel into classroom. I believe this to be politically dangerous and
potentially damaging due to the nature of international media.

Firstly, considering the importance of education in modern society, it is extremely worrying and
dangerous to even consider substituting school subjects with international news. This is because
the danger lies in choosing a correct balanced, unbiased a neutral news source, if one even exists.
For example if a child spent their school days watching FOX NEWS, they would potentially
have a skewed opinion of the world due to its unabashed right wing credentials. Therefore,
changing a child’s information diet from traditional subject such as music or geography to
watching a potentially partisan news channel is an extremely worrying and risky idea.

Secondly, if international news were to become a new subject it could have a detrimental
emotional impact on young minds. In general the majority of news is of a negative nature, hence
the expression ‘if it bleeds it leads’. For example, studies by the EFE News Agency show that
85% of headlines are negative in nature, usually referring to natural disasters, war, famine, etc.
The logic of having these types of stories beamed into a school, to those of an impressionable
age has to be challenged. Thus the obligation of watching news of a negative nature makes for a
convincing argument against an innovation.

To conclude, due to the risk from political influences, and the harsh reality of global news, I am
strongly in favor of maintaining the current curriculum.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 16

Every country has poor people and every country has different ways of dealing with the
poor. What are some of the reasons for world poverty? What can be done to help the poor?

Identifying the essay type: Two questions

Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: Begins with a general idea that takes into account the key topic words (a
definition of poor people). The last sentence includes a thesis statement which shows the
direction that will be supported in the body.
BODY:
Paragraph 1:
The first cause of poverty: war.
Then, it suggests a solution; peaceful negotiation by the world leaders
Paragraph 2:
The second cause of poverty: overpopulation and underdevelopment, unemployment and natural
disasters:
Next, it mentions solutions: aid from developed countries, economic development and birth
control policies
CONCLUSION: Restatement of the thesis

SAMPLE ANSWER:

Every country, no matter how affluent, has groups of people who live in poverty. Poor people
can be described as those who are lacking in goods and services to the point where their lives
become miserable. They may lack such important goods as food and shelter and such services as
health care and education. It is interesting in this article to examine some of the main causes of
poverty and suggest some possible solutions.

A major cause of poverty has always been war. The recent war in Afghanistan saw people
evicted from their homes and deprived of food and shelter, and of services such as hospitals,
schools, gas, water and electricity. Media coverage of the war caused worldwide revulsion. The
solution to war may be such universal rejection that the world leaders will not consider it as an
option and seek peaceful negotiation instead.

Some countries such as India and China have the problems of both overpopulation and
underdevelopment. They simply do not create enough wealth per capita for their people to
escape from poverty. This is changing in many places as countries have adopted effective
measures to reduce their birth rate and develop their resources. Other countries are facing the
problems of unemployment and natural disasters. The possible solutions for some countries
include massive aid from the rest of the word whereas for bigger countries like China and India,
the best solutions lie in the development of their national economy and the implementation of
birth control policies.

In conclusion, poverty can be attributed to the frequent occurrences of war, natural disasters as
well as overpopulation, unemployment and underdevelopment. The problems at times appear
overwhelming, with no solution. Despite this, much good work is being done, with more people
than ever enjoying a good quality of life.

Useful vocabulary
 Affluent
 Miserable
 Evicted from their homes
 Deprived of food and shelter
 Universal rejection
 Seek peaceful negotiation
  Overpopulation
 The implementation of birth control policies.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 15

Sports which depend on violence for their entertainment, such as boxing and wrestling have no
place in a civilised society and should be banned. Do you agree or disagree?
Outline
Identifying the essay type: Agree or disagree
Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: It is highly debatable whether this is acceptable in modem society when at
all other times we try to emphasise co-operation and team spirit, training people not to be
aggressive and not to resort to violence when in conflict with others.
BODY
Paragraph 1: It is argued that dangerous sports like boxing and wrestling, even in a controlled
and institutionalised form, are highly disturbing.
Paragraph 2: However, it should be borne in mind that cruelty is inherent in society and banning
violent sports like boxing will not alter this. On the contrary, institutionalising and controlling
violence in boxing clubs can help change this.
CONCLUSION: To sum up, therefore, there is not much to be said about the prohibition of
violent sports like boxing as it will not stop violence in society.
(Restating the introduction and giving recommendations)

SAMPLE ANSWER:
It is quite common nowadays to see such sports like rugby and football involve violent contact
between players and often lead to injury. Other sports like boxing and wrestling, in particular,
have the deliberate intention of hurting the opponent. It is highly debatable whether this is
acceptable in modern society when at all other times we try to emphasise co-operation and team
spirit, training people not to be aggressive and not to resort to violence when in conflict with
others.

