Nowadays, experience is more valued in the workplace than knowledge
in many countries.
Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Experience and knowledge are both crucial in the modern work environment.
However, I personally feel that the focus on the former is much more beneficial
in the modern knowledge-based economy.
The importance of knowledge for workers cannot be underestimated. For
example, employees need qualifications and knowledge of skills such as
numeracy and literacy, as well as knowledge of how systems, such as computer
systems, work. In order for professionals such as engineers, teachers or
doctors to be successful, for example in their careers, they need knowledge as
well as experience. While certain types of knowledge can be acquired during
work experience, it is essential for a body of knowledge such as medical and
engineering information to be acquired beforehand.
In today's world, however, where knowledge is effectively controlled by
machines, it is essential for workers to focus on developing the skills to
manipulate this knowledge, as it is so voluminous that it is now impossible to
acquire. Knowledge, in effect, plays a secondary role to skills and experience.
There are, therefore, clear advantages to attaching greater value to experience
compared to knowledge in the workplace. The modern world demands that
companies and institutions have employees with very sophisticated skills not
just in technology, but in dealing with modern systems. As a result, frequently
workers' technical expertise often takes precedence over basic knowledge and
without workers with the necessary experience, it is impossible for companies
and organisations to flourish.
As we have seen, despite knowledge being very important in the modern
workplace, it is clear that the advantages of a greater emphasis on experience
outweighs any disadvantages.
1
Globalization is creating a world of one culture and destroying national
identity.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Globalization has had a considerable effect on the world in the last few
decades. While some people believe that these effects are all positive it can
also be argued that globalization is destroying the identity of many countries in
the world. This is because aspects of our lives such as entertainment,
communication, products and business are similar in many parts of the world.
This essay will argue that globalization is destroying national identity for three
reasons.
Firstly, in terms of entertainment young people are less interested in their local
culture and this could have dangerous consequences. If young people do not
know about their cultural heritage they will not understand the older generation.
As a result, there could be serious communication breakdowns within cultures.
In addition, globalization has produced large corporations which often prevent
local businesses from making money. Many people only want to buy branded
products from these international companies. Unless governments do
something to limit the influence of these companies, local businesses will
continue to disappear.
Finally, there is the problem of language. Due to globalization English has
become the most important language in the world and many languages are
beginning to die out. This is a negative aspect of globalization and could have
serious consequences in the future. If everyone has to speak English in the
future and not their own native language, the way we communicate could start
to change in a negative way.
In conclusion, globalization is having negative effects on national identity and
people should focus more on their local culture. If we allow globalization to
continue to dominate local cultures, in the future we will have a better world.
(276 words)
2
Overpopulation is the world's most serious environmental problem.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Overpopulation is indeed a growing concern in the developing world, causing
many of the planet's environmental problems. Although an increasing
population does have a negative impact on the environment to an extent, the
greatest problem is in fact caused by the way in which humans choose to live
their lives. In the following essay, both these ideas will be discussed.
Overpopulation does have a serious impact on the world's environment for
several reasons. An increase in population means more pollution, caused by
more cars on the road, more factories, more farming and more household
chemicals. Pollution is a significant environmental issue and it can have a
serious effect on human and animal health.
Overpopulation also means that natural resources are decreasing more rapidly.
The modern world is consuming more than it can produce. People are
continuously buying more products and building more houses. Fresh water, oil
and natural gas are just some of the resources which are in demand.
Perhaps overpopulation would not be an issue, however, if society changed the
way in which it lived. For example, in order to help these environmental
problems, people could try to save natural resources by using less water or by
consuming fewer products. They could also try to reuse or recycle more.
Pollution could also be kept to a minimum if people only bought organic food or
tried to use their cars less.
In summary, although overpopulation is a significant problem when considering
the environment, it would be less of an issue if people made certain changes to
their daily lifestyle.
(259 words)
3
The education you receive from your family is more important than the
education you receive from school.
To what extent do you agree with this statement and why?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Education comes from many places, not just formal schooling. People learn
from their family, their friends, the television and personal experience among
many other ways. Although these avenues of learning are certainly important, I
believe that education within schools is much more important, as it lays the
foundations for future achievement and wider success as I shall show.
Firstly, formal qualifications which are earned at school are often the entry
points to certain careers and jobs. In order to be a lawyer or doctor, you need
to do well at school so you can go on to study for professional qualifications.
Additionally, many jobs ask for basic qualifications in maths and English when
you apply. Without these qualifications, an individual could become limited in
what they can do with their professional lives.
In addition to this, school also prepares you for relationships outside your
family, which is an important aspect of life. School is a good socialisation tool
because a student needs to deal with relationships on many different levels, for
example with teachers and school friends, and they also need to deal with
threats to happiness such as bullying or workloads.
Families are important as often children gain their moral outlook and
aspirational goals from their parents. However, children can succeed without a
favourable family setting to a certain extent. It is doubtful whether they could
succeed without schooling.
In conclusion, although there are many beneficial forms of education, I believe
schooling is more important than education within the family. This is because
formal education gives you qualifications and socialisation that the family
cannot offer.
(266 words)
4
Many people believe that modern music can have a negative impact on
the young. Others believe the effect of modern music is positive.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Music has changed dramatically over the years and new types of music are
constantly appearing. Many people feel that current popular styles, such as rap,
are just noise and cannot be considered real music, unlike older styles, such as
rock and jazz.
Firstly, many people, especially those from older generations, feel that modern
types of music can be more harmful than positive. They will say modern music
is too simplistic and the song lyrics are potentially dangerous. They feel that rap
and hip-hop often deal with dangerous issues such as gang violence or express
antisocial views. It is a common opinion that this can be damaging for young
people who listen to these songs.
On the other hand, it is important that people are able to listen to the types of
music that they prefer; you cannot control people’s tastes or opinions. For
young people especially, popular music is an important aspect of identity,
sharing an interest in music with their peers brings a sense of stability and
belonging. These young people would argue that the lyrics to these songs
reflect the modern reality and it is an important way of expressing their
experiences.
In conclusion, people will always prefer a certain type of music. People will
always be unsure of new things, which they may not understand, and this can
be the case with music. However, we cannot stop change and we should not
try to, instead, we should encourage new styles of music as all music adds to
the wealth of our culture.
(255 words)
5
In the past, most people used to travel to their place of work. With increased use of
computers, the internet and smart phones, more and more people are starting to work
from home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
The way in which we work has changed a great deal in recent years. Whilst some people
still travel to their place of work each day, others have the option to work from home.
