You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below gives information about the preferred leisure activities
of Australian children.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The graph shows the preferred leisure sctivities of Australian children aged 514. As might be expected, it is clear from the data that sedentary pursuits are
far more popular nowadays than active ones.
Of the 10,000 children that were interviewed, all the boys and girls stated that
they enjoyed watching TV or videos in their spare time. In addition, the
second most popular activity, attracting 80% of boys and 60% of girls, was
playing electronic or computer games. While girls rated activities such as art
and craft highly just under 60% stated that they enjoyed these in their spare
time only 35% of boys opted for creative pastimes. Bike riding, on the other
hand, was almost as popular as electronic games amongst boys and, perhaps
surprisingly, almost 60% of girls said that they enjoyed this too. Skateboarding
was relatively less popular amongst both boys and girls, although it still
attracted 35% of boys and 25% of girls.
(157 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The bar chart below shows the results of a survey conducted by a
personnel department at a major company. The survey was carried out
on two groups of workers: those aged from 18-30 and those aged 45-60,
and shows factors affecting their work performance.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown
below.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The bar chart indicates a survey on two different age groups on the factors
contributing to make their environment pleasant for working.
These factors are divided into external and internal factors. The internal
factors are team spirit, competent boss, respect from colleagues and job
satisfaction. The external factors are chance for personal development, job

security, promotional prospects and money.

On the internal factors above 50% in both age groups agreed that team spirit,
competent boss and job satisfaction are essential to make their environment
pleasant. Whereas on the external factors, there are contrasting results. On
the chance for personal development and promotional aspects, 80% to 90%
of the younger groups were in favor while only less than 50% of the older
group thought so. A similar pattern is also noted on job security. With regards
to money, 69% to 70% on both age group said it is essential.
In conclusion, the internal factors have similar responses from the two age
groups while they had dissimilar responses on the external factors.
(170 words)

The chart below shows the amount of leisure time enjoyed by men and women of different
employment status.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

You should write at least 150 words.

Allow yourself 20 minutes for this task.

model answer:
The chart shows the number of hours of leisure enjoyed by men and women in a typical week in
1998-9, according to gender and employment status.
Among those employed full-time, men on average had fifty hours of leisure, whereas women had
approximately thirty-seven hours. There were no figures given for male part-time workers, but female
part-timers had forty hours of leisure time, only slightly more than women in full-time employment,
perhaps reflecting their work in the home.
In the unemployed and retired categories, leisure time showed an increase for both sexes, as might
have been expected. Here too, men enjoyed more leisure time over eighty hours, compared with
seventy hours for women, perhaps once again reflecting the fact that women spend more time
working in the home than men.
Lastly, housewives enjoyed approximately fifty-four hours of leisure, on average. There were no
figures given for househusbands! Overall, the chart demonstrates that in the categories for which
statistics on male leisure time were available, men enjoyed at least ten hours of extra leisure time.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below compares the number of visits to two new music sites
on the web.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown
below.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The graph shows people using new music places on the Internet in fifteen
days period of time namely personal choice and trendy pop music.
The overall trend shows fluctuation with slight Increased towards the end of
the period.
Starting with Music Choice websites; 40,000 poeple went on this new site on
first-day. Half of them backed out the next day. In Contrast to this Pop Parade
net sites were visited by 120,000 music lovers on day one which decreased
slightly on the next day thereafter regaining the same fame on 3rd day.
After 3rd day the enthusiasm for both music lines on Internet dropped slowlyreaching maximum fall of 40,000 on 7th day. Whereas Music choice gained
popularity, slightly Improoving to get the original strength of 30,000 viewers on
screen, but was getting still less visiters than their opponent Pop group i.e.
40,000 on day 7.
In the biegining of the next week both gained remarkable recovery after a few
fluctuations for 8th and 9th day having 40,000 and 50,000 visiters
respectively, reaching to their peaks of one and a half thousand new viewers
for Pop Parade on 11th day showing a contrast of very few people visiting
Music choice for the same day. Thereafter Music choice gained popularity on
12th day for having more than 120,000 new visiters on web.
In the end of the period Pop sites were visited by maximum viewers of
180,000 whereas sites located to Music choice were not explored by more
than 80,000 explorers on the last day of the report.