It is argued that dangerous sports like boxing and wrestling, even in a controlled and
institutionalised form, are highly disturbing. The line of reasoning lies in the fact that it is better
for everyone if we live in a violence-free society. In order for us, especially children, to learn to
avoid such behaviour, it is preferable if we never see it and cannot copy it. If society actually
sanctions brutality, as in boxing, it cannot be argued that violence is always unacceptable.

However, it should be borne in mind that cruelty is inherent in society and banning violent sports
like boxing will not alter this. On the contrary, institutionalising and controlling violence in
boxing clubs can help change this. Boys, who would otherwise be part of street riots outside the
law, can be taught to be part of the law-abiding citizens, directing their energies at legal
activities. In this environment, they can be trained to be better members of society. In addition,
organised sports follow elaborate rules and medical facilities are always on hand; so, barring
accidents, no one should be seriously hurt in the fair and peaceful game.

To sum up, therefore, there is not much to be said about the prohibition of violent sports like
boxing as it will not stop violence in society; on the contrary, it will drive organised fighting
outside the law and into the hands of criminals. There is no point in losing so much with limited
gains.

Useful vocabulary
 Deliberate intention of hurting the opponent
 Institutionalised form
 A violence-free society
 Sanctions brutality
 Institutionalising and controlling violence
 Law-abiding citizens
 Legal activities
 The fair and peaceful game

IELTS Writing Actual Test in December, 2014 & Band 9 Argumentative Essay – Topic:
Some people think that it is best to live in a horizontal city while others think of a vertical
city. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 9.0 sample

Some people believe that living in a horizontal city is the best, while the opponents of this idea
prefer to settle in a vertical city. While there are benefits to residents who dwell in a city which
consists of low-rise construction, I would argue that cities with skyscrapers and high-rise
buildings offer more advantages.

On the one hand, it is beneficial for residents to live in a horizontal city based on a few financial
and security reasons. Firstly, people have to pay less for building services. If residents settle in a
private house, they may save a great deal of money since they won’t have to pay for building
services. Secondly, living lower to the ground is safer for inhabitants when emergencies occur.
For example, if a fire starts in the home, they can quickly escape from the dangerous areas
because the building is not too high off the ground and it won’t take much time to leave.

On the other hand, it seems to me that living in a vertical city is the best choice. A city with
skyscrapers will have more space for public usage because there will be less land used for
residential areas due to the amount of people who can live in high buildings. As a result, the
government would be able to use this land to build hospitals, schools or places for entertainment.
Furthermore, it is much more convenient for residents to live in an apartment in a tall building
which offers a wide range of goods and services, thanks to shopping malls and service centers on
lower floors.
In conclusion, while living in a horizontal city does have some benefits, it seems to me that the
advantages of life in a city with skyscrapers makes living in a vertical city the better choice.
(329 words)
Use words/phrases:
 opponents of this idea: opponents arc people who disagree with an idea; they are against
an idea, a policy or a rule; they don’t support it; they want something else to happen.
Example: The opponents of this idea believe that it won’t be good for the public
 to settle in: to decide to live in a specific place; to decide to move to an area and stay
there
Example: They have decided to settle in New York
 financial and security reasons: financial refers to money issues, like paying fees;
security refers to safety, like being safe in your own home in terms of crime or
emergencies much more convenient for: used to describe when something is much easier
for somebody to do compared to something else
Example: It’s much more convenient for them to come to my house first and then go
w’ith us to the restaurant
 Thanks to something or somebody: used to express the idea that something is good
because of something specific.
Example: Thanks to my dad’s help, we were able to purchase a new home.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 14

