In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between inequality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. What is your view of the relationship between equality and personal success?

If we look at history, it is clear that since time immemorial, people have always wanted to create an egalitarian society but have been unsuccessful. This is largely due to the fact that the impetus to work hard and excel would be lost if all were to remain equal. I firmly believe that a perfect society needs some kind of social inequality, or as it can be called, a distinction in ability. A number of arguments surround my opinion.

A perfect society needs some inequality based on the ability of the person. What keeps the world going is the motive to work hard, excel and take the lead. Those in the higher strata of society should be there because of their superior abilities and they should have greater responsibilities and, therefore, a higher social standing. An ideal society should have some struggle. If you had no struggle in life would you be happy? No, because that takes all the fun and enjoyment out of the difficulty - the losing, the failures, and the overcoming - the victory, the success.

The concern arises when some form of inequality does not allow equal opportunities for the people. A well-known example can be cited from the caste system is India. People are born into a caste. Caste membership determines your occupation, social interaction, power, and education. No amount of achievement can change your caste position. In such cases the opportunities are denied to the people of the lower caste. Now, the democratic set up has reserved quotas in an effort to bring equal opportunities for all. Even in these situations, the freedom to fail or succeed according to merit should be there otherwise there would be negative discrimination against those who actually deserve.  

To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that, there are different types of inequality. The inequality can be social or economic or based on gender. Different people have different notions on the relation between equality and personal achievement. As far as opportunities are concerned, people should have equality. However, everyone should be free to work hard and reach the upper strata of society, otherwise no one would progress and there would be stagnation in society.  

Plan followed

Intro: Strong view. A perfect society needs some social inequality

Para 1: Why a society needs some inequality

Para 2: Inequality in opportunity is not good

Conclusion: Different types of inequality should be considered differently. Equality in opportunities and equality in personal merit

 ( I got the topic from www.ielts-simon.com. You can get other sample answers here -

 Read other samples here.

Speaking memories (9th October,2011)

Introductory questions

Q) Can you tell me your full name please?

Q) What are you doing now? Job or study?

Q) Why did you choose to study in this particular field?

Q) Do you think that course will be useful for you in future?

Q)  What are you future plans?

Cue card

Describe a family event that you enjoyed the most

i)                    When that event happened

ii)                   Where that event happened

iii)                 Why that event was special to you

Follow up questions

1.       Do you think family events play an important role in bonding families together?

2.        Do you think eating meals together have some significance in families especially in Indian families?

3.        What are the benefits of living together with grandparents?

4.       Do you think joint families have some kind of effect on children?

Writing memories - 20th October Academic IELTS

Writing task 1- a line graph show percentages from 1960 to 2040 for three groups of different age groups 0-14, 15-64 and more than 65 in unknown country.

task 2- 

1.    In countries where there is a high rate of unemployment, most pupils should be offered only primary education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who have no hope of finding a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

 Read it here

( This essay is from the 2008 list )

According to a survey, people involved in certain occupations and professions are seen to be honest. What is the situation in your country? Why?

“Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform shall cease to exist.” --Mary Kay Ash

It is well-known that some professions require people to demonstrate extra levels of honesty than other professions. For instance, those working in the medical and the teaching profession are seen to be more honest than advertisers and insurance agents. The situation is the same all over the world and my country is no exception. In the following paragraphs, I shall put forth some reasons for this phenomenon.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, are used in many countries. But in some countries, the use of alternative sources of energy, including wind and solar power, are encouraged. Is this trend a positive or a negative development?

Read the sample answer here

If a product is of good quality and meets people's needs, people will buy it. Therefore, advertising is unnecessary and is no more than a type of entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Read the sample answer here

Some teachers think it is effective for students to study in group while others think it is better to study alone. What are the benefits of each way and which one do you think is more effective?

Read the sample answer here

In countries where there is a high rate of unemployment, most pupils should be offered only primary education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who have no hope of finding a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Read the sample answer here

Some people think it is acceptable to use animals for the benefit of humans. Other people think it is wrong to exploit animals for human purposes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read the sample answer here

As global trade increases, many goods, even some daily goods, are exported to another country, which includes long-distance transport during shipping. Do you think its benefits outweigh its drawbacks?

Read the sample answer here

Transcript of the cue card on a book you would like to read again

The cue card is book you would like to read again.

you should say:-

which book is it?

where did you read it?

why do you think it would be useful in future?

I have read many books in my life.In my view books represent a way to get away from boredom of life and it helps me to be more creative by helping me excercise my own imagination. Books also helps me to increase my knowledge as well as vocabulary.It also increasaes my reading skills. 

The book here i would like to talk about is "THE SECRET". It is written by Rhonda Byrne. She is a very famous writer. A movie has also been made after the success of this book. The secret contains wisdom of modern day teachers, men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth and happiness. By applying the secret they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth and overcoming obstacles. They have achieved so many things which one would regard as impossible. In this book you will learn how to use the secret in every aspect of life i.e money health and relationships. You will began to understand the hidden untapped power that's within you and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life and there is also very famous quote written in this book that if you really think of achieving something then the whole world conspires in your favor. So i think i would definitely like to read this book again as it evokes positive feelings within me and every time i feel motivated and revitalized whenever i go through this book and i would rather suggest my friends also to read this book. 

THANK YOU.    

Another list of guess work for October and November.

1   Dont ignore the earlier list Read it here

 The natural resources such as oil, forests and fresh water are being consumed at an alarming rate. What problems does it cause? How can we solve these problems?

2.      Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Important cue cards for October and November 2011

1.	Talk about a change in your life ( a positive change that you made in your life recently) -          What is it -          When did it happen -          How you felt about it
2.	Talk about journey that took longer than you expected. -          When it was -          where were you going -          why did it take longer than was expected Another version Talk about a journey to which you have been late. Please say - where you intended to go, - whom you went with, and - how you felt about being late.
3.	Describe a book that you would like to read again -          Which book is it -          Where did you read it -          Why do you think it would be useful in the future Another version Talk about your favorite book. Please say -          - Who wrote it? - Why do you like it so much? - When did you read it? - Would you like to read it again?
4.	Talk about your favourite company -          Who is the owner of that company -          Why is it famous in your country -          Why you like that company
5.	Talk about a restaurant where you went with your family -          What is the name of the restaurant -          Where is it -          When did you go
6.	Talk about a Hollywood movie which you recently watched -          Where did you see it -          What did you like or dislike about it Another version Talk about a foreign movie that you saw. Please say - What was it about? - What did you like about it? - Why did you remember that movie?