(257 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows CO2 emissions for different forms of transport in
the European Union.
The Pie Chart shows the percentage of European Union funds being
spent on different forms of transport.

You should write at least 150 words.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.

model answer:
The chart shows CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre for variuos methods
of transport in the European Union while the pie chart shows European Union
spending on transport. Flying by air produces by far the greatest CO2
emissions, approximately three times as much as passenger cars which are
the next largest producers. Very little is spent by the EU on air travel while
roads make up more than half of the EU transport budget.

Trains produce about three times less CO2 emissions per passenger
kilometre than passenger cars and eight times less than air travel. Nearly a
third of EU transport funds are spent on railways.
Ships are a clean form of transport and produce about the same amount of
CO2 per passenger kilometre as trains do. However, only 2 percent of EU
funds are spent on ports. A further one percent is spent on inland waterways.
Coaches are the cleanest form of transport. Emissions of CO2 per passenger
kilometre from coaches are half those of buses. Buses emit less than half as
much CO2 per passenger kilometre as cars. The European Union spends 10
percent of its transport budget on public transport, such as buses and
coaches.
(197 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows estimated world literacy rates by region and by
gender for the year 2000.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.

You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
In this report I will describe a bar chart that shows the estimated world
illiteracy rates by gender and region for the year 2000.
First I will look at male illiteracy for the 6 areas shown. The lowest rates were
in Developed Countries, Latin America/Caribbean and East Asia/Oceania with
rates of 1% (approximately), 10% and 8% (approximately) respectively. The
rates for the next three areas were much higher and quite similar to each
other. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States and South Asia had rates of
approximately 31%, 29% and 34%.
Female illiteracy was much higher relatively in each area except Latin
America/Caribbean where it was only slightly higher. The lowest rates for
female illiteracy were again Developed Countries, Latin America/Caribbean
and East Asia/Oceania with rates of approximately 2%, 12% and 20%. Again
the rates for the next three areas were much higher and quite similar to each
other. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States and South Asia had rates of
approximately 48%, 52% and 56%.
This ends my report.

(168 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart shows the number of mobile phones and landlines per 100
people in selected countries.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information given.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The graph shows the number of mobile phones and landlines per 100 users,
for selected countries. Overall, most of the countries included in the graph
have more mobile phones subscribers than landlines.
Most European countries have high mobile phone use. The biggest users of
mobile phones are the Italians, with 88 cell phones per 100 people. For
example, Italy has twice as many mobile phones as landlines, with 88 mobiles
per hundred people compared to 45 for landlines. Mobile phone use is low in
Canada, with fewer than 40 phones per 100 people. Denmark is also unusual
because it has slightly more landlines than mobile phones.
However, in some countries, the number of landlines is higher than the
number of mobile phones. One example is the USA, where the number of
mobiles, at 50 per 100 people, is much lower than the number of landlines, at
almost 70 per hundred. A similar pattern can be seen in Canada. The highest
number of landlines in the graph is in Denmark, with about 90 per 100 people.
In contrast, the lowest figures for fixed lines are in Italy and the UK.
In conclusion, it seems that mobile phone use is higher in Europe than in
North America.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows the figures for imprisonment in five countries
between 1930 and 1980.
Write a report for a university, lecturer describing the information shown
below.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The table shows that the figures for imprisonment in the five countries
mentioned indicate no overall pattern of increase or decrease. In fact there is
considerable fluctuation from country to country.
In Great Britain the numbers in prison have increased steadily from 30 000 in
1930 to 80,000 in 1980. On the other hand in Australia, and particularly in
New Zealand the numbers fell markedly from 1930 to 1940. Since then they
have increased gradually, apart from in 1980 when the numbers in prison in
New Zealand fell by about 30,000 from the 1970 total. Canada is the only
country in which the numbers in prison have decreased over the period 1930
to 1980, although there have been fluctuations in this trend. The figures for
the United States indicate the greatest number of prisoners compared to the
other four countries but population size needs to be taken into account in this
analysis. The prison population in the United States increased rapidly from
1970 to 1980 and this must be a worrying trend.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph above show information of employment rates