Some people say part-time jobs are useful for full-time students because they not only earn
money but also gain career experience. Do you agree or disagree?
Outline
Identifying the essay type: Agree or disagree
Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: Taking a part-time job has both advantages and disadvantages (Remember
to paraphrase the essay question and state your stand)
BODY
Paragraph 1: The first obvious advantage is that work can bring money.
Agreeing : Earning money. Pointing out the first advantages of part-time jobs with practical
examples.
e.g. independent, poor families, financial position
Paragraph 2: Moreover, a part-time job can help prepare a person for the real world of work, a
step out of the ivory tower.
Agreeing: gaining career experience. Pointing out the second advantage of part-time jobs with
practical examples
e.g. employer’s complaint, my own example
Paragraph 3: However, it should be borne in mind that the primary purpose of university study
is to concentrate academic work, and a student who also works may be unable to devote himself
or herself sufficiently to him or her study.
Disagree: causing negative effects on study. Providing counter-argument with justifications
e.g. insufficient time for study, failing to meet the requirement of universities, terrible
consequences for their futures
CONCLUSION: Therefore, in my opinion, the decision of whether or not to take up a part-time
job while studying depends on individual students’ circumstances.
(Restating the introduction and giving recommendations)

SAMPLE ANSWER:

It is common nowadays for students at university or college to undertake part-time work either
for money or gain some work experience. In my opinion, this has both advantages and
disadvantages.

The first obvious advantage is that work can bring in money. In many countries, students are
independent from their families, or their parents are not wealthy enough to afford their education.
Therefore, a part-time job can greatly contribute to the financial position of a student. It may be
an essential factor in permitting study in the first place. For example, in Britain, the tuition fees
have increased a lot in recent years, which has kept some of the intelligent but poor students
from concentrating on their study as they are often in debt and in severe shortage of financial
support. So, if they want to continue their academic pursuit, many students have no choice but to
work in addition to their academic duties.

Moreover, a part-time job can help prepare a person for the real world of work, a step out of the
ivory tower. Many employers nowadays complain that new workers do not appreciate the needs
of business, nor can they apply their theoretical study to practice. But some work experience
gained during study can facilitate one to develop one’s career. My own experience is a good case
in point. Thanks to my experience of working as a part-time computer programmer, I was easily
able to adjust to full-time work responsibilities in an IT company after graduation.

However, it should be borne in mind that the primary purpose of university study is to
concentrate on academic work, and a student who also works may be unable to devote
themselves sufficiently to their study. Many universities have seen an alarming rate of students
failing to meet the requirements of the universities in attendance, performance or assignments or
exams. It seems likely that those students who work will have greater difficulty in passing their
courses, with terrible consequences for their futures.
Therefore, in my opinion, the decision of whether or not to take up a part-time job while
studying depends on individual students’ circumstances – it may be beneficial or financially
necessary, but it should never be at the cost of underachieving in academic work.

Useful vocabulary
 Afford their education
 The financial position
 An alarming rate
 At the cost of underachieving

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:

Nowadays, young people admire sports stars though they often do not set a good example.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Band 9 Model Answer:

In recent years there has been a growing tendency for the younger generation to look up to sports
stars as role models. Although not all famous athletes set a good example, I believe that the
majority do have a positive influence on the behaviour of youngsters.

From an individual perspective, an adolescent may idolise a well-known sportsperson who has
many good qualities. No successful sports star makes it to the top without years of dedication to
training and a healthy lifestyle. A youngster who seeks to emulate David Beckham or Serena
Williams will be inspired to join a sports club and work out regularly at the gym as a step on the
ladder of success. Other sportspeople have shown determination to overcome injuries or illness,
another admirable quality that may motivate some young people to deal with such setbacks in
their own lives. The Paralympic Games, for example, are watched on TV worldwide, and
disabled youngsters can draw inspiration from athletes in wheelchairs or with artificial limbs
competing at the highest level.

From a social perspective, there are many examples of sports stars who provide a moral lesson
for youngsters to follow. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most idolised football superstars in the
world, but he still finds time to support charity events and inspire his fans to join charitable
campaigns. Even negative examples of sports stars who have cheated to reach the top serve as
moral lessons for young people. The cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was found guilty of taking
performance-enhancing drugs, was publicly shamed, though he had once been a hero because of
his personal fight against cancer.
In conclusion, youngsters are influenced in positive ways by their admiration for sports
celebrities and the example of fitness, dedication and sometimes altruism set by those stars.
(298 words)
Vocabulary:
 Look up to
 Idolise
 Makes it to the top
 Emulate
 Draw inspiration from
 Reach the top
 Charitable campaigns
 Performance-enhancing drugs
 Altruism

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 12

Traditional food is undergoing great changes and being replaced by new diets. What do
you think are the reasons and what do you think about this phenomenon?
Outline
Identifying the essay type: Give the reasons and your opinion
Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: refer to the statement
BODY
Paragraph 1: Give the reasons for this issue
[1] family size is the proper explanation for this change
[2] this dietary shift is also attributable to recent leaps in technology.
[3] the enormous penetration of transnational cartels throughout the developing world is also
inextricably linked to this transition.
Paragraph 2: Give your opinion about this issue => Negative consequences
[1] the demise of cultural norms
[2] various ailments such as obesity, cardiovascular and diabetes are exacerbated
CONCLUSION: Restate your point.

