IELTS Reserve

#Grammar

Here’s a list of different words and phrases to express small differences, along with examples:

Slightly

"This version is slightly better than the previous one."
A bit

"The coffee is a bit stronger than I usually like."
A little

"The weather is a little warmer today than yesterday."
Somewhat

"He seems somewhat happier after the meeting."
Marginally

"The new phone is marginally faster than its predecessor."
Barely

"The score was barely higher than the last test."
Hardly

"The situation is hardly different from before."
Just a touch

"The soup could be just a touch saltier."
Almost imperceptibly

"The fabric is almost imperceptibly softer than the other one."
Only slightly

"The change in policy is only slightly noticeable."
Moderately
"Her speech was moderately more persuasive than his."
Incrementally
"The new software is incrementally faster than the older version."
A tad (informal)
"The dress is a tad longer than I wanted."
A fraction
"The bill was a fraction higher than I had anticipated."
Minimally
"The design is minimally different from last year’s model."
To a small extent
"The weather has improved to a small extent."
Hardly noticeably
"The improvement is hardly noticeably better."
Just a little
"The car is just a little more spacious than my old one."
Slightly but clearly
"The engine runs slightly but clearly more smoothly now."
To a minor degree
"His explanation was to a minor degree clearer than hers."


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#grammar

Here are different words and phrases you can use to express large differences:

1. Far
- "The new smartphone is far superior to the old one."

2. Much
- "Her performance was much better than I expected."

3. A lot
- "The lecture was a lot more engaging than last week’s."

4. Significantly
- "This house is significantly more expensive than the one we saw yesterday."

5. Considerably
- "The weather is considerably warmer here than in the mountains."

6. Dramatically
- "Traffic has dramatically improved since they built the new bypass."

7. Substantially
- "His grades are substantially higher than the class average."

8. Noticeably
- "The new system is noticeably faster than the old one."

9. Way (informal)
- "This hotel is way better than the last one we stayed at."

10. Exceedingly
- "The results were exceedingly better than what we had hoped for."

11. Immeasurably
- "This experience is immeasurably more rewarding than anything I’ve done before."

12. Remarkably
- "Her confidence has remarkably improved over the past few months."

13. Vastly
- "The company is vastly more successful this year than last."

14. Decidedly
- "The proposal was decidedly better than the previous version."

15. Profoundly
- "The new policy is profoundly more impactful than the previous one."

16. Considerably
- "This task is considerably harder than the previous ones."

17. Tremendously
- "The city has tremendously improved its public transport system."

18. Overwhelmingly
- "The audience was overwhelmingly more enthusiastic this time."

19. Strikingly
- "The new design is strikingly more innovative than the old one."

20. Exceptionally
- "He is exceptionally more talented than anyone else in his field."

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#__And_Writing_for_All

It is a widely debated issue whether children should be given homework every day. This question raises important considerations about the role of homework in fostering academic success and overall well-being. While some argue that daily homework is essential for student achievement, others believe it places unnecessary pressure on children. This essay will examine both viewpoints and argue that a balanced approach is the most effective strategy.

Critics of daily homework argue that excessive assignments can overburden students and negatively impact their mental health. It is often pointed out that children require time for relaxation, play, and pursuing extracurricular activities to develop holistically. For instance, students who are constantly preoccupied with completing homework may miss opportunities to socialize, engage in sports, or explore hobbies. This leads to reduced opportunities for fostering creativity and developing essential life skills outside the classroom. Furthermore, critics highlight that cognitive overload from daily homework can lead to stress and burnout, which are detrimental to a child’s overall development.

Proponents of daily homework contend that it reinforces classroom learning and ensures long-term retention of knowledge. They believe that consistent practice helps students develop essential academic skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Evidence suggests that students who complete homework regularly tend to perform better on standardized tests and exhibit stronger academic discipline. Moreover, homework provides opportunities for parents to engage with their children’s education and monitor their progress, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

From my perspective, the best approach is to strike a balance between academic rigor and personal time. I firmly believe that a moderate amount of homework, tailored to individual needs, ensures both educational success and well-being. By setting reasonable limits on assignments, educators can prevent overburdening students while still allowing them to benefit from consistent practice. Striking this balance enables children to develop academically while maintaining a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.

In conclusion, while daily homework has its advantages, both sides of the argument have valid points. Ultimately, the key lies in adopting a balanced approach that supports academic growth without compromising a child’s mental health and personal development.
320 words, band 8

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The allocation of holiday time has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for multiple short breaks throughout the year, while others prefer fewer but longer vacations. Both approaches have their merits, as short holidays allow for frequent relaxation, while extended vacations provide the opportunity for deeper rejuvenation and travel. In my opinion, short holidays are more advantageous because they help maintain work-life balance and reduce burnout.

Advocates of longer vacations often highlight the benefits of comprehensive rest and uninterrupted leisure time. Firstly, extended breaks enable individuals to travel to distant destinations, immersing themselves fully in different cultures and experiences. This can provide a more profound sense of relaxation and enrichment, which is often impossible during shorter breaks. Secondly, longer holidays allow people to disconnect completely from work-related stress, as it typically takes a few days to fully unwind. For those in high-pressure jobs, such prolonged downtime can significantly improve mental health and productivity in the long term.

On the other hand, short but frequent holidays are better suited for maintaining a consistent work-life balance. A key advantage is that regular breaks throughout the year help to reduce stress levels incrementally, preventing the accumulation of burnout. For instance, a three-day weekend every couple of months allows employees to recharge and return to work feeling refreshed. Additionally, short holidays are more practical for modern lifestyles, as they cause minimal disruption to work and family responsibilities. Unlike longer vacations, which may require extensive planning, shorter ones are easier to manage and enjoy spontaneously. Therefore, I believe shorter holidays are more effective in promoting both mental well-being and flexibility.

In conclusion, while longer vacations offer the chance for immersive experiences and extended relaxation, shorter and more frequent holidays are better at maintaining a consistent sense of balance and preventing burnout. From my perspective, the latter approach aligns more closely with the demands of modern life and provides the necessary breaks to ensure sustained productivity and happiness.

Band 8

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#__And_Writing_for_All

Some people think it is better to have many short holidays during the year. Others believe it would be beneficial to have fewer, longer vacations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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