across 6 countries in 1995 and 2005.
Summarize the information by choosing and describe the
main idea, and make comparisons where appropriate.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The graph shows changes in employment rates in six countries
between 1995 and 2005, for men and women. Overall more and
more people of working age are employed, and there have been
significant improvements for women, although they leg behind men
in entering the workforce.
The most obvious trend in the graph is that women have lower
employment rates in most of the countries in the graph. For
example, in Australia in 1995, 57 percent of men could find work or
retain a job, but only 27 percent of women. The difference was even
bigger in New Zealand, with 60 percent of women. Even in
Switzerland and Iceland, alightly more men than women were in the
job market.
The second biggest trend in the graph is the improvement in
employment between 1995 and 2005. In all countries shown,
figures for both men and women improved. The biggest change was
in the United Kingdom, from 55 percent of men in 1995 to 73
percent over the ten years period.
Furthermore, the increases in employment rates for women were

much higher in New Zealand. The percentage of working women

jumped from 25 percent to 42 percent, and in the United States
from 45 percent to 61 percent over the decade.
In conclusion, all the countries in the graph showed at least a 12
percent increase in employment rates of both men and women over
the ten yeares. While men had relatively higher employment rate
throughout the period, more and more women appear to be
entering the labour market.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The line graph below gives information on cinema

attendance in the UK.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the
information given.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:
The given line graph illustrates information on the percentage of
people who went to the movies in the United Kingdom between
1990 and 2010. The people's attendance is divided into four
different age groups.
Overall, younger people seemed to, and are predicted to, be more
active in movie going than their older counterparts. However, all
four age groups showed a gradual increase in attendance numbers
during the given period, except for a slight drop between 1995 and
2000.
To be specific, a larger percentage of people between the ages of 24
and 34 went to, and are expected to, go to the cinema than those in
any other age group. Approximately 51% of the respondents from
this age group are expected to attend movies in 2010 compared
with only 38% in 1990. Even in the group that had the smallest
number of movie goers, those between the ages of 44 and 54, there
was an increase of 6% in their attendance.
(161 words)

The graph shows Underground Station Passenger Numbers

in London.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The graph shows the fluctuation in the number of people at a
London underground station over the course of a day.
The busiest time of the day is in the morning. There is a sharp
increase between 06:00 and 08:00, with 400 people using the
station at 8 o'clock. After this the numbers drop quickly to less than
200 at 10 o'clock. Between 11 am and 3 pm the number rises, with
a plateau of just under 300 people using the station.
In the afternoon, numbers decline, with less than 100 using the
station at 4 pm. There is then a rapid rise to a peak of 380 at 6pm.
After 7 pm, numbers fall significantly, with only a slight increase
again at 8pm, tailing off after 9 pm.
Overall, the graph shows that the station is most crowded in the
early morning and early evening periods.

The graph shows Internet Usage in Taiwan by Age Group,

1998-2000.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The graph shows changes in the age profile of Internet users in
Taiwan between 1998 and 2000.
The main users of the Internet in Taiwan are young adults between
16 and 30 years old. In 1998, they accounted for more than half of
all users. In 1999 the number dropped slightly to 45%, but even in
2000 they were the biggest group.
The second biggest group of users is aged between 31 and 50. They
made up 41% in 1998, falling slightly to 37% in 2000. When
combined with the 16-30 age group, over 94% of users in 1998
were between 16 and 50.
However this number is dropping steadily as more children and
older users log on. In 1999, the number of children online
quadrupled from 2% to 8%, and it continued to increase in 2000.
There were similar increases for older users, rising from 4% in 1998
to 10% in 2000.