This has all become possible since the birth of the internet and smartphones, which
enable workers to be in constant contact with their colleagues and clients all over the
world.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to this new development. There are
definite advantages to people being allowed to work from home. The main advantage
is that it gives workers more flexibility in their working lives. This can be particularly
useful for parents or people who live far from their workplace. Working from home is
also more comfortable - you can take a break whenever you need. Another advantage
is that you have the possibility to work for companies in other countries through the use
of the internet. Therefore, people can apply for jobs globally as well as locally.
On the other hand, working from home can also have its disadvantages. Travelling to
work and working in an office with others can be a very sociable activity which many
people enjoy, especially if they live on their own. Without this social interaction many
people might feel very lonely. Furthermore, many people may lack sufficient discipline
to complete the work they need to do without colleagues around.
In conclusion, therefore, there are clearly advantages and disadvantages to working
from home. Perhaps the ideal arrangement would be to spend part of the working week
in an office with colleagues, and part of the working week at home, with a certain
amount of flexibility and comfort.
(277 words)
6
Nowadays many people have access to computers and a large number of
children enjoy playing video games.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games for
children?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
In today's world where we all have access to the internet, more and more
children are playing computer games and their popularity is increasing all the
time. This essay will look at the positive aspects these games can have and
also the negative effects on children.
Firstly, as education is becoming more demanding for many young people,
computer games can provide a way of relaxing and reducing stress. Computer
games can take us into different worlds where we can escape from reality. In
addition to this, computer games today are very advanced and can help
children develop their thinking skills. Instructions need to be understood and
games often include complicated problems which need to be solved.
However, there are also many problems with the increasing popularity of
computer games. Many children become addicted to them and they play for
hours, sometimes through the night. In South Korea, the government has
banned children from playing games after midnight as the problem was so great
and the effect on education was very negative. Furthermore, some children find
it difficult to identify what is real and what is virtual. Some people argue that this
has led to a rise in crime inspired by video games. This is not proven, but it is
undeniable that games today can be very violent.
To sum up, there are both advantages and disadvantages with computer
games and it seems that parents need to exercise caution and monitor their
children's activity as some games may be more suitable than others.
(252 words)
7
People who cause their own illnesses through unhealthy lifestyles and
poor diets should have to pay more for health care.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Healthcare costs all over the world are rising due to the rise in modern diseases
which are a product of unhealthy lifestyles. These Lifestyles include poor diet,
smoking and lack of exercise. While many people do not need to use medical
services, there are others who constantly need medication due to their
unhealthy daily lives. In my view people who are responsible for their own
illness should have to contribute towards the cost of their medical treatment.
First of all, it is important to highlight the fact that ignorance is not an excuse.
Information about health and fitness is widely available so everyone should
know that smoking and eating fast food are not only bad for our health, but can
cause serious diseases. Furthermore, there is a wide range of help services
which people can consult for advice on improving their health from doctors to
sports trainers and dieticians. People who continue to live unhealthy lifestyles
despite advice from doctors or medical professional should not receive free or
reduced cost medical services.
Secondly, it is clear that certain types of treatment are very expensive and some
diseases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If people who are
obese require treatment, they are taking money away from another patient,
whose operation or treatment may be costly, but necessary. Therefore, it could
be a good solution to make people pay some money towards the cost of their
treatment. If their health improved, this payment could be reduced.
In conclusion, making people contribute towards the cost of medical treatment
for self-inflicted diseases could help reduce this type of disease and make more
money available for other people.
(275 words)
8
Many students choose to take a gap year before starting university, to
travel or gain work experience.
Do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
The majority of students start their degree in the same year as finishing school
or college. Some students, however, choose to take a year out before starting
university. In my opinion, this is a very good idea if the time is used wisely in
order to gain new skills or knowledge. In the following essay, I will discuss this
idea further.
It is very important that, when a gap year is taken, the time is not wasted but
used productively. It would not look very impressive to a future employer if the
time was simply used to take a break. This does not mean to say that a gap
year should not be enjoyed.
Many people choose to go travelling during their gap year. This can be very
beneficial to the individual as it exposes them to new ideas and cultures. It can
also mean that they are able to learn a new language. Other students decide
to gain work experience during this year. This can be particularly useful,
especially if connected to their chosen area of study. Often, students who have
worked before attending university appreciate their course more, as they are
able to understand the relevance of what is being taught.
Overall, therefore, as discussed in this essay, there can be several benefits to
taking a gap year. It is very important, however, that this time is used wisely
and not wasted. This means that the year needs to be planned carefully in
advance to get the most from the experience.
(253 words)
9
Very few schoolchildren learn about the value of money and how to look
after it, yet this is a critical life skill that should be taught as part of the
school curriculum.
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.
Model answer
It may be true that schools don’t really teach young people how to handle their
finances on a grand scale, but it isn’t true that they ignore the topic altogether.
The problem may be that students don’t see the relevance of what they are
taught.
At primary school children learn to do mental arithmetic and simple calculations
including fractions and decimals. At my school, maths problems at this level
were set in a real context such as working out the cost of buying a T-shirt at
10% discount, or calculating interest when you put your pocket money in a
savings account.
Unfortunately, some children do not realise how useful these things will be later
in life. For instance, if you borrow money to buy a car, you need to know how
to work out for yourself how much it will cost you without relying on the finance
company to tell you. Similarly people should only buy things on credit if they
know how much it is really costing them if they don’t pay the debt off each
month.
It is possibly true that schools could try to make children understand the
importance of all these areas, but children are young and cannot look into the
future or predict the skills that they will need.
Ultimately, people have to make their own decisions about what money is
worth, based on their earnings and lifestyle. An education system can equip us
to work out what is best, but it cannot save the money for us.
(253 words)
10
Most people do not care enough about environmental issues.
To what extent 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.
Model answer
It is certainly true that environmental problems should be taken seriously in
order to prevent disaster in the future. Unfortunately, however, most people do
not take this threat seriously enough and this is for a number of reasons. The
following essay will outline why the majority of people do not care enough about
the environment.
Perhaps the main reason people do not give the environment much thought is
because at the moment it does not affect their daily life. This is because,
generally, they cannot see how global warming or pollution is destroying the
environment. It is only when a crisis occurs, such as flooding, that people start
to consider the reasons behind it. However, these are soon forgotten and the
situation is once again ignored.
Another reason environmental issues are ignored is that people do not know
enough about them. Although it is generally understood that recycling helps to
save resources, this is perhaps the only step people take to help the situation.
Most people have heard of global warming and pollution, but do not fully
understand the implications of them. If they did, sure they would use their car
less and try at all costs to save resources more.