SAMPLE ANSWER:
Our contemporary society has been apparently characterised by the hustle and bustle of our life’s
tempo, coinciding with the shift in dietary consumption and energy expenditure. Accordingly,
artisanal foods and culinary traditions have been left with little room to cater for modern
people’s requirements to their satisfaction. This essay aims to indicate some rationales behind
this phenomenon.
First, family size is the proper explanation for this change. Formerly, the large size of families
frequently leads to economic sense for one person to devote himself or herself to time-
consuming domestic tasks. Yet, an increasing amount of family planning and a following
decrease in the fertility rate have paved the way for numerous nuclear families with fewer
members, but with higher demands for a better life, compared to the past. Understandably,
parents have to earn their living more industriously, and processed foods, therefore, are no doubt
substituting decent meals with conventional foods to save their time. Second, this dietary shift is
also attributable to recent leaps in technology. Daily tasks that were once laborious engagements
are presently far easier with the help of technological advancements, with examples being
appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves. Therefore, new diets are taking
the place of long-established ways of handling food by a simple press of a button. Further,
technology has rendered our lifestyles more sedentary and convenience food is an optimum
choice of white collars who are frequently chasing after the clock. Third, the enormous
penetration of transnational cartels throughout the developing world is also inextricably linked to
this transition. In fact, the liberalisation of foreign investment, the commercialization, and the
saturation of Western markets have pushed domestic companies into other foreign locales. Also,
improvements in the logistics and procurement systems employed by supermarkets have allowed
them to compete, on cost, with the more typical outlets in locals – the small mom-and-pop stores
and wet markets for fruits, vegetables, and all other products.

There are myriad of negative consequences. First, the demise of cultural norms will be
inevitable. Specific techniques and practices would die out with our ancestors as they have no
one in the younger generations to take up their craft. Moreover, various ailments such as obesity,
cardiovascular and diabetes are exacerbated in our society.

Overall, I reckon that this phenomenon is triggered by many factors and has put our modern
society in jeopardy. However, we should take full advantage of each kind of food, and to grasp
all negative impacts of new diets to ensure our better life.

Useful vocabulary
 The hustle and bustle of our life’s tempo
 Dietary consumption and energy expenditure
 Artisanal foods and culinary traditions
 Economic sense for one person
 Paved the way for
 The enormous penetration of transnational cartels
 The liberalisation of foreign investment
 Commercialization
 The demise of cultural norms

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 11

Modern technology has made it easier for individuals to download copyrighted music and
books from the Internet for no charge. To what extent is this a positive or a negative
development?
Identifying the essay type: Opinion
Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: refer to the statement
BODY
Paragraph 1: For many people, this is a very negative development.
[1] a form of stealing
[2] nobody actually buys music or books
Paragraph 2: Give your opinion and give some reasons
[1] freer access to books and music on the Internet is a liberating development
[2] stricter monitoring and harsher penalties stifle creativity and undermine creative industries
CONCLUSION: Restate your point.
SAMPLE ANSWER:
Few would argue that technologies developed in recent years have had a significant impact on
the way books and music are shared. The Internet enables very cheap, or even completely free,
access to words and sounds.

For many people, this is a very negative development. Firstly, they make the point that
downloading words and music without paying is morally wrong – it is, after all, a form of
stealing, just as much as if someone had shoplifted a CD. Secondly, they claim that if nobody
actually buys music or books then the people who produce them, for example, novelists,
journalists or musicians, will no longer be able to make a living from such work. Eventually,
new work will stop being created, no one will perform live, and whole industries will cease to
function. They say that eventually the only way to make money from writing and music will be
through things like celebrity endorsements, and mediocrity will flourish.