In summary, while adults between 16 and 50 still represent the

great majority of Internet users in Taiwan, their share is declining as
more children and older users join the web.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the

information below.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The chart shows male and female graduates from the Higher
Colleges of Technology colleges in the UAE.
The most outstanding feature of the graph is female graduates
outnumber males in all the colleges. For example, in Dubai, there
are 30% more women graduates than men. There are also large
differences in Al Ain and in Ras Al Khaimah. However, the number of
men and women is almost equal in the colleges in Abu Dhabi.
There are also big differences in the sizes of the colleges. Ras Al
Khaimah has less than 300 students altogether, while Abu Dhabi
has about 600 and Dubai has almost 1000
In summary, women outnumber men in all the colleges, and there
are significant differences in the sizes of the colleges.

The graph shows estimated oil production capacity for

several Gulf countries between 1990 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The graph shows Oil Production Capacity in millions of barrels per
day for selected Gulf countries. There are several features in this
graph.
The most significant feature is that oil production will increase
sharply in almost all the countries shown. Kuwait and Iraq are both
expected to double their output between 1990 and 2010, with
Kuwait's production rising from 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in
1990 to 3.8 in 2010. Iran will also increase its output by a slightly
smaller amount. After remaining steady at 2.5 million bpd from
1990 to 2000, the UAE's output is expected to approach 4.0 million
bpd in 2010. Only Qatar's production is predicted to fall, back to 0.8
million bpd after a slight rise in 2000.
However, the greatest increase will be from Saudi Arabia. In 1990,
its output capacity at 8.5 million bpd exceeded the combined
production of Iran, Iraq and Kuwait. This lead is expected to
continue with a 75% increase in production to 14.5 million bpd

2010.
In summary, while most of the countries are expected to show
increases, Saudi Arabia will maintain and strengthen its position as
the major producer.

The chart below shows information about Heart Attacks by

Age and Gender in USA.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The graph shows how age and gender influence the frequency of
heart attacks in the US.
Less than 6% of all heart attacks occur in the 29-44 age group. The
number of women who suffer heart attacks in this group is
negligible - only 3000 per year, compared to 123,000 men.
However the proportion of men and women with heart attacks rises
dramatically between 45 and 64, with over half a million per year.
Over 420,000 men a year in this age group have heart attacks. The
incidence amongst women increases - women have one heart attack
for every three men in this age group.
Over the age of 65, the number of men suffering heart attacks only
increases slightly. However there is a huge increase in the number
of women with heart attacks - they comprise over 40% of all
victims.
In conclusion, men are more likely to be the victims of heart attacks
at all ages, but women are increasingly likely over the age of 65.

The charts below show the main reasons for study among
students of different age groups and the amount of support
they received from employers.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:

The first graph shows that there is a gradual decrease in study for
career reasons with age. Nearly 80% of students under 26 years,
study for their career. This percentage gradually declines by 1020% every decade. Only 40% of 40-49yr olds and 18% of over 49yr
olds studing for career reasons in late adulthood.
Conversely, the first graph also shows that study stemming from
interest increases with age. There are only 10% of under 26yr olds
studing out of interest. The percentage increases slowly till the
beginning of the fourth decade, and increases dramatically in late
adulthood. Nearly same number of 40-49yr olds study for career
and interest. However 70% of over 49yr olds study for interest in
comparison to 18% studing for career reasons in that age group.
The second graph shows that employer support is maximum
(approximately 60%) for the under 26yr students. It drops rapidly
to 32% up to the third decade of life, and then increses in late
adulthood up to about 44%. It is unclear whether employer support
is only for career-focused study, but the highest level is for those
students who mainly study for career purposes.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8

score. Here is the examiner's comment:
This answer summarises the key features of both charts and
integrates them well. Clear trends are identified and supported with
appropriately-selected figures. The answer could only be improved
by adding an introduction to the general topic of the charts.
The information is well organised, with a clearly-signalled
progression. Linking words are used accurately and precisely,
although there is occasional omission. Paragraphing is used well
initially, but lapses in the later section.
A very good range of vocabulary is used to convey the information
concisely and accurately with only occasional inappropriacy. Words
are used precisely and there are no errors in spelling or word form.
A wide range of structures is used and most sentences in this
answer are accurate. Errors are rare and do not affect
communication in this answer.