Many people also believe that these environmental problems will not impact
society for another 50 to 100 years. Consequently, people feel these problems
can be dealt with then by future generations.
Overall, therefore, whilst there may be some people who are fully aware of the
environmental problems facing the planet, the majority of the population still do
not give them the attention they deserve.
(265 words)
11
Increasing numbers of students are choosing to study abroad.
To what extent does this trend benefit the students themselves and the
countries involved?
What are the drawbacks?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
Studying abroad has become increasingly common in the last few years,
especially for young people from countries such as China and India. Many
students and their families clearly consider the experience worth the sacrifices
involved. The former often give up friendships when they move abroad; the
latter often use their life savings. Moreover, many governments are willing to
invest huge sums of money in sponsoring their young people to study in
universities overseas.
However, this trend has drawbacks as well as benefits for those concerned.
One potential drawback is that the instruction international students receive
may not be relevant to their home contexts. For example, students from
developing countries who go to Western countries for teacher training are often
taught to use teaching techniques that are suitable for small classes. When they
return home they are often expected to teach classes of 40 or 50 students.
Hence, what they have been trained to do may not be relevant.
Another potential drawback is the phenomenon of 'brain drain'. Prior to leaving
home, they may be fully committed to returning. Nevertheless, students are
often at the stage in their lives when they are forming their most important
personal and professional relationships. Thus they may choose to remain in the
host country on completing their studies.
However, most international students find ways of making the experience work
well for themselves and others involved. Most return home, enriched by new
friendships made abroad. Furthermore, most find ways of adapting what they
have learned to their home context. On balance, the drawbacks do not outweigh
the benefits.
(262 words)
12
Many people believe that the high levels of violence in films today are
causing serious social problems.
What are these problems and how could they be reduced?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
The increasing amount of violence that is shown regularly in films has been a
cause of concern for some time. Such films make violence appear entertaining,
exciting and even something to be copied. However, it seems to be increasingly
clear that this development is causing problems in our society.
First of all, those who enjoy such films eventually stop associating the violence
with any real consequences. They therefore lose their sense of reality and no
longer take violence seriously or have any sympathy with the victims. This is
bad for both individuals and for our whole society. Another worrying trend is that
in these films the heroes are shown as people to be admired, even though they
are very violent characters. This leads impressionable people to believe that
they can gain respect and admiration by copying this aggressive behaviour, and
so the levels of violence increase, especially in major cities throughout the
world.
What is needed to combat these problems is definite action. The government
should regulate the film industry on the one hand, and provide better education
on the other. Producers must be prevented from showing meaningless violence
as 'fun' in their films. Instead, films could emphasise the tragic consequences
of violent acts and this would educate people, especially young people, to
realise that violence is real.
To conclude, I think that viewing violence as entertainment may indeed cause
serious social problems and that the only way to improve this situation is by
regulating the industry and educating the public about the real human suffering
that such violence brings.
(260 words)
13
Social media is becoming increasingly popular amongst all age groups.
However, sharing personal information on social media websites does
have risks.
Do you think that the advantages of social media outweigh the
disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
Since the invention of social media, many people have been better able to
connect with each other and also to keep up to date with the lives of their
friends, families, co-workers and even celebrities, to such a degree which was
previously impossible.
However, social media has its risks. As people of all ages have access to social
media, children can be exposed to adult content, and are themselves
vulnerable to be approached by strangers with unknown intentions. Even if
children are sure of who they're talking to on social media, social media's issues
are not completely eliminated. Cyber bullying is frequently reported in the news,
and occurs on social media between children and schoolchildren. This is
problematic, as it means even when children are at home, remote from their
bullies they can still be bullied when they're inside their own homes.
Social media can be problematic for adults, too. People often feel comfortable
posting things on social media that they wouldn't say in real life. This can
indirectly cause a bad impression on other people, and if employers judge the
nature of the content prospective employees post on social media to be
inappropriate, it can affect their chances of attaining or keeping jobs.
As long as people are aware of the risks of using social media, and are careful
to post only respectful and respectable content, then the advantages of social
media far outweigh the disadvantages, and children and adults alike should be
allowed to benefit from such technology.
(250 words)
14
Many people believe that formal “pen and paper” examinations are not
the best method of assessing educational achievement.
Discuss this view and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
Examinations are one of the most common methods of measuring learning in
education systems throughout the world. At virtually every stage of the learning
process, exams are used to verify that the learner is ready to move on to the
next stage. However, many people believe that the role of examinations should
be reconsidered.
There are clearly certain advantages to exams. They help to ensure fairness by
imposing the same conditions on all exam candidates. They are also relatively
versatile; different types of exam questions, for example, multiple-choice
questions and essay tasks, can test different sorts of reasoning ability.
However, exams also have clear drawbacks. Test-wise candidates can often
perform well on exams without having good underlying knowledge or skills. On
the other hand, some test-takers perform poorly in exams simply because of
anxiety. Some teachers and learners focus only on those aspects of the
curriculum that are likely to be tested, thus narrowing the educational
experience for all.
A number of measures should be taken to address these concerns. Wherever
possible, exams should match the content and activities of the learning
environment. Exam tasks should be varied to give fair opportunities to
candidates with different types of skills. Other types of assessment should also
be considered; assignment writing, for example, to assess independent
learning and research skills, or group projects, to measure teamwork ability.
Exams clearly have a role to play in ensuring proper, objective assessment of
achievement. However, exams need to be carefully designed and
supplemented with other forms of assessment if they are to be a truly useful
component of the educational system.
(266 words)
15
Film stars and music celebrities may earn a great deal of money and live
in luxurious surroundings, but many of them lead unhappy lives. Do you
agree?
To what extent is this the price they pay for being famous?
Newspapers and magazines are full of stories about famous people and the
wonderful lifestyles that they enjoy. I think it's something that we get used to.
We expect to see them wearing very expensive clothes and, going to amazing
parties. It seems natural that if you have a lot of money, you will spend it in
these
ways.
(Opening paragraph agrees with first part of premise.)
Some people who are rich and famous do manage to have a happy life as well.
They get married and have children and, although they have to work hard, they
still have time to give to their family. Victoria and David Beckham are just one
example
of
a
happy
celebrity
couple.
(Second paragraph disputes second part of premise.)
However, money doesn't always bring happiness. In fact, sometimes the
opposite is true. Stars often talk to the press about the pressures of being rich
and famous. Some of them end up drinking too much or taking too many drugs.
