IELTS Writing Task 2: CCTV introduction

Here's my introduction for the question in last week's lesson:

It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.

If you watched lesson 2 in my video course, you will notice that I used the same techniques when writing the introduction above:

- 2 sentences
- introduce the topic, then answer the question
- accept what the question is saying: "It is true that..."
- compare the two views in a 'while' sentence

PS. There will be a new video lesson later today.

Comments

[nee]

hello simon

can you tell me about question 9, test 1, cambridge book 9.

in listening he says, 22nd of october but in answer sheet they wrote 22 october.

i mean is it correct to write 22nd october, or shall i write 22 october .
thanks

[Kong]

Nee : 22nd october, 22 october or october 22.. all are correct.

[Abdurasul]

Hello Simon!

You are doing great job! Thank you for your suggestions.
I have a question:
Are speaking test questions chosen stemming from my age? May I be asked to tell about my co-workers, If I am 16 years old and I am a student???
Thank you in advance!

Sincerely yours,
Abdurasul Abdurahimov.

[Mahmoud]

Abdurasul :
Surely what you say is true. I mean, you can answer the questions in many ways in your mind, therefore, i believe the examiner want to test your speaking and he do not give a mark for you real words. Just imagine in your mind every thing that you want yo speak then support your main idea.

[arslan saeed]

It is true that in many developed cities, people are being scrutinized by closed circuit cameras. While some people criticize their use as an encroachment upon their privacy, I believe that there are more advantages than disadvantages.

[Sjm]

Abdurasul

The questions are written for all ages. Part 1 and 2 questions today always refer to work or studies so you won't have this problem.

[roy mathew]

In todays digital age, law enforcement officials and employers may find it easier than ever to take advantage of video surveillance. Surveillance cameras now line many public streets and workplace locations in an attempt to monitor activity and law enforcement agencies continue to use wiretapping to aid in investigations . Although this is becoming more commonplace, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using this technology.
On the one hand, using surveillance cameras potentially increases security in the areas where they reside. Often this is because this camera act as a deterrent. For example, a camera installed in a workplace supply room may stop an employee stealing an item stored in the room. In addition, cameras installed in public streets may deter would be criminals from acting out . If criminal activity does take place , the surveillance cameras may provide employers an information needed to take disciplinary action and law enforcement officials the evidence needed to make an arrest.
On the other hand , the biggest disadvantage of camera surveillance is the perceived invasion of privacy . Although cctv cameras require legal authorization , some may bypass this legality and tap a line without permission. This is an invasion of privacy. Another draw back is the potential for unreliable information. Incorrect interpretation of barely audible information may result in false leads or accusations.
To conclude, video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy. I believe that the benefits are more than the drawbacks .

[Tatiana]

Hi Simon,
Thank you for your site and provided videos.

I was wondering if you could help me with an introduction. I cannot understand what type of question is it.

Being a celebrity — such as a famous film star or sports personality — brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?

I think it is discussion one.
So my introduction is:
People have different views about lives of well-known sportsmen or movie stars. While there are some advantages of being famous, I believe that lack of privacy is major problems these category of people.

Could you write me either I am right or wrong.
Thank you.

[noor]

Hi simon,
your website is very useful.Thanks for such a great work.i have some problem in writing conclusion in one sentence with good vocabulary.
can you please give some hints for that.
is this conclusion correct

In conclusion,people want to know about their ancestors due to plenty of reasons and i beleive this is a quite affirmative evolution..

Thanks in advance.

[Unknown]

"Abdurasul " plz check the meaning of your name, you might need to rectify it as " abdullah"

Thanks- it's a sincere suggestion.

[Bunny]

Nowadays, many public areas are equipped with video surveillance to discourage criminals. While it is criticized to invade privacy, I believed that its advantages dominate the disadvantages.

On the one hand, video cameras in commonplaces are believed to increase significantly the cost of the government and limit the liberty of travellers. Firstly, the government has to spend more money to invest the video camera systems in those places and the payment for the staff to operate, supervise and maintain the systems. Secondly, video surveillance, to a particular extent, makes people feel uncomfortable to do their own activities in public sites. For example, in most cases, whenever a pedestrian in a common places know that there is some one following his action, it is sure that their behaviors can not be absolutely natural.

However, I would ague that these drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits. Video cameras play a vital role in the safety and security guaranty for visitors in public places in big cities. People feel safer when they know that all activities in these crowded areas are supervised and controllable by the authorities. This results in the enhancing the human belief in the government and the political stability in that country. Besides, many practices proved that the recordings from video surveillance has contributed to the law staff to judge the crimes as effective evidences in the courts. Nevertheless, video cameras are useful tools to warn the appearance of illegal actions in public places.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the positive impacts of the video cameras in commonplaces are more significant than the negative effects.

[Safexx Techmologies]

Thank so much share for useful information on your website.

[Shan]

Hi bunny ,
your essay is well done, with good vocabulary and structures
however, the second paragraph is a bit beyond the main topic, increase the government's cost is not included in the questions

[Kelvin]

Hi Simon

I find that your introduction skipped one part of the question-that is "in order to reduce crime" while your advice is to cover all parts.

Could you please help clarify and teach us the technique of selecting points then rephrase for introduction

Thanks
Chung Nguyen

[Simon]

Hi Kelvin,

I think I was assuming that 'video surveillance' is understood to be for security (crime detection) purposes. This tends to be the reason why video cameras are used in British cities.

However, it's true that I'm making an assumption. It might be clearer if I wrote something like: "video surveillance, with the aim of deterring criminals, has become...".

In this case, I'd still get the same score either way. But you are right to follow my advice and try to cover all parts of the question! Good point.