The chart below shows the amount spent on six consumer

goods in four European countries.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the
information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

model answer:
The chart shows that Britain, among the four European countries
listed, has spent most heavily on the range of consumer goods
included. In every case, British spending is considerably higher than
that of other countries; only in the case of tennis racquets does
another country, Italy, come close.
In contrast, Germany is generally the lowest spender. This Is most
evident in photographic film, where Germany spends much less
than Britain. Germany only spends more than another country,
France, in two cases; tennis racquets and perfumes.

Meanwhile, France and Italy generally maintain middle positions,

averaging approximately similar spending overall. Specifically,
France spends more on CDs and photographic film but less on
tennis racquets than Italy does. Italys spending on personal stereos
is only marginally greater than that of France, while spending on
toys is equal between the two.
It is clear from the data given that there are some significant
differences in spending habits within Europe.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:
In some countries young people have little leisure time and are under a lot of
pressure to work hard in their studies.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

model answer:
Some young people find themselves with very little leisure time. I believe there are
two main causes of this situation. The first is parental pressure and the second is
competition

for

university

places.

Every parent wants to see his or her child do well in school and go on to have a
successful career. This means that they exert pressure on their children to spend hours
each day studying at home. Some even arrange extra tuition for their children. In my
own country, it is not uncommon for young people to spend another three hours at
small private schools after their usual day at stale school is over. As a consequence,
their leisure time is extremely limited and the pressure on them is considerable.
The second cause is related to the higher education system. Each year, there are many
times more applicants to university than there are university places. The result of this
is that only those students with very high grades manage to obtain a place. This
contributes to the pressure on teenagers since they must work long hours to have any
chance

of

success.

One solution to the problem is for parents to be made aware of the effects of the

pressure they put on their children. Schools should inform parents that too much
pressure can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. They should be shown ways in
which they can help their children lead more balanced lives with a reasonable amount
of

leisure

time.

Another effective measure would be for the government to invest in the creation of
more university places. This could be done by expanding existing universities or by
building new ones. This would have the effect of easing competition for places giving
teenagers some of their precious free lime back.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:
As mass communication and transport continue to grow, societies are becoming
more and more alike leading to a phenomenon known as globalization. Some
people fear that globalization will inevitably lead to the total loss of cultural
identity.
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:
Globalization means that in some ways people around the world are becoming more
and more similar. We often eat the same food, watch the same TV programmes, listen
to the same music and we wear the same clothes. Some of this at least can be blamed
on the spread of multinational brands available all over the world.
On the surface, it may appear as if the global diversity of cultural identities is being
lost. If, the argument goes, people in Tokyo and London look and dress the same, then
that must mean that cultural differences are disappearing. However, I would argue that
this is a very narrow definition of culture and that in fact cultural differences are as
present as ever.
Cultural Identity is built on far more than just the films we watch or the jeans we
wear. The foundation of cultural identity is shared values. When you look in detail at
different cultures, you realize that the things that are important to one culture can be
very different from the things valued by another culture.
Take my own culture, India, as an example and compare it to a very different culture,

Japan. Although I have never visited Japan personally, I believe that it is a culture
which places a lot of value on hard work and that people often work very long hours.
The Indian people, in contrast, greatly value their leisure time and strive to spend as
much lime with their family as they possibly can. Even if we consume the same
products, I would argue that there are still some very deep-rooted differences.
To summarize, I do not accept that that total loss of cultural identity is inevitable,
despite the influence of large companies and their products around the globe.
(294 words)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Scientists and the news media are presenting ever more evidence of climate
change. Governmnets cannot be expected to solve this problem. It is the
responsibility of individuals to change their lifestyle to prevent further damage.
What are your views?
You should write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

model answer:
Recently scientists worried about climate change have urged governments to
introduce measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are seen as its main
cause. Simoultaneouslty, politicians and environmentalists have urged individuals to
make changes to their lifestyle. I shall argue that governments and individuals should
take

join

responsibility

for

this

problem.

