Well, here we go with the next of the IELTS ‘logic’ posts. Remember, in IELTS essays, one of the biggest problems is a lack of logical thinking, especially if you memorise material from the many IELTS ‘magic books’ out there.
Always remember, IELTS Task-Two essays require a detailed and coherent argument. It must make sense! You need to have the ability to know what makes sense and what does not. Here are five more sentences, but each one has a logic issue. Can you see what it is?
Try to work out the logic problems with the following sentences.
- Museums exist in many countries of the world.
- Museums can increase the economy.
- Government can increase the financial benefit for newborn babies.
- The right to own a gun should take place.
- Many airline pilots originally served in the army.
The answers will be given in the next ‘logic’ post.
Answers to Logic (5 of 10)
- I think I know what the writer means, but people will always ‘live’ (= not die), whatever the cost of living is.
- How can ‘social effects’ be connected with the ‘economy’? And what does that ‘development’ mean at the end of the sentence?
- I don’t think politicians will pay for the nannies, do you?
4 and 5
‘To be specific’ is the latest favourite piece of memorisation, almost always used wrongly. Think about it.
[X] To be more specific, [Y].
X and Y must at least be a similar thing, right? Let’s try an example.
I’m a teacher. To be more specific, I’m a …. er… teacher.
Nope, doesn’t work at all.
I’m a teacher. To be more specific …. Well, I was already specific, wasn’t I?
Let’s think about it. When writing IELTS essays, you are supposed to be specific anyway. Do you think the following is good writing?
I’m a person who stands in front of students. To be more specific, I’m a teacher.
This is BAD writing. The first sentence is unnecessary. So is the second sentence. Good writing should be specific in the first place. How about just never using ‘To be more specific’. And how about checking the credentials and qualifications of any one who provides an IELTS advice website, book, or blog. Remember, 90% of the stuff out there is BAD!