The actress Elizabeth Taylor, for example, has been in clinics many times for
these problems. The divorce rate is also very high among celebrities. Often their
marriages last only a short period of time and they re-mary very quickly but
the
same
thing
happens
again.
(Third paragraph agrees and gives two clear examples.)
Ultimately, I think it depends on the person. I don't really believe that being
unhappy is a consequence of fame but I do think that it may be very difficult to
cope with having a lot of money and fame. Celebrities are ordinary people
underneath and perhaps some of them are not strong enough to deal with their
fame.
(Conclusion provides a possible explanation and gives a personal view.)
(254 words)
16
In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than
theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any
formal qualifications.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Practical skills are very important and it could be argued that they are as
important as academic qualifications when it comes to getting a job.
Nevertheless, it is unlikely that academic qualifications will ever become
unnecessary.
There are certain manual jobs such as cleaning and labouring where formal
qualifications are less important. Employers in these industries are more likely
to employ people with a good working knowledge of the job and what it entails.
However, even in these jobs it is important for people to have a minimum level
of education, especially if they want to rise above the lowest working level. How
can a person without good writing and mathematical skills balance a budget or
manage staff? How can such a person make informed decisions about which
products to use or safety issues in the workplace?
Having said this, a student graduating from university with the highest level of
qualifications, but limited practical skills, still has a great deal to learn. None of
us would expect or want a doctor without many years of practical experience
and training to perform an essential operation. Students from all disciplines
need to understand that entering the job market with a degree in management,
for example, does not automatically qualify them for a managerial role.
Clearly, education is important in teaching the theoretical side of any
profession. This theoretical knowledge forms an important basis for practical
skills which are also essential. In truth neither one nor the other is dispensable
when it comes to getting a good job.
(255 words)
17
Some people think that there are things individuals can do to help prevent
global climate change. Others believe that action by individuals is useless
and irrelevant and that it is only governments and large businesses which
can make a difference.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
Climate change is a phenomenon affecting all people in all walks of life, from
individual citizens to whole countries and huge multinational companies. The
question of what we can do to prevent global climate change and whether
individual action is effective or not is a hotly debated issue.
There are those who say that the majority of the damages is wrought by big
businesses. By imposing restrictions on emissions and by strictly monitoring
waste disposal from factories, plants and businesses, governments would go a
long way towards preventing climate change. It is thought that governments
around the world should come up with solutions to help prevent imminent
environment disaster. Proponents of this view claim that individual action is
irrelevant in the face of massive, wide-scale prevention policies set and
controlled by governments.
On the other hand, there are a growing number of people who believe that
individual action combined with governmental and business action will do a lot
more to prevent climate change than if individual citizens were not involved. In
a world of six billion people, if everyone thought about the number of water they
use, how they dispose of their rubbish, whether or not something needs to be
thrown away or if they can, in fact, re-use certain items then we would be giving
the problem of climate change and its prevention a massive boost.
Taking both points into consideration, I firmly believe that individual citizens
cannot sit back and say it is someone else’s responsibility to protect the
environments; we must all play our part-individual citizens, governments and
big businesses alike.
(264 words)
18
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think women should be allowed to join the army, the navy
and the air force just like men.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer
Whether women should be allowed to serve in the military has triggered spirited
debate. Some assert that women should be allowed to defend their country in
the same capacity as their male peers. Personally, I agree with their assertion
for
two
reasons.
History has shown that women are fully capable of performing well in the
military. Historically, there were a host of valiant women soldiers whose
achievements really put their male counterparts to shame. One need only look
at the classic examples of Joan of Arc and Mulan to see how exceptionally
women could perform on the battlefield. In my observation, their determination,
courage and dignity, to this day, are still being admired by male soldiers and
civilians
alike
throughout
the
world.
Moreover, from an enlightened standpoint, female patriots should be granted
the right to go to the front line when their motherland is involved in a war.
Admittedly, gender inequality was a highly controversial issue in the twentieth
century. However, now twelve years into the new millennium, women can learn
and teach, work and supervise, vote and voted in most countries just like men.
In light of this sweeping progress in gender equality, there is no sense in
denying them the right to defend their home country when a war breaks out.
In sum, keeping military services out of bounds of women in the information
age is unwarranted. I have been convinced that it is in the best interest of a
nation if women are also granted equal rights in this particular arena.
(254 words)
19
Recent figures show an increase in violent crime among youngsters
under the age of 18. Some psychologists claim that the basic reason for
this is that children these days are not getting the social and emotional
learning
they
need
from
parents
and
teachers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge
or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
It does seem to be true that parents find teachers have lost the authority they
used to have, especially in the eyes of teenagers. They are no longer seen as
models for behavior: hard work, politeness and other positive qualities are seen
as old fashioned. Many young people have no respect for these qualities or the
people who represent them. In fact, I think when young people today are so
rebellious that it's possible that both parents and teachers are afraid to exercise
their authority. However, I do not agree that this is the basic reason for the
increase in teenage violence.
While I believe it is true that a lack of social and emotional learning contributes
to the problem. Other factors are surely involved: economic factors, for
example. If a child comes from a poor family and they live in low-quality housing
in all undesirable area, this is sure to affect the child, however loving the parents
are.
There is also the question of who your friends are. I believe that when you are
in your teens your friends have more influence on you than your parents or
teachers. At that age, you want to be part of a group, or even a gang, and this
might lead to breaking the law in a number of ways.
In conclusion, while I agree that lack of social and emotional learning from
parents and teachers is a factor in the growth of teenage violence, I do not
believe that it is the only or main cause.
(255 words)
20
School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is
having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to
avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to
teaching
basic
study
skills.
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.
Model answer
Nowadays modern technology has totally changed our approach to study. In
many countries students no longer have to copy notes by hand from the
blackboard; instead the teacher gives them a photocopy. Rather than messy
ink and pen, students present a typed-up copy of their assignments. Their
computer even checks their spelling as they go. In fact, some people believe
that modern technology does a lot of our thinking for us and, as a result, we are
going to lose our ability to think for ourselves.
In my opinion, spelling skills have definitely deteriorated in recent years. So
many young people use mobile phones to send text messages where speed
and conciseness are more important than spelling or grammar. Some teachers
complain that these students take the same attitude toward their assignments.
On the other hand, typed assignments are much easier to read and are much
neater. Frankly, I find some notes or texts which are handwritten almost
impossible to read. Doctors, for example, have a reputation for illegible
handwriting, which could lead to disastrous medical mistakes. Perhaps it is time
we focused not on handwriting but on presenting information as accurately as
possible.