Firstly, industry accounts for a large proportion of the greenhouse gas emissions, and
this can only be controlled by government action. Measures could be taken to
discourage pollution, such as limiting or taxing the use of fossil fuels. Alternatively,
subsidies could be offered to industries to clean up their production processes. If these
ideas were adopted, I believe that businesses would regard pollution as a financial
issue.
Secondly, only discussion between governments can ensure that solutions are
successful. The Kyoto agreement, for example, tried to reach global agreement on
how to address the problem. Without such co-operating, it seems to me that efforts to
reduce

fuel

consumption

are

unlikely

to

be

effective.

However, national and international policies will only secceed if individuals also

change their lifestyle. For example, people could think more carefully about how they
use energy in their homes. By using less electricity, installing energy-efficient light
bulbs and electrical appliances, or investing in solar panels, individuals can make a
real

difference.

In addition, I think individual attitudes to transport need to change. Instead of making

short tips by car, people could choose to walk, cycle, or take a bus. Since cars are a
major source of the problem, changing our behaviour in this area would have a major
impact.
In conclusion, I would maintain that only a combination of international agreement,
national policies, and changes in individual behaviour will succeed in preventing
further damage to the environment.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do
this.
You should write at least 250 words.

model answer:
It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break
from studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich
students who have the money to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who
choose to work and become economically independent for a period of time.
The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes
directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge
and experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a
living or traveling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal
resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important
factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of
coping

with

the

challenges

of

student

life.

However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young
adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to
an academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular
job, or to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I
think this is less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential for getting a
reasonable

career.

My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is
the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with

their lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective
and motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that we really do
not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may
improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

model answer:
The purpose of advertising is to tell the consumer about any new product or service or
any new promotion on the existing product and service. We need it so we can make
good decisions when we go shopping. Advertising tells us when new and improved
products become available and lets us know which ones have the best price.
Through advertising we learn about new products. For example, many grocery stores
now sell prepackaged lunches. These are very convenient for busy parents. They can
give these lunches to their children to take to school. Busy parents dont have time to
look at every item on the store shelf, so without advertising they might not know
about such a convenient new product.
Even products we are familiar with may be improved, and advertising lets us know
about this. Most people use cell phones, but new types of cell phone service become

available all the time. There are different plans that give you more hours to talk on the
phone, you can send text messages and photos, and next week probably some even
newer type of service will be available. By watching advertisements on TV it is easy
to find out about new improvements to all kinds of products.
Advertisements keep us informed about prices. Prices change all the time, but
everyone can look at the ads in the newspaper and see what the latest prices are.
Advertisements also inform us about sales. In fact, some people buy the newspaper
only in order to check the prices and plan their weekly shopping.
Advertisements improve our lives by keeping us informed about the latest products
developments and the best prices. Advertisements serve a useful purpose.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:
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.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:
Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your
children.
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:
I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too much time spent
on the computer every day. This is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too
long can be damaging to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child,
regardless of what they are using the computer for.
However, the main concern is about the type of computer activities that attract
children. These are often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather
violent. The player is usually the hero of the game and too much exposure can
encourage children to be self-centred and insensitive to others.
Even when children use a computer for other purposes, such as getting information or
emailing friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other
children and sharing nonvirtual experiences is an important part of a child's
development that cannot be provided by a computer.
In spite of this, the obvious benefits of computer skills for young children cannot be
denied. Their adult world will be changing constantly in terms of technology and the
Internet is the key to all the knowledge and information available in the world today.

Therefore it is important that children learn at an early age to use the equipment
enthusiastically and with confidence as they will need these skills throughout their
studies and working lives.
I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers.
Parents must ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds of activity and not
simply sit at home, learning to live in a virtual world.