I believe, however, that freer access to books and music on the Internet is a liberating
development, allowing more people to enjoy what was once the preserve of the few. It is
particularly good that young people can freely experience a wide range of music and writing. I
feel the only way to prevent accessing books and music is by stricter monitoring and harsher
penalties and that this would be extremely damaging because it would increase surveillance and
control. I believe it would stifle creativity and undermine creative industries much more than free
access is said to do now.
In conclusion, I believe writers and musicians will find a way of benefiting from the new
situation, and good artists will be able to make a living as they always have done.
(281 words)

Useful vocabulary
 Shoplifted
 Cease to function
 Celebrity endorsements
 Mediocrity
  Liberation development
 freely experience
 Harsher penalties
 Undermine creative
 Stifle creativity

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: 10

Many people assume that the goal of every country should be to produce more materials
and goods. To what extent do you agree or disagree that constantly increasing production
is an appropriate goal?
Identifying the essay type: Agree or disagree
Structuring the essay:
INTRODUCTION: refer to the statement
BODY
Paragraph 1: advantages of producing more materials and goods
[1] generates wealth for all strata of society
[2] more taxes to improve health and education
Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of producing more materials and goods
[1] produce a consumerist mentality
[2] damage the environment
CONCLUSION: Give your opinion about this issue

BAND 8.0+ SAMPLE ANSWER:

Many people make the assumption that the production of more and more goods is always a good
thing for all economies. They say that this growth generates wealth, not just for the wealthy few
but for all strata of society. They argue that increasing production brings immediate benefit to
rich industrialists but that, in turn, they provide employment for, and buy goods and services
from, other less wealthy people in the community. Also, it is argued that the wealthy individuals
will pay more in taxes and thus the money from growth will benefit everyone, through improved
health and education, and that a happier, more stable and more developed society will result.

However, other people argue that such growth in production can have the opposite effect. They
contend that any riches tend to be claimed by the few and trickle down to very few others in the
community. Also, wealthy people know how to use a variety of devious measures to evade
paying tax. Another argument against such growth is that even if this wealth does filter down to
all citizens it does not, in itself, bring about a better society. Instead, it can produce a consumerist
mentality which draws a simple equation between having ‘things’ and being happy. This is bad
for the moral and spiritual life of the country and also can damage the environment as people
want more and more objects, creating pollution through production and disposal of waste.
On balance, I feel that a compromise position is the healthiest one – some economic growth
should be encouraged as long as there are safeguards intended to ensure fair distribution of
wealth and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
(281 words)

Useful vocabulary
 All strata of society
 Rich industrialists
 Opposite effect
 A variety of devious measures
 Evade paying tax
 Produce a consumerist mentality
 A simple equation
 The moral and spiritual life
 A compromise position
 Fair distribution of wealth

Grammar for IELTS: Advanced Comparison for IELTS Writing To Get Band 7.5 or
Higher

Grammatical Range and Accuracy is one of four marking criteria in IELTS Writing and
Speaking. Therefore, to get band 7.5+ for these section in the IELTS test, IELTS test takers need
to uses a wide range of advanced grammar structures and the majority of sentences are error-free.

This post will cover 4 types of advanced grammar as follows:

1. Progressive comparison
2. Combined comparison
3. Contrast comparison
4. Like and as
1. Progressive comparison: [short adjective + er and short adjective + er | more and more
+ long adjective]

We can describe how something increases or decreases by repeating the same comparative two
or sometimes three times, putting and between the forms:

Her visits to the country to see her son became rarer and rarer (= increasingly rare)
As the illness progressed the patients grew more and more detached from reality.
Marching into the sunset, the figures became smaller and smaller and smaller.
2. Combined comparison: [The short adjective-er/more+ long adjective + Subject 1 (+to
be), The short adjective-er/more+ long adjective + Subject 1 (+ to be)]

To describe how a change in one thing causes a change in another, we can use two comparative
forms with the. Note the use of the comma after the first clause:

The longer you leave it, the worse it’ll get.

The more sophisticated the product, the more substantial the potential profit.
3. Contrast Comparison:

When we contrast two related qualities, we always use more (not -er):
X I’m sadder than disappointed (wrong)
✓ I’m more sad than disappointed.(right)
Her eyes are more green than grey.
We can also use not so much … as or rather than:
I’m not so much disappointed as sad.
Her eyes are green rather than grey.

4. Like and As

We often describe something by comparing it to something else which has similar qualities.
These comparisons are known as similes’. There are two forms:
 as + adjective + as:
Listening to her was about as interesting as watching paint dry.
(In informal English we sometimes omit the first as. She looks white as a sheet.)

 like + noun or verb phrase:

The cruise ship was like a skyscraper lying on its side.
There are many idioms in which we use these two patterns:
You’re as white as a sheet I think you’d better see a doctor.
I feel full of energy today -I slept like a dog last night.
Note: We use like (not as) before a noun when we are making a comparison between two things
which seem similar:

X You look as a man who’s seen a ghost!