One advantage of computers is that access to the Internet has opened up a
new world of learning for us. We no longer have to wait for a book that has
already been borrowed from the library before we do our research. In fact, the
Internet can clearly be used to research information in the same way as a library
but more conveniently.
On the whole, rather than holding students back, I believe modern technology
has actually improved standards of education considerably.
(276 words)
21
Governments should make more effort to promote alternative sources of
energy.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own
knowledge
or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
It has been known for some time now that a move towards sources of energy
which are not carbon-based is urgently required to stop the effects of global
warming. In my view, there are too few governments who seem to be promoting
the use of other types of energy such as wind, wave, solar and nuclear sources
of energy.
Governments at present are too reliant on coil, oil and gas. Although some
governments are doing research into the use of alternative energy sources,
many are not. Energy from the wind, the sea and the sun does not pollute the
environment and is an everlasting source of power. Nuclear power is clean, and
although it is not totally unproblematic, it would provide a large amount of
energy and dramatically improve the environment. Countries such as France
have made good use of nuclear power.
My feeling is that more use could be made of wind power. In some countries,
there has been a reluctance to use wind turbines, even in areas which are not
densely populated, as some people believe they are eyesores. Personally, I
believe they are not only useful, but beautiful as well. Governments should
spend more time and effort promoting the benefits of this source of energy and
trying to make the public understand the reason for change.
In conclusion, I believe that, if governments forced everyone to have a wind
turbine and solar panels on the building they live in, made more use of wave
power and built more nuclear power stations, then they would manage to avert
the dangers that are seriously threatening the Earth.
(268 words)
22
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than
people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully
justified while others think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
As a result of constant media attention, sports professionals in my country have
become stars and celebrities, and those at the top are paid huge salaries. Just
like movie stars, they live extravagant lifestyles with huge houses and cars.
Many people find their rewards unfair, especially when comparing these super
salaries with those of top surgeons or research scientists, or even leading
politicians who have the responsibility of governing the country. However,
sports salaries are not determined by considering the contribution to society a
person makes, or the level of responsibility he or she holds. Instead, they reflect
the public popularity of sport in general and the level of public support that
successful stars can generate. So the notion of ‘fairness’ is not the issue.
Those who feel that sports stars’ salaries are justified might argue that the
number of professionals with real talent are very few, and the money is a
recognition of the skills and dedication a person needs to be successful.
Competition is constant and a player is tested every time they perform in their
relatively short career. The pressure from the media is intense and there is little
privacy out of the spotlight. So all of these factors may justify the huge earnings.
Personally, I think that the amount of money such sports stars make is more
justified than the huge earnings of movie stars, but at the same time, it indicates
that our society places more value on sport than on more essential professions
and achievements.
(251 words)
23
Fewer students are studying science at school and university, favouring
more computer based subjects instead.
Is this a positive or negative development? What are the reasons for this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
In recent years, it has become evident that there has been a shift among
secondary and university students away from traditional sciences and towards
IT-based subjects. In this essay I will talk about the reasons behind this shift
and explain why I think that overall this is a negative development.
The rise on popularity of IT and similar computer-based subjects is unsurprising
given how pervasive computer technology is within society. Our lives are so
dependent on devices and the Internet that it has become one of the world’s
main industries. What is more, the media is full of stories of tech start-ups that
have made their founders and inventors into millionaires or even billionaires, so
it is easy to see why young people would be attracted to the industry as a field
of study. It certainly seems a safer bet than a career in science, which typically
requires a longer term commitment and at least at first glance less rewards in
terms of salary and social prestige.
However, both academia and society as a whole depend on a sustainable
stream of talented scientists, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These
are the people who develop our medicines, design our cars, improve our
manufacturing processes, invent new materials - the list is endless and their
work is vital for maintaining and improving the quality of life that we enjoy. A fall
in the number of students taking sciences therefore means a fall in the number
of talented people doing such valuable work.
In conclusion, the move to towards computer-based subjects and careers is
understandable, given the importance of the computing industry in today’s
world. However, if this is at the expense of having new scientists and engineers,
then it is also potentially very detrimental. Without scientific innovation, the
world will be a very different place.
(305 words)
24
The charts below show the results of a survey about
what people of different age groups say makes them
most happy.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
25
There are several similarities between what younger and
older people say makes them most happy. However,
there are several striking differences.
Firstly, let us look at the similarities. It is noticeable that
for both younger and older people, the highest
percentage says that achievement at work brings them
most happiness: 31% for the younger age group and 32%
for the older group. Doing hobbies is also very important
for both groups: the second largest percentage of both
age groups mention doing hobbies as making them most
happy.
Turning now to the differences, many younger people
regard having a good appearance as extremely
important: 18% of them state this brings them most
happiness. This is followed by 15% who state that travel
brings them happiness. Neither of these two factors is
mentioned by older people. Instead, 20% of older people
report that having financial security is most important to
their happiness and 14% say they feel most happy when
they are with their family.
26
The two pie charts below show some employment
patterns in Great Britain in 1992.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
27
The charts provide information on the proportion of males
and females in employment in 6 broad categories,
divided into manual and non-manual occupations. In
general, a greater percentage of women work in nonmanual occupations than work in manual occupations,
and the reverse is true for men.
In the non-manual occupations, while a greater
percentage of working women than men are found in
clerical-type positions, there is a smaller percentage of
women than men employed in managerial and
professional positions. The percentage of women
employed in other non-manual occupations is slightly
larger than the percentage of men in these occupations.
In manual employment, the biggest difference between
the two sexes is in the employment of craft workers,
where males make up 24% of the workforce and females
just 3%. Furthermore, the percentage of women working
as general working as general labourers is very small,
only 1%. There is not a great deal of difference between
the percentage of men doing other forms of manual work
(26%) and women in other manual work (27%).
In summary, the two charts clearly show that women do
not have the same access as men to certain types of
employment.
28
The two pie charts below show the online shopping
sales for retail sectors in Canada in 2005 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
29
The two pie charts compare the percentages of online
sales across different retail sectors in Canada in the
years 2005 and 2010. For three of the sectors, it is
evident that over this time frame there was significant
change in their proportion of online transactions.
At 35% we can see that electronics and appliance sector
accounted for the majority of online sales in 2005, but this
percentage had dropped to 30% by 2010. During the
same five-year period, as an increasing number of
people chose to purchase food and beverage online, we
can see that transactions went from just 22% to 32%,
making it the retail sector with the largest overall
proportion of the online market.
In 2005, the home furnishing industry boasted an
impressive 25% of the total online sales in Canada.
