Plan this opinion essay about cities with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in cities should be allowed to stay open twenty-four hours a day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people believe that shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in cities should be allowed to open twenty-four hours a day. I agree with this idea, provided that sensible controls exist.
The most obvious benefit is convenience. Many people work shifts or study during the day, and for them the ability to buy groceries, eat a meal or visit a pharmacy at midnight is very valuable. A nurse finishing a night shift, for example, can shop on the way home rather than wait for stores to open. Round-the-clock opening also supports the economy. Businesses earn more income, and they need extra staff, which creates jobs, particularly for students and others who prefer flexible hours. Cities with lively night economies, such as Tokyo, Berlin and New York, attract tourists and are often considered more exciting places to live. In addition, a busy city at night can be safer, since well-lit streets with plenty of people discourage crime.
On the other hand, there are drawbacks. Residents who live near bars and clubs may suffer from noise, litter and disturbance, and late-night drinking can lead to fights and public disorder. Employees who work at night often face tiredness and health problems, and may not receive fair pay for unsocial hours.
These concerns can be addressed. Local councils can set noise limits, require licences for venues serving alcohol, and increase late-night public transport. Employers should be obliged to pay a premium for night work and provide safe transport home. With such safeguards, the problems can be controlled.
In conclusion, allowing twenty-four-hour opening offers convenience, jobs and economic growth, and with proper regulation its disadvantages can be managed.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| round-the-clock | all day and night |
| night economy | business at night |
| shift worker | person working changing hours |
| licensing hours | legal opening times |
| noise complaint | protest about noise |
| urban nightlife | evening entertainment in cities |
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