✓ You look like a man who’s seen a ghost!
When Mike puts on his dark suit he looks like a waiter (= He resembles a waiter.)
Note: We use as (not like) before a noun when we are describing someone’s job, role or identity,
or something’s function:
X Simon’s working like a waiter during the summer vacation
✓ Simon’s working as a waiter during the summer vacation. (This is his job.)
Use your payroll number as a password for the computer. (This is its function.)

Note: We can also describe something by comparing it with something similar without using like
or as. this is known as a metaphor’:
We hope the new treaty will form a bridge between our two nations (a bridge = metaphor for a
link)
Metaphors are common in poetry and literary English:

Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines. (eye of heaven = metaphor for the sun)

EXERCISES:
Exercise 1: Match the situations (1-15) with the similes (A-P). Then use the similes to rewrite the
sentences. You may need to use a good dictionary for this exercise.
A like a cat on a hot tin roof I like hot cakes
B like a trooper J as a fiddle
C like a lamb to the slaughter K as a feather
D like a bull in a china shop L as ice
E like a bear with a sore head M as the grave
F like a log N as a sheet
C like a chimney O as a mule
H like a rocket P as the hills

0 Stonehenge is incredibly ancient, more than 4.000 years old.==> Stonehenge is as old as the
hills
1 She’s a heavy smoker………………………………………
2 He’s incredibly clumsy and often breaks things……………………………………
3 I slept really soundly last night………………………………..
4 It’s absolutely freezing in here!………………………………..
5 She so naive, she doesn’t realise what a dangerous situation she’s going into.
6 My grandmother may be 85 but she’s incredibly fit and healthy.
7 Do you feel all right? You’re very pale………………………………………..
8 He’s terribly nervous, he can’t keep still for a moment………………………….
9 She’s in a foul mood this morning, shouting at and arguing with everyone.
10 Our new car goes really fast………………………………………..
11 My new flatmate never stops swearing…………………………………………..
12 Once the lights were out the dormitory became eerily quiet………………………….
13 She doesn’t need to diet, she weighs hardly anything!………………………………
14 Once the old man has made his mind up he never changes it. whatever you say.
15 These new mobile phones are selling amazingly well.

Exercise 2. Tick (✓) the best explanation, A or B.

1 The prices on the menu aren’t nearly as expensive as I expected.
A Prices are a little cheaper than I expected.
B Prices are much cheaper than I expected.
2 It looks as if your new car isn’t any more reliable than the old one!
A Both cars are equally unreliable.
B The new car is slightly less reliable than the old one.
3 Of all the teams in the league, theirs is the least successful.
A Their team is the most unsuccessful.
B Their team is less successful than some of the others.
A They said it was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever.
A No other earthquake was as powerful.
B There may have been more powerful earthquakes
5 The new tax regulations are somewhat more rigorous than last year’s.
A The new regulations are much more rigorous than last year’s.
B Last year’s regulations were slightly less rigorous.
6 I have to say that the hotel wasn’t quite as luxurious as the brochure claimed.
A The hotel was much less luxurious than the brochure claimed.
B The hotel was slightly less luxurious than the brochure claimed.
7 This is by far the best seat in the plane. There’s loads of legroom.
A No seat in the plane is better.
B Other seats may be equally good.
8 She isn’t anything like as snobbish as you said.
A She is less snobbish than you said.
B She isn’t snobbish.
9 I’m afraid your figures are no more accurate than the ones Rachel gave me.
A Your figures are less accurate than Rachel’s.
B Your figures and Rachel’s figures are equally inaccurate.
10 As far as Daniel’s job is concerned, things are about as bad as they can be.
A Daniel’s job could get worse.
B Daniel’s job couldn’t be any worse than it is.

Exercise 3. Complete each sentence so that it means the same as preceding one(s). Use the
words in brackets but do not change the words given in any way.

1 She’s slightly angry but she’s very disappointed (than)

She’s…………………………………………………………………………………….
2 Approaching the church, we noticed the sound of the bells becoming increasingly loud. (and …
and)
Approaching the church, we noticed the sound of the bells………………………………………
3 As dogs get older they become less aggressive. (the less)
The older dogs ……………………………………………………………………………
4 Their remarks were only slightly insulting, but they were extremely inaccurate (not so much)
Their remarks…………………………………………………………………………………