However, by 2010, the figure had fallen considerably to
15%. Interestingly, online sales of video games
eventually overtook sales of home furnishings, although
video games still represented only 23% of the market.
30
The pie charts below show electricity generation by
source in New Zealand and Germany in 1980 and
2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
t.
31
The charts compare the sources of electricity in New
Zealand and Germany in the years 1980 and 2010.
Between these years, electricity generation almost
doubled, rising from 127 units to 200 in New Zealand, and
from 107 to 214 units in Germany.
In 1980 New Zealand used coal as the main electricity
source (56 units) and the remainder was produced from
natural gas, hydro power (each producing 30 units) and
petroleum (which produced only 11 units). By 2010, coal
had become the fuel for more than 75% of electricity
produced and only hydro continued to be another
significant source supplying approximately 20%.
In contrast, Germany used coal as a source for only 28
units of electricity in 1980, which was matched by natural
gas. The remaining 49 units were produced largely from
petroleum and nuclear power, with hydro contributing
only 7 units. But by 2010 nuclear power, which was not
used at all in New Zealand, had developed into the main
source, producing almost 75% of electricity, at 155 units,
while coal and petroleum together produced only 55
units. Other sources were no longer significant.
Overall, it is clear by 2010 these two countries relied on
different principal fuel sources: New Zealand relied on
coal and Germany on nuclear power.
32
The chart below gives information on the percentage
of
Canadians
gave
money
to
charitable
organisations by age range for the years 2000 and
2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
The chart examines the levels of donation among people
of different ages in Canada.
33
Overall, a greater proportion of Canadians gave money
to charitable organisations in 2000 than in 2015.
However, in terms of trends over time, the donor rate did
not change in the same way among all age groups.
In 2000, the proportion of Canadians made charitable
donations ranged from a high of 39% in the 35-to-49 age
group to a low of 20% in the 18-to-24 age group. By 2015,
these figures had fallen significantly to 34% and 11%
respectively. The rate of donors among the population
aged 25 to 34 also decreased from 29% in 2000 to 25%
in 2015.
While the proportion of donors aged 18 to 49 declined
between 2000 and 2015, the trend followed an opposite
direction for older Canadians. For example, among
people aged 50 to 64, the share of donors rose by 4% to
nearly 38%, which was the highest percentage for 2015.
The figure for older seniors aged 65 and over was lower
than this, at 34%, but it was still a little higher than the
2000 figure of 31%.
34
The chart below gives information about Someland's
main exports in 2005, 2015, and future projections for
2025.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
35
This bar chart illustrates the performance of Someland's
primary exports in 2005 and 2015. It also indicates future
projections for 2025. According to the data, it seems likely
that international tourism will become the dominant
industry, although dairy exports will remain strong. In
2005, we can see that tourism was the greatest exports
earner of the three industries, with revenue standing at
just over $6 billion.
This figure has increased slightly, so that now, in 2015, it
has reached almost $7 billion. It is estimated that
international tourism will continue to grow, so that by
2025, it will be earning around $8 billion for the country.
In 2000, dairy exports were worth around $5 billion, but
since then there has been a dramatic increase, and sales
for this year are approximately $8 billion. Experts are
predicting that exports in this area may fall slightly, so a
figure of $7.5 billion is expected for 2025. Meat products
are the third key industry in Someland, but sales have
dropped since 2000 and now stand at $3.5 billion. It is
expected that sales will continue to decrease in the
future.
36
The chart below shows the percentage change in the
share of international students among university
graduates in different Canadian provinces between
2001 and 2006.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
37
The chart shows changes in the share of international
students who graduated from universities in different
Canadian provinces over a period of 5 years.
In 2001, this share had a relatively narrow range, from
3% in Ontario to 7.0% in New Brunswick. Nova Scotia
had the second highest proportion at 6.5%. Five years
later, the figures for most provinces had risen, with the
exception of Alberta. There, the figures fell by 1% to just
over 4%.
By 2006, some parts of Canada experienced a
considerable increase in their share of international
graduates. Growth in this share was especially strong in
the case of New Brunswick, where the figures rose from
7% to 12%. The largest growth occurred in British
Columbia, where it more than doubled to 11%.
Over this five-year period, changes in the proportion of
international graduates have been very uneven across
the provinces of Canada. However, New Brunswick
remained the province with the highest percentage
overall.
38
The bar chart below gives information about the
number of students studying Computer Science at a
UK university between 2010 and 2012.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
39
The bar chart illustrates the number of male and female
students studying Computer Science at a UK university
over three years. It also indicates whether they were
home or international students. Compared to the number
of home students, the number of international students
was significantly smaller. Nevertheless, there was clear
statistical growth in the latter group from 2010-2012.
Furthermore, the number of female home students
eventually overtook the number of males from the same
group, reaching a high of 45 in 2012.
The year 2011 saw the most dramatic developments; the
number of male home students fell from just below 40 to
24 and the number of females rose from 32 to 44. There
was also significant growth in the number of male
students from overseas, climbing from 20 in 2010 to 39
in 2012. Overall, we can see an upward trend in the
number of students at the university.
40
The chart below shows the movement of people from
rural to urban areas in three countries and
predictions for future years.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
41
The line graph shows the figures in millions for the migration
of people from the countryside to cities in three different
countries over the period 2000 to 2025, including future
predictions. Overall, it is clear that the shift from rural
communities towards urban metropolitan areas is upwards.
All three countries began the period with similar numbers
of urban migrants. Russia started with the most migrants
(around 15 million) and over the period sees significant
increases, particularly between 2010 and 2015 (around
42 to 70 million) with this upward trend predicted to
continue (reaching approximately 86 million by 2025).
Similarly, Iran after a slow start between 2000 and 2005
sees a dramatic rise in urban migration, and after 2015 is
predicted to see an even more dramatic increase,
surpassing Russia’s figures in 2020 reaching around 95
million by 2025. However, Indonesia bucks the trend
somewhat. Whilst consistently steady between 2000 and
2020, its growth is far less dramatic than the other two
countries (10 to 30 million). Furthermore, post 2020, it is
predicted to level off at around 30 million.
To sum up, while all three countries have seen growth up
to 2015, only the figures for countries Russia and Iran are
predicted to see continued growth up to 2025.
42
The chart below shows the changes that took place
in three different areas of crime in Panama City from
2010 to 2019.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
43
This graph illustrates how crime rates altered in Panama
City during the period 2010-2019. We can see
immediately that the greatest change occurred in the
number of burglaries, while incidents of theft remained
low but steady.
