TASK1
The line chart illustrates the way in which the popularity of fish and different kinds of meat
changed in grams per person per week in a European country between 1976 and 2004.
Firstly, one can clearly see that the amount of chicken that is consumed per person underwent
a significant increase from less than 200 grams to more than 250 grams between 1979 and
2004, and this increase reached its peak in 2004. The consumption of beef and lamb
experienced a remarkable decrease between 1984 and 2004; the former rose from more than
200 grams to around 100 grams, and the latter increased from more than 100 grams to nearly
50 grams, respectively. Both types of meat reached the bottom in 2004, at more than 100
grams and 50 grams, respectively. Lastly, fish’s popularity among people remained almost the
same between 1979 and 2004, around 50 grams per person per fish.
Overall, the line chart highlights that there was a constant upward trend in chicken
consumption. In contrast, there was a constant downward trend with major fluctuations in
beef and lamb’s popularity, while the consumption of fish remained steady between 1979 and
2004 in a European country in terms of grams per person per week.
TASK2
Nobody would deny that people who are still working in their late 50s are starting to lose their
productivity and job satisfaction, which means they are getting closer to retirement and not
going to work anymore. There is an argument that governments should not provide economic
sources and social support for these people due to the fact that people in their retirement years
have to save money for the rest of their lives. Therefore, I definitely disagree with this
statement owing to the possible health issues and potential problems in society.
One reason why I disagree is that giving support in a financial manner is the government’s
main responsibility in order to maintain social order. In other words, all governments have to
produce resources for their citizens, which is important to achieve societal peace and maintain
social order. Unless governments provide enough for elder people, social problems may
occur, which is not a favorable and desired consequence for governments. To illustrate, this
lack of financial support leads to an increase in the number of homeless people. Therefore,
governments should use their resources for old people to protect the social environment.
Another reason why I don’t agree with this opinion is that people who are old enough to work
generally experience considerable disadvantages in terms of their mental and physical health.
That is to say, after a work period, they have to invest all their savings in their health
problems, which means they have limited resources for other needs such as improving their
mental health and spending money and time on their hobbies. To exemplify, when a person is
diagnosed with cardiac heart disease, all efforts are made to protect his or her health, but he or
she probably never has enough time or budget to receive therapy or social services. Thus, it
should not be seen as a waste of resources when governments provide health opportunities for
older people.
In conclusion, every person becomes old, and one day, their capacity for work will be
diminished. At this point, governments should take care of these people and also take
responsibility for their financial and social needs.