In 2010, we can see that burglary was the most common
crime, with approximately 3,400 reported cases. The
figure rose to around 3,700 in 2011, but then there was a
downward trend until 2015. At this point the figure stood
at just over 1,000 incidents. This rose slightly in 2016,
then continued to fluctuate for the remaining period.
In 2010, the number of cars being stolen stood at around
2,800 and followed a similar trend to burglary until 2013.
At this point the number rose, standing at around 2,200
in 2014. There was a marginal decrease in the following
year, but from then on, the trend was generally upwards.
Finally, robbery has always been a fairly minor problem
for Panama City. The number of offences committed
changed little over nine years. It is interesting to note that
the figure of approximately 700 in 2010 is the same figure
for 2019.
44
The graph below shows radio and television
audiences throughout the day in 1992.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the
information shown below.
45
The blue graph shows the television audiences
throughout the day. It shows that the percentage of
audiences is three percent in early morning but it
gradually rises unto ten percent at 8:00 am and maintains
the same for the next two hours. There is a slight fall in
percentage in next two hours however after that it raises
sharp unto twenty percent within the next two hours. After
this the graph rises very fast and attains its peak at 10
pm which is about forty five percent. The graph gradually
falls down and at 2:00 am it is at five percent. The red
graph shows the percentage for radio audiences. Unlike
the television one the peak percentage of the radio
audiences is at 8:00 am which is about 30 percent. Then
it gradually falls and it corresponds with the television one
at two pm. After that it gradually falls but with a small
increase in percentage at 4:30 to 6:00 pm. The
percentage of audience then gradually goes down and at
four AM it is the lowest which is near 2 percent. These
graphs prove the progressive popularity of television.
46
The graph below shows the differences in wheat
exports over three different areas.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the
information shown below.
47
The three graphs of wheat exports each show a quite
different pattern between 1985 and 1990. Exports from
Australia declined over the five-year period, while the
Canadian market fluctuated considerably, and the
European Community showed an increase.
In 1985, Australia exported about 15 millions of tonnes of
wheat and the following year the number increased by
one million tonnes to 16 million. After that, however, there
was a gradual decline until 1989 and 1990 when it
stabilised at about 11 million tonnes. Over the same
period, the amount of Canadian exports varied greatly. It
started at 19 million tonnes in 1985, reached a peak in
1988 of 24 million, dropped dramatically in 1989 to 14
million tonnes and then climbed back to 19 million in
1990. Seventeen million tonnes were exported from the
European Community in 1985, but this decreased to 14
million tonnes in 1986 and then rose to 15 million in 1987
and 1988 before increasing once more to 20 million in
1990.
48
The table below shows the results of surveys in 2005, 2010
and 2015 about McGill University.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevan
49
The table shows the change in attitude, over ten years, of
students at McGill University to different aspects of its
academic provision.
Overall, the most striking set of statistics relate to approval for
student services. There was a sharp increase in the number of
students giving these services a good rating, particularly in the
first five years: from 54 percent in 2005, to 81 percent in 2010,
and 95 percent in 2015. There was also an overall
improvement in ratings for teaching quality, though the
increase was relatively small (74 percent in 2005 rising to 78
percent in 2015) and there was a decline in the interim (72
percent in 2010). There was also a fluctuation in attitudes to
library resources, rising from 86 percent to 88 percent in the
first five years and then falling by one percent in 2015. Good
ratings for the university’s sports and social facilities were
identical throughout, at 65 percent. Finally, there were poor
ratings at the beginning of the period for the range of modules
offered (39 percent in 2005) and they got worse, falling
steadily to 31 percent in 2010 and 25 percent in 2015.
50
The table below gives information about UK independent
films.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
51
The table provides information about different types of
independent films released in the UK and the Republic of
Ireland in 2012. It indicates how many films of different genres
were made and also shows what proportion of total ticket
sales was made by each kind of film.
The table makes it very clear that there is no correlation
between the number of films made in any category and the
proportion of ticket sales earned by that sort of film. For
example, the largest numbers of films were made in the
Drama and Documentary categories - 35 of each of these were
released. However, they earned only 8.3 and 2.9 percent of
total ticket sales respectively.
Comedy films were the most financially successful: 26 films,
out of a total of 148, earned 45.4 percent of all the income
from ticket sales. Another very successful type of film in 2012
was the biopic. Although only one of these was released, it
accounted for 9.1 percent of ticket sales.
52
The table below shows the worldwide market share of the
notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years
2006 and 2007.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
53
The table gives information on the market share of notebook
computer manufacturers for two consecutive years, 2006 and
2007.
In both years, HP was clearly the market leader, selling 31.4%
of all notebook computers in 2006, and slightly more (34%) in
2007. This is a greater market share than its two closest
competitors, Dell and Acer, added together.
Dell increased its market share from 16.6% in 2006 to 20.2%
in 2007. In contrast, Acer saw its share of the market decline
slightly from 11.6% to 10.7%.
The other companies listed each had a much smaller share of
the market. Toshiba’s share increased from 6.2% in 2006 to
7.3% in 2007, whereas Lenovo’s decreased slightly from 6.6%
to 6.2%. Fujitsu-Siemens’ share more than halved from 2006
to 2007: from 4.8% of the market to only 2.3%.
Other notebook computer manufacturers accounted for
22.8% of the market in 2006 – more than all the companies
mentioned except HP. However, in 2007 the other companies
only made 19.3% of notebook computer sales – less than both
HP and Dell
54
The table below shows the monthly expenditure of an
average Australian family in 1991 and 2001.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
55
The table shows changes in the spending patterns of an
average Australian household between 1991 and 2001. In
general, Australian household spending was high in 2001 than
in 1991 but the difference was not significant (AUD $715 per
month and AUD $675 per month respectively).
The amount of monthly spending on electricity and water saw
a dramatic increase over the 10-year period from $75 to $120.
Yet in terms of the expenditure on non-essential goods and
services, the rising trend was less obvious with a minor
increase of $20. At the same time, the amount of money spent
on food and housing rose only slightly from $155 to $160 and
$95 to $100 respectively.
However, there was a decrease in expenditure on the other
two items. Australians spent one third less on clothing, which
fell from $30 to $20. Similarly, expenditure on transport
dropped from $70 in 1991 to $45 in 2001.
It seems that food and “other goods and services” were the
two biggest items of expenditure. Altogether, they accounted
for more than half of the total household spending. By
comparison, Australians spent little on dressing up.
56
The diagram below shows a possible future means of home
energy production.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
57
The diagram shows a process for producing electricity for
home use. The equipment consists of a large tank, boxes and
pipes that would be able to fit into a garage-sized room.
Electricity is produced using methane gas, generated from a
mix of compost and water in a large steel tank. The tank is
about the same height as a person and about twice as wide.
Methane rises to the top of the tank and is collected and
stored in a gas storage system. The stored gas is the fuel
source used in the energy conversions that happen next.
Once compressed in a gas compressor, the methane fuels a
combustion engine, which in turn produces mechanical
energy. Having been transferred to a generator, the
mechanical energy is then transformed into electrical energy,
which is then stored in a battery. At this stage the electricity
is ready for home use.
The diagram below shows the production of electricity using
a system called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the
information below
58
59
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a system that
converts heat energy into the electric power using the
temperature difference between surface seawater, which can
be up to 29 degrees Celsius, and deep seawater, which is only
5 degrees Celsius.
The main components of the system are an evacuated
evaporation chamber, a turbine and a condensing chamber.
The solar energy of the sun heats up the surface water and
this warm water is introduced into the evacuated evaporation
chamber, where it boils. As it boils, salt is deposited and water
vapour is generated. This vapour then drives a turbine to
generate electricity. After it powers the turbine, the water
vapour enters the condensing chamber, which is cooled by the
water from the depths of the ocean. The water vapour is
condensed in this chamber, producing drinking water.
Meanwhile, waste salt water is discharged into the ocean and
the process can be repeated
60
The illustrations show how chocolate is produced.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
61
The diagram explains the process for the making of
chocolate. There are a total of ten stages in the process,
beginning with the growing of the pods on the cacao trees
and culminating in the production of the chocolate.
To begin, the cocoa comes from the cacao tree, which is
grown in the South American and African continents and
the country of Indonesia. Once the pods are ripe and red,
they are harvested and the white cocoa beans are
removed. Following a period of fermentation, they are
then laid out on a large tray so they can dry under the sun.
Next, they are placed into large sacks and delivered to the
factory. They are then roasted at a temperature of 350
degrees, after which the beans are crushed and separated
from their outer shell. In the final stage, this inner part
that is left is pressed and the chocolate is produced.
62
The diagram illustrates how bees produce honey.
Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
63
Model answer
The diagram shows the seven most important stages in
the making of honey by bees. The process begins with
the honey bees building a hive, and then finishes when
the honey is ready to be collected and used.
Firstly, the bees have to build a container. This is called
a hive and it consists of many individually built cells. Next,
the bees leave the hive in order to search for flowers.
When they find a suitable flower, they collect the nectar
from it, which is used to make honey.
The nectar is then taken back to the hive where the
production process can begin. First, it is put into cells.
Then, following this, the nectar must be cooled down. In
order to do this, the bees fan the nectar-filled cells with
their wings. As a result, the nectar loses its water content
and then finally, the honey is produced.
(150 words)
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You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park
today.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
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Model Answer
The map compares Grange Park in 1920 with the current time.
Several features have moved, but a main change is the
development of an amphitheatre, a water feature and the
removal of the fountain.
Looking at accessibility, the park kept it’s two original
entrances on Arnold Avenue and Eldon Street that have been
there since its opening in 1920, but on today’s map we see they
have added underground parking for cars off of Eldon Street as
well.
In 1920 they chose to have seating placed all around the edge
of the park, while the updated map shows that seating has now
been concentrated around the central park feature. The same is
true of the multiple rose gardens that the park originally
featured which have now been concentrated into one central
rose garden, with only one left in its original location.
They kept an entertainment area in the same location in the
west of the park, though it has been upgraded from a stage to a
full amphitheatre. The park's water attraction, formerly a pond
with water plants in the north-east corner, has moved and is
now a water feature where the glasshouse once stood.
While today’s park no longer features the central fountain, it
does now include a cafe and children’s play area for visitors to
enjoy, along with plenty of open space around the features.
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The maps below show a science park in 2008 and the same park today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
67
The maps detail alterations to a science park dating back
to 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily
apparent that the park has expanded to include more
areas for research, education and improved accessibility.
Considering initially the northern end of the park, in 2008
there was considerable untouched natural land that has
now been replaced with a research and development
center (the reception area was also removed in favor of
a university hub, while the adjacent offices remain the
same). South of these new facilities, the car park has
reduced in size, the business units are unchanged, and,
most significantly, the cyber security building has been
enlarged, overtaking previously undeveloped land.
In the southern section of the park, the circular IT centre
has been transformed into an innovation centre and there
is a new train station on the southernmost tracks with
walkways branching off to various facilities. Finally, there
are additional biking routes along an eastern road and
running through the centre of the park past the car park
and new buildings.
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The maps below show the center of a small town called Birshire as it is now,
and plans for its development.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
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Sample answer:
The given maps describe the changes which have been
planned for the town of Birshire.
In summary, Birshire will have undergone a drastic
transformation from a rural town into an urbanized area
in the future. New infrastructures like roads, a car park, a
supermarket, and a sports center will have been added.
First and foremost, all the farms from Birshire will have
been removed in the days to come. Griffiths Farm, which
is in the top right corner of the map, will have been
replaced by a supermarket, whereas Hoolahan Farm,
which is currently on the right side of McGoldrick Road,
will make way for a parking lot. Moreover, the Farmer’s
Market, which is beside Corbie Road, will no longer be
there in the future.
Furthermore, apart from the addition of a roundabout at
the junction of McGoldrick Road and That Street, Corbie
Road will be extended beyond That Street. The open field
at the bottom right of the map will be the venue for the
construction of a Sports Center. Together with the
removal of the shops from the the bottom left, more
houses will have been erected.
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The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the
same park today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
71
The maps detail the changes since 1920 to today of Grand Park.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park
added and expanded areas mainly related to entertainment including a
larger stage and various areas for recreation. There was also significant
relocation in terms of seating and the only areas that remained the
same were the entrances and one minor garden.
The most striking change is in the center of the park where the fountain
has been removed in favour of a rose garden with full seating around it.
To the left of the new garden, the previous stage for musicians has been
turned into a much larger ampitheatre facing the opposite direction that
will allow for concerts in the park. This change has necessitated the
removal of both seating on the far left side as well as the rose garden
in the bottom left corner of the map.
The entrances at the top and bottom in the middle have remained
unchanged but on the right side a cafe has replaced the rose garden
and where there was a pond for water plants in the top right corner,
there is now a children’s play area. Instead of the pond, a water feature
has been built occupying the bottom right corner (replacing a
glasshouse and some seats). Finally, leading to the water park is a new
entrance for an underground car park.
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